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Chapter 1

Posted on Tuesday, 1 January 2002

Fitzwilliam Darcy checked his appearance one last time before running out to meet his cousin at the carriage. "Come on, come on! Get that trunk in the damn carriage!" he yelled to the footman. "I wish to get on the road as soon as possible!"

"I say, Darcy, you seem exceedingly eager to visit Aunt Catherine this year!" exclaimed Colonel Fitzwilliam as he boarded the Darcy carriage. "Could it be that your attachment to Rosings increases as she would wish it to?" he teased. Darcy rolled his eyes.

"If by that you mean that I am eager to see Anne, you could not be more wrong. I have no intention of marrying our cousin, now or ever. You know that Fitzwilliam." The colonel chuckled.

"Yes, yes, I know. But then why are you in such a hurry to go? I usually have to drag you out the door of your townhouse."

"Well...I have been informed that we can expect much...livelier company than what we are accustomed to at Rosings." He stopped and blushed slightly. Fitzwilliam raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? And are you going to tell me about this lively company?"

"Collins, the parson, is lately married to a lady named Charlotte Lucas. She is from Hertfordshire, and, according to Aunt Catherine, currently has visitors staying at Hunsford. One of them is her sister, and the other is her friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I met her, er, them when I was at Netherfield with Bingley. Miss Bennet has a very sharp wit and lively mind. I think you will like her very much." By this time Darcy was blushing furiously, a fact which did not go unnoticed by Colonel Fitzwilliam.

"Well, that will make a welcome change from our usual society at Rosings. Tell me more about Miss Bennet." Darcy smiled as the carriage began the trip to Kent.

"Ah, Richard... Miss Bennet is a very unique woman. She is intelligent, talented, she plays and sings delightfully. I am sure she is one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance. She has very fine eyes that sparkle when she smiles. Her sister fell ill when visiting Netherfield, so Elizabeth... er, Miss Bennet came to care for her, and walked three miles by herself in the mud to get there." He smiled at the memory. "She is a very independent young lady. And beautiful. Did I mention that? And very witty; defeated me numerous times in battles of wit, let me tell you! The most interesting woman I have ever encountered." He smiled again and leaned back in his seat. "Well, I think I am going to rest a bit to fortify myself for Aunt Catherine." He closed his eyes and indulged himself in reliving his favorite Elizabeth moments.

Colonel Fitzwilliam observed his cousin closely. I have never seen him so affected by anything, especially not a woman! I shall be very interested to meet this Miss Bennet! he thought before also closing his eyes.

Upon reaching Rosings, the gentlemen greeted their Aunt with as much false affection as they could by nature show. Colonel Fitzwilliam was much more successful, being naturally more affable; Darcy seemed to be in a hurry to be out of Rosings already.

"My dear nephews, I am very pleased to see you! Unfortunately, dear Anne was feeling very weak this morning, and keeps to her room. Perhaps after dinner you can see her." As was her wont, she babbled on and on about her affairs and the affairs of her neighbors, only obtaining their attentions when she began to talk of the inhabitants of the parsonage. "And Mrs. Collins' friend seems to be a pretty, genteel sort of girl, but as soon as she opened her mouth I discovered her to be insufferable. She is impertinent, arrogant, above her station... I fear she is a bad influence for Anne, and encourage Mrs. Jenkinson to keep the dear girl away from this country nobody as often as possible. I am sure you will not like her much, so I probably will not invite them to Rosings while you are here." Darcy frowned at her.

"Surely you would not be so unkind Aunt Catherine. Such people need your great condescension to show them the proper way. Perhaps if you keep her near to you during her visit here, you will be able to improve her. After all, you have done such an excellent job making Anne the, er, delightful young lady that she is." Lady Catherine smiled smugly at the compliment to herself and her daughter.

"Well, I suppose I could grant her that kindness. There are few people in England, I suppose, with a greater capacity for helping others than myself. And it certainly couldn't make her any worse!" Darcy bowed his approval, the grin on his face hidden by the action.

"Darcy, perhaps we should visit the parsonage once we have settled our things. I have not met any of the new inhabitants," suggested Colonel Fitzwilliam. Darcy approved of this arrangement, and hurried to prepare himself. Half an hour later the gentlemen were knocking on the door of the parsonage.

Upon entering the parlor, Colonel Fitzwilliam's eyes were drawn to a beautiful young woman of about twenty years, with dark hair and sparkling eyes. This must be the famous Miss Bennet. I cannot blame you Darcy, she is a beauty! Introductions were made, and the colonel immediately fell into friendly conversation with Elizabeth.

"I am happy to make your acquaintance at last, Miss Bennet." She eyed him quizzically.

"At last, sir?"

"Oh yes, I have heard much of you, and none of the praise has been exaggerated, I assure you."

"I can well believe that, Mr. Darcy is my severest critic." Is she serious? I doubt he could name a single defect in this woman! This must be her famous wit. They chatted amiably about lively conversation and Lady Catherine, when suddenly Elizabeth asked, "Can you tell me why Mr. Darcy keeps staring at me? What do you suppose offends him?" As the colonel turned to look, Darcy rose, completely ignoring Mr. Collins, who had been talking for a full five minutes.

"I hope your family is in good health," Darcy said blandly.

"Yes, I thank you." He did not reply, but only stared at her. Elizabeth paused, then looked at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "My sister has been in town these three months. Have you never happened to see her?" Darcy was visibly discomfited at this.

"No. No, I have not had that pleasure," he replied, and took a position by the window. Fitzwilliam recognized Darcy's defense mechanism and wondered at the significance of the last exchange.

"You see, Mr. Darcy and I are not the best of friends." Fitzwilliam could not hide his surprise.

"Indeed, I am surprised to hear it." Again she looked confused.

"Why should you be? I always believe in first impressions, and his good opinion, once lost, is lost forever." She looked towards the man at the window, who raised an eyebrow at the comment, and smiled. "So you see it is a hopeless case, is it not, Colonel Fitzwilliam?" He only chuckled, unsure if she was serious. The more he talked with Elizabeth, the more confused he became. At times it seemed she was practically insulting Darcy, but she said things with such sweet archness that it was impossible for her to affront him. Most of the time he could not determine if she meant her words or was just teasing. Darcy certainly enjoyed her playful manner, so perhaps this was her way of being flirtatious. When they left, however, he felt there was a certain tension in Elizabeth's manner around Darcy, and was curious to discover what she truly thought of his cousin.

A few days later, Rosings Park

Colonel Fitzwilliam sat next to Elizabeth as she played the pianoforte. He could not deny that her playing was not technically brilliant, but she was delightful to observe. He leaned back in his chair, smiling. Indeed, Darcy, I cannot blame you at all. She is a bewitching creature! She finished the piece, but before anyone could applaud, Lady Catherine spoke.

"You will never play really well, Miss Bennet, unless you practice more. You may come to Rosings whenever you like and play on the pianoforte in Mrs. Jenkinson's room. She will be in no one's way in that part of the house." Elizabeth stifled a laugh.

"Thank you ma'am," she replied. Lady Catherine continued to talk, but Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam were no longer listening.

"I apologize for my Aunt, Miss Bennet. She is not exactly the most tactful person who has ever lived."

"Not to worry Colonel. I am perfectly able to handle the frankness of your Aunt."

"Frankness? That is a kind way of putting it! Very diplomatic." He grinned at her as Darcy strode into the room. Elizabeth looked up at him.

"Do you mean to frighten me by coming in all this state to hear me Mr. Darcy? But I will not be alarmed. My courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me." He smirked at her.

"I know you take great enjoyment in expressing opinions which are not your own." She pretended to be offended.

"Your cousin would not have you believe a word I say, Colonel Fitzwilliam. That is ungenerous, is it not?" Fitzwilliam laughed.

"It is indeed Darcy!"

"Impolitic too, for it provokes me to retaliate, and say something of his behavior in Hertfordshire which may shock his relations." Still Darcy smiled.

"I am not afraid of you," he replied.

"What do you have to accuse him of? I should dearly like to know how he behaves amongst strangers," Fitzwilliam asked, hopeful to gain some insight into Miss Bennet's view of his cousin.

"The first time I ever saw Mr. Darcy was at a ball, where he danced only four dances, though gentlemen were scarce and more than one lady was in want of a partner." She looked at Darcy pointedly, and he looked away uncomfortably at this last comment. "I am sorry to pain you, but so it was." Fitzwilliam got the feeling that she did not think of this incident as lightly as she spoke of it, and jumped to his cousin's defense.

"I can well believe it," he chuckled, "for Darcy is extraordinarily shy and uncomfortable in company." She could scarcely hide the surprise from her face at this, and, his suspicions confirmed, he continued. "During the season it is difficult to get him to accept any invitations to balls and parties. I have to remind him constantly that if he doesn't accept, at least a few people will think he is proud and thinks himself above everyone. He is a bit naïve in not realizing that his shyness can be mistaken for pride." Elizabeth and Darcy both looked confused at this, but she soon smiled again.

"I am sure that among his equals in consequence and fortune he can be quite amiable. I fear that the society in Hertfordshire was not to his liking." She looked at Darcy challengingly, but he looked even more confused. Fitzwilliam spoke again.

"I fear you misjudge my poor cousin, Miss Bennet. He has appeared to snub even the highest of families, refusing the most prestigious introductions simply to avoid having to make conversation with a stranger." Here Darcy jumped in.

"I fear that I am ill-qualified to recommend myself to strangers." Elizabeth was intrigued.

"And why could that be? Why would a man of sense and education, who has lived in the world, be ill-qualified to recommend himself to strangers?"

"I have not the talent which some possess of conversing easily with strangers."

"I do not play this instrument so well as I should wish to, but I always supposed that to be my own fault, because I would not take the trouble of practicing." Darcy smiled.

"You are perfectly right. You have employed your time much better. No one admitted to the privilege of hearing you can think anything wanting. We neither of us perform to strangers." He looked at her so affectionately that Colonel Fitzwilliam was sure Elizabeth would notice his admiration, but she only gave him a confused look. These two have some sort of extraordinary misunderstanding, I am sure. I shall have to see what I can do to clear it up!

"What are you talking of? What are you telling Miss Bennet? I must have my share in the conversation!" yelled Lady Catherine. The gentlemen rolled their eyes and turned their attentions to their aunt.

Later that evening, Darcy and Fitzwilliam were having brandy in the library when the colonel decided to broach the subject of Elizabeth Bennet.

"You were right Darcy, Miss Bennet is an amazing young lady. I see why you are so enamored of her." He calmly sipped his brandy and awaited his cousin's reaction.

"Enamored?" he replied hastily. "What would make you say that? No, no, we are only good friends." His furious blushing, however, belied his words. Fitzwilliam only gave him a withering look, and Darcy relented. "Oh alright, she is not only a good friend. I am completely bewitched by her. She is enchanting, is she not?" He looked into his brandy. "Do you think she likes me, Richard?" Fitzwilliam slapped his cousin on the back.

"Well Darce, to be perfectly honest, I'm not entirely sure that she does." Darcy glared at him, bewildered. "Now, cousin, stay calm and listen to me. Her little speech today gives me reason to believe that she has some grudge against you. Does she have any reason to think ill of you?" His cousin's silence gave him his answer. "I see. Why don't you tell me all about your trip to Hertfordshire?" Darcy sighed and gave Fitzwilliam an embarrassed look.

"Um... well, as Miss Bennet mentioned, we met at an Assembly one of our first nights there. I saw little breeding and no beauty at all that night. I danced only with Bingley's sisters and spent the rest of the evening thinking how I hate nothing more than a country-dance. Bingley tried to get me to dance, with Miss Bennet, actually, but I said..." he paused, putting his head in his hands, "I said she was tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me. I said I was in no humor to give consequence to young ladies who had been slighted by other men." He looked up sheepishly. "How things change! But the worst part is, I believe she heard me. She walked right past me after Bingley left, and gave me a look that clearly said, 'I don't think you are handsome enough to tempt me either!', and then she laughed at me with Miss Lucas, now Mrs. Collins. At first I was angry with her, but I admit that I found her intriguing after that night. I was used to looking at others like that, but NOT being looked at that way myself! I wished to know more of her from that moment on." Here Colonel Fitzwilliam interjected.

"Darcy, you amaze me. This is much worse than I expected. You insulted a lovely young woman practically to her face! That is inexcusable; I do not blame Miss Bennet for hating you!" Darcy glared at him.

"Do you want to hear this or not?" Fitzwilliam waved his cousin on. "Several days later we went to a party at Lucas Lodge, and the younger Miss Bennets started a bit of dancing. Miss Bennet walked past when Sir William Lucas was talking to me, and he presented her to me as a dancing partner. She demurred, and I actually pressed her to dance! I don't know what came over me, but at that moment I wanted nothing more than to dance with her. And what do you think? She rejected me! I had never been rejected for a dance before. I was bewitched." He continued his story, telling his cousin about her stay at Netherfield, when he had felt that they were becoming friends; the meeting with Wickham; the Netherfield ball; and finally his persuasion in Bingley's removal from Netherfield. This last concerned Fitzwilliam.

"To be sure, cousin, you have certainly not done anything to recommend yourself to Miss Bennet. And to separate Bingley from her sister was very unfair of you. You cannot be sure that she did not feel affection for your friend; she may just be discreet. You yourself are a great believer in hiding your emotions, although I cannot say that you are always successful in hiding your affection for Miss Bennet." Darcy was unsure how to take this critique. It had never even occurred to him that he could have been mistaken in any of his behavior. Fuming, he curtly bid his cousin goodnight and stormed out of the room. His cousin only yelled after him, "I am only trying to help you Darce. If anyone deserves to be happy at last, it is you!" Darcy sighed at this, then turned in for the night.

Chapter 2

Posted on Friday, 4 January 2002

Upon entering his room, Darcy threw off his jacket, angrily untied his cravat and threw it on a chair. What does Fitzwilliam know? He wasn't even there! He didn't see the Bennets, with all their vulgarity. What right does he have to judge my actions? Eventually, however, his anger turned to doubt. Perhaps Fitzwilliam had seen something he could not, or would not, have seen. What he had said about emotions was true; Darcy tried never to show his, and it was possible that Jane shared his philosophy. She never flattered Bingley or behaved like other fortune hunters did; perhaps she did not want Bingley to think she was one. From what he knew of Jane, she did not seem capable of artifice and trickery, so this behavior was probably not a ploy. Still, she had seemed so serene, so unmoved ... but I could also have wished to see her be uncaring, he admitted to himself. Oh no, what have I done? If I have truly saved him from a loveless marriage, I was right, but if she loved him in return, than I have done something very dishonorable. And Fitzwilliam Darcy does not do what is dishonorable! I will speak to Elizabeth ... Miss Bennet tomorrow and see what I can find out about her sister's feelings towards Bingley. If I have done wrong, I will make it right! Comforted, he at last slept, dreams of Elizabeth haunting him all night.

The next morning, Colonel Fitzwilliam was taking his morning walk when he came upon Elizabeth in the grove. "Miss Bennet!" he called out.

"Colonel Fitzwilliam! How do you do?"

"I'm doing very well. Just taking my morning walk. I trust you are doing well."

"Yes, thank you. How are your cousins and aunt?"

"My aunt and Anne are their usual selves; Darcy was somewhat out of spirits when I last spoke to him."

"Oh? Is he ill?" she asked with very little feeling.

"No, not exactly." He wondered if he should go on. A little hint can't hurt, he thought. "I think he is coming to realize that he is not the perfect man, much as he wishes to be," he said lightly. Then he turned to her. "Miss Bennet, what do you think of my cousin?"

"I beg your pardon? What do you mean?"

"Well, I have noticed a tension between you, but I can't quite put my finger on its cause. I am quite aware of what my cousin thinks of you, but I am at a loss to describe your opinion of him."

"I am quite sure, Colonel, that Mr. Darcy and I feel exactly the same way about each other; and as I said before, we are not the best of friends," she replied. Fitzwilliam chuckled and shook his head.

"In that, Miss Bennet, I believe you are mistaken. If you do not think favorably of him, then your opinions of each other could not be more different. Darcy thinks very highly of you." Elizabeth looked at him as if he were insane.

"I'm sorry sir, but I cannot agree with you there. Mr. Darcy dislikes me as much as I do him; of that I am certain."

"Are you really Miss Bennet? I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude or impertinent, but if I was ever certain of anything, I am certain that my cousin likes you very much." Elizabeth considered him gravely, then spoke playfully.

"And how can you be so sure Colonel Fitzwilliam?" He stopped and looked at her calmly.

"Because he told me." Her shock was so great, she could not even attempt to conceal it.

"I don't even know what to say. I find this very difficult to accept; he has never spoken to me but to argue, and only looks to find fault. From the earliest moments of our acquaintance he has been rude and unfriendly. This is the behavior of a man who likes me?"

"Hmm," he replied. "Well, I certainly see your confusion. However, I think you misunderstand my cousin. He looks on you with interest, not disdain. You are a very unique lady, Miss Bennet, and Darcy is not used to dealing with the likes of you." She laughed, acknowledging this to likely be true. "And as far as his behavior goes ... well, I tried to give you a glimpse into his character yesterday. He is a shy young man, uncomfortable in society and made serious by heavy responsibilities placed on him very early in life. He hardly knows what to say around his closest friends sometimes, much less a young lady he doesn't quite comprehend!" He said this playfully, but his meaning was quite serious, and Elizabeth understood him completely. However, her doubts about Mr. Darcy's character did not leave her for long. Can he explain his cousin's behavior to poor Wickham? Doubtful!

"Colonel Fitzwilliam, I appreciate what you are trying to do. I am sorry to tell you, though, that even if Mr. Darcy's behavior to me had been impeccable, I have other, more compelling reasons to think ill of him." Fitzwilliam was disquieted. Does she know about Bingley? he wondered. He was about to mention it, but thought better of it. If she does not know, it would be better for her to stay ignorant on that point! No sense in giving her another reason to hate him.

"I am all ears Miss Bennet. Knowing my cousin's character to be upright and honorable, I am curious to hear what you have to accuse him of."

"I am not a gossip sir ... but, I have heard, from a very reliable source, that Mr. Darcy's character is not as honorable as you think." She paused, meaning to tease him a bit, but continued. "You see, the ---shire militia has been quartered at Meryton these past few months, and one of the officers is an old acquaintance of Mr. Darcy's. He had quite a story to relate about Mr. Darcy's business affairs at the time of his father's death." Here Fitzwilliam interrupted her.

"Do you mean to tell me that you are acquainted with George Wickham?" This was worse than he had feared.

"I am," she answered somewhat defiantly.

"Oh Miss Bennet, this is a worse situation than I had realized. Darcy mentioned seeing him, but he neglected to tell me that you were friends with him. I wish it were in my power to tell you the truth of this, but it is not my place. I hope Darcy will tell you, but just know this: whatever Wickham told you, I am sure it is far from the truth. Please do not judge my cousin too hastily because he does not have the charm and manners of George Wickham." He bowed and took his leave, anxious to tell Darcy of this latest development. Elizabeth was left to her own confused thoughts.

No no no! I cannot believe she fell for the charms of Wickham! How could Darcy have let this happen? Although I suppose if one was already predisposed to think ill of him, any confirmation of bad character would be welcome. Darcy, you idiot! Fitzwilliam practically ran into Rosings, seeking out his cousin before Lady Catherine realized he was back. He found Darcy as he had expected, hiding in the library. He spoke before Darcy even realized he was there.

"Darcy, why did you not tell me that Miss Bennet was so well acquainted with Wickham?" Startled, Darcy stood and faced Fitzwilliam.

"What? What are you talking about?"

"I was just walking with Miss Bennet out in the grove, and our conversation turned to you. She told me outright that she dislikes you, and it is not, as I thought, because of your poor manners ... well, not entirely. Apparently Wickham has been working his magic in Hertfordshire."

"WHAT?!" yelled Darcy with rage. "What has he been saying to Elizabeth?"

"That I was not able to discover; however, based on the hints she dropped, my instincts tell me it has something to do with your father's will and the living." Darcy's eyes closed in a pained expression.

"So that was the meaning of her questions," he said, more to himself than to his cousin. He cursed himself for several moments before recalling Fitzwilliam's presence. "What did you tell her? Did you defend me?" Fitzwilliam put a reassuring hand on Darcy's shoulder.

"I did not tell her anything. I did not think it was my place, and said so. I only said that Wickham had probably lied. I was unsure how much you wanted divulged, so I leave it to you to clear this up."

"Do you think I should even bother? She seems quite content in hating me," Darcy replied bitterly. Fitzwilliam sighed.

"It seems to me that Miss Bennet is certainly worth the bother." He patted Darcy's shoulder and left the library.

Chapter 3

Posted on Wednesday, 9 January 2002

Darcy knew that his cousin was right. He had at first thought that he could forget Elizabeth, but after seeing her again over the last few days, he realized that he could not live without her. Despite her low connections, her family's objectionable situation, her utter inequality to himself, he could not be happy unless she were his wife. But this Wickham situation might prove to be a great obstacle, especially combined with his terrible behavior towards her. After suffering through a day at Rosings, he retired early in order to contemplate his next move. He spent a good deal of the night formulating a plan of what to say to her in explanation; indeed, since meeting Elizabeth Bennet, sleep seemed to have become a luxury he did not often receive. After an eternity, he slept.

The next morning, Fitzwilliam gave him advice of what to say, then directed him to a path where he had seen Elizabeth walking several times. Darcy braced himself for a difficult conversation and walked out. He found Elizabeth a few minutes later and bowed in greeting. "Good morning Miss Bennet. I hope you are well. May I join you?" he said, with as much softness of manner as he could muster. Apparently he was successful, because Elizabeth seemed surprised at his tone.

"Very well, thank you sir. Of course you may join me. How do you do?" He cleared his throat nervously.

"I am afraid that I am not very well Miss Bennet. Something very disturbing has come to my attention." Elizabeth cringed slightly, thinking back to her conversation with Colonel Fitzwilliam the day before, but said nothing. He continued. "My cousin told me something of your talk with him. I would like very much to know what Mr. Wickham told you about me, so that I may have a chance to defend myself. Would you allow me that privilege?" He looked at her so earnestly that she could not refuse, and told him everything that Wickham had related to her. His fury grew, but he tried to contain his temper for her benefit. When she had finished, he replied. "Yes, I should have figured as much. He has spread similar rumors before. Fortunately all of Derbyshire knows his true character and is not prejudiced against me, but I suppose in places where I am a stranger he is easily believed." He sighed and scratched his head. "Miss Bennet, perhaps we should sit down and I will tell you the entire truth of all my dealings with Mr. Wickham." He led her to a bench and proceeded to give her all the details of their childhood and youth, and ending with his father's death. Elizabeth was truly shocked, but seemed slightly disbelieving. I see I will have to tell her all ... Taking a deep breath, he began again. "There is one more part of this story which must be told, though it is painful for me to remember it. Last summer our paths crossed again when Mr. Wickham attempted to seduce my 15 year old sister." Elizabeth's eyes widened as Darcy related the whole sordid tale of Ramsgate. He could see that she was visibly shaken, and decided to give her time to assimilate what he had just told her. "I realize that this is a great deal of information to digest, so I will leave you to your thoughts. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask me. I hope to see you at Rosings for tea this afternoon." He bowed and walked back towards Rosings.

Darcy had never been more thankful for his self-control, for his calm exterior did not betray the turmoil going on in his soul. Elizabeth had seemed very shocked, but otherwise did not react at all. Did she believe him? Would this make her think better of him? He would not know until he saw her that afternoon.

Alas, Fate seemed determined to work against him a bit more. When the Hunsford party arrived for tea, Elizabeth was not among their number. Charlotte made her excuses, saying that Elizabeth had returned from her walk with a terrible headache and needed rest and solitude. Darcy was distressed, for he was sure that his revelations had caused her "headache". He mumbled some sort of excuse and slipped out of the room. After a brief hesitation, he walked out the door and towards Hunsford parsonage. Before he realized it, he had reached the door and rang the bell. A servant answered and took him to the parlour where Elizabeth sitting. She had not seemed to hear the bell, for when the door opened he saw her jump up from the chair in which she had been sitting. To say that she was surprised to see him would be an understatement.

"Mr. Darcy!" she exclaimed; he bowed.

"Miss Bennet. Excuse me, I hope you are feeling better. Mrs. Collins said you were not feeling well, and I was afraid that perhaps our conversation this morning had been the cause." Concern was so evident in his countenance that even Elizabeth could not be blind to it.

"Thank you sir. I am feeling a little better, though I still have not finished berating myself."

"Berating yourself? Why ever would you do that?"

"Mr. Darcy, my behavior towards you has been unpardonable. I was so prejudiced against you that I did not even pause to think that Mr. Wickham's tale was improperly revealed to me in so short an acquaintance, nor that it might be untrue. In fact, I did not doubt its truth for a moment, and my treatment of you since then has been influenced by that belief. I am truly sorry." Darcy was shocked; her behavior had been unpardonable? He had never even noticed any unfriendliness from her until his cousin had mentioned it!

"Miss Bennet, you surprise me. To be honest, I did not know that you harbored me any ill will until Colonel Fitzwilliam told me so. It is I who should apologize, for if I behaved in such a way that would make Wickham's claims seem reasonable, then I was at fault. The fact that my character did not speak for itself shows me the error of my ways. Please, accept my apologies." This was obviously not what she had expected to hear. The proud Mr. Darcy, humbling himself before her, was a sight she thought she would never see. But there he was, doing just that. It was endearing somehow, and she had never thought him as handsome as she did now. Realizing that the mood needed lightening, she smiled.

"As I am a lady, I shall not argue with a gentleman over the greater part of the fault, though I am sure that neither of us could escape some censure. To own the truth, our acquaintance began very poorly and has only gotten worse. Therefore, why do we not start over and see if we cannot improve our manners the second time?" He smiled widely.

"I would be very happy if we could do that Miss Bennet." He bowed, then turned and began leaving the room.

"Where are you going sir?" she asked confusedly.

"Why, it is most improper for a lady and gentleman who are unacquainted to be alone in a room together!" he replied innocently. "I will see you again when we have been properly introduced," and with a wink and a bow, walked out the door. Elizabeth could not help but laugh, and thought that this Mr. Darcy was very handsome indeed!

Darcy was quite satisfied with how things had turned out, and, had he been slightly less proper (and manly), would have skipped back to Rosings. Upon his return, he claimed Colonel Fitzwilliam's attention and told him of his meeting with Elizabeth. The colonel was amused and relieved, and thought that Elizabeth was an excellent influence on his usually stuffy cousin. He promised to introduce them at the next possible opportunity; Darcy, being impatient to begin his "new" acquaintance, suggested that they call on the parsonage immediately, but Fitzwilliam talked him into waiting until the next day. Darcy grumbled but assented, and again retired early to begin dreaming about Elizabeth as soon as possible.

Elizabeth could not quite explain the fluttery feeling in her stomach as she readied herself the following morning. For some reason, she seemed to take extra care with her hair and dress, choosing the frock that most flattered her figure. She pinched her cheeks to brighten them, tied her bonnet, and went our for her morning walk. Recalling how frequently she seemed to meet with handsome gentlemen on her morning stroll, she smiled and kept a sharp eye out for other walkers. She was not disappointed, for a few minutes later Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy appeared coming towards her.

"Miss Bennet!" cried Colonel Fitzwilliam. She smiled and walked up to them.

"Good morning Colonel Fitzwilliam. How do you do?"

"Very well, thank you. And you?"

"Fortunately, my headache from yesterday passed, and I am feeling very well." Darcy's lips twitched into a small smile.

"I am glad to hear it. May I present to you my cousin, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Derbyshire. Darcy, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She is staying with Mr. and Mrs. Collins at the parsonage." Darcy bowed.

"Miss Bennet, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance at last. I have heard much of you, and none of the praise has been exaggerated, I assure you," he said, repeating the words Fitzwilliam had used days before. Elizabeth laughed.

"The pleasure is mine sir. I am pleased to see that you are not a bit like I had heard you described in Hertfordshire," she replied teasingly. All three broke into laughter at this point, and fell into much easier conversation than had been possible before.

"May I inquire after your family Miss Bennet? I hope they are all well," asked Darcy eventually.

"They are all in excellent health," she replied guardedly.

"I am glad to hear it. And how does your sister like London?"

"Perhaps not so much as she usually would. It appears that Miss Bingley was terribly rude to her, and she was much hurt by it." She did not say more, afraid to mention Bingley's name. Instead Darcy did it for her.

"And has Mr. Bingley visited her?" he asked, knowing perfectly well that he had not. Elizabeth was surprised by this question.

"No sir, she has not seen Mr. Bingley at all. Miss Bingley told Jane that he was too occupied with the company of you and your sister to call on her." Darcy blushed slightly and coughed.

"Well, I am no longer in town to occupy his time, so I am sure he will visit her soon. The next time I write to him, I will inquire after her, to ... remind him that she is there. Sometimes Bingley is, um, forgetful of his social duties. Unless Caroline tells him outright to do something, he will never remember to do it!" He laughed nervously, then changed the subject to more comfortable topics. After escorting Elizabeth back to the parsonage, the gentlemen walked back to Rosings.

"How did I do Fitzwilliam? Was I more affable and polite?" Darcy asked worriedly.

"You did very well Darcy, very well. You even handled the Bingley topic handsomely. I hope you will really write to him to "remind" him of Miss Bennet's being in town."

"Oh yes, I certainly shall. Bingley deserves at least that much. I may even slip in a note about possibly being mistaken in thinking Miss Bennet had no regard for him. Do you think I should?"

"This is a side of you I have never seen old boy! You have asked for my opinion more often in the last two days than in the whole of your life. I like Miss Elizabeth's effect on you," he teased. "Yes, I think you should. Otherwise poor Bingley may be too afraid to go see her." Darcy nodded in agreement as they walked in the door of Rosings and braced himself to face the attentions of his aunt. After an appropriate amount of time in her company, he excused himself to write a letter to Georgiana. It wasn't a complete lie; he did write to his sister, filling the letter, as was typical of late, with Elizabeth's praises. However, he also had another, more difficult letter to write: to Bingley. He kept it brief and to the point. He mentioned meeting with Elizabeth in Kent and said that she had hinted to him of her sister's tender feelings for his friend. He apologized for his interference and confessed her presence in town. He subtly urged Bingley to call on her, and gave him the address. Both letters were sealed and sent that afternoon.

London, the following day ...

Caroline Bingley was very fortunate to have been shopping when Darcy's letter arrived; otherwise she might have found herself on the receiving end of her brother's rarely seen wrath. Had she ventured to go in the library, she might have had a book thrown at her head. However, she was not, and Bingley's rage was vented on all the throw pillows he could get his hands on. Upon the reading the letter a second time, his anger was soothed by the prospect of Jane Bennet's "tender feelings", and resolved to call on her at Gracechurch Street immediately. He did not know if he would even find her at home, but Fate decided to smile on our long-suffering friend and kept Jane home caring for her young cousin who had twisted an ankle while playing that morning. When her uncle's manservant announced, "Mr. Bingley to see you Miss Bennet," and showed him in, she rose quickly from her seat near the child, a deep crimson in her cheeks. The sight of her lovely face was like water to a man dying of thirst; he could barely control the urge to sweep her up in his arms. Instead, he bowed deeply.

"Miss Bennet! I am so delighted to see you. I am deeply sorry that I have not come to call on you before, but I only learned about your presence here this very morning." She could barely look him in the eye before, but at these words her head snapped up and she gave him a confused look.

"But Mr. Bingley, I called on your sister and she returned my visit. She told me you knew of my being in town." Poor Jane! She still could not think ill enough of Caroline to realize that there was deception in the matter.

"I am very sorry that she told you that. You may rest assured, had I known you were here before, I would have called upon you long ago. Unfortunately, it seems that my sister chose to keep this knowledge from me, for reasons of her own which it does no good to dwell upon. I hope you can forgive me of my terrible negligence of you; I never intended it to be so," he ended softly. Jane was again too embarrassed to look him in the eye, and continued to blush brightly.

"I would gladly forgive you, sir, were there anything to forgive. But I do not see any fault in your behavior, for you could not visit me if you did not know I was here." He smiled and the tension left his shoulders.

"You are truly an angel Miss Bennet," he replied before he could help himself. He gazed at her for a moment before realizing that she was still very uncomfortable. "I have had a letter from Darcy this morning. I can report that your sister Miss Elizabeth is in excellent health."

"Thank you. I hope Mr. Darcy is also well?"

"He is, I believe. He sounded more lighthearted and jovial than usual, I daresay more than I have ever seen him. His letter was very uncharacteristic of the old stuffy Darcy!" Bingley's easy manners and conversation eventually relieved Jane's embarrassment, and they were soon chatting happily as they had done in Hertfordshire. After about half an hour, Mrs. Gardiner arrived from her outing and was introduced to Mr. Bingley. Curious to meet the man who had so affected her niece, she invited him to stay for a tea; he accepted the invitation with alacrity. As the afternoon wore on, Mrs. Gardiner could easily see that the two young people were very much in love, and did not doubt a happy outcome. When Mr. Gardiner arrived for supper, another invitation was extended to Bingley, but he unhappily had to decline, as his sister expected him.

"But may I call again tomorrow? I should like very much to continue our acquaintance," he said, looking mostly at Jane. The supper invitation was transferred to the following night, and he agreed to arrive in time for tea. He bowed to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, then turned to Jane and softly kissed her hand. "Good night Miss Bennet," he practically whispered, and took his leave.

"My dear Charles, where on earth have you been? Louisa and I had quite despaired of you!" cried Caroline as her brother walked in. The grim look on his face made her stop in her tracks. "Why, whatever is the matter? You look as if someone has died."

"No Caroline, nothing is dead but the respect I once had for you. You have deceived me and wronged me. Do not even attempt to deny it; Darcy wrote to me this morning, and I have since then been at Gracechurch Street visiting Miss Jane Bennet." The shock on Caroline's face was exactly what he wanted to see.

"Why, Charles, I have no idea what you are talking of! Dear Jane is in town? I must call on her!"

"Do not try to lie to me Caroline. I know very well that you saw her, twice in fact. She and Darcy told me as much. At least Darcy felt some guilt and resolved to tell me the entire truth. You were not so kind, and so deserve a greater part of my anger. I will take my supper alone this evening in my room, and tomorrow night I dine at the Gardiners'. Good evening." He bowed curtly and went to the kitchen to give his orders. Caroline could only sputter and stammer her excuses to the air around her.

The following afternoon found Bingley ringing the bell at Gracechurch Street at exactly four o'clock for tea. He was graciously welcomed by Jane and Mrs. Gardiner, in whose company he again spent the most agreeable afternoon since his happy days in Hertfordshire. Mr. Gardiner arrived again just before supper; Bingley found him to be one of the most amiable and intelligent men of his acquaintance. Mr. Gardiner had known of Bingley's father and gratified the young man by speaking very warmly about his well-known fair business practices and honesty. Bingley could not recall a more pleasant evening. A passing comment by Mr. Gardiner, however, threatened to darken his mood.

"Jane, we will miss you when you return to Longbourn dear girl. It has been delightful to have you here. But I suppose your father and mother will be glad to have you back so soon." Bingley looked up at Jane with a hurt expression on his countenance.

"Do you leave soon Miss Bennet?" he inquired, hoping the answer was no; he was disappointed.

"Indeed I do sir, I am to leave day after tomorrow for Hertfordshire." He was stricken. To have found her again, then have her taken away so soon! He sat in stunned silence for a moment, when suddenly a happy thought occurred to him. Do I not have an estate in Hertfordshire? And would it not be lovely to be back in the country?

"Well in that case Miss Bennet, please allow me to escort you home. I have planned on returning to Netherfield myself, and can just as easily leave in two days as in two weeks. Would that be agreeable to you?" Jane only smiled, blushed, and nodded slightly.

"Thank you sir, that is most kind. I would not wish to inconvenience you though," she replied.

"No inconvenience at all, I assure you. It is my pleasure." They gazed lovingly at each other, the others in the room quite forgotten until a young voice popped up.

"Cousin Jane, I think you must have something on your face, because Mr. Bindley keeps looking at you funny!" observed 5 year old Susan. The laughter which followed disrupted their reverie, but "Bindley" whispered to Susan that "there is nothing wrong with your cousin's face; I look at it because it is very lovely." Though the words were spoken in the ear of the little girl, they were meant for Jane, and she did not miss them or their meaning. After supper, Bingley took his leave in order to prepare for the journey to Netherfield, and made arrangements to pick Jane up at Gracechurch Street two mornings hence. Content and in love, Bingley returned home while Jane rushed to her room to write a long letter to Elizabeth.

Back at Rosings...

The friendship between Darcy and Elizabeth was progressing quite satisfactorily for all parties, and unbeknownst to Elizabeth, Darcy had twice postponed his departure from Kent. Unfortunately, he found that the business that called him to town could not wait much longer, and Colonel Fitzwilliam had to return to his regiment soon. Darcy wanted to come to some sort of understanding with Elizabeth, but was afraid that their friendship was still too young and fragile to risk such an advance. Still, he wanted to give her some idea of his intentions, and also find a way to introduce her to Georgiana. This problem was solved by Georgiana's latest letter to him.

My dear brother,

I was very happy to receive your last letter. I miss you so much. Miss Bennet sounds like a truly delightful lady, and I cannot wait to meet her. Perhaps when we are at Pemberley this summer, you can bring a party of friends with you. I am sure that Miss Bennet would find the beauties of Derbyshire much to her liking since she is so fond of nature.

I hope to see you soon Fitzwilliam.

Your affectionate sister,

Georgiana

Darcy was surprised by his sister's forwardness, but could not find fault in her perceptiveness. Yes, perhaps an invitation to Pemberley is just the thing! He spent the morning planning his invitation speech and had quite perfected it by the time the Hunsford party arrived for tea. When he went to speak to Elizabeth, however, he found himself as usual somewhat tongue-tied.

"Good afternoon Miss Bennet. I hope you are well."

"Quite well, thank you sir," she smiled brightly. "I have just received a letter from Jane." God, she looks beautiful today. How is it possible for a woman who is already perfect to grow more beautiful by the day?

"Ah, how is your sister?"

"She is very well. Mr. Bingley called on her a few days ago, and will be escorting her back to Hertfordshire when she returns. Apparently he means to reopen Netherfield." Darcy smiled.

"I am glad to hear it. He is very fond of... Hertfordshire. Though it is difficult not to be," he stammered, blushing.

"Will you be joining him at Netherfield on this trip?" she asked in reply. Suddenly realizing how this might sound, it was now Elizabeth's turn to blush.

"Um, I can't really say. I have not heard from him yet, so I don't have an invitation." He paused. "Unfortunately, I must be in town for several weeks, so I am not sure if he will still be there when I am able to leave." Her head snapped up.

"You expect him to leave again so soon?" she asked suspiciously.

"Em, well, I can't be certain, I suppose, but before I came here I invited him and his sisters and Mr. Hurst to join me at Pemberley this summer. I assume he still plans to go." Elizabeth relaxed slightly and smiled again.

"I see. Well, perhaps he just has some business at Netherfield that will not take long." Darcy grinned knowingly.

"No, I do not think it will take very long at all." There was a brief silence and then he began his prepared speech. "Um, Miss Bennet, as I said, Mr. Bingley and his sisters will be joining me at Pemberley in July. My sister will also be there. I would like very much for you to meet her." He paused to nervously clear his throat. "May I ... would it be too forward of me to invite you to join the party?" Elizabeth's eyes widened in surprise. Obviously she had not expected him to say anything of the sort.

"Well ... it would be an honor Mr. Darcy. Thank you; but I don't know if I can accept. I am supposed to travel with my aunt and uncle in July," she replied disappointedly. His heart sank.

"I understand. Where will your travels take you?"

"I am not certain. I believe we are to go to the Lakes, but my uncle's business might not allow him enough time away." If only I could invite them as well! But I can't very well do that if I don't know them ...

"Tell me Miss Bennet, is this the aunt and uncle with whom your sister Jane is staying?" he asked suddenly.

"Yes, it is; in Cheapside," she added slyly to see his reaction. He barely noticed.

"I see. And, will you be stopping in London on your way to Hertfordshire?" he asked hopefully.

"Only briefly, to change to the post. Why?" He blushed.

"Oh, well ... I thought perhaps ... if you were to spend some time in town, you and your aunt and uncle could ... come dine at my townhouse with Georgiana and myself. Oh, and Miss Lucas, of course, as she is traveling with you," he blurted out very inarticulately. A tiny smile curled on Elizabeth's lips.

"Well, our plans are not yet fixed. It would be nice to spend a bit of time in London. I could write to my aunt and uncle to see if they would mind visitors for a day or two." His beaming smile plainly showed his delight, and even Elizabeth could not help but smile at the sight. "You should smile this way more often Mr. Darcy. You have excellent teeth!" she teased, eliciting a chuckle.

"I cannot help but smile in your company Miss Bennet," he replied softly, his eyes glowing with admiration. She met his gaze for a moment, but could not long keep it without blushing.

"When do you leave for London sir?"

"Early Saturday morning two days hence. Fitzwilliam will stay in town with me another week, then leave for his regiment in the north. And you?"

"On Saturday week. Nothing personal against you or Colonel Fitzwilliam, and don't tell my cousin, but I don't think I could stay any longer in the company of the honorable Lady Catherine DeBourgh!" she whispered. He stifled a laugh with the back of his hand.

"Believe me, I understand perfectly. I am not terribly saddened to be deprived of her company either," he confided. "She is even grating on Fitzwilliam's nearly untouchable nerves! Even if I had been able to stay, I doubt I would be successful in persuading him to postpone our departure once more," he laughed.

"Once more?" asked Elizabeth. Darcy cast down his eyes, realizing what he had revealed.

"Em, yes... we have twice postponed our departure already," he admitted, looking at her from the corner of his eye to see her reaction. She knew not what to say, for after his admission that he did not care for his aunt's company, she could only see one reason for this procrastination.

"Your company has been greatly appreciated, I am sure," she answered demurely, a deep blush settling on her cheeks. "Well, I suppose it is time for tea," she said more lightly, and they returned to the company.

Two days passed quickly, and time came for Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy to take their leave. Before departing they called one last time at the parsonage. Both gentlemen seemed saddened at leaving this company, but were heartened by Elizabeth's confirmation that she and Maria would be staying in town for three days, pending Sir William Lucas' approval. Before leaving, Darcy spoke to Elizabeth.

"Here is my address in town. Please send me a note when you arrive, and we shall call on you." Elizabeth accepted the card and curtseyed; he took her hand and tenderly kissed it, then went to the carriage. Colonel Fitzwilliam now sought Elizabeth's attention.

"Miss Bennet, it was a great pleasure to meet you. I hope we will be seeing a good deal more of each other in the future. I already feel as if you are part of the family," he said with a wink, also kissed her hand, and left.

Did he say part of the family? Elizabeth wondered as she watched the gentlemen drive away.

Chapter 4

Posted on Sunday, 13 January 2002

The rest of Elizabeth's stay at Hunsford was tedious at best. Lady Catherine's company was nearly unbearable without her nephews' good humor to temper it, and life at the parsonage with Mr. Collins was no better. She found herself taking more solitary walks in the grove, thinking back on the changes of the last few weeks. How different Mr. Darcy now seems! How amiable ... and handsome, she sighed. It was difficult for her even to remember the Mr. Darcy of old, or at least, the Mr. Darcy she thought she knew. Now she realized how terribly she had misjudged him, and still berated herself every once in a while for having treated him so badly. She looked forward to her brief sojourn in town more and more eagerly as it approached. On the afternoon before her last day in Kent, the inhabitants of the parsonage paid one last visit to Rosings for tea.

"It shall be terribly dull at Rosings now that everyone will be gone," complained Lady Catherine with great condescension. "My dear nephews have been gone nearly a week, and you will be leaving yourself tomorrow Miss Bennet." She paused as a thought came to her and smiled complacently at her own intelligence. "You will write to your mother and ask her to stay a little longer. Surely she can spare you for another fortnight." Mr. Collins was in awe, and about to commend her ladyship on her generously bestowed solicitudes when Elizabeth replied most ungratefully.

"But my father cannot." Everyone stared at her in shock, except Charlotte, who tried to stifle her smirk.

"Surely your father can spare you if your mother can; daughters are never of much consequence to a father. And if you stay another month complete, it will be in my power to take you as far as London myself in the Barouche box!" Such condescension left Mr. Collins speechless with delight. Still, Elizabeth was unaffected. Hours of travel with Lady Catherine in an enclosed space? Ugh, kill me first!

"Your ladyship is very kind, but my aunt and uncle eagerly await our arrival in town for a visit. We must leave as planned tomorrow." Lady Catherine harrumphed but said no more on the subject.

Elizabeth's final night in Kent was disturbed by bizarre dreams; in them, Mr. Darcy proposed to her, Colonel Fitzwilliam welcomed her to the family, then just as they were reaching the altar, Lady Catherine swept in with Anne and insisted that there had been a mistake. Elizabeth was most unceremoniously pushed out of the way, and Anne took her place. Darcy looked at her on the ground, then at Anne; instead of helping her up, he only said, "I can't believe I was about to marry this country nobody! I am in no humor to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men! Come Anne, let us do our family duty." Colonel Fitzwilliam helped her up as the marriage went on, escorted her outside, and closed the church door behind her. She woke up with a feeling of despair, not because the hated Mr. Darcy had sought her hand, but because the much loved Mr. Darcy had rejected and left her. That was when she realized it: she loved him. Mr. Darcy, whom she had so despised and reviled, whom she had thought hated her with equal vehemence, of all people, he was the only man she could now imagine making her happy for the rest of her life. Everything now hit her full force; she realized that Colonel Fitzwilliam had probably told him of their conversation, and he had made every effort to attend to her reproofs; he had confided in her the extremely painful and private story of his relationship with Wickham, even as involved his sister; he had helped bring Bingley and Jane back together, even though he had probably had a hand in separating them in the first place; and in addition to all of this, he had twice postponed his departure from Rosings, though he did not enjoy his aunt's company at all, and seemed to barely notice that Anne even existed. Elizabeth did not wish to give herself too much hope, but she could think of only one reason that Darcy had done all of these things: he loved her as well. Not only that, but he must have loved her for some time, from when he was at Netherfield. He had loved her despite her rudeness and impertinence... or was it perhaps because of that behavior? She laughed to herself at the thought, for she had been rude to drive him away, and instead he had fallen for her. He must always have been really amiable, or he would have hated me for it; but contrary to what I chose to believe, his feelings were always noble and just. In his heart, he thoroughly despises the persons who so assiduously court him... like Miss Bingley! How clearly I can now remember that he was constantly rolling his eyes whenever she spoke. Oh will the morning never come? I want to go to London! Ignoring this last, Lydia-like exclamation of her mind, Elizabeth spent the rest of the night thinking of what she would wear and how she should act when she saw Mr. Darcy, and thanking the heavens for blessing her with relations for whom there was no need to blush.

At last morning came, and with it the carriage to take them to London. She embraced Charlotte warmly, and thanked her for her generous hospitality. Though she tried to hide it, Charlotte wore a pained expression that clearly showed she would miss having the distraction of her friend when they dined at Rosings Park. Mr. Collins was a more interesting goodbye.

"Well cousin Elizabeth, you have seen for yourself the felicity of our situation. Our intimacy at Rosings is something of which few could boast."

"Indeed they could not."

"And now you may be inclined to think that your friend has made a most fortunate alliance, perhaps more so than... but on this point it will be as well to be silent."

"You are very good," Elizabeth said softly, nearly unable to keep her countenance. Mr. Collins let out a little smirk before continuing.

"But let me assure you, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that I can from my heart most cordially wish you equal felicity in marriage. My dear Charlotte and I have but one mind and one way of thinking. There is in everything a most remarkable resemblance of character and ideas between us. We seem to have been designed for each other." With this he gave Charlotte a simpering little hand wave and smile that the poor lady received with barely concealed disgust. Elizabeth felt sympathy for her friend, but she had chosen it with her eyes open, and though she felt to warm feelings for her husband, she was content with her situation.

The carriage ride seemed interminable. When she looked out on the landscape, she saw Mr. Darcy, eyes glowing with admiration, and heard Colonel Fitzwilliam's voice saying, "I already feel as if you are part of the family!" Maria spoke to her occasionally, but often had to repeat herself, and at last just gave up. Elizabeth was glad for the respite, for she wanted to gather her composure before reaching town. Because of changing horses at Bromley and having a light luncheon, they did not arrive at Gracechurch Street until early evening. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner welcomed them warmly and showed them to their rooms so they could refresh for supper. Elizabeth quickly washed up, then spent the better part of half an hour trying to write a proper note to Mr. Darcy informing him of her arrival. She did not wish to be too familiar nor too cold, too polite nor too improper. At last satisfied, she went to the sitting room and had her uncle's manservant take the note immediately.

Meanwhile, at the Darcy townhouse...

Darcy was beginning to get lonely. Fitzwilliam had left two days prior, and though Georgiana was good company, she did not have the liveliness of their cousin or of another young lady of his acquaintance. In truth, he had not stopped thinking about Elizabeth since leaving the parsonage. Her hand had been so soft and warm against his lips; he recalled the electrifying sensation that had coursed through his body at the simple touch of her fingertips. She should be arriving this very day! I hope she was not just being polite when she said she would inform me of her arrival, he was thinking nervously when his butler brought in a letter on a tray.

"Excuse me sir, but a Mr. Smith brought you a letter from a Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He says he will wait if you have a reply." Darcy eagerly snatched up the letter and tore it open.

Mr. Darcy,

Maria and I have arrived at Gracechurch Street this evening.

I hope you are well. We shall be in town until Tuesday, and look forward to your call.

Yours, etc.

Elizabeth Bennet

His heart leapt for joy. She had written him, and looked forward to his call! He quickly scribbled out a reply and handed it to the butler to give to Smith. Contented, he went to the music room to tell Georgiana about the call they were to make the next day.

Back at Gracechurch Street ...

Elizabeth was in a taciturn, reflective mood. Over supper, she let Maria do most of the talking about the parsonage and Rosings, opting to wait for more privacy to speak with her aunt about Mr. Darcy. Unfortunately Maria decided to bring it up sooner.

"And then Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived at Rosings for Easter; they are Lady Catherine's nephews. Mr. Darcy was in Hertfordshire with Mr. Bingley before, but then he was very quiet and proud. This time he seemed to be very nice, and would always call at Hunsford with his cousin. He was very good friends with Lizzy, was he not Lizzy?" she asked innocently. Elizabeth blushed deeply in spite of her desperate wish to appear unaffected.

"Yes," she said nervously, "we resolved our differences and he really is much more amiable than I originally gave him credit for." She would say no more, but Mrs. Gardiner made a note of her flushed cheeks and determined to speak to her later. Maria continued to chatter on about the chimneypieces and windows of Rosings until dinner was over. She could not longer stifle her yawns and so retired early. Elizabeth sat down next to her aunt for a private conference.

"Aunt Gardiner, I have much to tell you. I daresay you will be surprised to hear it after all I said when you were last at Longbourn!" She proceeded to tell her aunt all the details of her reconciliation with Darcy and the truth about Wickham, politely generalizing the Ramsgate affair to simply, "and he was caught trying to seduce an impressionable young lady of fortune, who was then but 15 years old, in order to get his hands on her money." Mrs. Gardiner was very affected by this news, and expressed a strong interest in meeting Mr. Darcy. No sooner had the words been spoken when Smith arrived with the reply to Elizabeth's note.

Miss Bennet,

Thank you for informing me of your arrival. If it is convenient, my sister and I will call on you at your uncle's house tomorrow afternoon. Please send Miss Lucas my regards.

FD

Mrs. Gardiner noticed how Elizabeth's face radiated happiness as she read the missive, and became quite interested indeed to meet the famous Mr. Darcy!

The next morning at church, Elizabeth was quite happy to not have to go to confession, for she would have had to confess to not paying one bit of attention to the service due to impure thoughts. For some reason, the only image she could seem to think of that morning was of Darcy kissing her hand as he left the parsonage. The church seemed inordinately warm, and she had never been so happy to leave a place in her life. When they arrived back home, she hurried to her room to change from her church clothes and make herself look slightly more appealing for her afternoon visitor. Completely unwittingly, she picked out her lowest cut, most flattering gown; her hair was perfectly arranged and in place, except for two long tendrils down her neck for a special look. She had just walked out to the parlour to begin some needlework when she heard the bell and nervously jumped from her seat. Taking a few deep breaths to calm herself, she called to her aunt that they had visitors. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner joined her, and when Smith opened the door to announce Mr. Darcy, they could not help but think how similar Elizabeth's response was to Jane's when Bingley had called, excepting the element of surprise. Darcy was no less affected at the sight of Elizabeth. Again she seemed impossibly beautiful, and for a moment all others in the room were forgotten. Suddenly remembering himself, he bowed deeply.

"Miss Bennet, I am most pleased to see you again."

"It is very nice to see you as well sir. May I introduce my aunt and uncle? Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gardiner, this is Mr. Darcy." He bowed to each in turn and made his best effort to overcome his shyness and be friendly.

"I am very pleased to meet you sir, madam. Miss Bennet speaks very highly of you, as does my friend Bingley. I thank you for your kindness to him."

"The pleasure is ours sir. My niece speaks highly of you as well, and we have been desirous of making your acquaintance. Mr. Bingley is a very friendly gentleman, and we were delighted to meet him as well," replied Mr. Gardiner. Elizabeth speaks well of me? Oh please let it be true! Darcy thought to himself, not realizing that he was staring at Elizabeth during Mr. Gardiner's entire speech. A gentle cough from behind him brought him back to reality.

"Oh, please forgive me. May I introduce my sister, Georgiana? Georgiana, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner." Georgiana curtseyed politely and managed a soft "how do you do?" before practically hiding behind her brother again. Elizabeth and the Gardiners immediately saw that the girl was painfully shy (not proud as Wickham had claimed), and felt compelled to reach out to her. Mrs. Gardiner called for tea, and Maria joined them when they went to the sitting room. Elizabeth invited Georgiana and Maria to sit near herself, and soon had engaged them in light conversation. The subject of music was brought up, and Georgiana came to life.

"I am very fond of music," she said. "I have played the pianoforte since I was a little girl, and practice whenever I can. Do you play Miss Bennet, or you Miss Lucas?"

"I never learned the pianoforte, but I do like to sing," offered Maria.

"I play and sing a little, but very ill indeed," laughed Elizabeth.

"I would dearly love you hear you play and sing Miss Bennet. My brother tells me he has rarely heard anything that gave him more pleasure," Georgiana said eagerly.

"So you shall. But I warn you, your brother has grossly exaggerated my talents, no doubt for some mischievous reason of his own," Elizabeth replied teasingly. Georgiana was taken aback by the notion of her brother being mischievous.

"Oh no, that cannot be so! My brother never exaggerates, he always tells the absolute truth. Except I think sometimes he is a little too kind to me." Elizabeth smiled.

"An ideal elder brother then."

"Oh yes, I could not imagine a better or a kinder one."

"You make me feel quite envious; I have no brothers at all, only 4 sisters!" Georgiana opened her mouth slightly as if to say something, slightly bowed her head seeming to have changed her mind, then softly said, "I should have liked to have a sister," looking up at Elizabeth through her eyelashes. Elizabeth's cheeks flushed slightly at this insinuation, but did not have a chance to reply as the Gardiner children came skipping happily into the room at that moment. Georgiana was enraptured, as she loved children, and within moments was playing dolls with them on the floor. Darcy smiled at her affectionately, confiding to the Gardiners that she had been forced to grow up too quickly due to the early death of their parents, and it was refreshing to see her being playful. They were impressed with his kindness, and of course his obvious regard for their favorite niece. Elizabeth now turned to join their conversation.

"Mr. Darcy, your sister is a very dear girl. Thank you for introducing us," she said shyly. He only smiled in reply, and she continued. "I hope your cousin is in good health."

"Yes, thank you. He left for his regiment three days ago, and I just received word of his safe arrival yesterday."

"I am glad to hear it." Goodness, I'm sounding like him! "Your dear aunt was in the best of health three days ago as well sir," she said archly, bowing her head in her best Mr. Collins impersonation. He laughed, easing the tension between them slightly.

"Thank you madam. I have felt greatly deprived of her advice and good counsel this past week. Pray, can you repeat some of her latest so that I may implement them in my life immediately?" Elizabeth giggled becomingly.

"I am afraid that they were so numerous, I could not even begin to repeat them. Actually, to own the truth, I stopped listening to them altogether after your departure. Fortunately I was paying attention when she invited us to stay another month, or we might have been stuck there and I wouldn't have seen y ... my aunt and uncle," she stuttered, blushing furiously. Darcy was pleased with this near-slip of the tongue, but did not wish to embarrass her and changed the subject.

"Oh, I almost forgot! I have had a letter from Bingley." Elizabeth regained her composure and looked up at him. "He has reopened Netherfield and has visited Longbourn nearly everyday. I do not expect his, um, business to take much longer," he said with a grin. Elizabeth smiled broadly.

"I am very glad to hear it. Perhaps his visits have taken all of Jane's time, for I have not had a letter from her in some time."

"Well, based on Bingley's letters, I think you can expect one very soon." He paused briefly to consider his next words. "My sister and I would like to extend an invitation to all of you, the children included if you wish, to dine with us before you depart for Hertfordshire. Would tomorrow evening be convenient?"

"Thank you sir, we would be delighted," replied Mrs. Gardiner. At Georgiana's insistence, she promised to bring the children along as well.

The Darcys were pressed to stay for dinner that evening; he was about to politely decline when Elizabeth said, "Please do Mr. Darcy, we should so much like to have you stay." He then accepted with alacrity. Mrs. Gardiner cleverly arranged the seating so Elizabeth and Darcy were across from each other on either side of herself at the end of the table. Both were pleased by this arrangement, though Elizabeth often found it very difficult to meet his eyes when he stared at her so disconcertingly. She could now most definitely see that what she had once taken for contempt was in fact regard, affection, and could it be ... love? Fortunately Susan could not see Darcy's face from where she was sitting, or she might have made a similar observation to the one she had made about Mr. "Bindley". Even without little Susan's discernment, however, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner could definitely tell that Elizabeth felt more for Darcy than she let on in words. Georgiana was also content to see Elizabeth's regard for her brother, and was very pleased with the Gardiners and Maria. She did not often get to speak with girls her own age, and took great delight in being able to do so. For her brother's sake, she made a special effort to be more outgoing in this company, and was rewarded by kind smiles and delightful conversation.

In too short a time for Darcy's liking, the hour grew late and he and Georgiana took their leave with a reminder of their dinner engagement for the following evening. The Gardiners assured them they would be there at 6, and said goodbye. Elizabeth squeezed Georgiana's hand fondly before turning to her brother. "Goodnight Mr. Darcy. Thank you for your kind invitation. I look forward to tomorrow evening." He bowed and took her hand.

"Thank you for your kindness to my sister Miss Bennet. She was somewhat apprehensive before this meeting, for she was afraid you would think ill of her after what happened last summer."

"Oh the poor dear! She is as innocent in that as Mr. Wickham is guilty. I hope I have eased her fears. I like her very much."

"I think she feels much better about it. She was delighted with your young cousins. I am always happy when she gets a chance to have fun." He paused as if to say more, but only added, "We should be going. Good evening Miss Bennet, it is always a pleasure to see you." He raised her hand to his lips and placed a soft, lingering kiss on it. Elizabeth could not contain the sigh that escaped from her lips at this action, and upon hearing it he looked up at her with a look she had not seen before. She would almost call it ... passion! She mustered all her power to match his gaze as he straightened his back again, still holding her hand in his. "Good night Elizabeth," he whispered. With a quick squeeze of her hand, he turned and walked out the door.

Chapter 5

Posted on Saturday, 19 January 2002

Elizabeth watched the door close with her heart beating so quickly that she thought it would leap out of her chest. It seemed like such a simple action; a mere squeeze of her hand. But he had called her Elizabeth, and had looked at her in such a way! She practically floated back to her room, barely mumbling something to her aunt about retiring early. Mrs. Gardiner smiled knowingly and bade her a good night. Elizabeth dreamed vividly that night, and though slightly shocked at the nature of those dreams, she could not help but wake up the next morning feeling quite happy with them.

Darcy's thoughts as he left the Gardiner home were in no less tumultuous a state. She sighed! I am certain she did. But perhaps it was a sigh of frustration, or impatience...perhaps she grew weary of my company. No, it could not be, she seemed so friendly and warm, and smiled at me so brightly; she has never smiled at me that way before. And when I looked up at her, she looked back, right into my eyes, not with disgust or anger, but...I dare not say love, but affection at least, yes, at the very least. Still, was I too forward in calling her Elizabeth? She did not seem to mind, but I also did not give her much time to respond. How shall I behave tomorrow night? Shall I keep my distance, or be more familiar? And if she looks as beautiful as she did tonight, how on earth am I to keep from proposing the instant I see her? Georgiana let a little smile creep onto her lips as she observed her brother, for he was so affected by Miss Bennet that he walked right past their carriage and was about to wander into the street.

Grabbing his arm, she softly said, "Fitzwilliam, I believe this one is ours." He looked down at her as if he had not even remembered that she was there. He shook his head as if to clear his mind, and with a goofy grin, helped his sister into the carriage. The temptation to tease him a little was too great even for sweet, timid Georgiana to resist. "My dear brother, you seem somewhat distracted. What could be bothering you?" she asked innocently.

"Oh, it's nothing, nothing at all," he stammered with embarrassment. "Just, you know, business and whatnot." She feigned a look of concern.

"I understand. Well, I just hope this business that distracts you so does not keep you from properly courting Miss Bennet. I liked her very much." The look of childlike innocence never left her countenance, confusing her brother momentarily before he burst out laughing.

"I see that I cannot fool you Georgiana. You know exactly what has been distracting me don't you?" She only nodded as a giggle slipped past her lips. "Do you really like her?" he added more softly.

"I do Fitzwilliam, I truly do. She was so kind and friendly; I felt as if I had known her all my life. I shall very much like to have her as a sister," she replied earnestly.

"Slow down my dear. I have not yet proposed, and she has not yet accepted me!" Georgiana smiled.

"But you will, and so will she. Now, let us talk about this dinner tomorrow! You must look as handsome as you can for Miss Bennet. I personally think green is most becoming on you, and as for..."

The following evening could not come quickly enough for two certain of London's current residents. Elizabeth could think of nothing but Darcy's adieu the night before, and so proved to be utterly useless around the house the entire day. Her aunt, fortunately, was kind enough to forgive her this distraction. Darcy was barely less affected. He attempted to answer some correspondence that had been building up since his last visit to town, but found that he was beginning all of his letters "Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth," and gave up. He watched Georgiana practice the pianoforte for an hour just to keep from pacing in his bedchamber. At last he felt that it was time to begin preparing himself for dinner and called for his bath. For some reason, Elizabeth chose that exact time to appear in his thoughts, and he pictured her bathing him instead of his valet. The effects of this little daydream made him more than a little uncomfortable to be seen, so he sent his valet away and finished bathing himself. After sitting in the bath until it was cool in order to regain his composure, he called his valet back to dress him.

Alright Darcy, remember what is at stake tonight, he reminded himself as he dressed for dinner. Your entire future happiness depends on how you behave yourself on this one social occasion. This thought did not make him feel much less nervous than before, but it at least reminded to stay alert and not let his daydreams take over. His valet came in carrying several jackets for his master to choose from, holding up first the black one that was so frequently used. Darcy considered for a moment, but after recalling that Georgiana thought he looked best in green, shook his head and said, "No, no, the green one." The valet held it up for approval. "Yes, yes, that'll do," Darcy replied impatiently. He put it on and buttoned it up as his valet attempted to straighten his cravat, but at that moment he heard the bell announcing Elizabeth's arrival. Brushing him off with a, "No, never mind that!" Darcy hurriedly buttoned up the jacket, checked his appearance one last time (his hair was still a bit damp, but no time to correct that now), and rushed out to the entryway to welcome his guests. Georgiana was already there, having been ready for quite some. Darcy was pleased to see his sister doing the job of hostess so well, and especially appreciated her warm reception of Elizabeth with a sisterly hug. As Elizabeth stepped out of this embrace and turned towards him, he strode forward and bowed deeply. "Welcome Miss Bennet, Miss Lucas, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. I am very pleased to see you." Elizabeth could not help but see the twinkle in his eye as she entered the house, but did not quite understand its meaning; he was hoping that this was the last time she would enter this house as a guest instead of as its mistress.

"Good evening sir," she curtseyed deeply, deciding to be playful with him in order not to be tongue-tied. "I am most grateful for your generously bestowed condescension. Your home is absolutely perfect for a man of your station, being not too humble, nor too grand. Pray, what is the cost of the chimney pieces here?" she asked, again using her best impression of Mr. Collins to relax her nerves. His tension was also broken by her remarks, and with a hearty laugh, he led his guests into the parlour. Conversation was kept light and friendly among Darcy, Elizabeth, and the Gardiners while Georgiana and Maria played with the two oldest Gardiner children who had come with their parents. They were called to dinner shortly after, and Darcy let his sister lead their guests into the dining room. He had also let Georgiana arrange the seating, and she had not disappointed him. He was at the head of the table, with Mr. Gardiner to his left and Elizabeth to his right. Georgiana was between Elizabeth and Maria, Mrs. Gardiner across from her, and the children at the end, next to their mother.

Darcy found Mr. Gardiner to be an intelligent and amiable gentleman, fond of country pursuits and quite knowledgeable about them for being a city dweller. He was especially fond of fishing, he said, and this comment provided just the opportunity Darcy was looking for.

"Pemberley, my estate in Derbyshire, has many excellent spots. I have a trout stream and a lake with carp, tench, and pike. The fishing is very productive and has provided me with hours of amusement."

"That sounds delightful sir! I wish I had more opportunities to indulge myself in those pleasures, but unfortunately my business does not allow much time away to get into the country very often."

"Em ... Miss Bennet tells me you will be going away this summer, to the Lakes?"

"That is what we plan for now. I am hoping that we will have time for it, but the closer the time comes, the worse is the outlook. I fear we will not be able to go so far." Perfect! Just what I was wishing to hear! Darcy pretended to look deep in thought, then pretended to have just come upon an idea.

"Mr. Gardiner, may I make a suggestion? Derbyshire is as beautiful a country as the Lakes, actually more so in my opinion, and does not take as much time to tour as the Lake country. It would be an honor if you would be our guests at Pemberley this summer." The eager look on the young man's face showed Mr. Gardiner that this invitation was not a passing courtesy, but earnestly meant.

"Thank you for your kind offer sir. We would not want to impose on your privacy."

"It is no imposition at all!" he responded, a bit too quickly, then a bit more calmly, "I have already invited Mr. Bingley and his sisters to come with us, so it would be nothing at all to add a few more to the party. I do hope you will consider it."

"Oh yes, please do!" chimed in Georgiana.

"You are both very generous. We will discuss it later and let you know." Darcy smiled broadly.

"Thank you Mr. Gardiner, I assure you the pleasure will be mine.. er, ours in receiving you." Elizabeth said not a word during all of this, but made a mental note to tell her uncle that she had always wanted to see Derbyshire, and it would be much more practical to stay at Pemberley than to tour the Lakes. After a bit more discussion about summer plans, Darcy turned to speak to Elizabeth. "You leave for Hertfordshire on Tuesday, Miss Bennet?"

"Yes, Tuesday," she replied, suddenly unable to speak with her usual fluency. There was a pause as both struggled to think of something to say. "Will you be returning to Netherfield before departing for Pemberley?" she inquired at last.

"Our plans are not yet firmly settled. With any luck, my business here will be settled shortly, and we will be able to spend a few weeks there. I hope very much that we might spend some weeks ... at the very least," replied Darcy with a silly-looking grin, suddenly feeling very Bingley-like. He cleared his throat and tried to make his face serious again, but when he looked back at Elizabeth smiling shyly at him, he could not help but soften. His lips curled into a barely-perceptible smile, but his eyes sparkled in such a way as to leave no doubt of his feelings. Then, in a motion he did not even realize he was making, his hand sought hers under the table and gently squeezed her fingertips with his own. Elizabeth blushed and looked intently at her plate, but the sight of her dimples let him know that she was not displeased with his action. He let go almost as quickly to avoid detection, but Elizabeth's approval had heartened him, and he was now determined to declare himself to her at the earliest possible opportunity.

As Mr. Gardiner was the only other gentleman, Darcy decided against separation of the sexes after dinner. Not that I have other motives for wanting to stay with the ladies... They adjourned to the music room, where Darcy immediately pressed Elizabeth to honor them with a song. After a good deal of convincing from the entire party, she agreed to do one by herself only if Georgiana would join her for the second. Georgiana at first demurred, but finally consented if Elizabeth would let her choose the pieces. The first was a sad Mozart aria, which, though her voice was untrained and she fudged and slurred her way through the difficult passages, she executed beautifully. God, she is the most incredible woman I have ever met! thought Darcy. Mmm, I love how her chest rises when she sings ... stop it man! Don't start with those thoughts now! He contented himself with just enjoying the sound of her voice and the sight of his beloved in his home. The duet with Georgiana brought even more delight, for they obviously liked each other very much. Elizabeth brought out the best in Georgiana, and for this Darcy could not help but love her more.

At last, when the hour grew too late for any excuse of staying to be valid, the Gardiners, Maria, and Elizabeth rose to depart. Darcy and Georgiana were effusive in their expressions of delight and gratitude for having joined them, and promised to call the next afternoon before the younger ladies left for the country. The Darcy carriage was to take them back, so they all filed out to get in it. Darcy offered Elizabeth his arm and managed to keep talking with her so as to make her the last out of the house. As she was about to walk out the door, he placed his hand on top of the one in the crook of his arm and turned to her. At first he did not speak, only gazed longingly. She spoke first.

"Thank you for your hospitality Mr. Darcy. It has been a pleasure to become acquainted with your sister and to see you again," she said softly. He gently took her hand from his arm and held it.

"I do not wish to argue with you over the greater part of the pleasure, Miss Bennet, but I think I can venture to say that I have enjoyed these past two evenings more than you can know." She blushed but did not lower her eyes. He raised her hand to his lips and placed on it a tender, lingering kiss, then placed his other hand on top of it and lightly stroked it. Time froze for them as their gaze intensified and the distance between them narrowed without perceptible motion from either party. "Elizabeth," he whispered as he leaned in closer to her face, her beautiful face that at one time had not even tempted him for a dance. That face, in turn, moved slightly upwards, lips parted, as if to meet his. Perhaps he would have kissed her then; perhaps she would have kissed back; but a call from the carriage driver outside disrupted their reverie and he stepped back from her slightly. "I shall see you tomorrow Miss B... Elizabeth," he said, then with a final kiss and squeeze of her hand, he escorted her to the carriage.

Elizabeth's stomach was all-aflutter. His use of her Christian name, not only in the magical romantic moment, but also as he was escorting her outside, made her heart swell as she had never experienced before. He does love me, I know he does! But I must leave for Longbourn in less than two days, and he will remain in town for who knows how long! Oh Mr. Darcy! She spent the entire ride back to Cheapside staring out the window into the darkness of the city and reliving every moment of the evening. How could I ever have thought him cruel and heartless? He is the best man I have ever known. Her multiple sighs of contentment were heard by Mrs. Gardiner, who chose to remain silent until they had more privacy to discuss the events of their visit.

Darcy closed the door behind him and leaned against it with his eyes closed. Her scent still enveloped him, her presence still invaded all his senses. He wandered back to the music room and just stared at the pianoforte, where she had been sitting only two hours before. He did not even realize that Georgiana was in the room until she spoke to him. "Fitzwilliam," she said quietly, touching his arm. He started, then turned to his sister with a grin more likely to be found on Bingley than himself. She smiled back. "Are you happy my dear brother?" He sighed.

"I believe I am very close to being happy Georgie."

"I'm so glad! You have seemed so sad since our father died, and I have worried about you. I am very happy that you and Miss Bennet have found each other." He embraced her tightly.

"Me too my darling sister, me too."

Meanwhile, in Hertfordshire ...

Bingley was the happiest he had ever remembered being. He had been to Longbourn everyday since their arrival in the country, and felt that Jane truly did love him. The idea heartened him greatly, and now he awaited only the opportunity to propose to her to make his life complete. Fortunately for him, Mrs. Bennet was perfectly willing to give him that opportunity, and only Jane's modesty prevented her from actively seeking time alone with him. About two weeks after their arrival, and only a day before they expected Elizabeth, Bingley arrived at Longbourn and proposed a walk to Meryton. Mary was not interested in such amusements, as they would take away from her time reading Fordyce's sermons; the excursion would be far too trying on Mrs. Bennet's nerves; and Mr. Bennet was locked away in his library. However, Lydia and Kitty were always up for an excursion to Meryton where they might see a redcoat, and agreed. The two spirited girls soon outstripped their sister and Bingley, who were more intent on enjoying the lovely weather and each other's company than actually getting to the village. When the younger Miss Bennets were out of earshot but still in sight on the path, Bingley stopped and turned to Jane. He opened his mouth to give her the speech he had written and practiced the whole night before; then she looked at him. Poor Bingley was rendered completely speechless, merely staring at her dreamily with his mouth hanging open. Come man, we are not a codfish! At least close your mouth before you start to drool! he thought, snapping his jaw shut. Jane said nothing, only gave him a questioning look as if to ask 'why did you stop walking?'. She smiled at him so innocently and angelically, the typical silly Bingley grin appeared on his face. With sudden resolve, he took her hand and kissed it fervently.

"Jane, my dear, dear Jane!" he said as she took a sharp breath of anticipation. "Jane, I have loved you for so long, and suffered greatly when I was misled into believing that you did not care for me. I cannot fathom how my life has operated thus far without you in it. Everyday, when I must leave Longbourn, and you, my heart breaks; the next morning you heal it again with one of your smiles, but the night that comes between is unbearable. Please Jane, my beloved, I beg you to relieve my suffering and consent to be my wife!" Speech completed, Bingley stood nervously awaiting her answer. He probably expected her to use words, so he was very surprised, and at first disappointed when he heard a sob. Then he realized that her shoulders were shaking, and she was in fact crying quite violently! Oh no, what have I done? She is so displeased with me that my proposal has disgusted her to this point. She feels obligated to accept me, but knows she will be ruining her own happiness by doing so! Oh Jane, was Caroline right? You really do not love me? His expression was one of utter desolation, and he looked about to cry himself. "I am sorry, Miss Bennet, I did not mean to upset you. I did not realize you were so ill-disposed to hear my proposal. I am very very sorry," he said, pain evident in his voice. Jane's head shot up, her eyes and countenance glowing with obvious joy, but now tainted with concern over his misinterpretation of her reaction.

"Oh no, Mr. Bingley! I fear you misunderstand me; I am not upset, or ill-disposed to your proposals. In fact, I am quite the opposite. I accept your proposal with great joy Mr. Bingley!" Her radiant smile reassured him, and his returned full force as he impulsively picked her up in his arms and swung her around. After setting her back on the ground with a bit of embarrassment, his brow furrowed slightly again.

"But then ... why did you weep?"

"I'm not entirely sure ... I suppose it was a release of all the emotions I have felt since I met you. I have loved you, I believe, from our first meeting at the Meryton Assembly; I believed that you loved me too, then suddenly you left Netherfield without another word." He winced at this reminder of his stupidity. How could I have let them talk me into leaving her? I have caused her so much pain, she who I wish to protect from the slightest harm; I have wounded her more than anyone else could have done. Stupid, stupid Bingley! She paused, also hurting over the memory. "I was heartbroken for months, and though I tried not to show it, I know that everyone knew, and I felt all the worse for being a bother to my dear family." A bother indeed! I am quite certain that she could never bother anyone! How undeserving I am of this angel!
"Lizzy suggested I go to London for a change of scene and society, and at first I was glad to have gone. My aunt and uncle are very kind, and my cousins are such dear children. Then I visited Miss Bingley, and she returned my call three weeks later." Bingley's fist clenched at this mention of his sister's rudeness. Three weeks??? That is hardly a timely visit Caroline! "When she told me that you were too busy to see me, I felt that I would die. I was convinced that you no longer cared for me, and I desperately wished to know what I had done to cause such censure." Censure? I believe WORSHIP is the word I would use to describe how I have always felt about you my darling!

"Then," she smiled broadly, "then you came to call on me at Gracechurch Street. I was so overcome with the joy of seeing you, but also afraid because I thought that our feelings were unequal. You have shown me how wrong I was to doubt you, and I apologize if I have ever made you feel as if I did not love you in return." No my love, you have always shown me; I just felt too undeserving to believe it could be true. "Since that day, everyday spent with you has been the happiest of my life. You have made me cherish every moment, and though I did not wish to have my hopes crushed once more, I did regain my hope that you did, and do love me as dearly as I love you!" she concluded, bursting into tears of joy once more.

Bingley was overcome. How deeply she had suffered because of him! But he vowed to make it up to her, in any way she wished, and give her ten joyful days for each day she had been in sorrow. He embraced her again, holding her tightly and whispering how much he loved her and how very sorry he was for ever having hurt her. She put a finger to his lips.

"Dwell on it no more sir. I think it best to follow Lizzy's philosophy: think only on the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure." Her warm gaze penetrated to his very soul, and without another thought, he bent down and ardently kissed her lips. They remained in this compromising position until they heard the voices of Kitty and Lydia returning down the path in search of them. Hastily separating, he offered her his arm and continued their walk.

"Jane! Mr. Bingley! Look who we have found! And he is going back to Longbourn with us for tea!" cried Lydia in her usual manner. Jane smiled pleasantly at the officer walking beside the girls.

"Hello Mr. Wickham." He bowed graciously.

"I was on my way to Longbourn to enquire after Miss Elizabeth. Has she returned yet from her travels?"

"No, but we expect her here tomorrow sir."

"I see; I understood she was to return on Saturday.

"She was, but decided to spend a few days in town with our aunt."

"Ah! Does she often visit London?"

"On occasion."

"I am sure she thrives in any environment. I hope she enjoyed her stay in Kent."

"She seems to have enjoyed it very much," Jane replied guardedly, thinking it slightly improper for Mr. Wickham to be talking so much about Elizabeth. "But you can ask her about it tomorrow sir, for she will be back in the afternoon." He smiled, but made no reply. They all walked back to Longbourn in high spirits, Jane and Bingley for obvious reasons, Lydia and Kitty to be taking home a handsome redcoat, and Wickham for discovering that Elizabeth would be back soon.

Back in London...

Fortunately for Elizabeth, preparing to leave for Hertfordshire passed a good part of the following morning and kept her too busy to merely lie on her bed and daydream about Darcy nearly kissing her. Besides, she thought, I shall see him this afternoon. Mmm, this afternoon... Mr. Darcy... and the gowns she was folding were forgotten momentarily as she stared into space. Slowly but surely, she finally finished all her packing and set about primping herself for her visitor. By the time he arrived, she was ready to greet him, corset tied, hair shining, cheeks pinched to a perfect pink hue. Not that I needed to...I'm sure my cheeks will be pink of their own accord! She was correct. No sooner had the Darcy siblings walked in the door than she felt the color rise to her face. When he rose from his bow, his first glance was at her, and they made brief but meaningful eye contact. Mrs. Gardiner directed them to the parlour where they could sit and chat.

"Thank you for your hospitality Mrs. Gardiner. However, we do not intend to stay long in order to allow your niece and Miss Lucas to prepare for their journey," Darcy began.

"Do not worry about that sir!" Elizabeth cried out a bit too eagerly. "We have already prepared our trunks as much as we can today, so you do not have to quit us so soon on our account." He thought he would melt with the smile she flashed at him.

"Yes, sir, we insist that you both stay for dinner if you are able," added Mrs. Gardiner. Darcy beamed and was about to speak when Georgiana answered for him.

"Thank you Mrs. Gardiner, we would be happy to accept you." She smiled shyly at her brother, who smiled back in approval and added his consent to the plan. Another evening spent with Elizabeth! I could think of worse fates, he joked to himself. As he predicted, it turned out to be yet another delightful night. Georgiana had asked Elizabeth and Maria to correspond with her, and both had accepted happily. Of course Darcy was heartened by this, for then he could at least see Elizabeth's handwriting and find out what she was doing until he could return to Netherfield, which he hoped to do shortly. Again he sat opposite Elizabeth, staring at her openly when he was not looking at his plate. She could not quite meet his gaze most of the time, because a disquieting thought had entered her mind: they were to be separated for an unknown time, and his goodbye had grown more affectionate since their friendship began. How would he take his leave of her tonight? The thought of what might happen made her weak in the knees and she was afraid that if she looked at him, he would see that the desire visible in her eyes was as strong as his own. Her questions were answered soon enough after dinner; when Maria expressed a desire to go to bed early, Darcy and Georgiana immediately decided to leave so the ladies could retire. The Gardiners said goodnight and thanked their guests, then discretely left the room to allow their niece a few minutes of privacy. Georgiana hugged Elizabeth tightly and reminded her of her promise to write, then stepped out into the waiting carriage. Darcy stood in the doorway and turned to Elizabeth with a fire in his eyes she had seen before.

"I am glad you will be corresponding with my sister. I hope you will allow me to send my greetings through her until I can bring them to you myself."

"The pleasure is mine sir. Your sister reminds me very much of Jane, so befriending her was the most natural thing in the world," Elizabeth replied. If he had been asked to repeat what she said, he probably would not have been able to. He was far too intent on staring at her lips and thinking how desperately he wanted to press his own against them.

"Thank you," was all he was able think of to say as he lost himself in her dark eyes. "I shall miss you very much," he said after a pause, not entirely realizing that he had said it aloud.

"I shall miss you too Mr. Darcy," she whispered. He took her hand and intertwined his fingers with hers. Her breathing grew quick and shallow, her heart beating faster as he stepped closer. She knew it was improper to be encouraging such closeness, but she really felt no ability or desire to stop him. She also knew is that he was getting closer and closer. Soon he was softly stroking her cheek with his fingertips.

"Elizabeth," he whispered.

"Yes sir?" she breathed in reply. His hand cupped her cheek.

"May I have your permission to formally court you?"

"Do you need my permission?" she teased, trying to cool the flames in her heart. He smiled.

"I suppose not...but I should like to know I have it all the same," he replied, leaning in still closer.

"Then ... I suppose ... you should ... go ... to it?" she replied, attempting to be playful, but breathing was becoming more difficult with each word. An eternity passed in which they were so close, each one could feel the other's breath; then in one moment, one slow, decided action, Darcy closed the gap. The first touch of his lips sent such sensations running through her as she had never imagined. She kissed him back timidly at first, but as his ardour increased, so did hers. He could hardly believe that Elizabeth was finally in his arms. He never wanted to stop kissing her; he wished for time to simply freeze so he could kiss her forever. After many long moments in this passionate embrace, Darcy pulled back for breath as much as to keep himself from taking too many liberties in his current state of discomposure. When Elizabeth leaned against his chest, he put his arms around her and just held her, planting soft kisses in her hair. "Oh Mr. Darcy," she whispered, barely audibly. Knowing his resolve wouldn't last much longer, he increased the space between them slightly more.

"I'm afraid you will think me terribly rude Miss Bennet. I asked permission to court you, not kiss you, and yet look what I did. I hope I have not... inconvenienced you with my ungentlemanlike behavior," he half-joked, looking at her with a hint of trepidation.

"I certainly did nothing to stop you did I sir?" she replied softly. "You are hardly more to blame than I am." He relaxed a bit.

"Than you do not rescind your permission?" She smiled widely.

"No sir, I do not." His face glowed with indescribable joy.

"Then I shall take advantage of your kindness once more," he said, swept her into his arms, and gave her another strong, passionate kiss. She laughed when he let go and hugged him tightly. "Have a good trip tomorrow Elizabeth. I will come to call on you in Hertfordshire as soon as I am able, I promise you." He kissed her hand tenderly and began to walk away. Just before he let go of her hand, he turned back to her and said, "Good night my dearest Elizabeth."

Elizabeth could only softly reply, "Good night my love."

Continued In Next Section