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PROLOGUE

Posted on Saturday, 7 August 2004

A chance meeting in London during their early childhood had secured a lasting friendship between Miss. Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn, Hertfordshire and Miss. Emma Woodhouse of Hartfield, Surrey. This friendship, after the initial meeting, prospered finely through written correspondence; and though through their lives they met rarely, the two friends received each other with unfailing spirit when they did.

Miss. Woodhouse was a few years older than Miss. Bennet, but it was generally acknowledged that Miss. Bennet was the more sensible of the two. However, her friend’s marriage to a Mr. Knightley had Elizabeth convinced that Emma would settle down suitably, after hearing of his gentlemanly manner and studying his character at their wedding. Elizabeth was sure both had done very well, and the match was admirable.

For a few years previous to her marriage, Mrs. Knightley had entertained herself in encouraging romantic attachments between people of her acquaintance. However, failures of the past and, ultimately, her marriage had somewhat dissuaded Emma from pursuing her hobby. Regardless, she felt that strangely familiar flutter of excitement when Elizabeth revealed, in her latest letter, that the estate neighbouring Miss Bennet’s home - Netherfield – was to be let at last to a young man of supposedly large fortune, single, from the north of the country. Emma could see prospects for her sensible, yet still unmarried friend and, eager to watch over the events, immediately applied to her husband to suggest a trip to Hertfordshire.

Mr. Knightley, ever sensible of his wife’s peculiar habits and youthful heart, engaged in an interesting conversation with her regarding the matter.

“Pray, my dear,” said he, “what has excited this sudden interest in visiting Miss. Bennet?”

“Sudden interest, Mr. Knightley? Why, you must know, I have not seen my dear friend since our wedding two years ago.”

“Certainly, but you have not requested a visit – or even hinted at one – before now.”

Mrs. Knightley was not eager to own up to her desire of encouraging a match between her friend and a man she knew only by description, for such a situation would warrant an immediate disapproval from her husband. Instead, she played on Miss. Bennet’s parting words: “I hope to see you both again, for I would dearly love your company,” and replied: “Well, Miss. Bennet has indicated an earnest desire to see us both, and I thought that it would also be worthwhile to stay with your Uncle and Aunt Alcott, who live quite near to Miss. Bennet’s vicinity. We have not seen them, if you recall, since our wedding either.”

This was a good argument, as Knightley dwelled upon it for awhile. Finally, he suggested to his wife that she write directly to Miss. Bennet, notifying her that she may expect them before the closure of the month, while he tended to the task of informing his relations.

CHAPTER 1

Elizabeth’s anticipation of the gentleman’s arrival was not nearly as acute as that of a majority of the other young unmarried women of the area, their mother’s, and even her friend’s: anticipation on her part was merely a curiosity to see if all the excitement was indeed worth the effort. Charles Bingley, she had learnt, was the newcomer’s name; and he was received with immense spirit into the community of Meryton and its surrounds upon his arrival. Mr. Bingley’s character and manners had exceeded expectation, and when he had expressed his eager anticipation for the Meryton Ball to be held in just over a fortnight, his character was decided. Charles Bingley was the most agreeable and amiable man to ever enter Hertfordshire, and the parents of the community quite considered him the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters.

Mr. and Mrs. Knightley were to arrive two days before the Meryton Ball; which, despite initial protests on the gentleman’s part, they had agreed to attend. Their first evening was entertained at the Alcott’s, but Emma, eager to see her friend, was at Miss. Bennet’s door not long after breakfast the following morning. Mr. Knightley, Emma explained, was to join them after lunch as he had business to attend to with his uncle – consequently a whole morning was spent by the two women getting re-acquainted, later joined by Elizabeth’s elder sister, Jane.

The Knightley’s spent an enjoyable evening at the Bennet’s that night. Mr. Knightley and Mr. Bennet were engrossed in conversation the whole night, and, after supper, the third of the five Bennet girls – Mary – provided idle entertainment on the pianoforte. The two youngest daughters of the Bennet family, Catherine and Lydia, found Mrs. Knightley a welcome addition to their society, and so the remaining of the party conversed spiritedly about relatively trivial matters, but in particular Hertfordshire’s newest addition.

The following evening was the long-awaited Meryton Ball. An animated atmosphere awaited the arriving guests inside the Assembly Room – not only was there the arrival of Mr. Bingley and his five sisters and a cousin to look forward to; but the intelligence that Miss. Bennet’s friends from Sussex were in town had quickly circulated. Everyone looked forward to an interesting and enjoyable evening.

Elizabeth was distressed to find that, upon the Bennet’s arrival, Mr. and Mrs. Alcott were present, but no Knightley’s. She enquired, and found that an express from London received that afternoon would delay the Knightley’s arrival at the ball, but hopefully for no longer than an hour. Mrs. Alcott was acknowledged with a satisfied smile, and Elizabeth set out to await Mr. and Mrs. Knightley’s appearance in the highest of spirits.

Mr. Bingley and his party arrived soon after. A general surprise circulated the room as, despite common rumour, five sisters and a cousin were in fact Bingley’s two sisters, the husband of the elder sister, and a friend. The friend was introduced as Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy – a man of significantly more wealth than his friend and a bachelor from Derbyshire. His fine, tall person, handsome features and noble mien were admired for about half the evening, until his manners betrayed him to be proud, above his company and above being pleased. Mr. Darcy was therefore talked of in much disgrace, and amongst the most violent against him was Mrs. Bennet, after his having slighted one of her daughters particularly early into the evening.

Elizabeth Bennet had been obliged, by the scarcity of gentleman, to sit down for two dances; and during part of that time, Mr. Darcy had been standing near enough for her to overhear a conversation between him and Mr. Bingley, who came from the dance for a few minutes, to press his friend to join it. After an unsuccessful attempt to describe Darcy’s stupidity, Bingley then tried to tempt his friend with his partner’s – Miss. Jane Bennet’s – sister, Elizabeth, who was “very pretty, and I daresay very agreeable.” Mr. Darcy flatly refused, adding, “She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me.” Elizabeth heard, holding Mr. Darcy in high contempt, but told the story with equal spirit amongst her friends, wishing Mrs. Knightley was there to share in the jest.

At last the Knightley’s arrived, but somewhat later than expected. After being introduced to some of the more principal people present – including Mr. Bingley – Emma was hustled off to a corner by Elizabeth to discuss the night’s occurrences so far.

“Oh, Lizzy!” commented Emma, “Mr. Bingley is remarkably agreeable, but he seems rather attached to Jane.”

“Yes, I am so happy for her, it has been so for most of the night now. He dances with other women, but keeps going back to talk to Jane.”

“And who did he bring with him to Hertfordshire?”

“His sister and brother-in-law, you see, dancing; another sister and a friend from Derbyshire. The friend is apparently of significant fortune, but he has disgusted everyone here with his abominable pride.”

Miss Bennet went on to describe the earlier incident involving the friend’s earlier comments, to which Mrs. Knightley asked, “And pray, what is his name?”

Elizabeth was about to answer when she caught sight of the man himself coming towards them. Emma noticed her friend’s sudden change in countenance, turned around, and exclaimed, “Mr. Darcy!”

The greeted each other with utmost civility and cheerfulness, at which Elizabeth could not help but stare. Emma then suddenly remembered the presence of her friend, and said, “Oh! Please, excuse my rudeness, but you have met my good friend, “Miss. Elizabeth Bennet, have you not Mr. Darcy?”

Mr. Darcy owned that he had, and Elizabeth politely excused herself, albeit with a slight air of shock, with the intention of relating the affair to another intimate friend, Miss. Charlotte Lucas.

Elizabeth was beside herself in astonishment. It was evident Mr. Darcy and the Knightley’s were very well acquainted, and she could not help but wonder how two very agreeable and jovial people could be on friendly terms with such a proud and disagreeable man. She then went on to wonder why, when judging by their level of discourse, she had not recognized Mr. Darcy from his presence at their wedding. However, high spirits could not desert her for long, and, deciding to investigate the matter further with Emma at a later date, resolved to enjoy the rest of the evening.

Emma danced once with Darcy and twice with her husband, but due to both gentlemen’s unwillingness, she was obliged to dance with others present. Mr. Knightley did not mind as much as he would have in usual circumstances, since he welcomed the opportunity to re-acquaint himself with his old friend.

“So,” commented Knightley after a while, “you have met with Miss. Eliza Bennet.” After Darcy answered a simple affirmative, Knightley continued, “And did you not think her very agreeable?” Darcy looked to his friend in suspicion and, not wanting to injure his feelings too much, light-heartedly replied:

“I have only just met the lady in question sir, and I am starting to believe you as bad as your wife in matters of a personal nature.”

Knightley laughed, saying, “You mistake my meaning Darcy. I merely wondered at your first impressions of my wife’s dear friend. They have been correspondents for many years now, and I only have a high opinion of Miss Bennet. She seems to me in every sense a very agreeable young lady, and a very valuable friend to Emma. In any case, I do not think I can ever be as bad as my wife in the matters to which you allude, and let me remind you, that she has quite grown out of that pastime now.”

The two men both turned to observe Mrs. Knightley going down the dance. She had forgotten Elizabeth’s earlier discourse, and what neither of the observers knew was that while she was dancing with Mr. Bingley, she was happily making plans of the future union between her two good friends.

CHAPTER 2

Posted on Saturday, 14 August 2004

An enjoyable time was had by all, and everybody left the ball in fine spirits. When they arrived back at Longbourn, the two elder Miss. Bennet’s spent most of what was remaining of the night conversing about Mr. Bingley. He had seemed very happy with Jane, and the feelings were reciprocated. His sisters and brother-in-law, however, could not be looked upon so agreeably, if only by Elizabeth. She felt their behaviour to be most distasteful, and was not at all saddened by the news that that they were to return to London on the morrow in order to return to the Hurst’s 16 children. Jane, however, had much enjoyed meeting Miss. Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, and wished to know more of them. Elizabeth, still beside herself in curiosity, wished to discuss the peculiar friendship between Mr. Darcy and the Knightley’s. However, she permitted Jane continue her gushing, as such happiness in a gentleman was rarely - if ever - displayed by her sister.

The following day, Emma called on her friend alone, as Mr. Knightley had gone to Netherfield for the morning. Mr. Bennet was in his library, Mary was in her room and the rest of the family was in Meryton, so the two friends had only each other for company. They discussed the previous night’s ball to great length, but the subject of which Elizabeth wanted to talk of failed to come up for some time, until Emma commented, “So, dear, what did you think of our friend, Mr. Darcy?”

Assured in her mind there was no doubt of anything but a positive answer, was shocked when her friend replied, “Emma, I am astonished you have so readily forgotten. Do you not remember me telling you of the gentleman that slighted me?”

“Oh! Yes, but was has that to do with Mr. Darcy?”

Elizabeth could not be but astounded at her friend’s lack of understanding, and so replied, with some warmth, “It was Mr. Darcy.”

Emma gasped. The thought of her husband's esteemed friend making such a cruel observation had not occurred to her. She began to protest that there was no way it could have been her friend; that Elizabeth was surely mistaken, but all protests were in vain. Elizabeth would have none of it and was determined to think ill of the gentleman. After a short ensuing discussion they were joined by Miss. Lucas. Emma did not stay much longer, still distressed at Elizabeth’s revelation, but claiming she had other calls to make.

Mrs. Knightley arrived at Netherfield in a disturbed state of mind, but managed to ask after her husband with some composure. Upon entering the drawing room, where she was directed to, she found the three men - Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Knightley - immersed in conversation. After all the greetings were made, Emma requested, “Pray, Mr. Darcy, would you be so kind as to take a turn about the garden with me? I have a matter of some importance to discuss with you.” Darcy, after passing a look of wonderment towards his friends, agreed; Mr. Bingley and Mr. Knightley exchanged glances, and when the former two had departed the room, they got up and watched the progress through a window.

“Mr. Darcy, a report of a most alarming nature has reached me, concerning your behaviour at last night’s assembly.”

“Is that so? And what was this report?”

“It was in fact, Mr. Darcy, that you slighted my very good friend, Miss. Elizabeth Bennet.”

Darcy turned quite pale, but continued, “Who told you of this report?”

“Why, Miss Bennet, of course. She heard you make the accusation herself.” At this Darcy turned even paler, and Emma continued, “Naturally, I was quite amazed at such a revelation, and momentarily doubted Miss Bennet’s sincerity. However, I know her too well and hold her in too high esteem to harbour the possibility that she has invented such an awful story, and your reaction to the news has confirmed it. I therefore suggest, Mr. Darcy, that you proceed directly to Longbourn and rectify your situation; for Miss. Bennet, quite rightly, is astonished at your behaviour and I must own I am also. I would have expected, Sir, that comments such as these were quite below your character.”

Mr. Darcy begged her pardon, and both went back inside. Darcy took his leave and proceeded directly to Longbourn, as suggested, but Mr. Knightley did not miss the very satisfied smile that swept over his wife’s face as Darcy departed, and instinctively sensed she was up to something.

CHAPTER 3

Posted on Saturday, 28 August 2004

Mr. Darcy arrived at Longbourn as Miss. Lucas was leaving, and she stared in amazement as Mr. Darcy acknowledged her as he rode past on his stallion. Elizabeth, meanwhile, had had quite a full morning, and so was settling down to write a letter to her Aunt Gardiner in London, when the visitor bell was rung yet again. She was beyond astonishment when Mr. Darcy entered the room.

“Miss. Bennet,” he immediately began, “I am very sorry to intrude on your time, but I have come to express my deepest apology.”

Elizabeth instantly figured Mrs. Knightley’s next call must have been to Netherfield, and so replied, “And what have you to apologise to me for, Mr. Darcy? I have not known you twenty-four hours, and yet you confess to have already offended me.”

Darcy looked at her in bewilderment. Never in his life had he been spoken to in such a manner, especially by a woman or, for that matter, a lowly country girl. Despite this, he continued, “I believe you overheard my comments concerning you last night and, as well as humbly asking for your forgiveness, I would like to explain my situation at the time in the hope that you will not think so badly of me as you undoubtedly do at present.”

“You would like my forgiveness?”

Darcy was again shocked. “But of course. Miss. Bennet, I am not so blinded my situation in life to disregard my insufferable behaviour towards a respectable young woman.”

Elizabeth, despite this claim, sensed the power she had over this great man, and so intended to use it to its full potential. Therefore, she waited a moment before she reluctantly consented, “Very well.”

Darcy explained he was forced into going to the ball by his friend much against his will, and was consequently in not the most agreeable of moods when he arrived at the ball. Being among so many strangers, and knowing he was the subject of extensive gossip was a cause for discomfort to him, and he was only relieved by the discovery that his good friend Mr. Knightley happened to be at the event also. Unfortunately for both himself and Miss. Bennet, that was only after he had made his unforgivably rude comment. “I am, Miss. Bennet, heartily sorry for what I have said and done, and have now only to humbly ask your forgiveness.”

Still conscious of her power over him, Elizabeth toyed with his feelings a little longer. Though she was perfectly ready to forgive him, and, in truth, had not taken his comment that much to heart, she could not resist the opportunity to pace around the room, her fingers delicately placed on her chin, as if deep in thought. Mr. Darcy, completely unaware of Miss. Bennet’s true character and therefore thinking he had injured her more deeply than he originally believed, continued, “You may be assured, Miss. Bennet, that I come to you in all earnestness and honesty – my comment at the time was made not by me, but by my temper at the time.”

Turning to him, she replied, “Very well, Mr. Darcy. I accept your apology and you have my forgiveness. Now, will you be on your way or would you like to stay for tea?”

Darcy was taken aback at Miss. Bennet’s sudden and unexpected approach at civilities, and owned that he would like to stay, but had better be on his way, as his host would be curious as to his whereabouts.

As she led her visitor to the door, he unexpectedly turned again, and said “Miss. Bennet, would you and your elder sister be so kind as to join Mr. Bingley and I for dinner tomorrow evening?”

Elizabeth was shocked beyond belief, but very composedly replied, “I would not have thought it would be your place to issue invitations while you are a guest, not a host.”

“Indeed, but Mr. Bingley has granted me permission to invite whomsoever I choose to Netherfield; and I don’t think you or, especially, your sister would be disagreeable company for him.”

Elizabeth smiled at his hint, and granted an affirmative to the kind request.

CHAPTER 4

Posted on Saturday, 4 September 2004

Mr. Darcy appeared back in the drawing room at Netherfield where the others had remained awaiting his return, with all appearance of composure, but none present had missed the change in his countenance. Mrs. Knightley, naturally, took it as a sign of his newly-discovered admiration for her friend. To some extent, she was correct, but the admiration he felt was not necessarily the kind she suspected. To be sure, Miss. Bennet was a pretty sort of girl, and she had a distinct individuality about her. It was this he admired, yet he could not grasp if he was right in his feelings or not. She displayed all the characteristics of a gentlewoman, but he could not comprehend the change in her manner towards him that he had just experienced. She had gone from visible astonishment, to disdain, to questioning his motives, to thoughtfulness, to indifference and finally settling on pleasing politeness and civility. Darcy simply could not understand it. He was bewitched by this woman, and decided he would not be sorry to get to know her better – determined, in short, to make some sort of conclusion on the matter.

After answering the enquiries as to where he had gone, for Emma had refused to reveal anything, Darcy announced to his friend that he had extended an invitation to the two eldest Miss. Bennet’s for dinner on the night following. Emma could not help smiling in delight while Mr. Bingley heartily gave his assent. “And, I believe,” the host continued, “that if my new friends Mr. and Mrs. Knightley were to join us on the occasion, it would be all the more jovial.”

The Knightley’s consented and all looked forward to the following night.

Both Jane and Elizabeth took more than the usual care with their apparel while getting ready for their outing. Their mother, a flighty woman whose cares centered on attaining marriages for her five daughters, was delighted; Catherine and Lydia were vexed at not being included in the invitation; Mary was indifferent and Mr. Bennet curious as to what the report would be upon their return. Indeed, no one knew of what passed between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth the day before, with the exception of Jane, and Mr. Bennet was most curious to know why his Lizzy had accepted an invitation to be in company with a man who had aggravated her not two days before. The sight of her more handsomely dressed than usual suggested something, though he was quite undecided as to what exactly it was.

Mrs. Knightley, much to her husband’s distress, took pains to arrive a little later than expected, in order to create some private conversation between the intendeds. She stalled, delayed and hindered in every possible method – behaving, in his opinion, downright bizarrely. For the first time since their marriage, Mr. Knightley could not make out his wife’s behaviour, and when he noticed a look of self-satisfaction on her face when they alighted the carriage, he could only attribute it to her finally being satisfied with her hair style.

When the latter part of the expected party finally arrived, Emma immediately noticed that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy were somewhat detached from Miss. Bennet and Mr. Bingley. Dismay, however, overcame her as she realized that her dear Lizzy was still delighting in that habit of hers that had been present since her youth – participating in avid verbal challenge.

“But surely, Mr. Darcy, one does not expect such circumstances to occur in reality.”

“Why ever not? A play may be fiction, but does it follow that the events that occur are totally impossible?”

“Not necessarily, just unrealistic. Consider, what are the chances of a modern Romeo swallowing poison because his love lay dead in front of him? Would he not at least notice a pulse in her temple or wrist?”

“But if he is so overcome with emotion at his love dead in front of him, he would hardly think rationally.”

“Human nature must order him to, at the very least, take his love’s hand - therefore he would surely feel her blood flowing.”

“One would expect he would hardly be concentrating on whether she had a pulse or not.”

“If he should desire her to be alive, why not?”

“Death is usually attributed to the closing of the eyes. Juliet is in a very deep slumber, her eyes would not be open; he would be focusing on the fact that they are so together with the apparent circumstance that his source was correct, rather than checking her pulse.”

“But if he really wanted her to be alive…”

“He already assumes her to be dead.”

“One should not make such assumptions.”

“It is often the case that what one would do and what one actually does are two completely different matters.”

“Such as?” hinted Elizabeth. Darcy knew where this was headed, and was determined not to fall into the ensnarement, but seemed to be struggling for a suitable alternate explanation. Mrs. Knightley came to his rescue.

“Lizzy! Are you teasing the gentlemen again?” she addressed her friend in way of greeting. Elizabeth’s attention was turned, and Darcy was glad for it.

Dinner was a pleasant affair, and conversation never faltered within the cheerful group. It was during dessert that Mr. Darcy unexpectedly declared, “Mr. Knightley!”

A shocked Knightley replied, “Yes?”

“No, no. I mean to say you are an example!”

“An example of what, pray?”

“You once explicitly told me you were to remain a bachelor the remainder of your life, not five years past I believe. Correct me if I am wrong, but I am certain I attended your wedding to Mrs. Knightley about two years ago, is it not so?”

At this, Elizabeth laughed. “Touché, Mr. Darcy! Although it did take you a time to think of a suitable illustration for your argument.”

Knightley, slightly distressed at being at the core of subject which he had no idea of, asked patiently, “I do not dare suppose either of you two gallant debaters would care to explain how I have made my way so unconsciously into your discussion.”

Darcy bowed to his accomplishment, and explained the situation to Knightley and the rest of the table. So engrossed were they, the party did not retire from the dining table until it was time for the guests to leave.

When alerted of the time, it was regretful to all that the party should be broken up. Escorting their guests out to the carriage, Misters Bingley and Darcy handed in a Miss. Bennet each. Mr. Knightley took care of his wife, though wondering at her curiosity towards Mr. Darcy. Shaking his head in dismissal, he joined the other guests as they exclaimed their thanks and praise, and eventually rode off into the night. The young hosts stood watching for a while, before Mr. Bingley remarked, “I thought that made quite a charming party.”

“Indeed,” was his friend’s only reply.

CHAPTER 5

> Posted on Saturday, 11 September 2004

> From then on, an exclusive set was formed between the Knightley’s, Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, and Jane and Elizabeth Bennet. Emma was delighted with this arrangement as it suited her plans perfectly: Jane and Mr. Bingley were getting on remarkably well, but Darcy and Elizabeth were quite another matter.

After the success of the previous small dinner party, the group now often assembled at Netherfield for dinner and light-hearted conversation, but Mrs. Knightley was starting to suspect that Elizabeth was deliberately trying to discomfit Mr. Darcy. It was during a morning call to Elizabeth that Emma decided things must be taken into her own hands, and it was while Miss. Lucas was present.

“Elizabeth,” she started, “I can only be astonished at the rather peculiar relationship you have with Mr. Darcy.”

“Oh! Yes Lizzy, I must agree with Mrs. Knightley,” continued Charlotte, “I have heard you talking with him on a few occasions: in Meryton, here at Longbourn, and even last week at our gathering at Lucas Lodge, but every time you are debating with him about some thing or other. You have even caused somewhat of a stir around Meryton, Mr. Darcy and yourself are often so engrossed in argument that you unwittingly ignore those around you.”

Elizabeth laughed in reply. “That is surely not true. I distinctly remember conversing for a while with your own father at that gathering, Charlotte, and that was for no short time, if I recall.”

“That is true, Elizabeth, but it was only before Mr. Darcy arrived,” hinted Emma.

“I see what you are both trying to establish. You suspect I harbour some tender feeling for Mr. Darcy, do you not?” She broke into merry laughter. “What an absurd presumption!”

Discouraged by that comment, Emma replied, “Why is that so absurd? What is wrong with Mr. Darcy?”

“It is Mr. Darcy!” she laughed again. “Me? In love with Mr. Darcy? Ridiculous notion!”

Emma, confident that Elizabeth was merely in denial, and Charlotte, rather inclined to prevent controversy, continued no further on the subject.

Meanwhile, in Meryton, Miss. Lucas’ allegations were being proved true. The suspiciously close but rather odd friendship between Miss. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy had caused a stir. It was not forgotten that not all that long ago Mr. Darcy had made quite an astonishing comment toward the lady that she herself had heard and openly related and ridiculed to her friends. For Mrs. Bennet, it was a particular cause for attention – the prospect of a handsome, young, wealthy, and very eligible bachelor taking notice of one of her daughters immediately became a primary interest. She relished in the discussion and gossip taking place, and soon decided that for all concerned, it was in their best interests that differences should be put aside and Elizabeth marry Mr. Darcy as soon as may be.

“Lizzy,” said she the following day, sighting her daughter wandering alone in the grounds, “I must insist your attention for a few moments.”

“Yes Mama,” Elizabeth replied, turning and walking toward her mother.

“Elizabeth, I cannot hold my tongue any longer. You must get Mr. Darcy to marry you.”

“Must I? Why might that be?”

“You can hardly be in ignorance of his attentions toward you; they are quite acceptable, quite gratifying. I am sure you are not ignorant. It is not possible for anyone. Even Mary may see it.”

“Mama, Mr. Darcy and I are no more than friends…”

“Is that not what ‘your dear friend’ Miss. Woodhouse – now Mrs. Knightley, I might remind you – more than once said about her husband?”

“They are in quite a different situation. Emma and Mr. Knightley were friends since her infancy. It is rather natural they should form a mutual attachment.”

“Why can it not be so for you and Mr. Darcy? He likes you and he is extremely wealthy – Lady Lucas told me he was worth ten thousand a year. Imagine your riches, girl. Imagine your jewels! Imagine your pin money!”

“Mama! Mr. Darcy's and my situation is quite different. Our acquaintance does not even spread a month! Please cease this incredible ridiculousness! I will not marry Mr. Darcy – the notion itself is absurd.”

“Shh! Shh!”

“What is it, Darcy?”

The gentlemen from Netherfield had undertaken a morning walk in order to call on the ladies of Longbourn, and had heard voices coming from the nearby garden.

“It is Mrs. Bennet – I think she is talking to one of her daughters.”

“Why should that concern us?”

“Lower your voice, Bingley! We may find out something!”

“Find out what?”

“I don’t know - anything.”

“It is insufferably rude to eaves-drop, Darce, I expected better of…”

> “… You must get Mr. Darcy to marry you…”

Mr. Darcy crept closer behind the brush. Mr. Bingley followed, intrigued.

“… Mama, Mr. Darcy and I are no more than friends…”

It was Miss. Elizabeth and her mother.

> “…you and Mr. Darcy? He likes you and he is extremely wealthy – Lady Lucas told me he was worth ten thousand a year. Imagine your riches, girl. Imagine your jewels! Imagine your pin money!”

The gentleman in question rolled his eyes. Elizabeth, he thought, at least had more sense than her mother.

“…I will not marry Mr. Darcy – the notion itself is absurd.”

Darcy paled in astonishment. After an awkward pause, Mr. Bingley quietly suggested that they be on their way back to Netherfield.

The Knightleys were to stay in Hertfordshire no more than four weeks, and the time soon arrived when they were to depart. Consequently, there were low spirits among many people, particularly those who had formed a unique acquaintance with the couple.

Elizabeth and Emma were away from the rest of the group – Mr. Knightley, the Alcott’s, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley and Jane – when Emma said while taking her leave of her dearest friend, “Elizabeth, Mr. Knightley and I are to be in town for a short while during the remainder of the winter to visit our brother and his family. Will you be in London also?”

“Perhaps. I often go to stay with my Uncle and Aunt Gardiner during that time, but no arrangements have been made as yet.”

“Well, if you are, be sure to call. I am sure John and Isabella would love to see you almost as much as we would, and you and I will have a lot of talking to do,” smiled Emma.

“Then I will have no greater pleasure, with my most sincere thanks.”

“And you will bring Jane too, will you not?”

“If she so desires, then yes, I shall.”

“Oh! It will be so good to spend some more time with you both! You must write to me soon, Lizzy. I will look forward to this immensely.”

Soon the Knightley’s coach was gone, and those to remain in Hertfordshire momentarily reflected on the past month before going their separate ways. In their carriage, Mrs. Knightley was smiling to herself, eagerly contemplating the events when Elizabeth and Jane were to be in London, and her match-making skills were, hopefully, fulfilled; while Mr. Knightley chatted happily about the merits of traveling and new friends.

To Be Continued...