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Chapter 22

Posted on Wednesday, 25 December 2002

At last the ball was tonight, and a happier group of girls could not be found in all of Meryton. The Bennet family eagerly anticipated the wonderful evening that would bring a hoped for announcement between Jane and Mr. Bingley. At least that's what Mrs. Bennet was sure would happen. As for Jane, she just wanted to see the man who had opened her heart to the possibility of a future filled with love and happiness. For though she would deny even to her closest sister, Jane Bennet had succumb to being hopelessly in love with Charles Bingley. And she hoped that he too was in love with her. She took extra care in her dressing because tonight would be a special night, she knew. It may be the start of something glorious for her, and it may bring happiness and security to her family as well. She looked radiant in a pale blue gown, and her hair in tiny ringlets, and all her family commented while waiting for the coach to pull up to the door.

While riding the short distance Jane felt a fluttering in the pit of her stomach in anticipation, and even held on to Elizabeth's hand for support as she tried to steady her breathing. Her sister merely smiled and squeezed her hand for comfort knowing that Jane would have the most wonderful time at this ball with the attentions of Mr. Bingley. All would be perfect tonight.

They were one of the last families to arrive to Netherfield, and so as they entered the house, the Bingley's and the Hurst's in a receiving line greeted the Bennet's and began to enter into the formal ballroom. The younger sisters wasted no time in obtaining red-coated partners for the up coming dances, and were completely elated. Mr. Bingley had eyes only for Jane, but did have enough wherewithal as a host to offer his other arm to Elizabeth. She looked for the charming Mr. Wickham, but was told by Captain Carter that the man decided not to attend. Elizabeth expected as much due to Mr. Darcy's forced attendance, but was thankful that Charlotte was nearby to talk with so she could release Mr. Bingley to focus all his attentions on Jane.

"Does not the house look magnificent, Lizzy?" remarked Charlotte as both observed the decorations.

"Indeed," agreed Elizabeth giving credit where it was due. "I believe Mr. Bingley's sister, Mrs. Hurst, had a hand in many aspects of the décor. She certainly has a remarkable talent, and I'm sure if prevailed upon, could be a great help to others in the neighborhood."

Both smiled as they saw their younger sisters go by giggling with escorts to find out where they were to sit down to dine. It was quite a scene to see how fast the younger sisters seem to have grown up overnight. The music was subdued at the moment to give the attendees time to make introductions and converse before the dancing commenced. Lizzy and Charlotte were content to observe and comment on all the finery exhibited this night.

Darcy, who had watched for her carriage to arrive from an upstairs window, finally came down to join the partygoers. It wasn't long before he approached her and her friend and bowed.

"Good evening to you, ladies."

"Good evening to you, sir," each said in turn as they curtsied. Darcy first thought was how beautiful Elizabeth seemed tonight, pale flower buds contrasting against her dark curls.

"Miss Bennet, you promised me when you were more inclined that you would do me the honor of dancing with me."

She looked into his eyes knowing of his dislike of crowds and his apparent abhorrence to dancing. That he wished to dance with her meant he now felt her a 'friend' enough to desire her company. She smiled.

"I ... am required to dance the first set with my cousin," His gaze locked on her, and he held his breath wondering if she would decline his offer yet again.

She quickly added, "...but I am free afterwards. I thank you, sir."

He bowed and turned letting out a sigh went to the refreshment table along the sidewall. He needed to quench his dry mouth. Charlotte couldn't help but comment on this occurrence.

"Lizzy, you should be honored Mr. Darcy singled you out in this way. I know of no other in Meryton he has asked so far."

Before she could reply that Mr. Darcy was simply asking her as a friend, Mr. Collin approached them compelling Elizabeth to make an introduction to Charlotte. His usual demeanor was to bow and not look directly at anyone lest he offend, but this time he actually looked at Charlotte and smiled.

"After my obligation to my cousins, I wonder if you, Miss Lucas, would honor me with a dance?" Mr. Collins smiled and bowed. Elizabeth pursed her lips to keep from laughing, and Charlotte arched her eyebrows surprised.

"Why ... yes," Charlotte stammered. "I would dance with you, sir. I thank you for the offer."

"You are most exceedingly welcome, I am sure," replied Mr. Collins bowing again and delaying his departure from what he considered two of the most handsome ladies present. Both Charlotte and Elizabeth were refrained from discussing this new circumstance due to his lingering near them, and they merely gave each other a look of amused curiosity.

Finally Elizabeth suggested, "Mr. Collins, would you be so kind to secure some refreshments for both Charlotte and I?"

"It would be an honor to, cousin Elizabeth," he groveled and bowed, and away he scurried to the punch bowl. Nothing needed to be said by either lady, and they merely exchanged smiles.

Soon afterwards the music heralded the first dance set forcing Elizabeth to take Mr. Collin's sweaty hand as they made their way to the dance floor. As the couples were assembling Elizabeth had time to view the other dancers. Mr. Bingley and Jane were a few dancers down the line, and could barely manage to take their eyes off one another. Elizabeth smiled at the thought of Jane being engaged, which surely would happen any day now. She then noticed that Caroline had even maneuvered Darcy into the dance, but he didn't appear happy about it. She noticed the set of his jaw that conveyed a tenseness of a forced obligation instead of a sublime serenity expressed by Mr. Bingley. She couldn't help but feel sorry for Mr. Darcy at the moment, but had no time for any other observations when the music began, signaling for the dancing to commence.

To say she was mortified by her partner's ineptitude was an understatement. After he had turned the wrong way thrice and bumped into an elderly lady dancing beside them, she was in such a pique that by the time the last notes signaled the finish of the dance her face blushed crimson. She was so embarrassed she even refused his arm as the dancers receded from the dance floor. She went to stand again beside Charlotte trying to think of some amusing witticism her father would say about the man having at least two left feet. Without needing words, Charlotte put an understanding arm on Elizabeth's and tried to distract her with the fact that Mr. Collins was now trying for the hand of another of her sisters.

She could barely lift her eyes from the floor when she felt someone staring at her. Finally she looked up to see Darcy's warm eyes, a smiled just forming at the corner of his mouth. He lifted his glass in toast to her as if to say, relax. That ordeal is now over. She looked down again finding her shoes quite fascinating, but he saw her nodding in agreement.

There was a break of time in the dancing for everyone to refresh them selves. Lizzy and Charlotte were talking of how Mr. Bingley looked at Jane during the dance.

"It is true, Charlotte, "Elizabeth teased. "I confess I was at a loss to know how they did not misstep."

"Nor, do I, Lizzy," agreed Charlotte. "I doubt they knew of any others in the room."

When the music again heralded the next dance set, Darcy approached and held out his hand for hers. She took it still not sure what to expect from him as a dancer. For his part, he patiently waited for her to begin to speak. The dance commenced, and they began the intricate steps with a sureness of foot that surprised both. There was not a more suited couple dancing. He stared at her so fiercely now to block out the entire crowd, that she was forced to lock onto his gaze. Silently they glided down the dance floor, their steps in perfect syncopation. Finally, after the set was half over, they both realized the enormity of their silence and she tried to begin on a subject on which to talk. He remained silent.

"Come, come, we must have some conversation, Mr. Darcy," she teased. "At the very least, we can comment on the dancers, or the music. Perhaps the room size."

"Do you always speak when dancing then?"

"Usually," she answered. "That way, we can both say as little as possible," she teased.

He paused before he continued. "And did any topics of interest come to you in your last dance set?" He had teased her back, but noticed that her face blushed, and it was clear she was not amused.

"No," she sighed as she glided past him. "I must admit, that the circumstances were such that absolutely no topic of any sort came to me at the time." He took her hand again as the dance continued, and noticed its iciness.

"Perhaps, some form of communication would have made the time go by more agreeably," he suggested as he stepped past the second pairing of their group of dancers.

She finally began to relax as she saw the amusement in his eyes, and replied, "Any form of intelligent communication with the man would have needed no fewer than three people present. It would have been a bit crowded when dancing." She finally glanced at him and arched those famous brows to let him know she was over her embarrassment at last, and smiled.

"Quite," was his only response as she moved past the other couple in their grouping. When they came together again he tried for another topic.

"Would books be an appropriate topic during a dance?"

"No, books are not discussed at a ball," she replied, adding, "The past is not what interests one during a dance. Try again, Mr. Darcy."

He was silence for a moment, and then thought of what he considered a safe subject that he could perhaps talk a great deal on, that of walks and country lanes.

"Do you and your sisters often walk into Meryton?"

"Yes, quite often. My parents began to let us do so for the exercise, and to be a little in the world while we grew into adulthood."

They both seemed less tense as they had at last began to converse on the benefits of walking. Then her response to his question about meeting others while on their sojourns drew a strong reaction on Darcy's part. She made mention of the new acquaintance they had met in Meryton. He knew she was talking of Wickham, and became agitated at his name, but tried to be subtle in his warning of that man's character.

Clearly she could tell he was not happy with the bent of this conversation, and was just about to change to a safer topic. It was then that Sir Lucas interrupted them to compliment them on their superior dancing.

"Never in my attending assemblies and balls have I seen such perfection of the dance. Mr. Darcy, you astonish me with you talent when you say you dislike the amusement so. Well, perhaps it is your current inducement that prompted your dexterity, hey Miss Lizzy? I will let you get back to it then, Mr. Darcy," Sir Lucas gushed adding, "I hope we will have many more such balls when a certain event occurs." The old man indicated Mr. Bingley and Miss Bennet. When finally the couple was allowed to continue the dance both Darcy and Elizabeth were disconcerted by Sir Lucas's statement, and she worried about Mr. Darcy's attitude towards the 'certain event' referred to.

"You once told me," she whispered nervously, "that you hardly ever forgave those who had wronged you." They continued to dance without thought to the steps now; they had become so second nature to them both.

"Yes, that is for the most part true." Their hands were together for these few seconds as they danced.

"I trust you do no make those judgments rashly?" She could feel the heat of his hand even through her gloves.

"I do not," he replied as he glanced over to Jane and Bingley in the next dance group.

"You then use foresight and thought?" She danced around the next couple, as he stood waiting for her return, his eyes meeting hers, paying attention to her questions now.

"I endeavor to," he replied confused by her change of topic. "To what do these questions tend?" As they glided on the dance floor again their hands met, Darcy noticed how cold hers felt in his, but her face showed no fear or conflicted emotions. Her countenance seemed as serene as her older sister's.

"Oh...merely to fill in your character is all. You are quite a puzzle to me." She replied. Somehow he didn't believe her as he gazed at her face. Their eyes met, and he could see the turmoil there though her speech remained steady.

He looked away and replied, "I wish you would not try to sketch out my character at present, Miss Bennet. I think you may be disappointed."

She could see him glance over to Jane and Mr. Bingley again, and tried to distract him from his obviously upsetting thoughts.

"If I do so now, I may not get another chance," she replied trying to distract him again.

His gaze came back to her, but she saw his brows knitted, and she wondered what he was thinking at the moment. She hoped she could keep him talking to her, distract him, and tease him into a better mood. But it was not to be.

"I would not deny you any pleasure." He replied still not smiling. He had become too agitated in the room filled with noise and people as well as at Sir Lucas's statement as regards Bingley and her mentioning of Wickham, and didn't wish to talk to anyone at present. The dance set ended just then before she could think of another neutral topic. Darcy held her hand as he escorted Elizabeth back to her friend who had been joined by Jane for the moment. He bowed and began to release her hand, when she squeezed his before releasing it to try to get his attention, but he merely shook his head and turned and retreated to a quiet corner becoming the arrogant Mr. Darcy to all who attempted to approach him. As Elizabeth watched the transformation, she shook her head and sighed. Jane then asked her a question, and Elizabeth was drawn into conversation with Jane and Charlotte.

The evening progressed from one disaster after another for the Bennet family. Mary insisted on performing even though her voice was small and shrill, and her choice of music unremarkable. The younger daughters had not been supervised by their father all the evening Their rowdiness escalated to a peak when Lydia's laughter could be heard from the other room as she ran passed the doorway with the young officer chasing after her. Jane and Elizabeth were so embarrassed. It seemed that the older neighbors were not at all as concerned because they were familiar with the antics of the younger Bennet's.

Then Elizabeth and Jane heard their mother commenting on the fact of Jane's engagement as though Bingley had already proposed and how her other daughters would be advantaged by this. When they heard this both the older daughters stood in the middle of the room totally mortified. Elizabeth noticed Darcy in a corner looking intently at Bingley who hadn't heard Mrs. Bennet's comment, and was being the proverbial good host to all his quests. His sisters who had heard, however, were reeling with indignation.

Neither Jane nor Elizabeth could even look up to speak when the party said their good-byes to the Bingley's. Charles held Jane's hand as she entered the carriage, smiling and saying he had a delightful evening. Jane nodded and took her seat in the carriage for the ride home.

Neither Mr. Hurst nor Darcy were anywhere in sight. It was assumed that Mr. Hurst was in a quiet corner sleeping off the effects of drink, but where Darcy had disappeared was anyone's guess. Bingley later found him hold up in the library pacing.

The two older Bennet girls said little of the evening's events on the ride home choosing not to add to the many declarations of such a wonderful party by the rest of the carriage riders, oblivious to how the night would be viewed by those at Netherfield. They simply entered their home, and went straight to their rooms in utter humiliation.

Chapter 23

Posted on Wednesday, 25 December 2002

It was not a week after the ball at Netherfield that Elizabeth came back from her walk to find Jane in a saddened state.

"Jane? Whatever is the matter?" Elizabeth asked as she held her sister's hand.

Jane shook her head unable to speak and handed the letter to Elizabeth.

The letter Jane received was from Caroline Bingley.

Elizabeth read it aloud. "When you receive this note our entire party would be already on its way back to town with had no plans of returning to the country. Charles had business in town, and although planned to return in a short time, decided against it due to another engagement. The only thing we shall truly miss is your company, dear Jane. If you are ever come to town, please do us the honor of a visit. Yours, Caroline Bingley."

It wasn't a note that Elizabeth believed after she saw the attention Mr. Bingley gave to Jane the night of the ball. He had told them he was going to town only for a few days.

"I am sure she has misunderstood her brother's attraction for you, dear Jane. Surely, you know that he is very fond of you?"

"I had thought that he gave me much attention," admitted Jane her eyes still downcast.

"Yes, and so do not lose heart that he will return when he said he would." Elizabeth hugged her sister and tried to get her to look up from the floor.

"Yes?" Jane asked finally staring into Elizabeth's eyes hopefully.

Elizabeth gave Jane her surest impression that Mr. Bingley would return within a fortnight to his angel even if his darling sisters wished otherwise. Elizabeth thought this had consoled Jane, for she smiled and nodded and hugged her sister again.

Chapter 24

Posted on Wednesday, 25 December 2002

As the days turned into weeks, without a return of Mr. Bingley, Jane's hopes began to fade. She became despondent, and hardly spoke to anyone except to answer questions asked of her. Her last missive from Caroline Bingley stated that she did not think of their every returning to Netherfield due to Charles attentions to Miss Darcy, whom Caroline wished as a sister.

The fact that Mr. Darcy had been forced to leave with the rest of the party did not signify that he supported the Bingley sisters claim of Mr. Bingley's now indifference to Jane, thought Elizabeth. But he had been disconcerted at the ball, and had wished solitude from the festivities due to his dislike of crowds. Or so Elizabeth thought at the time. Since communication with him or Mr. Bingley was highly improper, Elizabeth had no way of knowing what had truly occurred to cause the mass exodus from Netherfield.

Elizabeth even found herself missing her discussions with either of the two Mr. Darcys; whichever one always had something interesting to give her thought. But she did not feel as Jane did, who sighed greatly whenever she did tasks assigned to her, but seldom wished to go out and enjoy any of the pre-Christmas activities suggested. Her entire family felt her loss and did not know how to deal with her low spirits.

Mr. Collins, on the other hand knew of nothing but to finally allow his proposal to be made known. Mrs. Bennet was so distracted to have at least one of her daughters wed to him, that if he had selected Elizabeth for his bride, then Mrs. Bennet would insist upon Lizzy accepting him.

"Mother, you can not be serious," Elizabeth began but was cut off in mid sentence by her mother.

"I am most assuredly serious, young lady," her mother admonished her. "If we are not to be thrown out of this house when your father dies, then it is up to you to be our salvation. You must marry Mr. Collins."

Elizabeth, however, had no intentions of the kind and appealed to her father to intercede for her. She followed her mother to the library both with very different agendas.

"Father, you understand the reasons for my refusals to the man, surely," Elizabeth offered to the older gentleman who stood beside his wife hoping she would accept what he would say next.

"Indeed, Lizzy. I understand your reasons perfectly," he agreed smiling. It was one thing to have this sycophant in his house for a visit, but quite another thing to have him marry a favorite daughter in order to save the house for Mrs. Bennet. "Your mother, however, has made the point that you must marry the gentleman in order to be your family's security."

Elizabeth's eyes went wide as she stared into her father's face unsure of what he would say next, and for the tiniest of seconds wondered if he would insist on her marrying the toady little clergyman in order to save Longbourn for their family. Then she saw the twinkle in his eyes, and the corners of his mouth lift, and she knew his decision was not to be the father-in-law of an oaf.

With swift and comical aplomb Mr. Bennet soon put to rest any aspirations of the odious Mr. Collins marrying his Lizzy, much to the chagrin of both Mrs. Bennet as well as Mr. Collins. The pride-injured man vowed he would not stay in their house another night, and was invited over to Lucas Lodge by Charlotte who was visiting at the time.

Shrieks and recriminations were heard for the next few days from Mrs. Bennet whenever she came in contact with her second daughter about how obstinate and disobedient she was. There were many other crimes of which her mother accused Elizabeth, but she withstood them, and met them all with silent amusement and grace. Elizabeth had grown up with this woman, and knew how best to deal with ungracious and demanding matriarchs. Little did she know that her knowledge would do well for her in the months to come?

And who would believe that within the next week it was announced that Charlotte Lucas had accepted a marriage proposal from the boorish Mr. Collins. The couple would travel to Huntsford to his parsonage after the wedding in six weeks. When Elizabeth talked with Jane about the unbelievable turn of events it was Jane, as wise as ever who gave her reproof.

"You cannot account for differences in temperament and situation, Lizzy," remarked Jane trying to fashion some embroidery stitch. "Even though he is not the smartest of men he is respectable. Charlotte may have other considerations to account for her agreement to the match."

"I suppose," agreed Elizabeth adding, "though I cannot find it in my heart to forgive her making this particular choice."

"She has agreed to a match perhaps for more practical purposes," Jane surmised. "And may have done as much as we may also have to do in time."

"Oh, Jane," began Elizabeth. "Do not give up hope that Mr. Bingley will return. He seemed to regard you very highly."

"Lizzy, think no more of him. I am resigned to the fact that he will not return, and I will be myself again. There. You can have no more concern for me. I will, like Charlotte, one day find a man to aid my family if need be, and will be content."

Before Elizabeth could begin an argument Jane rose and left the room shaking her head to her younger sister. Elizabeth didn't know how to console her dear Jane.

With the Gardiner's coming for a visit over Christmas, Elizabeth decided to have Jane return to London with her cousins to have a change of scenery, and perhaps keep her distracted until she came to terms with her wounded heart over Bingley. She wrote to her Aunt Gardiner who had agreed to the scheme wholeheartedly because all her children loved their older cousin and wanted to be with her. Elizabeth also thought just perhaps if Jane called upon the Bingley's townhouse, she and Mr. Bingley could be re-united, and may have a chance to talk. So it was that Jane would return to London with all the Gardiners after the holiday, as Lizzy would have travel plans of her own soon enough.

A Christmas Interlude

Posted on Wednesday, 25 December 2002

This chapter was not in the original story, but I added it a few days ago as a present to all of you faithful readers. Happy Christmas to you.

The Christmas season was upon the Longbourn household after the ball at Netherfield, and many in the house were eagerly anticipating the visit of Father Christmas and all the presents he would leave. But for a few thoughts were not so happy in this wondrous time. Jane tried to keep busy asking Elizabeth for help wrapping presents for her little cousins due to arrive within the next few days. But Elizabeth saw the droop of Jane's shoulders, and her more than usual quiet resolve. She knew Jane's unhappiness stemmed from a lack of correspondence from the sister of a certain gentlemen absent from the area since the ball. She didn't know, however, how to alleviate Jane of her sadness. As the presents piled up on the bed, Elizabeth noticed one wrapped in soft paper and a bright ribbon without a tag, and handed it back to Jane.

"Who does this one belong, Jane? It is not labeled," asked Elizabeth.

Jane stopped wrapping gifts, and took the box and swallowed, and her eyes misted over. "It is nothing. It does not matter any longer," she whispered putting it under her pillow, and returning to her wrapping.

Elizabeth stared at her sister without a word knowing it would have been to Mr. Bingley. After they had finished and hidden the presents in Jane's armoire, Jane said she wanted to see if their mother needed any help with the food preparations, and left the room. Elizabeth hesitated, but then her curiosity got the better of her. She pulled the box out from under the pillow. With only another hesitation of remorse for her intruding into Jane's life, she pulled the ribbon, and the paper unfolded easily. With shaking hands she opened the box to reveal a handkerchief embroidered with spring flowers by Jane's delicate hand.

The work was exquisite with each stitch perfect, and Elizabeth knew it had taken Jane a very long time to accomplish each of the five flowers in the corner. She also noticed that Jane had stitched the initials 'CB' in middle of the flowers. Her eyes misted over as she thought that truly Jane had fallen in love even though she denied it each time she was asked. Jane would only say that Mr. Bingley was a very amiable man, but insist that he had not touched her heart, so his departure would not cause her much harm. This gift proved how much regard Jane held for him, Elizabeth thought, and wished that she could give him some idea of how Jane felt. She was sure that he returned those feelings before he left the area, and perhaps still did.

With a sudden inspiration, she took the box with the handkerchief and left Jane's room to hurry down the stairs.

"Hill," she asked the housekeeper on the way to the library " has the post gone out yet today?"

"No, Miss Elizabeth. It is due to go within the hour. Do you have something you wish to send?"

"Yes, Hill, but I need to write a note, and obtain the address first," was Elizabeth's reply. "I shall return shortly."

"Very good, Miss. I will wait for you and take care of it for you personally."

"Thank you, Hill," Elizabeth answered touching the housekeeper's arm affectionately. "I will not be long."

Upon entering the library she immediately retrieved a few sheets of notepaper and opened the inkwell on the table beside the window and picked up the pen. Giving herself a moment to think, she began to write. Her father watched her silently from his desk wondering whom she was corresponding to, but not wishing to intrude on her train of thought waited for her to finish. It was only when she put the pen down and closed the top on the inkwell and reached for the sealing wax that he ventured to speak.

"I gather you have a last minute gift to send with the post, Lizzy." She looked up to him as if caught as a child stealing a cookie from cook. She then smiled and kissed his forehead.

"Yes, father. A handkerchief with delicate embroidery than I wish to send to be in town by Christmas. Do you know where the address to Caroline Bingley has got? I am having difficulty finding her last letter to Jane with the address."

Mr. Bennet searched his list of addresses wondering why on earth Lizzy was deeming to send a present to that snob of a woman, but kept quiet as he finally found the address. He looked at Lizzy expecting an answer to his questioning stare as he handed her the address. She smiled as she took the offered paper.

"It is a good will offering," she ventured hoping he would not inquire further.

"Ah," he nodded as he gazed into her eyes knowing she did not want him to pry, and only added, "this is the season for good will towards men or women as the case may be."

"Yes, indeed," she replied back as she turned toward the door. "Thank you, father."

"You are very welcome, I am sure," was his response as he shook his head still wondering what she was up to.

With the notes in the box and a label on the outside, she wrapped it in brown paper and affixed the address to it before handing it to Hill to be posted with the other mail. She hoped that she was doing the correct thing. Knowing Caroline as well as she did, Elizabeth felt she could guess what her actions would be when she opened the box. She only hoped that Mr. Bingley's faithful servant, Geeves would be as attentive as Elizabeth had observed. She knew how inappropriate her interference would be construed if word got out, but as she saw the horseman depart through the Longbourn gate she knew it was too late to undo it.

The days to follow were busy ones as the Gardeners had arrived and the chaos was doubled with the exuberance of young children in the house at Christmas. Everyone seemed to be much in the spirit of the season with preparations of meals, and parties around the area. By the time Christmas day arrived the adults were quite tired and wished to enjoy watching the children as they opened their presents after attending church service. Elizabeth noticed that even Jane was preoccupied with the wonder of her cousins as each oohed and aahed as they opened gifts.

It was much the same in town at the Bingley house, but with a much less boisterous household due to the fact that there were no children. When all the presents were opened the servant began to clean up the ribbons and papers. The maid noticed one last gift unopened, and handed it to Miss Caroline who frowned.

"It is only a gift from Jane," remarked putting it on the dining room table.

"Are you not going to open it?" asked Charles. "It would be rude not to send a thank you note."

"I suppose so," Caroline sighed as she took the box and opened it, and stared at the contents.

"Well? What is it?" Asked Charles.

With one finger and her thumb she removed the handkerchief from the box and frowned. "It is only a kerchief that she had embroidered. Nothing very fancy like the ones I prefer." She placed the thing on the table beside her brother who picked it up to examine the stitching.

"It is very well stitched," he admitted seeing that each thread in each stitch was laid perfectly in the design. "It must have taken her a very long time to complete each of these flowers. Do you know what they represent?"

Caroline snatched the cloth from his hands and examined it briefly before handing it back to him. "I cannot make them out, but they are surely a spring flower rather than the later ones that have more color."

Charles looked in the box and noticed a page in the bottom. "There is a note with it." He retrieved and unfolded it and began to read.

"Dear Caroline. I just wanted to send you a gift for all your kindness to me when you were in Hertfordshire. Please accept this as a sign of our friendship. Yours truly, Jane Bennet."

He handed her the note to examine. Caroline looked at her brother and in an exasperated tone remarked, "Just as I supposed. She still views me as her friend."

"As it should be," offered Charles.

Caroline merely nodded and handed the note back to him along with the box and ribbon and paper. Rising from the table she replied, "Here, you may give this to one of the servants if you wish as I have many fancier ones that I prefer. I am going upstairs to prepare to go to the theatre tonight." She left the room with Charles still fingering the delicate flowers at the corner and gazing at the initials in the middle. He agreed with Caroline's assessment. It wasn't as fancy as the handkerchiefs most of the ladies carry. Even the cloth material was more coarse and masculine.

The servant asked if he could dispense with the packaging, and Charles nodded absently still fingering the handkerchief. It was then that the servant noticed something odd in the top of the box that Caroline had neglected to see.

"Sir?" The servant said handing the box top to Charles who put the handkerchief down and examined it.

"Thank you, Geeves. That will be all." The servant left the room as Charles looked inside the top. It was second note addressed to Master Bingley in the same delicate handwriting. He pulled it from the top of the box and turned it over to see that it had been sealed unlike the note to Caroline.

Hoping it was a note from Jane, he took a deep breath and unsealed the wax and opened the one page, his eyes dropping to the bottom to confirm its author. He was disappointed when he saw that the name below was not that of Jane, but rather her sister. His brows knitted in surprised confusion wondering why Elizabeth had dared impropriety to write to him. His eyes went back up to the top of the page as he read.

"To Mr. Bingley at this time of cheer and good will. I hope this note finds all your family in good health and spirits. We are all so as well here in Longbourn. I apologize for writing, but needed to explain the gift sent to you from my sister Jane who has stayed up many nights to complete it in order that it would be ready in time to send. The flowers in the corner are those of the perennial forget-me-nots that have a delicate fragrance and a subdued color scheme. She took great pains with each one to come out perfectly, and hopes you will appreciate all her work. We all hope you have a joyous Christmas. Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

Charles was frozen for a moment when he realized what the note stated. The handkerchief with the initials 'CB' was not meant for Caroline, but rather for him. He took it from the table to examine it again, fingering the initials. He felt the delicate flowers again that he recognized took so long to sew so perfectly. He swallowed, and smiled, and whispered under his breath, "Forget-me-nots." He held the cloth up to his nose, and could smell the soft fragrance of Jane's perfume that had transferred onto it as she worked. He closed his eyes envisioning her in Longbourn's sunny parlor sitting in the chair by the window sewing on it. She looked up and smiled at him wishing him a happy Christmas. He smiled back.

"CHARLES!"

He was suddenly jarred out of his pleasant daydream by his sister's shrill voice, and his eyes popped open looking at her.

"I have been calling your name three times from the doorway. What is wrong with you? I hope you are not unwell. We are supposed to be at the theatre shortly. Have you been just sitting here for the past hour?"

Not wanting to tell her that he was in fact in Hertfordshire with Jane, he stammered, "I...must have dozed off."

"You need to be up and getting ready if we are to be across town in time not to miss the opening act."

"Yes, of course, Caroline," he said as he rose from the chair, following the retreating figure of his sister out of the room. He pocketed the handkerchief as well as the note, which he never planned to show his sister.

She turned back around to face him while they ascended the stairs saying, "I hope you give Jane's handkerchief to an appropriate person, Charles. I do not wish to have her think I did not want it."

He went past her up the stairs, his back to her now as he walked to his rooms. "I have already taken care of it, Caroline," he said as he thought the gift was exactly where it should be. He patted his breast pocket and smiled.

Chapter 25

Posted on Monday, 30 December 2002

The Gardiners stayed until Charlotte's wedding before setting off back home to London with Jane in tow. Their fondest hope was that she would be so busy with her little cousins, that she would have no time to dwell on her wounded heart. At least that was Elizabeth's wish as she watched the carriage recede from her view down the lane.

After the private wedding Charlotte and Mr. Collins traveled to the parsonage in order to set up housekeeping. They were to entertain visitors not too soon there after. Elizabeth had agreed to accompany Sir Lucas and Mariah on the early spring journey to make sure Charlotte was settled properly at the parsonage. There was only one awkward moment on the trip when Sir Lucas had deemed that his Charlotte had made a advantageous match only to look across the carriage seat into Elizabeth's face to remember that she had refused the same man not a week before Charlotte's acceptance. Elizabeth, in her most tactful way avoided any statement that would cause the man to feel any worse than he already did. They arrived at the parsonage none too soon for him.

Upon receiving their guests and settling them each in a bedroom, Mr. Collins insisted on showing his new family his garden and his beehives. Thankfully Elizabeth was not forced to endure his company. She wanted a private conversation with Charlotte to ascertain if she was truly happy with the match.

As both ladies spied her family from out a window Charlotte stated, "I encourage Mr. Collins to walk to the church each morning and to be in his garden often. He also spends much time in his book room so he may see the road in case Lady Catherine's carriage happens by. And I-"

"And you prefer to remain in this parlor," finished Elizabeth. She could almost always finish her friend's sentences even when they were younger.

"So, Lizzy there are days when we have only spent a few minutes in each other's company. I can endure the solitude quite nicely. You remember, I told you I was not romantic. I only want a comfortable home and to not be a burden to my parents. This is all that I required, so be at ease, Lizzy."

"I will try, dear Charlotte, if you are truly content." As she gazed out the window across the lane, she added, "The Park does have an abundance of beautiful paths to explore."

"I thought once you had come, you would waste no time walking them, Lizzy," Charlotte teased. Elizabeth smiled as their friendship was renewed.

"We will also be asked to attend suppers a few days a week with the great Lady herself. I must warn you though, she is quite opinionated."

"And you wish me to what? Keep quiet or engage her, Charlotte?"

"I wish neither, dear Lizzy. I merely give you fair warning."

"Then, I consider myself warned, dear Charlotte."

The two friends came to the understanding that Charlotte was not unhappy in the match and Elizabeth need not fret for her any longer. Now she could concentrate on more important matters at hand, like finding where all these paths in the park lead until the dreaded dinner engagements were announced.

Elizabeth did enjoy the walks either with her friend or alone, for the park was a wondrous place of natural beauty that Elizabeth relished. She spent many carefree hours strolling the paths in the groves at Rosings Park trying to clear her head of sad thoughts of Jane and missing her family especially her father. Little did she know she would have more interesting thoughts to dwell upon in the weeks to come?

Chapter 26

Posted on Monday, 30 December 2002

It was not a week before the party from Huntsford parsonage was walking up the steps to the enormous manor house that was Rosings. Mr. Collins was commenting on the number of windows, and the cost of the fireplace in a certain parlor. Elizabeth barely listened to his droning. She would rather rate the owner by the ways the lawns were manicured and the way nature was pruned in unnatural shapes. Clearly, this was someone who wanted to control even the bushes in her yard. Charlotte was right about Lady Catherine.

They were ushered into a parlor and introduced to the great lady herself who looked regal upon her chair, dressed in a bright silk frock that rustled with each movement, and hair crimped to perfection. She had a sharp nose and beady eyes that squinted as though she were deep in thought. Her daughter and companion were over on a couch beside her, and were nothing in comparison. Elizabeth curtsied and smiled, while Mariah was in awe and could barely look up from the floor. Clearly this was going to be an interesting evening.

Elizabeth's first impressions of Lady Catherine were correct; she was a domineering woman who always had an opinion and wished everyone to agree with her in all things. She asked pointed and personal questions expecting intimate answers in order to comment on and give advise about. Even Sir Lucas was in awe of this great lady, and hesitated to disagree with her opinions.

It was only Elizabeth that tried to carry on an intelligent intercourse of discussion with Lady Catherine, who was surprised by and not too pleased that one so young would be so ready to voice her own opinions on such matters as governesses and painting tutors as well as the having all sisters out in society without the first ones being married. Elizabeth was enjoying the discourse because she found Lady Catherine was also very informed about a number of things, and also had a great mind for business as well. She impressed Elizabeth even though Elizabeth didn't always agree with her, which made for interesting conversations at Rosings. The great lady was also impressed with this country girl who could carry on a sensible conversation, but wonder about her views on certain topics, and decided to wait to make up her mind about how she felt about this Hertfordshire miss.

They had dined at Rosings many times in the weeks to come before added visitors were also in their company. At one such dinner they had the honor of being introduced to Lady Catherine's nephews.

"This is my nephew, Colonel Fitzwilliam," Lady Catherine stated not wanting to take any attention from her. "And this is my late sister Anne's son and my nephew, Fitzwilliam Darcy."

Both men bowed, and the Colonel smiled when Elizabeth smiled back and thought she was charming. Darcy merely gazed on her. Her eyes moved from the Colonel to Darcy and locked on his. Her eyebrows arched, and she pursed her lips to hide her smile. She realized that she had missed her 'friend's company.

"It is good to see you again, Mr. Darcy," she replied.

"You have already met?" asked Lady Catherine quite put out. "Where?" she demanded.

"Last autumn I accompanied my friend, Mr. Bingley when he let a manor in the country, Aunt. Hertfordshire is where Miss Bennet's family resides."

"Humph," was Lady Catherine's reply clearly put out that she was not the one to show off her favorite nephew to the less fortunate populace.

The Colonel took an instant liking to this vivacious woman and engaged her in a number of topics. She was more than happy to converse with him because of his open pleasant nature. Darcy kept his distance to see if she would require an explanation of Bingley's absence from her neighborhood, something he didn't wish to discuss at present. But she didn't try to coax him in conversation, preferring to keep up a steady repartee with his cousin who was more than obliging. He sighed and shook his head remembering their duel of wits, and felt sure she could still out last him in this waiting game, but he waited for her to begin nonetheless.

Elizabeth noticed the Colonel gazed at the small table in the corner no less than three times while conversing with her on the topic of how the country around Kent differed from that of Hertfordshire. Lady Catherine excused herself for a moment to attend to the dinner arrangement, which somehow had gone slightly awry. Darcy watched Elizabeth and his cousin.

"Surely you would agree that Kent has an enormous expanse of scenic beauty that even surpasses that of the south, Miss Bennet?" offered the Colonel.

She smiled as he gazed over the corner table slightly while still managing to carry on a conversation with her.

"I am sure that Hertfordshire has as many beauties as well as the south end of this room, Colonel," she finally acknowledged that she had caught him in the act.

He blushed as he smiled at her sheepishly admitting at last, "I beg your pardon, Madam. It is just Darcy and I were in the middle of a game when you arrived, and I was just about to finally defeat him as he has not been at his best strategy of late."

"Indeed?" She asked intrigued that Darcy would not do his best at one of his favorite games, that of chess, which she had seen him play more than once at Netherfield. "May I see your progress thus far?"

The Colonel looked at her with renewed interest. He had never known a woman that had a mind sharp enough for the game, and smiled and motioned her to the table. Darcy smiled as he watched her examining the positions of each of the pieces on the chessboard, first of the Colonel's men, and then those of Darcy's. He saw her brows knit as she viewed the past, current, and future strategy for each possible move to have these remaining players, taking a long while to discover the preferred mode of obtaining the check.

Darcy hid his amusement as best he could, sure that she would recognize the correct gambit he was using at the expense of his dear cousin. Although holding the title of a master at his club in London, Darcy had already had the pleasure of almost being beaten by this same young woman during her stay at Netherfield when her sister Jane fell ill. He knew that her father had taught her the game as a child, and she had a mind keen on many of the various strategies of play. The Colonel would be hard pressed to out do her. Darcy folded his arms and peered over his cousin's shoulder to see what would transpire.

She finally smiled at the board and stated, "You have done well so far, Colonel Fitzwilliam."

"Yes, I thought so," agreed the Colonel pumping up with pride.

"You will do as well right up until the time Mr. Darcy checks you in five more moves," she added gazing at Darcy arching her eyebrows, and smiling at him.

"What?" The Colonel looked from her to the board in utter disbelief that he could lose with such a strong standing. "But I still have my queen while he has lost all except his bishop and knight to guard his King."

"Nevertheless, Colonel, your game is lost," she responded sounding conciliatory. "Can you not see it or do you need further moves to show you your defeat?"

The Colonel studied the board a moment longer and recognition dawned on his face as he whispered, "Damn, subtle, Darcy. Very subtle." He looked over his shoulder to his cousin adding, "that is why you had no hesitation at leaving in mid game. You knew I had lost probably well before our last moves."

"Actually, cousin, I knew it by your third move," Darcy replied slapping him on the shoulder. "But that is how you learn to do better the next time."

The Colonel looked into Elizabeth's face and smiled asking, "Well, at least I can have an enjoyable game with you, Miss Bennet, without being trounced so viciously?" He motioned for her to take the seat opposite him. When she hesitated, he smiled and said, "Come, come, Miss Bennet. I will be gentle with you."

Darcy couldn't resist with this massacre. He pulled the chair out for her and whispered, "No mercy or we will never hear the end of this." Elizabeth looked into his eye and sat down while the Colonel set up the board.

"Ladies first," offered the Colonel, but Elizabeth shook her head and let the colors dictate the leader. The Colonel nodded and made the first move. She instantly moved and the game was on in quick succession for the next four moves when Elizabeth announced, "Check."

The Colonel looked at her in shock, and then at Darcy who nodded smiling. The Colonel looked at the board and noticed he had led with a bishop leaving his king unprotected from hers and he couldn't move without being in check from every other possible move.

He tilted his king down in total defeat, and laughed saying, "Good show. I say, that was the fastest I have ever lost a game since I was a boy just learning. Miss Bennet, you amaze me."

"I thank you, Colonel, but truly you will improve with more practice. You have potential-"

"WHAT IS THIS? WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"

Lady Catherine's voice boomed at she re-entered the room. "I have been gone no more than ten minutes, and you have resorted to playing that devil of a game again, and now you have involved Miss Bennet in your heinous diversion? For shame."

"Two games actually," replied Colonel Fitzwilliam, adding, "Have you only been gone ten minutes?" not believing he could have lost two game in such a short amount of time.

"Really, Richard, this is not be borne," remarked Lady Catherine. "You should not try to seduce young girls in such things as chess. They do not have the mind for it."

They all three looked at one another, and began to laugh out loud. Lady Catherine was not amused, and made them control themselves and come back to the end of the parlor where Anne and Mrs. Jenkins were seated talking. Dinner was served soon after.

But even with their light amusement, Elizabeth and Darcy had not spoken but a few words during the entire evening meal. After dinner Elizabeth was asked to play the piano first by Charlotte, and then commanded to by Lady Catherine. Elizabeth was not used to being commanded, but didn't mind amusing those present, and so agreed. The Colonel offered to turn pages, and together they picked out a few pieces that Elizabeth had scarcely viewed before playing. She did her best with sight-reading, but did not play as faithfully as she would want. The Colonel was in awe of her talent even if his aunt was not.

"You will really never be a true proficient, Miss Bennet, unless you practice," admonished Lady Catherine. Darcy rolled his eyes and rose from the sofa to go stand by the piano to get away from his rude aunt. He admitted defeat when he realized that he did indeed wish to talk more to Elizabeth, but the Colonel was monopolizing all her conversation. Elizabeth saw him coming, and teased him as she played a simple etude from memory while looking up to his approach.

"Are you coming over all this way to intimidate me, Mr. Darcy? You know that I rise to challenges."

He knew that she did, and had just witnessed her latest one, but couldn't help playing at this teasing game. "I am not afraid of you," he said at last as he smiled at her.

"Not even if I tell your cousin about your behavior when we first met?" Darcy couldn't think which behavior she was alluding to, but knew he was in easy company at the moment.

"I should dearly like to know how he behaves among strangers," the Colonel encouraged, clearly enjoying this relaxed atmosphere between the three of them.

Elizabeth smiled and continued to play the piano as she said, "The first time I met your cousin was at a ball where men were scarce, and he danced only four dances."

She smiled at Darcy. "How do you defend yourself, sir?" She gazed at him while still playing the light airy tune, her fingers delicately touching the piano keys.

He looked at her thinking that taking Bingley away from Netherfield to protect him from a loveless marriage of one Miss Bennet didn't stop Darcy himself from thinking about this Miss Bennet. He realized he missed talking to her and being with his 'friend' who he had shared so much more with than any other girl except his sister. He smiled as he thought that she hadn't realized just how long they had been sequestered on the balcony that night to distract him from having to dance.

But he didn't want his cousin to know of his impropriety, and so he hesitated. Not knowing how to respond, he began, "I...was not...had not...I do not...perform well to strangers," he finally managed to get out.

Her eyebrows arched, and her comeback was swift as her mind. "I do not play this instrument as well I could, but always thought it was not because I was incapable, but merely that I choose not to take the time to practice." She looked up to him hoping he would take up her argument, her fingers dancing over the keys with ease.

But he merely smiled and said, "You are quite right, Miss Bennet. No one who has heard you play can find fault but for your admitting to it. Neither of us performs well to strangers."

The Colonel couldn't miss the stares each gave the other, and smiled thinking that more must have happened between these two than he was apprised. Maybe Darcy had finally found someone who he can be content with. He has had to endure so much in his life along with all the insipid females who worshiped his wealth. He could never find anyone who would make him talk, challenge him to break down his defenses, force him to emerge from his cocoon. Maybe this country girl could do something no one else had the courage to do. He smiled at the thought of his cousin finally being happy for once.

Chapter 27a

Posted on Thursday, 2 January 2003

A few days after their initial meeting of Lady Catherine's nephews, Elizabeth was wandering through a certain grove gathering wild flowers for the table at the parsonage. She had discovered this particular grove while trying to find out where all the paths around Rosings led. When she heard her name being called she looked up to see Mr. Darcy had call to her again. She stopped and waited for him to come beside her and bow. She curtsied and wondered which of his two personalities was before her. He doffed his hat and smiled.

"Good day to you, Miss Bennet," he said beginning to walk beside her as she once again strolled down the path.

She noticed the barrier between them that was still in place as when he was in Hertfordshire, but guessed this Mr. Darcy was the kindly one. He was reticent, waiting for her to inquire about Bingley's absence from Netherfield, but when she began to speak, it was of another topic.

"I notice you are on foot while here at Rosings Park. I take that to mean that you have not brought your wonderful horse with you this trip."

"No, Sampson is happily at the stables at Pemberley enjoying a well earned rest. Fitzwilliam and I took the carriage and the carriage horses for our visit to my aunt," he replied smiling that she still felt Sampson a wonderful horse. He added, "If my aunt had ever been incline to ride, I am sure she could have outfitted us with saddles and tack to take a turn in the meadows now that you are of a mind to continue your lessons. However, that has not been the case, and I am reluctant to put you on atop a carriage horse not as well trained as Sampson."

"I thank you for that, I am sure," she laughed back with a smile that quickened his heart. She sighed and added, "I will just have to wait for your return on him with Mr. Bingley to Netherfield." She looked into his eyes smiling apparently totally oblivious to his suspicions of subject matter.

He was taken aback by the innocent way she segued into talking about Bingley, and he looked into her face to see if he could see some deliberateness, but there was none. Either she had accidentally asked about Bingley's return, which meant she was totally unaware of the circumstances that kept Bingley away, or she had made her inquiry in such a conniving way as to fool even him into trying to get him to reveal some information. Either way he was intrigued.

"I suppose you are right," was the only thing he could think of in response.

"The entire village of Meryton misses your friend's congenial attitude, and wonders if his business will soon be completed," she ventured.

"Mr. Bingley's business that brought him to town has become...more complex than originally planned, " Darcy offered.

"It must have been of some importance to keep him away for such a long duration." She casually stated, picking up a yellow flower to add to the bouquet she had gathered for Charlotte.

"Yes, I suppose it is," he agreed without volunteering any specific information.

"And it is still not completed even now?" She looked into his eyes with an innocent curious expression.

"I am not sure, but since it took longer than expected, his sisters wished to stay in town for the season."

"Indeed?" Now she did begin to wonder if he was telling her the truth as they walked the gentle path.

The explanation seemed plausible since Elizabeth knew of what Mr. Bingley's sisters thought of the country in general and Hertfordshire in particular. But when she finally stole a glance at Darcy before looking down the lane, she knew instinctively this was not the entire answer to her question, and when she gazed at his profile again while they walked, she knew he had more to said on the matter and waited.

He could feel her eyes on him, and dared to stop walking and turn his head to stare back at her. He thought, how could he tell her the truth and not have her upset?

"I have nothing more that I can relate to you at this time, Elizabeth, truly, " he said hoping she would not insist on any further explanation.

When she stared back, she knew there was more to this than he was revealing, but she also knew that she would get nothing else from him. And she could not think of a way of asking about his friend's feelings toward Jane or towards his own sister, and he did not offer one.

"I see," she sighed and turned to walk silently again down the path with him following beside. She felt that the barrier he put before him was quite solid now, and she had to accept it.

Their discussion drifted to neutral topics that each could enjoy and excel in such as his finally receiving the newest edition of Donne. His offer to loan it to her was gladly accepted because Mr. Collins' book room was scare of many of the classics. They began to compare the differences of Donne's first poems with those written after he had taken Holy Orders as they leisurely walked the paths around Rosings Park.

Chapter 27b

Posted on Thursday, 2 January 2003

As Elizabeth awoke a few days later, she noticed the sunshine streaming in her window as the sun just peaked through the trees on this the east side of the parsonage. She smiled and dressed quickly to partake in an early morning walk before breakfast on the peaceful paths behind the parsonage into the groves of Rosings Park. As she exited the back door, the spring sun shone down to warm her face, and she began to almost skip down the path into the woods on such a glorious day.

As she wandered further and towards the grove of trees that she was so fond of she thought, even Jane would love to walk these paths with me. But as thoughts of Jane invaded her mind as well as the contents of her recent letter, Elizabeth's euphoria with the lovely morning sun was dampened with the sorrow she felt for her beloved sister.

Jane didn't say so, but even the distractions of London couldn't dispel her disappointment at Mr. Bingley's absence. Jane had even mentioned of her paying a call on Caroline while in town only to be told of Mr. Bingley's many engagements still keeping him in London.

Surely this cannot be true without his at least sending word of his delay in returning to Netherfield, thought Elizabeth. She wished she could leave at once to be with Jane to give her comfort. How could those awful sisters want to hurt her poor Jane? She was the kindest person on the face of the earth. How could they do this to her?

It was then that she heard her name called and looked up to see Mr. Darcy ahead in the path walking toward her. She looked over at the grove of apple trees full of shade and just starting to bud with the future harvest. As he neared her, he bowed and doffed his hat. When he looked up his smile faded and his face showed concern.

"Elizabeth," he said softly using her Christian name. "What is the matter?"

"What do you mean?" She knew she was upset after thinking of Jane's letter, but couldn't understand his reaction upon seeing her.

He pulled his glove off and put his hand on her cheek and wiped away her tears. "You have been crying."

She put her hand on her cheek and wiped away the remaining tears, and then looked at the wetness on her palm.

"I had not realized."

She turned with him following, and walked a little ways into the grove to be in the shade of one of the trees. She needed to put distance between them in order to compose herself of her sad feelings for Jane, but his hands went onto her shoulders to keep her from retreating further.

"Please, she whispered barely able to keep her composure now. "This is not proper."

"Elizabeth, I have held you in my arms when you were terrified with fear. Please, allow me to give you some comfort in your sorrow. There is no one here but we two."

He felt her body tremble with sobs. He turned her gently around and his arms pulled her to him holding her against his chest, his hand cradling her head next to his shoulder. Her hands rested on his chest to be totally engulfed by his embrace as she gently cried. He closed his eyes and breathed in the wonderful fragrance that was Elizabeth, and felt the softness of her forehead against his cheek. Holding her this close caused his mind to drift, and his arm tightened around her as he fought the urge to kiss her forehead.

But he tried to stay focused on her distress, which made him think how similar this was to his having consoled his own sister of her despair after the incident at Ramsgate. His eyes misted over at the thought of Elizabeth ever being so unhappy, and he knew he would hold her until she felt ready to tell him what had her in such a state.

By and by she began to get control of herself, and sniffed and moved her head from his chest. He gave her his handkerchief and his other arm wrapped itself around her. She wiped her tears from her cheeks, not daring to look into his eyes for fear of a renewal, but she chose to stay in the security of his embrace. Her panting lessened and she finally managed to say softly, "Thank you."

Reluctantly he removed his arms from around her, and she inhaled at the sudden loss of warmth from about her, and swallowed while trying to steady her breathing. He held her hands, and felt their icy cold through her gloves, and stared into her still sad face.

"You have always been one to see the humor in life. What has you so distressed?" He asked wanting to relieve her discomfort.

She thought he is so much like the Darcy she knew at Netherfield, the dependable older brother one who was always coming to her aid. She wanted to confide in him but would never betray Jane while she still didn't know of Bingley's feelings.

"Your family is still in good health I trust?" he began questioning her, hoping her family was safe.

"Yes, they are fine," she responded sighing, not daring to look into his eyes for fear he would guess. Before he could inquire further she said, "It is a private matter, William, that I can not discuss at the moment."

"There is nothing I can do to help you?" he asked still wanting to know the circumstances, but not wanting to ask and be refused again.

She finally looked into his eyes remembering that his refusal to speak of Mr. Bingley the other day made it impossible for her to confide in him now about Jane.

"I am afraid you can do nothing at the present time, but I will not hesitate to ask for your help if it is needed."

"Elizabeth-"

"Please do not opportune me further." She finally said, her voice pleading for him to halt his inquiries. He knew she wasn't going to enlighten him of the reason for her distress at the moment, and if he pressed her it would only upset her more.

"Very well," he sighed, as he intertwined his arm with her for support as they walked down the path back to the parsonage.

He knew that she often kept secrets even from her loved ones to spare their feelings, and wondered if this time she was doing the same. He wondered if she had a high enough regard for him to keep secrets from him now.

By the time they neared the parsonage he had released her arm, as she was more in control of her feelings, and acted much more like her usual self. He talked of a more humorous topic, that of his amusement with just how fast she had trounced his cousin during the chess game the other night. He offered to play a game with her during the remainder of her stay if she wished. She said that he had not played since their game at Netherfield and so would probably lose to him just as quickly as his cousin. He doubted that, and so decided to bare the wrath of Lady Catherine, and play one game during her stay.

As they came back to the door to the parsonage, he bowed and left her. He continued his walk wondering about the reason she had been so discomforted this morning. One day she would tell him, he knew. He would just have to wait. In the meantime, he knew he could always find her around the groves.

Chapter 27c

Posted on Thursday, 2 January 2003

It was later that same day after the post had arrive that Elizabeth decided to clear her head by taking an afternoon walk about the peaceful paths behind the parsonage in the woods and not the groves of Rosings Park. That evening they were to dine there and be assailed by Lady Catherine's onslaught of opinions and questions. Elizabeth's thoughts were again of Jane and her latest letter Elizabeth had received in the afternoon post.

Jane didn't say so, but Elizabeth could surmise by the words Jane used that her despondency of Mr. Bingley's absence had deepened into despair. Jane mention of Caroline paying a call to her at the Gardiners only to relate of Mr. Bingley's involvement with Miss Darcy. This made Elizabeth's anger flair.

Surely this cannot be true when he showed such an interest in Jane while at Netherfield. It was unconscionable that his sisters' interference was why Bingley stayed away. Elizabeth was sure it had been they, and Mr. Darcy being their friends hadn't wanted to admit that to her. She heard her name called just then.

When she looked up the path to see who was calling, she at first thought it was Mr. Darcy who would often happened upon her when walking the groves. But he did not often come into the woods, and so was not he come to question her further. It was then that she saw Colonel Fitzwilliam doffing his hat in greeting as he approached.

"Miss Bennet, good afternoon."

"And to you, sir," she greeted in return, smiling. "I had not known you to stroll the paths thus."

"I am touring the park as I do each year. Would you care to join me for a ways? Or am I interrupting your letter from home?"

"Your company would be most welcome as I am finished my letter," was her reply; her thoughts still occupied with Jane. "From my sister."

"Ah," he answered jovially. "We all seemed blessed with those. You, I, Darcy."

"What is Miss Darcy like, Colonel Fitzwilliam? I suppose she is much like Mr. Darcy."

"No, not at all," was his reply.

"You would not have me believe she is at all troublesome then?" she teased. "I realize her age can be trying, but surely she is a compliant girl?"

The Colonel gave Elizabeth a sideways glance and wondered what accounts she was apprised of as regards Georgiana.

"What have you to relate?" he asked innocently, but truly wishing to know if any word of indiscretion had gotten out.

"I only know that she is an accomplished young lady who diligently practices at the pianoforte."

The Colonel visibly relaxed and continued walking beside Elizabeth who was unaware of his discomfiture. Elizabeth continued.

"And I have had that account from Mr. Bingley and his two sister. Do you know Mr. Bingley by chance?" She asked.

"I only know him a little. Darcy is his great friend," was his reply. He glanced at her as they walked and added, "Darcy seems to be a great friend of yours as well."

She glanced back at him, and sighed, and then smiled saying only, "We...have had many ... conversations during our acquaintance." She blushed wondering if Darcy had apprised the Colonel of any of their encounters. Would he have trusted his cousin enough to relate his improprieties?

They continued to walk on before he offered, "I have witnessed that his demeanor with you is not consistence with that of other ladies. He seems more at ease with you."

"Indeed?" She refused to meet his gaze. She knew by that statement that Darcy had not spoken to his cousin of their indiscretions, and that she must be wary of answering his questions to keep her reputation in tact as regards the incident with Darcy's horse, not to mention his embracing her just this morning in the groves.

The Colonel sighed realizing she wasn't going to make it easy getting her to tell him anything of her feelings for his cousin. And he smiled at her composure thinking she would make a good officer if the army would ever allow women to enlist. He tried with a different tactic.

"Has he ever asked you to dance?"

She slowed her walking and turned to stare him in the face. "Why would you ask that?"

"By your reply with a question to answer my question, Miss Bennet, I assume that your answer is in the affirmative," he parried, staring at her, waiting for her next response. He only saw confusion cross her face as she knitted her brows trying to understand him.

"I am just astonished that you would ask that particular question, and am confused by it, Colonel." They continued to walk slowly down the path.

"Would it surprise you to know that I have never heard of his asking anyone to dance?"

"Yes. I am very surprised by that statement, Colonel Fitzwilliam, for I have seen him dance many times, and I told you as much not very long ago."

"Yes," agreed the Colonel nodding his head. "I know he that he dances, Miss Bennet. I have also seen him, and by any standard he is quite nimble. Do you not agree?"

"Y-yes, Colonel. I can attest to the fact that he is a fine dancer," she stammered, curious as to where the gentleman was going with this line of questions.

He sighed in frustration realizing subtlety was obviously not his strong suit or else she was blinding herself when it came to Darcy's obvious attraction to her.

"You have missed my point entirely, Miss Bennet," he finally said. "Perhaps I should be more forthright."

"Yes, perhaps you should, Colonel Fitzwilliam," agreed Elizabeth. "For I seem ill equipped to follow your logic." He saw her blush deepen.

Ill equipped indeed, he thought as he wondered if she was rather being deliberately difficult to keep from revealing herself. Darcy was going to have his hands full if he had decided to try to win this fair lady. He revised his assessment of her deciding now that she would be a better spy than an officer. This thought made him smile, and he continued.

"Being obligated to dance with female relations or the ladies in his party is not the same, Miss Bennet. The fact that he asked you means that he wishes your company. I was curious to know how you felt about him."

"You ... go from being subtle to being blunt in short amount of time, Colonel Fitzwilliam," replied Elizabeth not daring to look at him, beginning to pant.

"And you are changing the topic, Miss Bennet," he said raising his voice as his patience was growing thin.

"I know not how to reply," she sighed, her face almost crimson now. His voice became a bit harsher now to reveal his impatience with her avoidance.

"I think a simple answer is in order, Miss Bennet. Do you wish his company? Yes or no."

She folded her arms across her chest, and gazed down at the ground at they continued to walk the path. She tried to remember how to breathe as she thought of how to respond to his pointed question without revealing her indiscretions. When a full minute had passed he was sure she would again evade answering the question that he needed to know for Darcy's sake.

It was then that he noticed her panting and became concerned for her state of mind, having witnessed something similar in another. Had he pushed her too far, he wondered, and suddenly felt guilty. But then she took several deep breaths and turned to stare at him in a determined way.

"There is no simple answer, Colonel Fitzwilliam, but I will try to ease your mind."

"Pray, continue then," he said, his voice softened, knowing now that she would at least give up something to him.

"Sometimes I ... enjoy his company immensely. He and I have become ... sort of ... friends-"

He interrupted her with, "Miss Bennet, you and he are more than friends."

"No, sir, we are not," she rebutted, adding, "And sometimes I even wonder at our being more than mere acquaintances with regard to some of his behavior. He confuses me a great deal."

"Yes, well," agreed the Colonel. "He can be quite trying at times," he further admitted. "Even I can attest to that." He smiled at her, which she returned.

He then tried to explain to her the change in now sees in his cousin. "It is just that his deference to you simply astounds me, Miss Bennet. I have only seen him act as animated when he is with his own sister."

At this she smiled broadly at her walking partner and her eyes sparkled in such a way that he knew why Darcy was so intrigued by her. Pulling his eyes to the road brought him back to reality.

"What do you find so amusing, Miss Bennet?"

"I have often thought of him as an elder brother by some of his actions, Colonel," she admitted.

"But not always?" he inquired, trying to see her face. She avoided his eyes but smiled.

"As I said we are friends half the time, Colonel," she said softly, licking her suddenly dry lips. "But sometimes, he is so insufferably rude and arrogant that I wish never to be in his company."

"He presents a quandary to you then?"

She nodded. "So ... it is best that he and I remain thus, sir, on friendly terms for the time being. Would you not agree?"

"Yes," he sighed. "I suppose you are the best judge of that." They continued to walk the path nearer the parsonage when he added,

"It is quite remarkable for such a young man to be able to take over running his father's estate and raising his sister virtually alone. I doubt I could have done it so well. I suppose that would cause one to act at odds with one's nature at times."

"Yes," she agreed, adding so softly he barely heard her whispered thought, "William is quite the puzzle."

He looked over at her pointedly at her subtle slip in her address of his cousin, but her bonnet prevented her from seeing his reaction to her statement as they walked onto the parsonage. He now knew something had indeed occurred between them to have her call Darcy by his Christian name. And he wondered what sort of occurrence would have his cousin treat this woman with more regard than any other woman in his life, and she refusing to admit anything more than friendship. Truly, this was very curious and most vexing. But he knew now that he would get nothing more from either of them, both of them being so alike at keeping their feelings so well hidden. Spies! They would both make excellent spies, he concluded as he shook his head and chuckled.

Finally he said, "I am glad we talked, Miss Bennet?"

"Yes," she acknowledged, hoping his inquisition was over. She looked at him adding, "You take prodigious care of cousin."

"That I do," he admitted. "We have been like brothers for most of our formative years, and I am quite fond of him. We have the kind of bond of friendship much like he has with this friend, Bingley whom he met at Cambridge."

"And he likewise takes care of Mr. Bingley as a brother?" she asked relieved that the Colonel had finally gone onto another topic.

"Yes, he does," the Colonel laughed and added, "and credits himself with recently saving Bingley from a most imprudent marriage."

"Indeed?" asked Elizabeth turning her face away to not let him see her shocked surprise and interest in his statement.

"I must qualify myself by saying that I assumed it to be Bingley while he was in London even though when Darcy spoke of the incident, he gave me no identity."

"What was the reason for his interference?" She asked trying to keep her voice steady.

"I understood there was a strong objection to the lady," the Colonel replied adding, " But again I speculate for Darcy gave me none of the particulars in that regard either."

"And why was Mr. Darcy to be the judge?" She tried to keep her indignation from her voice.

"Do you think his interference officious?" asked the Colonel wondering at her question.

"I wonder at Mr. Darcy being the one to decide Mr. Bingley's happiness. But as you say, we do not know all the circumstances." She added, "Perhaps there was no partiality on Mr. Bingley's side. "

"Perhaps, but that would lessen Darcy's boasting of his triumph," the Colonel said laughingly.

There was a silence that took them both, but the Colonel was unaware of Elizabeth's indignation for Jane, and their pleasant walk neared the parsonage before he noticed Elizabeth's discomfort that had increased as she thought about how Darcy had hurt Jane.

"Miss Bennet?" He asked concerned as he looked at her. "Are you unwell?"

"I am well, Colonel," she insisted trying her best to smile at the gentleman. "Perhaps I have merely walked too far today."

He tipped his hat and said gently, "We are fortunate then that we are just back to the parsonage."

"Good day, sir," she replied in kind and turned and went into the building.

She leaned against the door after closing it taking a deep breath, her hands shaking with anger. She had to lean onto something now that she knew who was truly responsible for separating Mr. Bingley and Jane.

She also now knew which Mr. Darcy was the true one. The snobby, arrogant Darcy was the one who did this terrible deed to poor Jane. Probably this business with Wickham was true as well. All she knew for certain was that she could never trust Mr. Darcy again.

Chapter 28

Posted on Saturday, 4 January 2003

Unaware of her conversation with the Colonel, Darcy had been deciding on a more personal aspect of his own life. He read a recent letter from his own sister as she revealed in writing more than she could vocally. Although she wrote of her studies being interesting and fulfilling with her trusted companion, Mrs. Annesley, he could surmise between the words that she had not fully recovered from the incident of last summer with that scoundrel.

It had been nearly a year now, and yet she still suffered. She may never recover enough to trust again, find someone who will love her as she should be, marry, and have a family.

And if she does not, then what will become of their home? Could it be entailed away from them somehow like Longbourn to some distant relative who would not care for it the way he did? Thoughts of Lady Catherine entered his mind. No, he would never let that happen, not to Pemberley, never.

But what could be done? If his sister were never recovered enough to find someone, then he himself had to ensure their future. He would have to find someone to marry, someone to be with him, and be the mother of his children.

Those thoughts brought back flashes of the past again, and felt his body tensed with the anxiety of that terrible day. He knew he would never break the vow he had made then.

He forced his body to relax. After a few moments he felt the tension lessen. He took several deep breaths and again his mind returned to logical thought. How could he possibly find someone to share his life, be content with, someone that he had a high regard and respect for?

He thought of his acquaintance with Elizabeth and realized that she had been the most remarkable woman he had ever met since his being forced to socialize by his uncle and aunt.

He did feel at ease with Elizabeth, and he could find some degree of consolation in her company. And she seemed to encourage his presence whenever they met, and even allowed him to hold her again when she was so sad that day in the groves even though both of them knew of the impropriety. And she would certainly agree to his proposal to benefit her family, knowing the situation of the entailment. Surely, she would put aside her notions of marrying only for love if her family's security was at stake.

He also felt she would be content with him once he brought her to Pemberley to walk its many paths and meadows. She seemed to have an appreciation for nature similar to his, and would enjoy the park grounds around the main house. Yes, he thought. Once she was there and she would willingly stay with him. Then he would secure Pemberley with an heir and by doing so ensure his sister's future as well.

He was so certain of her accepting his offer that he felt he could ask her at a quiet moment tonight as those from the parsonage were due to come for supper.

When he found out, however, that she wasn't joining the Huntsford party for dinner, he also begged off citing a business letter he had to complete, but instead set out for the parsonage to settle the matter as soon as possible.

He found her quite alone as she had told the Collins of a headache when the Colonel had escorted her home. She had been re-reading some of Jane's letters and felt such sympathy for Jane's distress that her face showed all those emotions when Darcy looked at her. She was so beautiful; he almost lost his resolve to continue.

"Elizabeth, are you unwell?" His concerned thoughts for her welfare battled with his determination to continue his quest.

She gave him and exasperated look, but then sighed and replied, "I am well enough, Mr. Darcy. Do what do I owe this visit?" He remembered his own sister then, and decided to go ahead with his proposal.

Too occupied by his own thoughts to notice her more formal address, he stared at her, his hat in hand, and took a breath to speak. Then he opened then closed his mouth and fiddled with his hat. Looking at it as though it were some foreign object, he sighed and placed it on the table. He stared at her again. She refused to meet his gaze.

As she sat in her chair he paced in front of her. She looked about the room wondering why he had come. She didn't want him here. She didn't want to talk to him. She never wanted to see him again.

Finally he reconciled himself to the task at hand. He took a deep breath and began.

"Elizabeth, you must know how highly I have come to regard you."

What? She thought. Of what is he talking? She looked up at him, finally giving him her complete attention.

"For all the months I have know you, I have come to have a high regard for you, your clarity of wit, your intuitiveness, and your courage and loyalty. I have come to esteem you so highly that I desire you to be my companion in life."

She stared at him in disbelief, as she opened her mouth, but did not breathe. What was he saying? Still in shock she closed her mouth, but before she could say a word he stumbled forward not realizing how his further speech would be received.

"I realize this proposal is one that my family, my friends and even I should regard as an inferior match due to your families low connections, but still I would have you accept it in order to aid your family."

"Mr. Darcy-" she began but his words interrupted hers.

He paced before her now, not even looking at her as he spoke more to himself than her, "I remember our conversation about your notions of marrying for love, but that is just what they are, and should be put aside for more practical purposes. I will keep your family from going further into degradation, as I am sure no one else will solicit for your sister's hands due to their impropriety. I feel you could be content with someone that gives you a great deal of respect. And perhaps one day you will have an equal regard for me as well."

He finally let himself breathe as he thought, there, I have said it.

He stopped pacing and looked at her waiting for the response he automatically expected.

He was shocked when he heard her reply.

Elizabeth's cheeks colored with anger and resentment to the insults to her family and her situation. She stood up and smoothed the front of her gown of wrinkles as she tried to compose a sentence that was not filled with the indignation she felt at the moment. She took a breath to begin to speak, but words failed her for a moment. When she finally looked into his eyes her resolve would have melted iron.

"In such cases at these ... the mode is to express a sense of obligation on my part, but I cannot. I thank you for your proposal, but to accept it would be impossible," she said as civilly as she could muster. She swallowed, folded her arms and looked at the floor as she continued. "I am sorry to give you pain. It was unconsciously done, and I am certain you will have little difficulty overcoming it."

Darcy's face changed from a calm expression to one of stun when he realized that she had just refused him. Him! How dare she! He began to speak, but stopped himself as he looked at the audacity that was before him. She refused to look at him.

"A-And this is all the answer I am to receive?" he blurted out finally. "I think I am entitled to a further explanation of this rejection?"

He could see her body tense with an anger equaled to his, and her eyes stared at him with a coldness he had never seen and it was directed at him.

"Very well then, sir." She hissed, and let loose her anger towards him. "Why ... why would you propose marriage to me while simultaneously telling me of it's being an insult to you? Your family? Society? And in the same breath you insult my own family with viciousness that is beyond civility?"

He knew not how to respond to this at first, and she continued her tirade.

"I had not know you a month, when I could not reconcile your diverse personalities. You were rude and arrogant at times, yet kind and caring at other times. I could not make you out at all. But then when I heard of your manipulations to deny the happiness of a most beloved sister, I knew your true character."

She looked up at him with accusing eyes, and he had to look away before his anger forced him to begin throwing objects across the room. He was angry at having been found out by her, and angry at her reaction to his interference when he felt it justified in order to keep Bingley from being hurt yet again by a woman whom Darcy perceived clearly didn't love Bingley.

"Do you deny that you have done this?"

He took a deep breath to compose his pique, and replied, "How can I deny what we both know is true? I felt it was necessary to keep Bingley safe from his own naiveté."

"No only this that I now have reason to dislike you, sir," she went on. "Of this matter with Mr. Wickham which I at first refused to believe, now I am not sure."

Darcy was startled at so sudden a change of topics that he stared at Elizabeth stunned.

Darcy was beside himself with anger now at the very mention of that name, and his eyes stared back into hers with a coldness that even she could not muster, but she refused to be intimidated.

"You believe I am capable of treating that man in an immoral way?"

"I said I know not what to believe, but if it were true, you have left him in a life or poverty that he may likely never recover from."

"And this is what you think of me?" Her eyes met his in anger, but she did not speak. "How can you not see that by aligning myself to a family so decidedly beneath my own would not be looked upon with abhorrence by society? A family where the want of propriety would make me a pariah in my own circle?"

"I have not refused you only because of them. I have refused you because of the mode of your proposal negates everything I told you about my reasons for refusing to ever entering the marriage state. I had thought you valued my opinions, but now I see you are too arrogant and disdainful as to only value those opinions that agree with yours."

"That is quite enough," Darcy finally replied having reached his limit of patience. "I understand completely."

He picked up his hat and gloves and tried to calm his anger enough to say in a stilted voice, "Forgive me for taking up so much of your time. Accept my best wishes for you health and happiness."

With those last words that rang as hollow to him as her, he exited the room slamming the door behind him. He leaned against it panting, his hands shaking in anger wondering how this could have gone so wrong.

When she finally began to breathe again, and the anger subsided, she fell into the chair behind her, and began to cry. He heard her through the door, and wanted to go back to her, to comfort her. But then his pride took over, and he pushed himself out of the entry door and stalked toward Rosings. She had seen the last of me, he thought.

As she cried she thought, why could he not have been the other Mr. Darcy? I could have been content with him, maybe even cared for him in time, maybe one day even loved him- Oh stop it, she admonished herself. It was done, and now it was over.

She rose from the chair as she wiped the tears from her cheeks and went to her room to pack. She was to return tomorrow to Longbourn. She longed to be with her dear Jane, who could find some good in all this meanness. She just wanted to go home.

Chapter 29

Posted on Tuesday, 7 January 2003

Darcy was so furious when he stalked back into the door at Rosings Park that he at first didn't hear that his cousin had addressed him.

"Darcy? Is that you? Where have you been? Do you not want supper?"

"Is that my nephew come to join us at last?" Came the booming voice of Aunt Catherine from the dining room.

"No," Darcy finally blurted out while rushing up the stairs. "I require solitude at the moment."

Colonel Fitzwilliam looked at his cousin sensing something quite amiss with him, as Darcy face was pale and anguished. "Are you unwell?"

"Please make my apologies to our aunt, Richard," Darcy softened his tone. There was a marked sadness in his cousin's voice that Richard noted having only heard in times of stress, and the use of his Christian name told him not to prior for now.

"Of course, Darcy," was his brotherly reply. A look passed between them that left the Colonel in no doubt to whom this was in regard. He added, "You know you can rely on me."

Darcy shrugged at his cousin and nodded. "Perhaps we can talk later?"

Richard nodded saying, "I shall abscond with a bottle of Lady Catherine's finest brandy. I doubt she has anything stronger. Come to me whenever you are ready." He then turned to re-enter the dining room to run interference.

Darcy went directly to his room removed his coat and untangled and removed his cravat, and sat down at the desk his anger subsiding. Reflecting back on his recent conversation with Elizabeth, he began to realize some of her anger was justified. He still needed lessons in tact when he remembered what words he had used in his proposal especially as regards her family.

What have I done? He admonished himself. How she must hate me for that. He knew she wasn't like any woman he had ever met, but in his proposal he treated her the same way he treated all those other women from town falling at his feet, expecting her to act like them. I was such a fool, he thought.

Then he remembered her accusation as to Wickham. With pen and paper he began to compose a letter to Elizabeth to explain about his dealings with Mr. Wickham. At least she could acquit him of that cruelty.

It was early morning when he finally finished writing, feeling spent. At least she would be able to understand and forgive him for something, he thought as he sealed it with wax.

He quickly washed and dressed and left the house walking toward the groves. He had been there about an hour finally removing his hat and gloves, as the morning was getting warm. She happened along wanting one last stroll in the wonderful groves at Rosings Park before she departed. After gathering some wildflowers to take to Charlotte, she sighed as her bare fingers felt the softness of the petals.

When she came around a copse of trees she saw him there and silently shook her head, not wishing a confrontation. She tried to quietly retreat, but a branch snapped under her boot, and he hastily was upon her. Why does he not leave me alone? She thought.

"Miss Bennet, would you do me the honor of reading this letter?" He asked quite civilly as he tried to hand her the missive. She turned around to face him then, her hands behind her back she stared at it, not intending to take it. It was highly improper for an unattached woman to receive any correspondence from a man, especially this man.

His face froze with fear of her now being so angry with him that she would brook no communication at all.

"Be not alarmed that it is a renewal of the addresses you found so disgusting yesterday," he said with a jaw so tense his teeth hurt. But his eyes told of a different emotion, that of anguish.

She swallowed, and stared from the letter to his face. He could not look at her at present and closed his eyes and sighed.

"It is merely an explanation of events that you are at present unaware," he finally said. "You have heard only one side. Let me enlighten you to the other. Then you can make an informed judgment."

Still she made no move. The letter hung between them as a gentle breeze moved it in his hand. She looked into his eyes.

"Please, Elizabeth," he whispered. The use of her Christian name, she knew meant here stood her friend again.

She cast her eyes down and reached for the letter. As she took it their hands touched, and they both felt the sensation and gazed up. His eyes told her of turmoil inside him, but he was silent. He bowed, and retreated down one of the paths through the park. She watched him until he was out of sight of her.

Then she looked down at the thickness of the letter. It must have taken him a long time to write it, she thought. The least I can do is read it, I suppose.

(You know what his letter said)

Elizabeth couldn't decide which of the two Mr. Darcys penned this missive. When he explained his reasons for separating Mr. Bingley from Jane Elizabeth was sure it was the arrogant Mr. Darcy.

But when he wrote of his sister and the infamous way Wickham treated her, Elizabeth was sure the kind Mr. Darcy was the author. And the person who delivered the letter she was sure was the nice one. But when he proposed to her with a lack of any sentiment of love and devotion, it was of course the snobby one.

She was more confused than ever. Who was this man and why did she want to know which was the true one? There is something he's not saying, she thought. There is something that makes him act like two different people. I am sure of it. And one day I will find him out. Then maybe we can be friends again.

She realized that she did still wanted his friendship, if only he hadn't hurt Jane so. Oh, to be home with my dear Jane, she thought. I could talk to her about all these feelings and she would comfort me too, and tell me what to think. I can't wait to be home again.

Continued In Next Section