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Chapter Twenty- One: Darcy to the Rescue

Posted on Sunday, 24 March 2002

Silence descended.

Elizabeth was standing in shock looking at Lady Catherine as those words left her mouth.

Elizabeth's wide eyes showed to Anne that Elizabeth had never contemplated such an idea. Anne had felt almost sick at her mother's declaration, not only because her mother was showing ill-breeding, but because Anne had come to the realisation that no one should marry Richard but herself. Anne was never one to give in to selfishness, but the wave of jealousy that arose at the thought of Elizabeth and the Colonel being engaged was hard to overcome. But this confirmation from Elizabeth was reassuring, and Anne was desperately trying to think of someway to divert her mother's attention and turn the conversation around.

Lady Catherine stood, her arms folded, her legs apart, staring hard at Elizabeth Bennet. She had demanded an answer, and would get it. NOW!

"Lady Catherine," Elizabeth started bravely, "I did not realise that it was intended that I should marry Colonel Fitzwilliam." Elizabeth refused to give in to her Ladyship. Just because she was not engaged to him, nor wished to be, did not mean that Elizabeth was going to placate Lady Catherine. Elizabeth was not one to back down from a fight, and she certainly disliked officious people meddling in her affairs.

Anne almost cringed at the words. She knew that Elizabeth was not going to give in, but almost wished that she would. One look at the quickly turning purple face of her mother showed her that Lady Catherine was just not having a good day.

"Miss Bennet, do you know who I am? I am not accustomed to being put off. Colonel Fitzwilliam is a very close relation and I am entitled to know his concerns."

"But you are not entitled to know mine, and such behaviour as this will not induce me to be explicit."

"Tell me once and for all, are you engaged to him?"

Elizabeth paused. She could not avoid answering. "I am not."

Lady Catherine was quite relieved that she had acted quickly enough. "And will you promise me never to become engaged to him?" she repeated.

Darcy finally made it to her Aunt's side, distracting her for a moment.

"Ah Darcy, perhaps you can help me. Miss Bennet has been contriving to make Colonel Fitzwilliam forget himself, forget what he owes his family! In fact to engage herself to him. Is this not shocking?"

Elizabeth dared to look up at Darcy to see his reaction. He saw the challenge, and smiled gently at Elizabeth. This was the chance to redeem himself in her eyes.

"I do not find it shocking Aunt, if he is in love with her, what other reason should there be?"

Elizabeth was flabbergasted, and stopped thinking for a full minute in surprise. Lady Catherine did not suffer such a malady.

"Darcy! How can you say such nonsense! Richard Fitzwilliam, though only a second son, is from a very illustrious family! Why, there was a Lord and Lady Fitzwilliam who were cousins to Queen Anne! Miss Bennet it a country bumpkin! A woman without fortune, family or breeding. Their union would be a disgrace. Our family would disown him and you, Miss Bennet, would never be acknowledged by us, would she, Darcy?" His Aunt looked imperially at him.

Darcy flinched at what his Aunt was saying. Had he really sounded that snobbish? 'No wonder Elizabeth hated me! Luckily for me, I have learnt my lesson, and have the opportunity of showing you the real me. The person who would support his cousin no matter what he did.' Luckily for Darcy, he knew that Richard did not have intentions towards his beloved (although she might be quite inclined to marrying him- this was a bad thought), otherwise he may have had a different answer. Instead, he stated calmly that he could "see no reason why a marriage between Richard and Miss Bennet would be so undesirable. He is a gentleman, she is a gentleman's daughter- they are equal."

Lady Catherine, for the second time that day, nearly had a fit of apoplexy. "But who are her mother's relations?" she raged. "My brother having to consort with a woman with connections in trade! To shame the walls of Matlock Manor! Is this to be endured? It shall not be."

Elizabeth, although astonished by (and thankful to) Darcy, was not insensible of the ugly comments being directed at her, and her family. Elizabeth was slowly losing her temper, and another person would soon feel the full force of her sharp tongue. Very soon, indeed.

But Darcy beat her to it. "If these considerations are of no concern to Richard why should they be any concern of yours Aunt Catherine. I really think you take too much upon yourself in declaring that the family would think poorly of Miss Bennet. I would not be ashamed to have her as a cousin-in-law ('But would infinitely prefer a much more intimate association.'), and Uncle and Aunt Fitzwilliam would find Eliz... (*cough*) Miss Bennet charming."

Lady Catherine was beset on all sides. To think that a nephew of hers would be so opinionated, especially when those opinions were quite vulgar! Lady Catherine had not had a very good day, going from the shock and outrage at finding out this scandalous proposal, to being yelled at and threatened by Mr. Bingley, and now to have Miss Bennet's impertinence and Darcy's approbation for the entire affair! She could not bear it all, and so retreated before she fainted from the strain. 'So Miss Bennet, you think you have won this round, but you have not. This old Lady still has a few tricks up her sleeve!'

So Lady Catherine fled the battlefield, leaving a relieved, but pleased Darcy, an astonished Anne and Elizabeth who was torn between hugging Mr. Darcy from sheer delight at his responses to throwing herself at his feet, begging forgiveness forever thinking badly of him.

Chapter Twenty-Two: I am Most Seriously Displeased!

Posted on Sunday, 24 March 2002

The three stood silently for a while after the exit of Lady Catherine. Elizabeth was having a hard time assimilating all that had happened, Mr. Darcy's behaviour most of all. Darcy was trying to gauge Elizabeth's feelings, and because she was confused, Darcy was confused. Had he said the wrong thing? Did Elizabeth love Colonel Fitzwilliam- was she prepared to marry him? Does she hate him for his interference, again?

Anne broke the silence first. Although she knew that Elizabeth did not feel strongly for the Colonel, she had no way of knowing that Richard did not love her in return. He had always been so affable in his attentions to her, and contrasting this with his behaviour towards herself, Anne was miserable. What Anne and Darcy did not realise was that they both could have answered each other's worries. But of course they did not discuss any of this.

"I am exceedingly sorry for my Mother's behaviour to you Elizabeth, it was unkind and unjust. Your feelings are your own and you should not have to submit them to the officious and prying nature of an acquaintance."

Darcy started at this proclamation. He did not fail to notice that Anne was using Elizabeth's Christian name, but this was not the most surprising news - the fact that Anne dared to suggest that her mother had acted wrongly and unjustly was astounding. Darcy looked with newfound respect at his cousin. 'Perhaps she had a character of her own, and the will to use her own mind instead of her mothers.' Darcy was further ashamed of himself. Here was someone else that he had misjudged so badly. He had passed Anne off as his cousin, one whom he had no desire to marry and someone who sat passively in view of her Mother's condescending ways.

Lizzy looked up in gratitude to Anne. Clasping both Anne's hands in her own, she squeezed them gently and prayed that someone should protect Anne from her Mother.

"Thank you dear Anne, I did not mean to be impertinent to her Ladyship, but I always over react when people try to force opinions onto others (this with a slightly abashed look at Mr. Darcy). I just do not understand how she could have come up with that view, do you Anne?"

Anne smiled at Lizzy, "You were perfectly justified in refusing your confidence with Mother. I do not know where she received such an impression, I certainly did not tell her, or think that such an instance was likely." Anne blushed in discomfit at this, the only reason for her lack of knowledge was that she tried not to think of Richard's marriage.

"I must go in now however Elizabeth, I am feeling slightly tired." Kissing her on the cheek, Anne moved away, nodding to Darcy.

Elizabeth smiled sadly as Anne's slight form was lost when entering the house. Suddenly realising that she was not quite alone yet, Lizzy darted a look at Mr. Darcy.

Their eyes held, and they unconsciously moved closer.

Inside the house, Lady Catherine was in high dudgeon. She had rebuked any servants she met in whilst going directly to her rooms (she later on heard from the housekeeper that a few servants had left to find positions elsewhere). Opening her door with a loud bang, she closed it with an even louder one.

The Lady felt an overwhelming anger to lash out at something and her pillow (I should say one of her many pillows) felt the brunt of it. Dropping the now, featherless pillow to the floor, she still felt angry. A look at the mess on the floor however prevented her from picking one of the other pillows. Hearing a noise outside, Lady Catherine looked down from her window. Mr. Bingley was seen to be directing a few servants in loading his luggage onto Darcy's carriage. At least this was one person she would never have to see again!

Out of sight was not out of mind to Lady Catherine however, and she still persisted in the idea that Mr. Bingley would be made to marry Elizabeth Bennet. She knew that neither Mr. Bingley or Miss Bennet could be prevailed upon, and to mention any of this to Colonel Fitzwilliam was out of the question, what would happen if this would spur him into asking for her hand quicker? The idea that Colonel Fitzwilliam would not ask for Miss Bennet's hand had never occurred to her. Lady Catherine was not known for her intelligence, but rather persistence. Once she took hold of an idea, she kept it, and she made sure that everyone around her understood her position and accepted it as well. Unfortunately that did not happen with Darcy today. Darcy had started spouting some very silly ideas about marrying for love and showed a particular disregard for rank and fortune. To imagine that Miss Bennet was the equal of Colonel Fitzwilliam was outrageous! This did not give hope to Lady Catherine. If Darcy could defy her in this, he could also defy her when she came to pressure him into marrying Anne later on in the year (she had already planned a winter wedding).

It was only then that Lady Catherine remembered that Anne was walking with Elizabeth Bennet! 'Elizabeth Bennet being near my Anne is positively shocking! How could Anne let herself walk outside, let alone with such company!' Lady Catherine's eyes narrowed. What had Anne been doing outside with her? Anne should have been inside resting herself. She was not a healthy girl, truth be known, Lady Catherine had encouraged the idea that Anne was ill since it would make her more pliable. 'And I was correct (as usual) in my estimation, Elizabeth Bennet is the perfect of example of too much health ruins your sense and sensibilities. She is a very good sort of walker, and yet is deficient in the proper respect for someone of my situation. She is unfeeling as to rank and fortune, and is capable of pronouncing the most decided opinions on topics that have been decided long ago by people of sense and education.'

Now all she had to do was to decide the best course of action in uniting Mr. Bingley with Elizabeth Bennet. She must act quickly, but she needed assistance from acquaintances in London.

'Who better than Richard's own parents? My brother would surely be as alarmed as I at the thought of such a connection, and I will make them see how Mr. Bingley is the best sort of person to remove this problem.'

Smiling smugly at the thought, Lady Catherine penned a letter to her brother, the Earl of Matlock. When it was finished, she rang for the butler and gave him strict instructions to ensure this would be received the day after tomorrow.

Chapter Twenty- Three: Apologies and Revelations

Posted on Sunday, 24 March 2002

Darcy and Lizzy were standing within arms distance of each other. Elizabeth had her head bent down, and Darcy desperately wanted to extend a hand and draw her chin up so he could read her expressive eyes.

"Miss Bennet, please allow me to also express my regrets that you were subjected to my Aunt's unreasonable anger."

Lizzy shook her head, denying he had any part to blame, but Darcy did not let her speak.

"I must also apologise for my own atrocious behaviour towards you. Not only this morning (both flushed uncomfortably) but for my haughty behaviour to you, your family, and I dare say the entire neighbourhood whilst in Hertfordshire!"

A hint of a smile played around Lizzy's mouth at this reflection.

"Not the entire neighbourhood sir, I imagine Miss Bingley found nothing in your manners to fault."

Darcy produced one of his rare smiles, "Indeed, Miss Bennet, you could not censure me more!"

Lizzy laughed, easing the tension somewhat, allowing Darcy to go back to the topic at hand.

"Let me express again, how wrong it was of my Aunt to belittle you and express opinions that would injure you or your family. As to your suitability, I believe that any gentleman would feel an honour and a privilege to marry a woman of great beauty and intelligence."

Elizabeth was blushing furiously at this praise. There was something in the way Mr. Darcy smiled and looked at her when he said it that caused her to believe he was not necessarily still talking about his cousin by the end of the sentence.

Swallowing a little uneasily, Lizzy assured Mr. Darcy that she was equally to blame in the guilt of this morning's conversation and that he did not need to apologise on behalf of his Aunt.

"I am afraid I reacted quite quickly and did not let you speak after your confession. I soon after realised that it must have cost you a lot to tell me of your... interference with Mr. Bingley and Jane. You did not have to do so, and yet you felt you should. I do not know why, but I thank you for your honesty, even if I still disagree with what you did."

"Miss Bennet, please let me tell you that Bingley and I had a... err... quite a discussion on that very topic. Bingley became quite incensed and thanked me for my intentions but was desirous of acting on his own judgment in this matter." Darcy grimaced slightly in remembrance of Bingley's ending words 'You are a true nephew to the exalted Lady Catherine, and a perfect suitor for my sister Caroline.'

Elizabeth was slightly curious about such a conversation between the two. She could not imagine Mr. Darcy being embarrassed from anything, let alone being spoken harshly to by Mr. Bingley! A small smile played around her lips as she imagined Mr. Bingley standing up to the taller Mr. Darcy.

"I never meant to hurt you with my words, nor my opinions." Darcy continued. "I am now heartily ashamed of my abominable behaviour to you, and believe me Miss Bennet, I was not brought up in that way, and usually do not act that way amongst strangers. I was always aware of my station in life, but was taught by my mother especially to be kind to those in my care and beneath me. I realise that my own preference for small, intimate social gatherings sometimes makes me uncomfortable and ill-at-ease when there are many people. I cannot, however use my reserve to justify my behaviour and must confess that there were other reasons that coloured my perceptions when coming between Bingley and your sister." Darcy stopped here, realising that the reason was standing before him.

Elizabeth was trying to drown her curiosity about Bingley, and more importantly what other reason Mr. Darcy may have had for separating them. She tried not to come to a bad conclusion about Mr. Darcy and his reasons, but after hating, no disliking, the man for such a long time, Lizzy was having a hard time.

Darcy must have seen how it was with her, and quickly reassured her that it had nothing to do with material considerations or even Hertfordshire society in general, but instead "it was of a much more personal nature- something that I was afraid of happening as a result of Bingley's marriage. I was afraid..." here Darcy stopped, knowing that he could not continue.

Elizabeth looked in concern to Darcy, she read longing and pain in that gaze and could not help but feel compassion for the lonely Mr. Darcy. She had never thought of how alone someone in such an 'exalted' situation must be. Certainly, Mr. Darcy would have a large acquaintance, but if he was constantly courted by people like Caroline Bingley, whom even Elizabeth had seen Darcy did not care for, it must be lonely without true friendship.

Unconsciously, in response to his need for understanding without prying, Lizzy, in an action that mirrored the morning, laid her hand gently on his arm in reassurance.

"Mr. Darcy," Lizzy bravely looked into his dark eyes, "you do not need to go into any details. We ... I ... judged you on the basis of one meeting and exchange. My pride was hurt when you did not deign to dance with a stranger (he flinched at this reminder of his cutting words at the Assembly) and although I seemed to shake it off, and thought myself uncommonly unaffected by it, I realise now that I was not." Lowering her eyes, Lizzy confessed that she helped spread the ill opinion of him by confiding in her mother that she had been slighted. "You know too much of my mother's ... frankness ... to believe her capable of blackening your character to all our neighbours. You only seemed to have a friend in Jane, Charlotte, and to a lesser extent my father who did not care enough to form an opinion other than that you were a diverting pastime."

Darcy would not have Miss Bennet accuse herself of any wrongdoing, and so for the next five minutes, the conversation resembled a Mr. Collin's speech, each person trying to out-compliment the other whilst expressing their own culpability in the event.

Of course, after said five minutes, the realisation of their current behaviour reduced each to laughter.

"I believe, sir, we should come to some sort of truce. I will forgive you, if you will forgive me, and we shall each try to be a little more understanding, and less quick to judge the other. Indeed, I have already forgotten the event (this is the last time I shall refer to it), since it is my philosophy to only remember events that give pleasure."

Smiling warmly at Elizabeth (and she did feel warm from it), Darcy agreed, although saying that he "could not always remember some events so, but I will try for your sake."

Not wishing to continue standing in exactly the same spot, Darcy placed Lizzy's hand (which had remained on his arm) in the crook of his proffered elbow and led her throughout the manicured gardens. If he had known whilst staring out the window that he would so soon get his wish, he would not have spent so much time gazing down at her, but would have come outside quicker.

Elizabeth, thankful that she had apologised and restored some sort of friendship with Mr. Darcy (although why she wished to be friends with him, she did not look into), she felt that she should not allow him to continue to think that she was desirous of a marriage with his cousin (again she did not look too deeply into her reasons for this either).

"Mr. Darcy, please understand that I never intentionally sought Colonel Fitzwilliam's attentions, especially not a marriage to him."

Stopping and regarding Elizabeth, Darcy gently told her that she need not confide in him, that she did not have to justify herself to him, since he knew that she was above the common mercenary approach to finding oneself a husband.

"Indeed, you are right Mr. Darcy, I have always, from my earliest understandings of my parent's marriage (both grimaced slightly here), desired that I only marry for the deepest of love. A marriage where either partner could not love and respect the other, where equality of mind, temperament and affection were not considered foremost would never tempt me. As to marriage to Colonel Fitzwilliam, I am sorry to say I had never considered it. I do not think that he and I would match- perhaps we are too much alike. Either way, I believe your Aunt's concern (however officious) to be wholly without foundation. I cannot speak on behalf of the gentleman, but even if he was to offer, I could not accept."

Darcy's relief and exhilaration knew no bounds! He was forever astonished by her- such a woman, such knowledge and wisdom! He was however slightly concerned, for if the Colonel, with all his laughter and ease, could not secure her affections, what chance had he? He was determined to try and win her however, and so paid even closer attention to what she was saying.

"I confess I was flattered by him, he has such ease with strangers, and reminded me very much of another officer I had met recently." Elizabeth did not realise what she was implying here. In fact, she could not understand why it felt so natural to confide in this man. To believe that she would ever feel comfortable in his presence was something that the Elizabeth Bennet of a month ago would have scoffed at.

Meanwhile alarm bells were ringing in Darcy's mind. 'She must be referring to Wickham! Richard warned me that he had duped her. And I am determined to continue in my resolution to lay before her his real character, no matter the cost to myself.'

And so, with a "Miss Bennet, pray let me relate to you some particulars regarding that officer, Mr. Wickham", Darcy related his entire relationship with Mr. Wickham (but I shan't sport with you by repeating it).

Elizabeth, coloured, doubted and finally humbly accepted the truth of Mr. Darcy's words. They confirmed her newfound doubts about Mr. Wickham's character and the information hinted at by Colonel Fitzwilliam. Until this moment she had never known herself. She had never realised how thoroughly prejudiced she had been because her vanity had been wounded. Mortification made her cheeks blush as she recounted all her saucy speeches to Mr. Darcy, especially accusing him of vanity and pride. For the second time today, she was tempted to throw herself at his feet and beg forgiveness.

Darcy had seen the emotions flitting across Elizabeth's face and understood some of the turmoil she must be going through. It had been hard for Georgiana to accept that the man she had thought fondly of (even to the point of being convinced of loving) was so ruthless. He did not blame Elizabeth for her misconceptions, he could not blame her for anything, and he knew that his own behaviour had made it easier for her to believe Wickham's lies. Satisfied that he had humbled himself by her, that she possessed the truth, Darcy knew that she would need some time alone to digest the news.

Resisting the urge to do more, he gently reached for her hand, raised it to his lips, and stated his intentions to depart.

Elizabeth, not insensible to the sensations and feelings aroused by this kind act, thanked him for his understanding, and gave him every assurance of her secrecy and thanked him for revealing Mr. Wickham's nature to her.

Hope filled Darcy as he slowly walked back to Rosings.

Chapter Twenty- Four: Elizabeth talks to Colonel Fitzwilliam

Posted on Sunday, 24 March 2002

Elizabeth stood staring at Darcy's slowly diminishing back. She cursed her stupidity, her gullibility. 'After accusing Mr. Darcy of vanity and pride, how humbling it is to realise how I have misjudged him! How I have misjudged myself, I who prided myself on my perception, my judgment. Papa saw through Wickham, Charlotte did not trust him- the two people who I regarded as equals in their analysing capacities- and I did not. Why? Because he flattered me. I even thought myself in love with him at one stage! Silly, thoughtless girl! How Wickham must have been laughing at me! How he must have congratulated himself on another conquest and another wound to poor Mr. Darcy. Wickham turned Mr. Darcy's character from proud to unchristian and despicable. Mr. Darcy...' Lizzy sighed, and started for a walk around the grounds. 'Mr. Darcy who apologised for his Aunts behaviour, who was so kind to me when relating this news. He did not gloat in his knowledge that I was so foolish. Instead he was the perfect gentleman, withdrawing when he knew I needed time to think.' Elizabeth bitterly regretted her previous ill opinion of him. She forgave him his interference with Bingley and Jane. She was humbled by his own humility in relating such personal news, especially regards his sister. 'The poor girl! Poor Miss Darcy, to be so trusting and new to the world, and to be deceived. She must suffer so much. And Mr. Darcy would be there to comfort her and to protect her.' Lizzy contrasted this compassion with her father's own derision at his wife and daughters when they were silly. She realised that Mr. Darcy was somewhat justified in his views (although never to express them or to judge others by them) as regards her family.

'Stop thinking about him Lizzy! It will do no good.' Mr. Darcy had by now disappeared into the house. Turning aimlessly around, she sighed loudly.

"My dear Miss Bennet, how long has the world to last before Armageddon?"

Elizabeth spun around and looked curiously at Colonel Fitzwilliam. Seeing her expression he laughed, and said that such a deep sigh would have to signal the End approaching.

Smiling a little self-consciously at the Colonel (was he aware of his Aunt's opinion?), she curtseyed a greeting.

"How are you today Miss Bennet? You are looking a little wan, perhaps you have been walking too much today? I have just been making a tour of the park as I generally do around this time of year and have been away from the house for the last few hours."

Sighing in relief, she did not want to discuss her supposed attachment to the Colonel with the Colonel. Not at this moment, when she did not wish to hear whether Colonel Fitzwilliam was desiring a match between himself and her.

"No, indeed Colonel, thank you for your concern. I was walking out with Anne (the Colonel's eyes lit up a bit at this news), but she had to go in after her mother joined us. Mr. Darcy has just left me as well."

"Indeed, so you are left quite alone Miss Bennet! I am sorry to intrude upon your solitude, if you are desirous of remaining such just give me a sign, and I shall depart." He bowed gallantly.

Elizabeth could not help but laugh at the Colonel. A quick reflection sobered her however.

As the smile slipped off her face, the Colonel grew concerned. Had Darcy somehow managed to make matters worse?

"Miss Bennet, I hope that my cousin has not given you any reason for concern. He told me of his meeting with you this morning and how much he regretted incurring your displeasure."

Elizabeth winced slightly. "No Colonel, you must not worry, Mr. Darcy and I have forgiven each other over this morning's disagreement. He has, however told me of Mr. Wickham." Elizabeth sighed again in remembrance and stared down at the ground.

"Indeed!" whistled the Colonel. "I had hoped that he would. The information was of too personal a nature for me to reveal to you. I believed that it was only in Darcy's power to relate to you, and I am heartily glad that he did do so. I was worried about your believing such a man as Wickham."

"Yes, I was very naïve in doing so. I have always prided myself on discernment and to be deceived so badly by him does not reflect well on my judgment. But I shall take this as a lesson to always think before judging people again. I judged Mr. Darcy so wrongly, I am sure he had to put up with so many slighting comments, especially from me!"

"My dear Miss Bennet (she grew a bit alarmed at this endearment), do not worry about Darcy, he has always had to deal with envy and hostility. Usually it does not concern him, but since he had such a personal interest in the opinions of some of the people in Hertfordshire, I believe he felt it slightly more than usual."

Elizabeth's eyes widened at this thought. 'Who was Mr. Darcy personally interested in?' Elizabeth was very desirous to know!

'Good one Colonel! Put your foot in it again! She doesn't realise that it is her that I (and Darcy) are referring to! Now all I need is Miss Bennet to take it the wrong way and then I shall be the one acting officiously!'

"Yes, well, I am glad that he told you. But you should not blame yourself; Darcy is a grown man and must take responsibility for his actions. Hopefully when you return home, you could quietly turn people's opinions from being in favour of Wickham to looking kindly on Darcy."

"Yes, thank you Colonel Fitzwilliam. I shall try to remove Hertfordshire's ill opinion of him. It should not be too hard to do, all I shall have to repeat is ten thousand pounds a year, perhaps more, and they will soon be swayed."

They both laughed at this. 'Little do they know how much that perhaps more is!' Colonel Fitzwilliam thought. He knew the extent of the Darcy estate and how much extra work Darcy had put into it after his parent's deaths so as to give himself some occupation during his hardship. The Colonel knew how much the funds had flourished under Darce's careful scrutiny and attention to detail. He was willing to bet that it was closer to thirteen or fourteen thousand pounds per annum, perhaps more.

"Poor Darcy, he has suffered so much since his father's death and being motherless at such an early age he has only had my mother and Lady Catherine as female companionship. Lady Catherine is quite attentive, but not in the way that one would wish an Aunt to be. My mother is quite fond of Darcy and has been quite concerned with him lately, but she has my brother and I to worry about. She tries to take Georgie in occasionally to let Darce enjoy society, but that time without parents when he was working himself very hard has molded his current character more than he would like to admit. He had just finally come out into society more, for Georgiana's sake rather than his own I think, when the episode with Wickham occurred. It seemed to prove to him how much society could not be trusted and he started distancing himself from society more and more. When Bingley invited Darcy to come look over an estate, I helped to convince him to go (we took in Georgiana, I knew she would appreciate a bit of time with my mother). Darcy I think decided in favour finally at the idea that he could perhaps put society out of his mind and throw himself into his work (I should say Bingley's work) again."

Elizabeth continued to listen to the Colonel as he presented a very solitary man, and her heart melted with compassion for him. He truly had excelled, according to the Colonel, in raising Georgiana with as much love as a parent could give. To have such responsibility, to have endured so much heartache, she realised that he was a great man indeed. One of the very best men she had known. As much as she loved her father, and had always considered him to be loving and kind, she knew how selfish he was in giving his love to others. Mr. Bennet showed a conditional love, one that may be withdrawn at the first sign of slipping into stupidity. Here was Mr. Darcy who unconditionally loved his sister, even though she showed lack of judgment. Would her father be ever able to succeed quite so well with an attempted elopement if it had happened to one of her younger sisters?

Rearing of children was such a responsibility, she realised. It required much selflessness and understanding, and above all, love. Mr. Bennet proved himself lacking, Mr. Darcy would perhaps make the model father. Blushing slightly at the thought, Elizabeth remembered another lady who lacked a father, and for all intents and purposes a loving mother as well.

Elizabeth had wanted to talk to Mr. Darcy about Anne, knowing that he must have some interest in his cousin. Now however, she did not enjoy the notion of Mr. Darcy becoming interested in Anne. 'That is a very selfish thought Elizabeth Bennet! Poor Anne would benefit so much from a marriage, if only to remover herself from her mother's irksome society!' 'But she does not wish to marry Mr. Darcy!' Another part of her brain whispered. That gave some relief.

Wrenching her thoughts from Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth decided that Colonel Fitzwilliam, also being a cousin, and remembering his marked attentions last night, would perhaps be a good person to talk to.

"Loving parents are most important Colonel Fitzwilliam, which is why I am worried about Anne."

Richard looked up at Elizabeth in surprise. Remembering that she had mentioned that they had walked today in the gardens for sometime, he was curious as to Elizabeth's opinions of his cousin.

"I must confess to some neglect on my cousin's behalf prior to last night." The Colonel began. "I only just realised at the dinner that my cousin may lack companionship. I know that Georgiana has always found it lonely being surrounded usually by male company, and although Anne does have a mother, Lady Catherine does not inspire confidence or company! Perhaps my mother should have invited Anne to Matlock more often as well. Unfortunately my mother and Aunt Catherine do not get along very well, and so she and Rosings are avoided as much as possible. But no more, I shall remedy this and talk to my mother when I return home." Having made this resolve, Richard felt a lot better.

Elizabeth started to get a slight suspicion that perhaps Colonel Fitzwilliam had also never thought of marriage to herself either. 'Indeed, his attentions certainly seem more claimed by his cousin. He is all joking and flirtation with me, but he has a certain tender look when speaking of his cousin. I must tell Charlotte!'

"I also had not spoken to Anne above two sentences for the entirety of my stay. Charlotte however found a friend in her, and those two have become quite close. Mrs. Collins asked me to help draw her out, and last night I found a shy and attention-starved (the right sort of attention!) woman. But Anne, after speaking to her longer today, has an inner beauty that radiates and enlightens her expression."

Elizabeth looked a bit apprehensively towards Colonel Fitzwilliam, unsure of how he would take this next bit of news.

"I do not mean to imply that I know Anne intimately or am an expert on human physiology, but I do not believe that Anne is as sickly as her mother believes she is."

Colonel Fitzwilliam looked a bit startled at this, so Elizabeth went on to explain how she suspected that Anne may use her 'sickness' to her advantage at times.

"Although I do believe that some concern on her health may be warranted. However how much this has to do with the depressing nature of her imposing mother, I do not know. I believe that she is quite stifled at Rosings Park. Lady Catherine, I am sorry to say, does not really notice her daughter as anything but a means to capturing Pemberley."

"So you know about the grand plan of Aunt Catherine wanting to marry Anne off to Darce?" Richard smile was a bit forced. "I am afraid that Aunt Catherine always felt a bit worried that her younger sister, Anne had married better than herself. Although she did love her sister, Lady Catherine could not bear to see the obvious affection between Mr. Darcy and Lady Anne. Although Lady Catherine had married a titled gentleman, and Lady Anne a rich country gentleman, she could never reconcile whether Rosings Park was a grander estate than Pemberley. From what I have heard from my father and mother, there was a large argument between Aunt Catherine and Aunt Anne, which resulted in Lady Catherine declaring that one day she would be mistress of the estate! My father heard about it, and was quite severe on his sister, and since then relations between the Darcys and Fitzwilliams with the De Bourghs have been rather strained."

Elizabeth, although deeply interested in the family, or at least certain members, did not feel comfortable in being placed in such an awkward position.

"Please, Colonel Fitzwilliam, do not think me unaware of the honour you bestow on me by placing such confidence in me, but I do not think that Mr. Darcy would enjoy his family history being related to someone so wholly unconnected to his family."

Of course, Richard had been assuming that Elizabeth would one day be apart of this same family, but understood her concerns, for had she not just learnt that bestowing such confidential information upon a new acquaintance was not the most proper thing to do. Richard knew that Elizabeth was not equating himself nor Darce to Wickham, but he understood her need to distance her judgments on pure reaction and emotion.

"Yes, I am sorry Miss Bennet. I should not be placing you in such a difficult position, although you must understand that I feel you have a natural compassion and understanding, and because you make me feel so at ease in your company, that I do forget myself sometimes.

"Do not worry however, I shall get to the bottom of this affair regarding Anne. I did notice how much better she looked last night by being slightly complimented on her hair, although she did look remarkably well last night (this was said in under his breath, which did not go unnoticed by Lizzy). I never knew, I am ashamed to say, how eager Anne is about music and will demand that Mrs. Jenkinson teach her how to play, and if she does not know, that a master from London, perhaps the same that Georgiana uses, be hired. It is quite distressing to think that Lady Catherine could be using her domineering power to keep Anne ill! I am quite worried, but do not worry, I shall know how to act!"

The Colonel was looking angry by now, and at any other time, Elizabeth might have been tempted to laugh at the obvious affection he displayed for his cousin by this declaration. But not in this situation, not when she had seen how pathetic Anne's situation was.

"Indeed Colonel, I thank you for considering my words, and I hope you can bring your cousin into better health and spirits. But I must return to the parsonage, otherwise Charlotte might be tempted to send Mr. Collins out to find where I am!"

Laughing a bit at himself for the idea of Mr. Collins huffing and puffing up the long hill to Rosings, not to mention his strong display of emotion over Anne, Colonel Fitzwilliam took his leave, thanking Lizzy for her confidence, and wondering why it seemed that everyone had started to confide in him lately. He would have to go back to his regiment to take a holiday from sharing confidences, encouraging, discouraging and above all, monitoring everyone else's activities. Perhaps he would take a holiday- after he had sorted everything out with Anne.

Lizzy slowly walked back to the parsonage, not really desiring to be in Mr. Collin's society for more than could be helped. She also had a lot to think about- Mr. Bingley's obvious intentions to go to London soon, Colonel Fitzwilliam's affection for Anne (perhaps a little matchmaking could be in order here?) and finally Mr. Darcy.

Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth sighed, wondering what he would be doing and thinking at this moment.

Chapter Twenty- Five: Bingley Takes Leave of Rosings

Posted on Sunday, 31 March 2002

As Darcy approached the House, he saw Bingley directing servants in the loading of his trunks. Darcy wondered curiously what Bingley could possibly be doing packing up so early, and using Darcy's carriage. He had assumed that Bingley, Richard and he would leave by the end of the week.

'Perhaps Bingley cannot wait that long to propose to Jane Bennet' Darcy smirked. 'Not that I blame him. I cannot imagine what life would be like too far apart from Elizabeth. If only I could have the same reassurance from a sister that Elizabeth loved me as much as Jane does Bingley.' Sighing a bit at the thought, Darcy hailed Bingley and asked him what he was doing.

"Oh hello Darcy. I hope you do not mind me commandeering your carriage, but, well, actually it does not matter to me whether you give your approval or not, because I am leaving this odious place! I am sorry to say it Darcy, but non withstanding your company and Colonel Fitzwilliam's, and Elizabeth's of course, I have never been so happy to leave a place my entire life!"

A bit shocked at the force with which Bingley was speaking, but even more concerned with the reasons why Bingley was leaving, Darcy asked him why he was leaving, "for I had the impression that we were all going to leave the day after tomorrow."

Of course Bingley only just realised that Darcy did not know of his encounter with Lady Catherine. Knowing this would be a bit awkward especially regards his Aunt and their disagreement a few days ago, Bingley took a deep breath, found that hidden reserve of strength and steadied himself.

"Well Darcy, I am leaving today for London because an unpleasant scene between your Aunt and myself occurred this afternoon and I do not believe it wise for me to inopportune her any longer with my presence."

"Lady Catherine?" Darcy swore in astonishment. "Did Lady Catherine speak with you as well? What did she accuse you of?"

Bingley looked a bit confused at this. "Why? Did she speak to you as well?"

"No, not to me, but to Eliz ... Miss Bennet."

"Oh surely not! I cannot believe she would try to persuade Elizabeth to marry me after I had told her quite decidedly that her interference was not appreciated. You Darcy, I am sure never thought that my attentions to Elizabeth could raise the expectation of marriage?"

"Elizabeth marry you!?" exploded Darcy. 'Was everyone marrying Elizabeth off to someone else?' "Indeed not Bingley! The notion that you have been courting Eliza ... Miss Bennet is ... is absurd!"

"Oh," said Bingley, "I see that is not what she spoke about."

"No indeed. Shall we start from the beginning? I have a great desire to hear all that my Aunt said to you, especially after hearing her abuse El ... (sigh) Miss Bennet to her face, I can imagine her insolence to you!"

"Well," Bingley began, "I believe your Aunt was under the misapprehension that I was to ask Elizabeth (you need not be so formal around me Darcy- call her Elizabeth if you wish) for her hand in marriage. I was, naturally quite surprised at this very great condescension from her, but told her quite calmly that it was her older sister that I was planning to engage."

Darcy nodded for Bingley to continue. The puzzle was starting to fit together.

"Now I do not understand why she suddenly thought that it would be such a great match,"

"But I do," Darcy interjected, "Lady Catherine thought that Elizabeth was trying to entrap Richard and so must have supposed that by forcing (or encouraging) you to marry Elizabeth would remove the danger for my cousin."

Bingley whistled. "No doubt, she thought Elizabeth had insufficient resources to be worthy of the son of an Earl! Why do I seem to be surrounded by such snobs?!"

Darcy grimaced at this reference to himself. Bingley saw it, and was ashamed of what he said.

"I did not mean that Darcy, although you did act quite snobbishly for a while, I have forgiven you. What I meant was that it is amazing to me how the upper echelons of society can ignore the fact that all fortunes would have been made at some stage or another. More importantly, however is that there are many other considerations for marriage than fortune or breeding! What about such things as companionship, similar interests, temperament and sweetness of mind?"

Darcy was in no doubt of whom Bingley was referring to and knew he would have to steer Bingley away before thoughts of Jane made him daydream.

"But go on Bingley, what did my Aunt say to you when you told her that you would not oblige her?"

"Well she was ashamed of me, something about what a way to treat her after all her kind considerations of me (both men snorted at this!). She of course went on for a few more minutes about ... well, I shan't tell you what she called me, but I finally snapped, and decided that I did not have to sit there listening to her tirade, so I told her exactly what I thought about her (Darcy grimaced at this). Let us just say that she did not take it well, and threatened that she would find a way to make me marry Elizabeth."

Darcy wearily ran his hands through his hair. Was there no end to the pain and problems people continuously inflicted on him, especially with regards to his relationship with Elizabeth?

"I suppose I am glad that Lady Catherine got the impression that Richard was in love with her- what do you think her reaction would have been if she knew that it was I who was in danger?"

Bingley raised his eyebrows at this declaration, smirking slightly.

"So what did Lady Catherine say to Elizabeth?"

"Well, she and Anne were walking in the garden when Lady Catherine demanded that Elizabeth promise never to marry Colonel Fitzwilliam. Elizabeth stood there in shock but with enough presence of mind to not give away anything, although she later told me that she did not wish to marry Richard anyway. You should have seen her Bingley! She stood straight and tall against my impressive Aunt! I heard the commotion and so came running out to see if I could help calm my Aunt down and support Miss Bennet."

Darcy took a deep breath.

"Can you ever forgive me Bingley for what I said to you the other day? I know I have already apologised, but I did not realise how silly and how arrogant all my arguments were until I heard the same arguments from Lady Catherine. It was truly humbling to witness how I must have sounded and I am just surprised that Elizabeth and you have forgiven me for it!

"My poor Elizabeth's eyes were flashing fire at Lady Catherine, but I stepped in and interceded before she could make any cutting remarks about Lady Catherine. Not that she did not deserve the sharp side of Elizabeth's tongue."

Bingley's eyes grew wide- he had never imagined that Darcy would stand up to his Aunt on behalf of someone else. 'He must really be deeply in love with Elizabeth.'

"You told your Aunt that it was you who was in love with Elizabeth?"

"No!" Darcy smirked, "although it would have been quite satisfying to see her gaping like a fish at me. I shall savour that event when I am assured that Elizabeth will have me. Instead I simply stated some of the arguments you presented and eventually Aunt Catherine went away in high dudgeon."

Bingley couldn't help but smile at this picture. He had seen Lady Catherine disappointed and angry this morning, but to be thwarted twice in one day was almost sure to bring on apoplexy. 'Serves her right! Who is she to think that she can order other people's lives around?'

"Does Colonel Fitzwilliam know anything about this?" Bingley asked.

Darcy's eyes grew wide. "I do not know Bingley, but I suppose I should go find him and tell him what the situation is and that we shall probably be departing earlier than planned. Can you wait until tomorrow to leave and then Richard and I will come with you?"

"No," Bingley stated firmly. "I am not staying a moment longer than necessary. Once my trunks are packed in (and they are nearly all there), I shall call on Elizabeth and ask her for a reason to call upon Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner at Gracechurch St. I am hoping to see my Jane tonight or tomorrow morning at the very latest."

"You shall be hard pressed to reach London tonight, but good luck! If you could send the carriage back as soon as you reach London, the Colonel and I shall follow you as soon as it returns. I shall call on you when we arrive and you can tell me how your meeting with Miss Bennet went."

Darcy clapped Bingley on the back. "I wish you all the best Charles, may you find happiness with her."

Grinning widely, Bingley thanked him for his good wishes and climbed up into the carriage, asking to relay his good byes to the Colonel.

Once the carriage was out of the driveway, Darcy sighed in relief. All of a sudden he felt a burden lift from his shoulders. Bingley had finally found enough courage to rely on his own judgment and Darcy had finally been able to let Bingley take care of his own affairs. 'Now to look after my own affairs. Let me go find Richard to apprise him of the extraordinary events of today.'

So saying, Darcy turned back into the unusually quiet house.

"Thank you for the directions Elizabeth, I am hoping to call on your sister at the soonest opportunity."

Bingley had, as promised, stopped by the parsonage to bid good-bye and to gain the address of his beloved. He did not go into the details of why he was leaving slightly ahead of schedule, and Elizabeth just assumed that Bingley was impatient to see Jane. 'At least something good may happen out of today!'

Smiling kindly at Bingley, Elizabeth asked if he how he was going to contrive a reason to visit her uncle.

"For you cannot just walk up to the door and announce yourself!"

Bingley looked a bit sheepish. This was exactly what he had planned to do. Well planned was not the correct word. He had not given any thought to how he would meet Jane, but just that he would and how he would fall on his knees, beg forgiveness and ask for her hand.

Elizabeth laughed at the expression on Bingley's face.

"If you wait a few moments, I shall finish writing my letter to Jane, and if you would be so kind as to deliver it to her I would be greatly in your debt."

Bingley's smile grew wider (if it is possible). "How convenient! It is I however who shall forever be in your debt. If you had not been kind to me and confided in me the most wonderful of news, I should probably still be moping around."

Elizabeth smiled at him. "I am sure something would have happened to bring the two of you together- you are perfectly made for each other! But let me finish off my letter I started in reply to Jane's last."

Bingley waved for her to continue, happy in his thoughts. Bingley wondered what Elizabeth would be writing to Jane about in response to the letter that he had partially read. Remembering the letter brought back all the doubts of his worthiness to spend the rest of his life with such an angel. Swallowing his doubts, Bingley attempted to wait patiently for Elizabeth to finish penning her letter.

Since writing the above Jane, I have had a few pleasant surprises, as well as a nasty shock. Firstly, you were absolutely correct to think so well of Mr. Darcy since I have found out that his dealings with Wickham were not quite what he represented to us. His manner also improves on closer acquaintance, or rather, having spent more time with him, I have realised that the proud Darcy of Hertfordshire is not the real Darcy at all. I am quite curious as to see who the real Darcy is, although I do not know how much longer I shall have to find out. Dear Jane, do not think my motives anything more than a desire to study an intricate character, for I assure you that it is not the case.

As for the other surprise, I am sure that by the time you read this letter, you shall be aware of a certain person's continued regard for you! Mr. Bingley visited with Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam (FD's cousin) and he and I have discussed many topics, chiefly regarding you! I find that he is and always has been madly in love with you my dear, and if he has not declared his intentions to you by now, you must put down my letter and show him how much you care for him! But I shall leave this in yours (and his) capable hands!

As to my shock, I shall tell you in full when I see you again in London. I fear I shall be slightly earlier than I planned since I have incurred the wrath of Lady Catherine. I did not mean to do so, and still fail to realise how I have done it. All I shall say is that Lady Catherine got the notion that I was throwing my cap at Colonel Fitzwilliam, and demanded that I never marry him! You know my character well enough to realise that I did not give in to her, and hence I am a heartless mercenary with no feelings for decency and decorum. Do not worry for me Jane, I am not really affected by it, and am looking forward to being reunited a lot sooner with you! Say nothing, however to Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, rather tell them that I am anxious to see you again (which I am), and that Mr. Collins had finally driven me to distraction (which he has!).

Finally, may I wish you joy! I know how happy you shall be, not just for yourself but for the pleasure you shall be giving to others. You could not give more pleasure to anyone but me to see you so happily married.

Your loving sister,
Lizzy.

Folding the letter up and waxing it, Lizzy gave it into the capable hands of Mr. Bingley.

After a few more thank you's from him, Lizzy finally suggested that he should probably leave soon if he wanted to reach London in order to see Jane tonight.

Grinning sheepishly, Bingley took his leave. "I hope the next time we meet Elizabeth, we shall be very close to becoming brother and sister!"

Elizabeth prayed that it was so.

Chapter Twenty-Six: Taking Leave of Rosings Park

Posted on Sunday, 31 March 2002

After watching Mr. Bingley leave, Elizabeth started thinking about how she could travel to London. She knew that her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner would not mind letting her stay on at their house a week before she was to leave for Longbourn. The trouble was getting to London. Maria and she were to travel post in one week's time, Elizabeth just hoped that there was another post in between so she could leave Lady Catherine's presence.

Hearing noises in the hallway, Lizzy composed herself and determined to talk to Charlotte later when they were alone.

Charlotte and Maria entered, chatting away excitedly.

"That was the most beautiful plum tree that I have seen!" Maria was saying to her sister.

Elizabeth could not help rolling her eyes slightly. Maria was one of those girls whom got excited about the smallest things. Not that it was not endearing. Maria was ten times better than either of her sisters, although probably just as excitable.

And so the conversation continued about nothing much at all. The sisters were reminiscing about their walk and old times in Hertfordshire. Lizzy did not join in as she would usually do, which worried Charlotte a great deal. Looking carefully at Lizzy, she noticed that she was quite pale and agitated. Raising an inquiring brow at her, Lizzy indicated that she had something to relate but that she would not broach the subject with Maria present. Charlotte nodded and asked if Maria would find Mr. Collins and ask him if he was happy to dine within the next hour.

Maria unaware of the situation, reluctantly went out to find her brother-in-law.

"Now Lizzy, tell me what has happened?" Charlotte began when Maria had left.

"Oh Charlotte!" Lizzy cried, "Lady Catherine thinks that I am throwing myself at Colonel Fitzwilliam and told me in no uncertain terms that she would never allow a marriage to occur and I feel that I should leave Rosings as soon as possible. I was hoping to catch an earlier post with Maria, but I do not know if a post will come by, how shall I get home?"

Charlotte looked a bit shocked at the news, could Lady Catherine, with all her attention to detail, have mistaken friendliness in one nephew for deep regard and not notice how much the other nephew was in love?

Placing a comforting hand on Elizabeth's arm, Charlotte thought furiously. There must be some way to shelter Elizabeth from Mr. Collins who would be bound to hear from Lady Catherine by tomorrow morning at the very latest, as well as to find transportation for Lizzy to get to London.

Unfortunately for Elizabeth, Charlotte knew that the next post to come was the one that they had originally planned to catch. When she told Lizzy so, she nearly burst into tears.

"Perhaps, dear Lizzy, Mr. Bingley could escort you two home in Mr. Darcy's carriage?"

Lizzy sniffed. "No Charlotte, Mr. Bingley has already left this afternoon for London. He stopped by to say farewell and was kind enough to offer to deliver my letter to Jane when he got to London."

This happy thought brought a smile to both ladies lips. As much as they both loved Jane and were happy that she would be happy, self intruded and Lizzy felt very vexed at this whole affair. She did not understand how any of it came about. Perhaps she should have taken a few leaves from Jane's book and learnt to hide her emotions better?

Lizzy sighed. She had been doing a lot of sighing lately. Charlotte squeezed her arm, telling her that they would find a way.

"I might even contrive a reason for Mr. Collins not to go visit Lady Catherine tomorrow so you shall have another day without him constantly abusing you. Unfortunately that would mean keeping him with us tomorrow."

Both women grimaced at the notion.

Then there was a knock on the door.

Patty, the maid entered announcing "Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam ma'am."

Lizzy scrambled to straighten her hair, smooth her dress and dry the tears in her eyes. Unfortunately, she was not quite successful in finishing this latter step when the gentlemen stepped in. Mr. Darcy immediately saw how it was and had to stop himself from sweeping her into his arms and carrying her into the garden so she could be comforted. 'She could even cry, so long as she does so on my shoulder!'

Since Darcy was incapacitated at the moment (he was staring longingly at Miss Bennet), Colonel Fitzwilliam took it upon himself to say hello and go through the usual pleasantries.

Charlotte, also aware that Elizabeth was staring hard at the floor struggling to not meet Mr. Darcy's eyes and blushing furiously, offered them a seat and asked Patty to bring in some tea and biscuits.

Once they were seated, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Charlotte took it upon themselves to supply the party with conversation in hope that both Darcy and Elizabeth would compose themselves and listen in.

Whilst talking, Colonel Fitzwilliam was trying to figure out a way to approach such a delicate subject. Darcy had found him soon after he had taken leave of Miss Bennet, and he had been furious to hear what his Aunt had done. He had then related to Darcy, again, that he had no designs on Elizabeth regarding matrimony and decided to confide in Darcy about Anne. Darcy was quite astonished at this, he had never really thought much of his cousin after their childhood- this coincided about the same time that Lady Catherine had started pestering him about marrying his cousin. Darcy could not concentrate on Anne however when he knew that Elizabeth must be feeling uncomfortable in the house of Lady Catherine's number one fan. Richard, whilst understanding how Darcy must feel, and being a bit shocked at being paired up with Miss Bennet, could not stop thinking about Anne's neglect.

One thing they had decided to do however was to leave Rosings Park as soon as Bingley returned the carriage- hopefully by tomorrow afternoon. Darce had then thought it a good idea to offer to take Elizabeth to London with them; Maria of course could come as well.

Colonel Fitzwilliam thought this a good idea, he had no desire to see Lady Catherine, especially alone!

All this thinking however, had stopped him from attending to the conversation. Charlotte was looking at him a bit curiously. 'Oh the heck with it all! I am sure that Miss Bennet would have confided with her friend, and Mrs. Collins is sensible (despite marrying that oaf) and she might have some good suggestions. She is also very kind to Anne ... '

"Mrs. Collins, I am sure that you are aware of the current situation regarding myself and Miss Bennet, and my Aunt and Mr. Bingley."

Elizabeth and Charlotte looked up in surprise at this last person.

"Mr. Bingley?" asked Elizabeth wondering how he could be connected to this horrid affair.

Richard looked a bit embarrassed at this.

"Yes, well, you see Miss Bennet, Lady Catherine demanded, well that is to say ... " throwing a desperate look at his cousin, he exclaimed "Darce knows it all! He can be the one to tell you, having spoken with Bingley directly!"

Darcy cleared his throat somewhat awkwardly.

"Umm ... " giving a threatening look to his cousin, Darcy forced himself to stop looking at Miss Bennet's hands. "Bingley said that Aunt Catherine had gone to him before she had err ... confronted you ... to force him to marry you, Eliz ... ahh Miss Bennet."

Flushing slightly at his slip, and then a lot more as the words sunk in!

"Mr. Bingley!!" Elizabeth rose in surprise. "Is everyone trying to marry me off to someone I do not wish to marry?!"

Everyone looked a bit startled at this (Darcy was slightly relieved to hear her mirroring his own sentiments).

But Elizabeth had forgotten her notion of trying to hide her feelings and continued in spite of the present company.

"First my mother nearly forcing me to marry Mr. Collins (the gentlemen blinked at this, Charlotte just looked a combination of amusement and embarrassment), and then Lady Catherine insistent that I wanted to marry Colonel Fitzwilliam (I'm sorry Colonel, but I don't- to which he nodded). Now she tries to marry me off to Mr. Bingley! I can understand now why my mother complains about her nerves!"

Someone slightly snorted in an attempt to stifle a chuckle.

Elizabeth looked around in astonishment at who could treat it with such mirth. Charlotte looked a bit amused, Colonel Fitzwilliam, not knowing her mother, did not know what to think. But Mr. Darcy, the proud, serious Mr. Darcy was having a hard time trying to reconcile Elizabeth in a marriage cap, moaning about smelling salts and her poor nerves. He could not do it, and could not contain his humour, and was soon laughing quite openly.

The other three just stared in astonishment.

Charlotte's mouth was twitching as well, but she would not give in. Elizabeth swallowed a bit heavily at the sight of Mr. Darcy laughing ('gosh he looks good' she breathed) and as she thought more about it, she was biting her lip to hold back her own laugh.

Lizzy did not last long however, for Mr. Darcy trying to compose himself made the mistake of looking at Elizabeth, her bottom lip between her teeth, a slightly worried look in her eye, and this set him off again. This was too much to be born by Elizabeth, and she had to join in as well.

Charlotte of course, then felt justified in relieving herself somewhat of her mirth, and Colonel Fitzwilliam just smiled in amusement (not really understanding what was so funny).

Finally composing themselves, and forcing themselves not to look at each other (otherwise they might start all over again), Darcy and Elizabeth cleared their throats, Lizzy sitting herself down again.

"Yes, well, I am sorry for that, I did not mean it to come out quite that way," Lizzy started, desperately struggling not to look at Mr. Darcy who's lips she could see were twitching. He had, of course by this time, forgotten all about Lizzy's tears (although he regretted not being able to comfort her) and was joyous in having spent a very special moment with her. This had to be the first time they had really laughed together, and he was desirous to repeat this event at any and every opportunity he could.

Remembering why they had come, Darcy cleared his throat and forced himself to look at Elizabeth. He then promptly forgot what he was about to say. 'She looks so lovely. Her eyes are swimming in laughter and her cheeks are warmed by her humour.' And her cheeks were becoming redder under his intense stare.

Colonel Fitzwilliam cleared his throat and raised an eyebrow at Darcy.

Darcy closed his eyes, willing his mind to stop wandering and launched into his idea before his villainous eyes could rest on Miss Bennet's face again.

"Mr. Bingley has, I am sure you already know, left for London by now in my carriage. After today's events, both the Colonel and I do not desire to spend much more time with our Aunt, and so as soon as Bingley has sent the carriage back, which will hopefully be around luncheon tomorrow, Richard and I will be on our way to London."

Elizabeth swallowed in disappointment- she would have to put up with her cousin and Lady Catherine without any compensation from spending time with the nephews. This did not last for long however, as she drew in her breath sharply as Mr. Darcy paused in front of her seat and looked down at her with those dark, brown eyes.

"I know that you too, Miss Bennet would not wish to stay in Hunsford within reach of my Aunt's displeasure, and I was hoping that you would do me ... err ... us ... the honour of accompanying us on the journey to London. It will be a pleasure to take you and drop you off at your uncles (if only it was my house!)."

After a slight pause, in which Elizabeth had stopped breathing or thinking, he added "Miss Lucas as well, of course."

Charlotte could not help but smile at this forgetfulness, not that either of our favourite couple noticed her, so deep was the look in their eyes.

Richard did, however and grinned at Charlotte. Both smiled, happy in the thought that it would not be too long before they came to some sort of understanding.

Charlotte was a bit disappointed that her guests would be leaving so soon, but she comforted herself with the knowledge that she would have Anne to visit. She was also happy for Elizabeth being away from her husband and Lady Catherine. Elizabeth deserved some happiness, and who knew how Lady Catherine would react when she heard that not Colonel Fitzwilliam, but her favourite nephew, Darcy would marry Elizabeth. Charlotte just hoped that Anne would not be cruelly disappointed.

Colonel Fitzwilliam had another idea entirely however. He knew that since he would not be around to look out for Anne, and he could not submit her to her mother's attentions, he would have to contrive some way for her to accompany them on the journey. Five people might be a bit cozy even in a carriage as large as Darcy's, but Fitzwilliam was willing to put up with a bit of discomfort for the sake of Anne, even if it meant she would have to sit next to him.

So Fitzwilliam interrupted Darcy and Lizzy's interesting little eye- communication, by announcing that he thought it would be a grand idea to invite Anne along for a trip to London as well.

"You know she should not have to bear the brunt of Aunt Catherine's tantrums. I think if you would ask Lady Catherine, Darce, she would be more than happy to let her go with you. I do not think it would be a good idea that you tell her that we are escorting Miss Bennet and Miss Lucas home however."

Elizabeth's eyes had lit up at the thought that she could be leaving Hunsford tomorrow! The thought of sharing a carriage ride with Mr. Darcy and Anne was a pleasant notion indeed.

Seeing the animation of Elizabeth's face, Darcy agreed to organise it with his Aunt, however much it might cost him to act civilly towards her.

Charlotte's heart sank however. All her friends were leaving her alone to fend for herself amongst her husband and his noble patroness! Although Charlotte, had willingly accepted her duties as a wife and was resigning herself to the idea of a lonely existence, she had wanted a few more months, even years before she had to endure it! Her mind working very quickly, she was determined to keep one of the ladies at Hunsford.

Maria chose that time to walk through the door. Smiling shyly at the gentleman, Charlotte motioned her over to sit next to herself.

"Maria, my dear, Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam have just offered to escort Lizzy and yourself to London along with Miss De Bourgh."

Maria looked up in surprise at such an honour!

Charlotte continued, "however, I would very much wish if you could stay a month longer with me. You have been such a great help and comfort, I am sure that papa will be only too happy to collect you when he is next in the neighbourhood. He was saying when he left two weeks ago that he would be visiting Sir - at - next month, and visiting me would not be out of the way."

Maria looked a bit crestfallen at the idea of not going in such grand style to London, but then she remembered her sister, and her kind words. To think that Charlotte valued her so highly was very gratifying. Maria was not quite so blind to other reasons for Charlotte wishing her to stay, and took pity on her.

"Of course Charlotte, that is a wonderful idea! We can take walks every morning like the one today. Let me quickly pen a letter to mama and papa."

"Let me send it by express." Colonel Fitzwilliam volunteered eagerly. 'This is perfect! Things could not be turning out better if I had planned them!'

Maria was gratified at such kind attention, and quickly finished a short note asking leave for another month.

Darcy and Elizabeth also could not contain their excitement at the prospect of being forced into each other's company for most of a day. Elizabeth also had the pleasure of conversing again with Anne.

The gentlemen reluctantly took their leave, realising that they would have to find a rider to send the express by soon if they wished to receive an answer by tomorrow morning.

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Bingley in London

Posted on Sunday, 7 April 2002

There was another man who was happily occupied at this time. Bingley had made excellent time to London and had speedily dispatched the carriage, with fresh horses, back to Rosings Park. Entering his town house, he was overjoyed when the butler announced that Miss Bingley had gone out earlier this afternoon with Mrs. Hurst and was not expected back for another two hours.

Calling for a quick bath, Bingley dressed himself with infinite care. Luckily his valet did not suffer from the same nervous tension that Bingley did, otherwise Bingley would have gone out with a crooked cravat and a wrinkled coat.

As it was, however, Bingley looked every inch the perfect gentleman as he was driven to Gracechurch St. clutching Elizabeth's letter. Bingley tried not to concentrate on what he was going to say, knowing that he would make a fumbling fool out of himself no matter how much he prepared himself in advance.

He was correct as well. The sight of Miss Bennet sitting next to her youngest cousin, reading a nursery story to her, left him speechless.

"The ugly step- sisters tried and tried to squeeze their fat feet into the tiny slipper, but it would not fit." Jane was reading. "Their mother, realising that it was hopeless ordered the Prince's servant from her sight, but he would not go until all the ladies in the household had tried on the slipper. No matter how much she grumbled that there were no other females in the house, he would not budge. Finally calling for Cinderella, the wicked step- mother ordered her to try on the slipper, whilst berating the servant for allowing the lovely slipper to be ruined by her step- daughter's dirty feet.

With much trepidation, Cinderella placed her dainty (if slightly dirty) foot into the slipper, knowing that it would be an exact fit.

The wicked step- mother and ugly step- sisters gasped in horror!

She then produced the other shoe, and the servant (who really was the Prince in disguise) recognised the sweet, beautiful woman he had fallen in love with.

The wicked step- mother nearly died of shock- she had just been ordering the Prince about, and started to apologise profusely. The Prince however, had only eyes for his bride, and he swept her up into an embrace..."

"And they lived happily ever after!" Bingley could not help himself from exclaiming.

Jane looked up in horror at the sound of his voice!

"Mr. Bingley, Miss Bennet." The maid sheepishly announced a trifle late.

Swallowing hard, Bingley tore his eyes away from a blushing Jane, and stammered out a greeting.

Jane, feeling very flustered, could not stop herself from smiling such a heartfelt welcome that Bingley was the one with difficulties in breathing.

"I have been in Hunsford, visiting Lady Catherine De Bourgh with Mr. Darcy, Miss Bennet, and your sister gave me the honour of allowing me to give to you her letter."

Bingley blushed slightly in remembrance of reading Jane's letter to Elizabeth.

Jane accepted the letter somewhat shakily. Luckily her Aunt chose at this time to step in the door in search of her youngest, and saved Jane from having to speak.

"Jane, dear, I really think you have been too kind these last few months by spending all your time looking after the chil ... dren..." Mrs. Gardiner saw a strange man in the room, standing quite near to a flushed Jane. Actually, they both looked a bit red.

"I am sorry, sir, I did not know we had visitors?"

Mr. Bingley took a step backward and bowed a greeting.

"I am sorry for imposing on you like this Mrs. Gardiner," she started- how did this man know who she was? "But I have recently been in the company of your niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and she gave me a letter to deliver to her sister Jane."

Jane sighed at the way he said her name. 'He truly is the most handsome of men.'

Mrs. Gardiner, however was still not impressed by this stranger- to come into her house, discompose Jane and know her name, not to mention being an acquaintance of Elizabeth's, and not to introduce himself was very bad manners!

"I am sorry, Mrs. Gardiner, my name is Mr. Charles Bingley" Mrs. Gardiner's eyes widened at this announcement. "I was recently in Hertfordshire. I understand that you visited your sister and brother a few weeks after I had left for London?"

"Yes, sir, you are most welcome." 'Madeline think of something! Poor Jane has been pining after this man for the past three months. You should at least ascertain whether he deserves such devotion!'

"Please, Mr. Bingley, won't you sit down and take tea with us?" Motioning with her hand the seat nearest Jane, and calling for tea to be served, she sat opposite him, studying him.

'Now let me see, yes ... he is quite as handsome as Jane describes. His manner shows him to be open, rather prone to rash decisions but sincere. The way he keeps looking at Jane would make me believe that he is in love with her, but it is hard to tell. A man so much in love, should not have left this visit so long. Perhaps there were other considerations however that kept them apart, as Lizzy believed? Such a man to be persuaded though, may not be worth Jane's love. We shall see.'

"So you have been in Hunsford Mr. Bingley? Where were you staying?"

"Yes, Mrs. Gardiner," Bingley tore his eyes away from Jane. "Mr. Darcy invited me a month ago to accompany him on his visit to his Aunt, Lady Catherine, so I have been staying at Rosings Park."

"Indeed!" exclaimed Mrs. Gardiner, "and is it as beautiful as I have heard?"

Bingley smiled. "Yes, Mrs. Gardiner, it is very beautiful, in a stately, manicured way. Lady Catherine has certainly expended much energy ensuring that the estate is run smoothly and looks its best."

"I would imagine that such a large estate would require much attention."

Mrs. Gardiner looked shrewdly at Bingley. He was looking at Jane, somewhat uncertainly. It was obvious that he wished to decipher whether she was happy to see him or not, but Jane had not ventured to raise her eyes higher than his legs. She could not stop smiling in happiness at seeing him again, and yet she would become sad because he only came to deliver Lizzy's letter. Jane was stabbed with jealousy at the thought that Lizzy had spent so much time with her Mr. Bingley in the last month, and she had seen him not once! It was irrational to think so, but Jane could not hide her emotions at this time. If she could only leave the room and compose herself, she would be completely happy.

Mrs. Gardiner, more experienced in understanding her niece, could see that she was very affected by the gentleman, and smiled in satisfaction. Both gentleman and lady seemed very much in love. It did not excuse his previous neglect however.

"Mr. Bingley, I do hope your sister, Miss Bingley, is well, she seemed somewhat... out of spirits the day that she visited dear Jane."

Bingley looked up at Mrs. Gardiner and saw how it was with her. He, although thought a bit dense by some, could read into situations as well as his sister (at least situations not based on his own emotions), and knew that he would have to gain her approval in order to court Jane in London. 'Well Bingley, make a clean breast of it.'

"Yes, so I have been told, Mrs. Gardiner." Bingley's face hardened at the thought of his sister's incivility. "I was not told that she was to visit Miss Bennet, otherwise I would have joined her in renewing an acquaintance. Truth be known, I was not aware of Miss Bennet's residency in London until visiting Rosings Park- my sisters had somehow concealed the knowledge from me."

Jane dared to look up into his eyes in astonishment. 'Surely there was some mistake? Miss Bingley could not be so unkind as to forget to relay my message of pleasure regarding the ball at Netherfield?'

Bingley caught Jane's eyes and he tried to communicate his sincerity (not that she doubted him for an instant).

"I was very sorry to have not met you before today." He continued staring into her eyes, "I was quite distressed at this seeming neglect, and therefore was determined to make up for it by coming straight after my return from Rosings Park!"

Jane smiled warmly at him. "Then, sir, you have only just arrived from Hunsford?"

Bingley struggled not to declare himself there and then. "Yes, Miss Bennet. I thought that you should enjoy your sisters letter as soon as possible."

"I thank you, Mr. Bingley, for your thoughtfulness. You have always been very considerate."

"I hope I am, but I feared that you might think me a frippering fellow because I had not paid my respects to you before then."

"No, Mr. Bingley, you could not be blamed for not knowing that I was in town. I am sure you have had many engagements to keep you occupied as well."

Bingley sighed in relief, 'What an angel she is! She does not blame me at all!' "Miss Bennet, you are very forgiving, thank you. Please be assured that had I known you were in town, it would not matter how many engagements I had, I would endeavour to come to visit you."

Jane blushed again at this.

Mrs. Gardiner, quite forgotten, chose this time to remind Mr. Bingley that they were not alone by clearing her throat. She was quite satisfied with Mr. Bingley's innocence and knew that he was worthy of Jane. 'Now for a little matchmaking to make Mrs. Bennet proud.'

"You are always most welcome to come, Mr. Bingley, at any time. I am sure Mr. Gardiner would enjoy meeting you, we did hear a great deal about you and your estate at Michaelmas. Perhaps, if you are not otherwise engaged, you would dine with us tomorrow night?"

Bingley smiled in gratitude. He knew that he had gained a helper in Mrs. Gardiner.

"I would be most pleased to attend!"

Jane smiled in delight. Bingley smiled back at her warmly, making her blush more. 'I must try to keep my emotions in check! I shall not be seen as throwing myself at Mr. Bingley.'

"Excellent!" Mrs. Gardiner exclaimed. "How does six in the evening sound?"

"If that is convenient for you, Mrs. Gardiner, I will be here! But I must be going. I fear I should get back to my townhouse before Caroline does, so that she does not worry about where I have gone after arriving in London."

"Very well, Mr. Bingley, I shall look forward to tomorrow evening." Mrs. Gardiner walked with him towards the door. When he reached it, he turned around and bowed deeply to Jane. She curtseyed and bade him goodbye.

Once he was out of the room, she put her hands to her cheeks, how hot they were! She was sorry that he had caught her at such a bad moment, but pleased to see that he had visited her at last. Remembering the letter, Jane sat back down, curled her legs underneath her and opened the seal.

Mrs. Gardiner came back in and looked upon a flustered Jane reading her letter.

"What does Lizzy say Jane? Does she mention what she is doing?"

Jane looked up at her Aunt. She could not show the letter to her, as she was wont to. What it implied about Mr. Bingley was not for anyone's eyes but her own. She did not wish to create an expectation in her Aunt. Jane had no assurances from Mr. Bingley and tried to convince herself that he felt nothing for her more than common and indifferent acquaintance.

"Lizzy says that she will be returning tomorrow, she finds that her visit in Hunsford has been long enough and wishes to return to London. She then goes on to mention a bit about Mr. Darcy and his cousin, as well as Mr. Bingley (here she blushed), and the general antics of our cousin Mr. Collins."

The fact that Jane spoke in general, unspecific terms about Lizzy's letter and that she did not show it to Mrs. Gardiner spoke louder than if she had read it herself. Lizzy had obviously included something about Mr. Bingley and Jane did not want anyone else to read it.

Smiling smugly to herself, Mrs. Gardiner left Jane to read her letter again, whilst she prepared with Cook, tomorrow evening's supper.

Chapter Twenty-Eight: A Carriage Ride to London

Posted on Sunday, 7 April 2002

The carriage ride had started off well enough, but had got worse as time wore on. Lizzy's excitement the night before had been replaced by concern at being in the presence of Mr. Darcy when she had judged him so badly. Then there was the fear that Anne would not be allowed to go and she would have to endure a carriage ride with Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy alone. That particular thought had come to her as she was falling asleep and had kept her awake for most of the night. Thankfully, Anne had been allowed to go, Lady Catherine had thought that it was a sure sign that Darcy was falling more in love with Anne, and since it would not cost her anything in trouble or money, Anne could enjoy some time in London. Mrs. Jenkinson was given leave to visit her family and two little nephews.

Therefore Lizzy found herself seated next to Anne, opposite Mr. Darcy, who was seated next to Colonel Fitzwilliam. At the beginning, Anne had not said much, but Lizzy soon drew her out of her shell again and they spoke quite animatedly about music and London. This was Anne's first proper trip to London and she was quite excited. The thought of spending a few weeks (at the least) out of her mother's presence was another cause for joy. The fact that she would see Georgiana, whom she had not seen for five years, and spend more time in Richard's company was a great incentive as well.

Unfortunately, their conversation soon lagged. Darcy had no desire to speak, he instead preferred to listen to Elizabeth as her voice rose and fell in excitement. The knowledge of Mr. Darcy looking at her was making her feel extremely uncomfortable and self-aware. There was not a lot of distance between herself and him, and occasionally, the carriage would jolt which would result in their legs brushing. It was by no means an unpleasant sensation to either, but was also disconcerting to Elizabeth who had always prided herself on being in control of her emotions. 'That is until I met him! Even when I disliked him, I reacted strongly to him!'

Colonel Fitzwilliam was also not his usual, bubbly self. He only occasionally helped with the conversation, usually to flatter Anne on her knowledge of music or the way she looked, or to mention what sort of things Georgiana was up to. Lizzy was surprised that he also had joint guardianship of his cousin. If truth be known, Colonel Fitzwilliam was suffering from the same affliction as his cousin next to him, although, thankfully his distraction was not the same. Anne had become increasingly quiet as Richard had stopped speaking and instead resorted to looking at her.

Thus Lizzy was left, feeling very awkward in the silence of the carriage. It was obvious to see how Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne felt about each other, and Lizzy wanted to leave them alone so they could come to a better understanding, or speak more with themselves, but that would leave her alone with Mr. Darcy. That was something she had no wish to deal with at the moment. Not until she could control her own emotions and reactions to his presence.

Both Anne and Lizzy became increasingly red cheeked, whilst both gentlemen became increasing happy at their affect on the ladies. Both showed this satisfaction differently, however. Colonel Fitzwilliam's smile grew wider whilst Darcy's stare increased in intensity. Both their methods had the same affect on the ladies however, Anne and Lizzy flushed deeply and fidgeted with their hands.

And it was only half way to London!

Lizzy breathed a sigh of relief when they pulled up outside a village inn to stop for lunch. The horses needed a rest, and the carriage occupants needed a stretch. Anne astonished them all by having the men remove two baskets from the carriage, which were filled with food and drink to eat for lunch. Deciding that walking into the woods and picnicking with the lunch would be preferable, the men each took a basket and a lady's arm and escorted them to a lovely clearing.

Lizzy was pleased that Colonel Fitzwilliam was escorting Anne, but not quite so pleased as to come up with an excuse to linger with Mr. Darcy, allowing them (Anne and CF) some privacy.

When they reached the clearing, the ladies took a blanket and spread it over the grass, and opened the hampers to organise the food. Both men sat down relaxing in the sun.

Lizzy's playfulness rose at the sight, and she could not help commenting to Anne "how the women do all the work!"

Both men spluttered at this. Lizzy and Anne shared a wink and a smile.

"I think not, Miss Bennet," Colonel Fitzwilliam began, "I do not think you realise the great amount of work a Colonel in the Army must do. Darce now is another matter! A gentleman can afford to do nothing and still be respectable."

Darcy playfully growled at his cousin. "I think even a gentleman must be quite busy, looking after his estate, looking to the welfare of his tenants. I rather think it is the ladies, who have so much time on their hand they can spend their time idly improving their accomplishments."

Lizzy always rose to a challenge, and staring directly at Darcy, with an arch smile on her lips, asked whether the current situation was a good example.

"For here, you gentlemen sit, lazing about, whilst we ladies trouble ourselves with the unpacking and the arranging of food."

Darcy was bewitched by her smile, but managed to reply, "Ah, yes, but may I remind you how the heavy baskets of food got here in the first place (Lizzy rolled her eyes at his emphasis)? Was it not Richard and I that carried them all the way here?"

"Yes, but that took only a moment of time, and I fear that were we to carry the food, it should be quite spoilt by being spilt on the ground. The carrying of the baskets is not so much a matter of choice, but necessity. We women are not equipped to carrying such heavy loads."

"You are correct, Miss Bennet, except for the implication that men are as equally good as ladies at arranging food. I fear, that it is also a necessity that you should organise the food since gentlemen know nothing of the culinary art."

Both Darcy and Lizzy grinned at each other, recognising that they were both without further argument.

"Hmph!" Lizzy sighed. "In any case, we have finished our ministrations and I for one am determined to take my fair share of resting."

Anne smiled in satisfaction. Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth were getting along very well indeed! She was determined to find some way to leave them alone so they could be forced to fend for themselves.

They were all quite hungry, so there was not much discussion whilst eating the food. Once they had finished, Lizzy was not sure what would be happening, and so asked how long it would take for the horses to rest and how long it would take to reach London from here.

"With a good run, it will only take about two hours" Darcy replied, "although it might take one hour to go from one end of the city to the other."

"Yes, we have some more time to linger here" Anne said brightly, "which is quite good because I was hoping to have a little wander around this wood, there seems to be some prettyish places."

"What a good idea Anne, I shall be happy to accompany you!" Lizzy smiled.

This was not exactly what Anne had in mind, and appealed to Colonel Fitzwilliam, he, already disappointed in not being asked, quickly volunteered to go instead of Lizzy.

"For, I do believe you should rest a bit longer after working so hard at preparing the meal."

Elizabeth smiled at this, and was torn between making a fuss and everyone going with them, or letting the couple go alone.

Darcy decided it for her. "I do believe that we all could benefit from walking about before continuing with our journey." Anne and Colonel Fitzwilliam's expressions sunk at this, but brightened as he continued with, "but I wished to view the park from those peaks over there (pointing in the opposite direction)."

"I could not walk that far, Fitzwilliam, but I am sure Lizzy could manage it." Anne replied giving Elizabeth an encouraging wink.

"I ... ahh ... that is," Elizabeth stammered.

"Yes, that is a good idea Anne, but I believe I should accompany you to make sure you do not become too fatigued. Darce, Miss Bennet." And with a bow, they were off.

Darcy turned towards Elizabeth and offered his arm. Shaking slightly, Elizabeth placed her hand gently in the crook of his elbow.

A small smile was playing upon Darcy's lips as they made their way towards the cliffs.

"That was brilliantly done Anne!" Colonel Fitzwilliam proclaimed, "getting those two together like that."

Anne smiled demurely (Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam's relationship were not the only reasons she proposed they split up). "Thank you Richard, but I had some help from you."

They both smiled into each other's eyes.

'She has such pale green eyes.' Richard thought, 'and such a petite figure' letting his eyes travel up and down to review her more closely.

Anne blushed deeply, and perceiving that she was not as steady on her feet as he had thought, he asked her if everything was all right.

"Perfectly so, thank you cousin."

"Nevertheless, I believe you should take my arm. Your mother would not leave me alone if she heard that you had fainted before we even reached London!" He pulled her arm into his and they started walking further into the woods.

Anne reveled in the strength she felt through his coat. Dwelling on his strength and liveliness, Anne suddenly realised how ill and weak she always appeared and felt, and how this must not endear herself to such an active man. Cursing her stupidity for letting her emotions run away with her, she sighed deeply.

Colonel Fitzwilliam looked down in concern, but her bonnet restricted his view of her face. He wanted to bring up the topic of her health and hear her views of whether she truly believed herself to be always ill or whether it was a cover for her mother. 'Perhaps she truly is fatigued, and walking will not help.'

"Anne."

They both stopped, Colonel Fitzwilliam stood in front of her. She lowered her eyes and tilted her head downwards.

"Yes Richard?"

"I ... I ahh ... (sigh) I was wondering how you are feeling? You do not look well, and we can stop and rest if you are feeling tired."

Anne's eyes filled with tears. 'He must think me very weak indeed! We have not walked more than twenty paces!'

"No, I am not fatigued. I would have you believe me when I say that I am not quite the delicate creature my mother believes me to be."

Colonel Fitzwilliam felt relief at this, but also an anger that Anne would have to put up with such molly coddling!

"I have suspected that you do not suffer so much from illness, but from certain company for a while. Miss Bennet first alerted me to the possibility."

Anne sadly smiled. "Yes, Elizabeth is quite astute in drawing characters. I will (she raised her eyes slightly to meet his)... I will never be quite so robust as Elizabeth is, but I do admit to becoming indisposed whenever Mother is becoming too much for me."

Colonel Fitzwilliam moved closer. He smiled (she found it difficult to concentrate on what they were speaking about).

"I am sorry Anne that you should have to put up with so much hardships. The rest of the family has been truly remiss in not thinking of you at all. I shall never forgive myself of the horrible neglect I have been responsible for."

Anne shook her head. "No, Richard, you have always had a kind word for me when you visited Mother."

"A word! One word, perhaps two! What is that compared to the conversations that you have had with Miss Bennet after knowing her for a few weeks! I am your cousin, and if someone had asked me six weeks ago, what you enjoyed doing, I would not have been able to tell them! I do not believe anyone would have! That is a terrible neglect!"

"Not everyone, Richard. Your mother and I correspond regularly." Richard's eyes widened at this. Anne laughed. "Yes, I must find something to do whilst locked away in my room! Your mother when she used to visit Mother, before the big falling out, found me one time crying and asked me what the matter was. So I explained to her the way I was treated and not thought of by my mother and how I had developed a tendency to pretend to be sick in order to spend as little time as possible in her company. Oh Richard, I was so lonely and I knew I had been doing the wrong thing by lying to Mother, but she was absolutely unbearable to live with after Papa died. Your mother was so kind, she suggested that I learn how to embroider, and taught me herself. When she left Rosings Park she suggested that I write to her and I have. Not long later Mother and she had a big argument and Aunt Matlock has never visited us again."

Richard was astounded and shocked and wondered for the first time whether the argument between his mother and Lady Catherine had not in fact been over Anne's treatment.

"This is astonishing Anne, Mother never said a word about you, or only occasionally."

Anne smiled. "No, I asked her not to, I knew that if you and/or Fitzwilliam knew your behaviour towards myself would be different and I did not want Mother to know that her pale sick daughter was not really quite so pale or so sick. It is amazing what one can do with enough powder." She laughed.

Colonel Fitzwilliam could not laugh however. To be so mistreated, to live constantly hampered by an imaginary condition was unbearable. Then another horrifying thought came to mind.

"But all those medicines Anne!"

Anne's smile grew a bit tight. "Yes, well, most of the time I learnt to dispose of them someplace else, but occasionally I had to take them." Her face screwed up. "Unfortunately, they do not taste pleasant, and sometimes have very unpleasant effects. A few times I have really been ill from those disgusting draughts. But I have recovered. It is a small price to pay for peace of mind."

"Anne!" Richard involuntarily reached for her hands and drew her closer. "You have had to put up with so much. All the family felt sorry for you, but none of us (besides my mother it seems) ever thought of ways to relieve you of your burden. Mother should have invited you over to visit us!"

Anne found it quite pleasant to be held by Richard in such a way and resisted the urge to rest her head against his chest.

"Aunt Matlock repeatedly invited me to visit, but I declined most of them. The times that I actually wanted to go, Mother would not let me, and so I have continued to simply correspond with her." She raised her head to look up at Richard, "she is such a delightful correspondent! Lizzy reminds me somewhat of her, she takes pains to keep the conversation flowing and light hearted." She smiled slyly up at him, "The stories she told me of your antics during your breaks from the army were always highly amusing."

Richard looked a bit embarrassed. There were one or two occasions that he did not act completely gentlemanly. To think that Anne should have known about these things and not batted an eyelid when she saw him next. 'That is not quite true, she could have been laughing at me when we visited, Fitzwilliam and I would never have noticed! Darcy was always too worried about fending Aunt Catherine's constant hints to marry Anne.' His eyes widened in horror. 'Marry Anne! No!' And then he remembered that his cousin was at this moment (hopefully) courting Miss Bennet, which would leave Anne alone...

Anne had followed the expression of embarrassment to ruefulness to horror and grew concerned.

"Whatever is the matter Richard?"

Looking down at the fragile woman (nearly) in his arms, he could not think of anyone else he would prefer to spend his life growing to know and love. But was she unattached? She did not show symptoms of jealousy at Elizabeth, but Darcy was a very attractive man, and more eligible than himself.

"I was just thinking, Anne, how very fortunate we had Darcy to ask your mother to let you come to London with us."

Anne laughed. "Yes, it is sometimes to my advantage to have Mother planning my marriage to Fitzwilliam. It has saved me from many a horrible old Baron looking to prop up his faltering estate, and now it has meant that I can come and spend some time with you... all, that is. You all."

Anne could have kicked herself for being so transparent. 'Please let him not notice how that last sentence came out!'

But Colonel Fitzwilliam, whatever his faults (if he had any :P) was not slow to pick up little signals. His heart soared. Here was Anne, his Anne, practically saying that she wished to spend more time with him!

"Yes, Darcy is a handy man to have around, although I sometimes think his judgment is a bit faulty."

Anne looked quizzically at him.

Richard smiled. He was never one not to speak his mind, even in such delicate matters (not that he had ever had occasion to say such things before).

"Yes, for he is off wooing Miss Bennet, when he could have had you."

Anne swallowed hard, her face flaming, her eyes like saucers.

"Anne?" Spoken with infinite tenderness.

"Yes, Richard?" spoken a little breathlessly.

"I do not know how you will be able to forgive me for my abominable neglect in the past, but I hope you can," drawing her into his arms, he continued, "for I wish to never leave you neglected again. For as long as I shall live, you will always hold my heart and I will forever be here to help you, support you ... love you."

Anne thought she would melt against him at these lovely, lovely words. Her eyes filled with tears of joy. To never be lonely again! To be united with the man she had dreamed of for years! Such happiness could not be expressed in words. She did not need words to tell him so, however as looking into her eyes he read the message contained therein.

Happiness flooded over both their faces and Richard held her close.

Whispering into her hair, "will you be my wife?" she breathed into his chest "yes my darling".

And so, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne, their hearts overflowing, pulled apart, and started walking together aimlessly through the woods. They spoke of their childhoods and their dreams. Richard spoke of the army and his wish to retire from it as soon as they were married, "so I can spend my time growing old with you."

Anne felt wonderful knowing that Richard had never wanted to be in the army all his life, and she knew that with her inheritance, they would have more than plenty to live on and to provide for their children. 'Our children!' breathed a happy Anne.

Continued In Next Section