Section I, Next Section

Chapter 1 ~ Honouring the Universal Truth

Posted on Sunday, 24 July 2005, at 9:40 p.m.

Darcy pointed.

"What!" Bingley looked at his friend. "Darcy, you can't be serious. Not in here!"

"You are too uptight, Bingley. Relax, have some fun." Darcy licked his bottom lip and glanced about the room. "Do you see all of the faces in here? Determined, hunting, preying. Not one of them has a sense of humour. If they are offended then so be it. I cannot abide anyone who doesn't realise that we are all human with human reactions."

Bingley snorted. "Reactions! Most people mean emotional and intellectual reactions when they say things like that, Darcy. You are the only I know who refers to the physical."

"Oh, you are a prude," his friend huffed, retracting his hand and walking away in search of another victim.

Bingley sighed his relief and prayed that another evening would not be ruined by Darcy's bizarre antics. How many other towns had he fled simply because he was too embarrassed to show his face after a night's outing with such behaviour attributed to his party? Hurst was bad enough but Darcy! When the mood struck him, as it quite obviously did this evening, Bingley was mystified that his normally prim and proper friend became downright... disgusting. He held his breath as he suddenly caught sight of a trio of ladies being approached by said friend.

"Mrs Bennet," Darcy said, greeting the elder woman amongst the group. "Forgive my presumption in seeking an introduction in this manner but," he inspected the two young ladies beside her, "Sir William was occupied and I was reluctant to disturb him. I hope you do not mind?"

"Mind?" The lady clutched her bosom excitedly. "Of course I do not mind, sir! Jane! Jane, come and meet Mr. Darcy." She pulled one of the young ladies forward and practically pushed her into the gentleman's arms. "This is my eldest daughter, Jane. Say hello to Mr. Darcy, Jane!"

"Hello, Mr. Darcy," she said, dipping her head shyly.

Darcy smiled in return but determined that his mischief would be wasted on this one. He shifted his gaze to the second young lady. Now, she had a decidedly intense look in her eyes. Her mother noticed the direction of his interest and proceeded to introduce this daughter, but with less enthusiasm than the first.

"This is Elizabeth."

Simply put, her tone said the rest. Darcy immediately understood that this lady was her mother's least favourite and often caused her trouble. He bowed low. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth." He peeked from under his eyebrows to see what Miss Elizabeth's expression was like. Her reaction was just what he wanted to see. Another welcome sight was the approach of Bingley. "Ah, may I also introduce my friend, and host, Charles Bingley."

The ladies curtsied in unison. Mrs. Bennet was quick to suggest dance partners. "Mr. Darcy, do you enjoy dancing as much as the other young men here this evening? Jane does love to dance so much."

In the face of such an obvious hint he could not ignore it and held out his hand. "Miss Bennet, would you do me the honour of this dance?" He shot a significant look towards his friend, trusting that Bingley was not too slow to understand that he should ask the remaining sister to dance as well.

"Miss Elizabeth," was heard the expected invitation. "I would be honoured if you would dance with me."

The four young people moved to take their places when the next dance was ready to commence. Darcy glanced at Bingley, very much aware of that man's admiration for the lady he partnered. It was unfortunate, but they must complete this dance before changing to the more preferred sister. Not even Darcy would be so rude as to suggest such a substitution when the invitation had been extended with his own lips. When the music began, however, he was pleased that it would be a dance where they could share their partners within the dance itself!

Miss Bennet was quiet; too quiet for Darcy's taste. Pretty, but not the type to have much interest in amusement for the sake of amusement, she did not recommend herself to the man with whom she was currently paired. His friend was attentive from the other side of the floor, however. Darcy did not fail to notice this. Nor did he fail to notice the scrutinising expression on Miss Elizabeth's face as she studied himself. He winked at her.. just to see her reaction. Her mouth almost fell open before she realised the impropriety and looked away. Darcy chuckled.

The dance was uncomplicated and the changes went smoothly. As he took Miss Elizabeth's hand Darcy felt the sting of her disapproval in her gaze.

"I have offended you, Miss Elizabeth. I beg forgiveness," he said.

She pursed her lips, saying nothing as they parted and rejoined their own partners. Darcy turned his head away, saying a few pretty words to Jane, as was required, and kept his eyes averted from her sister. Upon taking Miss Elizabeth's hand again he heard her reply.

"Your sincerity is questionable, Mr. Darcy. You make an unlikely beggar."

He was amused but resisted showing it. "You do me an injustice, madam. I could never live with myself if I caused distress to you by my actions."

She merely raised an eyebrow and they parted once again.

Jane made an observation which he did not hear but managed to offer some reply which satisfied her. Darcy's mind was on the other lady and her impertinent eyebrow. He wondered if she shared his sense of humour and his impatience to move on to the next dance was difficult to disguise. It was fortunate that Darcy was paying attention for he was certain Bingley and Miss Bennet would have completely missed the next moves if he and Elizabeth hadn't been steering them in the right directions. As a reminder to his friend to keep his mind on what he was doing, Darcy poked a finger at him in passing. Bingley was startled and watched the other man suspiciously for some minutes afterward.

At long last the dance concluded, not that one half of each couple had noticed. They gravitated toward each other and met in the middle of the dance floor as if it was simply the next movement.

"Would you care for some refreshment before the next dance, Miss Bennet?" Darcy enquired of Elizabeth.

She seemed to consider her reply carefully before saying, "Some tea would be nice, thank you." They moved toward the table together, Elizabeth adding in a voice just above a whisper, "Mr. Case keeps a special bottle behind the cloth to make the tea a little more... palatable for some."

Darcy kept his surprise well concealed even if a small grin threatened to push up one corner of his mouth. "A considerate gentleman, no doubt." He left the lady seated comfortably and went to procure the cups of tea. Mr. Case was pleased to be able to enhance the rather common flavour of the blend with a more robust one from further north. Darcy thanked him and returned to Elizabeth, handing her one of the cups.

She watched him take a sip, noticed the appreciative expression and smugly smiled to herself. She had been sure he was a drunkard when he so blatantly winked at her earlier. Shaking her head, Elizabeth raised her cup to her lips.

"Lizzy!" cried Jane, sweeping toward her sister with a smile fit to devour the room. "Do say you will come with us tomorrow! It will be a grand trip!"

Setting her cup back onto the saucer, Elizabeth patiently asked, "Where are we to be going and with whom?" She knew the answer to the latter question but the first was a mystery. A trip? That meant some travel time. Mama might be too enthusiastic in her support and that would never do!

"Oh, of course you were not part of the discussion! But, did Mr. Darcy not tell you?" Jane looked at the gentleman, her expression innocent.

"I confess that I had not the time just now to broach the subject. As you see, I have acquired some tea for your sister and have just returned to her now." He was relieved that Miss Bennet seemed satisfied and unconcerned with his reply but then he turned his attention to Bingley with a frown, demanding clarification.

"Ah, Miss Elizabeth," his friend quickly supplied. "I suggested to Miss Bennet that a picnic at the top of that place.. what is it called again? Oh, yes. Oakham Mount. Wouldn't that be pleasant?"

Pursing her lips, Elizabeth patiently replied, "Yes, if it were July that would be pleasant indeed. However, in September it is rather blustery at that altitude." She gave her sister a look which anyone else would consider scolding. "The notion is delightful but impractical, I'm afraid." She turned a reproachful gaze on Darcy. "I am surprised that you did not discourage Mr. Bingley from the endeavour."

The gentleman's eyebrows rose in innocent query. He offered no defence, however, but suddenly took Elizabeth's hand, saying, "The music is about to begin, Miss Bennet. Shall we take our places?"

"Mr. Darcy, I have not yet had even one sip of my tea!" she protested but he sighed impatiently. Hurriedly, Elizabeth drank down the contents of her now tepid refreshment. Darcy took the empty cup from her grasp, placed it on a nearby table and led her to the floor. He did not hear the gasp which escaped her lips nor observe the choking she almost managed to stifle. Smiling, he turned to face her as the other couples began to line up beside them.

"I take it you do not advise an excursion to Oakham Mount tomorrow, then."

"No," replied Elizabeth, her voice raspy. She said no more and Darcy looked at her, a puzzled expression on his face.

"Are you well, Miss Bennet?"

"Mr. Darcy," she croaked. "What was in the tea?"

One corner of his mouth crept upward but his eyes still conveyed confusion. "I was under the impression that I secured the refreshment you requested, madam. Did you not instruct me to enquire of the gentleman at the table for an additive to the regular offering?"

"I most cer -." A dreadful bout of coughing interrupted her indignant reply. Darcy immediately removed them from the line of dancers and led Elizabeth to a seat away from the curious crowd. When she turned to sit, however, her feet appeared to take on minds of their own, tangling around each other and causing her to fall forward. In this instance forward was into Mr. Darcy's chest.

He was quick to react, catching her about the waist and gently lowering her into the chair. "Miss Bennet," he said in a low voice. "Perhaps you should not drink your tea quite so hurriedly next time."

Next time! Elizabeth could not seem to form words, her throat remained raw from the tea. Instead, she shook her head vehemently, hoping the gentleman would understand that there would be no more added ingredients to her teacup in future.

Darcy did not appear to comprehend for he once again offered to get her something for relief. "You are distressed for some reason, Miss Bennet. I shall return momentarily." Not even a wildly waving arm could cause him to abandon his quest. Elizabeth helplessly watched him disappear behind a group of ladies whose heads all turned to follow his progress. In another moment he was back with a small goblet. "It is merely water to soothe your throat."

Gratefully she accepted the proffered liquid, taking large sips and letting it slowly trickle down her throat. He was correct, she discovered; it did soothe. Soon Elizabeth felt she could attempt to speak. "Thank you." She was pleased to hear her voice was no longer raspy although it was not as strong as usual.

"I fear I misunderstood you earlier, Miss Bennet. Did you choose to inform me about Mr. Case's secret stash for my own benefit and not yours?" Her nod of affirmation made him chuckle. "I daresay it was a surprise when you drained your teacup so quickly."

"Are you in the habit," said Elizabeth, managing a haughty flavour to her tone, "of plying young ladies with drink?"

"An interesting notion," he said, looking thoughtful. "Do you seriously believe I should put it into practice?"

"There is nothing serious in anything you say, sir. I wonder why you bother to speak at all."

An eyebrow crawled into his hair. "My dear lady, do I detect disapproval? I believe I offered you an apology already for my earlier behaviour and you did accuse me of insincerity then. I assure you that I am anything but insincere."

"Anything!" she snorted. "Yes, even in your rudeness you are all sincerity."

Darcy stared in amazement. "Rudeness? Is this your opinion of me?" When she did not reply he made a great show of appearing wounded. "Your charge is grievous, madam. I must be allowed to defend myself."

Elizabeth was beginning to find him amusing in spite of herself. "Very well." She waited expectantly.

"If I cause further offense with any of my explanation," he began, "please inform me at once. I do not wish to distress you." Taking up a seat next to her, but not so close as to initiate gossip amongst the observers, Darcy continued. "From the very first moment of our introduction I detected a similarity in our natures. We are both of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak unless it be something to amaze the whole room. I felt a kindred flame ignite my interest and wished to get to know you better. Perhaps my enthusiasm led me to behave with less than proper decorum but I hope you will understand and forgive my blunder."

"And now you tease me, sir!" she laughed. "How am I to believe anything from your lips? An unsocial and taciturn disposition indeed! It cannot be farther from the truth with my character, although I confess I have not been behaving my best with you, either. As for yourself, I have watched since your entrance and a less restrained man I would be hard pressed to discover in this gathering."

Darcy grinned. "You have been watching me, have you?" He laughed as her cheeks flushed bright red. "I am honoured to be so privileged, having your undivided attention though little aware of it was I. Tell me then, does your disapproval stem from your observations or from my wink on the dance floor?"

"You are terrible!" Elizabeth vainly tried to keep a straight face but it was hopeless. "It is fortunate for you that I am likely the only person to know what you have been up to this evening. Had my father attended, he would not have gone home without engaging in some sort of contest with you."

He liked the sound of that. "I look forward to meeting him in the near future, then. If he is anything like yourself, I should enjoy a good debate with him; perhaps on the merits of social behaviour. Alas, on the subject of behaviour, you suggested that no other was aware of my activities this evening but I must inform you that my friend, Bingley, is very much in the know and heartily disapproves. I am surprised he has not interrupted us already." Darcy glanced around the room, trying to locate the other man and Miss Bennet. "I see neither him nor your sister, however. It is as I expected."

Elizabeth was speechless for a moment, her mind trying to fathom the puzzle of the man before her, when she suddenly comprehended his last remark. "What do you mean? Where are they?"

Patting her hand in a condescending way, he said, "Worry not, Miss Bennet. There is no more gentlemanlike man than Bingley. Your sister is in no danger with him. Unlike your situation. Have I not damaged your reputation sufficiently yet? We have been sat here for a good quarter hour in relative seclusion from company. I should think that more than enough to cast suspicion upon my motives. Or yours, for that matter."

"I'm sure the only reason we have not be disturbed is because my mother is standing guard," she muttered. "In the interest of marrying off her daughters I am not sure where she draws the line. I have never had occasion to test it." Elizabeth frowned. "But what of Mr. Bingley and Jane? Where do you suppose them to be?"

"Not far." Darcy's eyes narrowed and his speech seemed to become furtive. "Bingley will be lurking where he can still see me but I cannot see him. At the hint of me doing something inappropriate he will appear within seconds to put a stop to it."

"Really!" The picture this engendered in her mind was so silly as to cause Elizabeth to put her hand to her mouth to stifle a loud laugh. "I'm not certain I believe you. I think your theory should be tested."

"You do not question my sincerity again, do you? My honour may not survive the predicament." He hung his head and shook it slowly back and forth.

"Let us put something else at stake than your honour then, sir."

He looked up sharply. "A wager?"

"Yes." Elizabeth considered what she had to offer that would not also compromise her own honour. "If Mr. Bingley appears as you claim and I am proven wrong then I will give you the next two dances and, should you desire it, two dances at every occasion where we meet."

Shocked and delighted at her willingness to play the game, Darcy was eager to agree. "Very well. I accept and offer in return that should I be proven wrong in my assertion of Bingley's proximity and readiness to interfere you may expect me to pay court to you during the course of my stay at Netherfield."

"Those are high stakes, sir, and not something one should take lightly!"

"I believe I have assured you repeatedly that I am sincere in my actions, Miss Bennet. I do nothing that is not my wish to do. Of course, if my offer is not to your liking I will let you determine the prize instead." Secure as he was in the knowledge that Bingley was lurking nearby, and that two dances with Elizabeth were guaranteed at every social occasion from now until winter would begin, Darcy saw no real difference between the two offers. She eventually nodded acceptance and he said, "Observe." He slowly extended an arm toward her, his hand turning to present an open palm. Before he could do no more than begin to curl back his fingers, another arm appeared and hurriedly pushed his away.

"Ah, here you are Darcy, and Miss Elizabeth." Bingley bowed toward the lady, his face in Darcy's direction and glaring hard. "We wondered what happened when you disappeared from the dance."

"Miss Elizabeth drank her tea too quickly and it went down wrong," explained Darcy smoothly. "It was best to sit quietly until she recovered."

"Are you alright, Lizzy?" enquired a concerned Jane.

"Yes, yes," Elizabeth assured her. "I am quite fine now. Mr. Darcy, I do believe I owe you a dance."

He rose with alacrity, once more extending his arm to assist the lady to rise. The expression he sent in Bingley's direction left no doubt that his earlier intention had been the same.

"The poor man," said Elizabeth once they were in place. "Whatever have you done to make him so nervous?"

"Have you ever noticed, Miss Bennet, that it is often not the act itself that causes anxiety but the anticipation of it possibly happening?" Darcy's smile was smug. "That is Mr. Bingley's problem. He is in a state of perpetual anticipation, never knowing when I might choose to unleash my more bizarre sense of humour upon the unsuspecting masses. He lies in wait, to jump into the line of fire at the last moment, at the least provocation."

"You lead him on in believing you will cross the line of propriety when all along you have no intention of doing more than making him appear the fool!" The similarity to her own father did not escape her. "I am well acquainted with the infliction of nervousness as you describe it. My own mother suffers from severe cases quite frequently. As a matter of fact," Elizabeth said, nodding her head toward a group of people watching the dancing, "she is more than likely to be in agony at this moment as she observes us. Did I not hear tell that you have a sizeable income, Mr. Darcy? Ten thousand a year, is it? Your attentions to me this evening are enough reason for Mama to be plagued with palpitations for days to come."

"Ah, yes," sighed Darcy, amusement fading. "Reality intrudes. Must we talk about such mundane topics as matchmaking and men with fortunes in want of a wife?"

"Are you not one such man, sir?" She gave him such a look of impertinence that his ruffled feathers quickly settled. "I confess that it is a subject of which I have grown tired. With four sisters and no brothers you can well imagine how much of that I hear on a daily basis! However, I might remind you that you did promise, should you have been proven wrong in your assertion about Mr. Bingley, to perform to the expectations of our neighbourhood and pay court to one of the daughters, namely myself. Not that I am disappointed in the way our wager turned out; on the contrary, I am wholly relieved that my mother will not become another victim of your schemes."

"Schemes! I am not so sinister as that. Pray, tell me you do not believe so!"

He seemed genuinely concerned and so Elizabeth relented a little. "You are a mischievous prankster, though, and there are some who are not as sturdy when it comes to such tricks. I could withstand being courted for no purpose other than to fulfill a promise made in a wager but Mama would never understand. For her sake, and her nerves, I am glad I lost. For your sake I am glad I lost. Your reputation would be sunk the moment you left Netherfield."

An odd smile spread over his face. "You presume that nothing would come of that period of courting, Miss Bennet, and that my leaving would be the end of it." Darcy saw the confusion in her eyes and veered away from such a dangerous direction. "You have promised me two dances every time we meet and I am prepared to collect them each time. I believe you did not expect that."

"Truthfully, I did not. That is why I left it to you to accept or decline subsequent engagements." Once more she felt obliged to study him a little more closely. She began to feel a little like his friend, never knowing when or what he might do next or if it was intended as it appeared. Their conversation disquieted her and Elizabeth was relieved to see the end of the dancing. Her mother, she knew, was attentive to their every move and would not spare any questions once they left the assembly. That thought caused her to slow her pace as she and Darcy made their way back to Jane.

Darcy's eyebrow lifted enquiringly. "You appear suddenly subdued, Miss Bennet. Am I to blame?"

Her smile was half-hearted. "Indirectly, sir. It has been an enjoyable evening, not that I do not find our assemblies enjoyable as a rule, but a price will be paid for this one. I have monopolised your attention and that will not go unnoticed."

"On the contrary," he gently corrected. "It is I who have monopolised your attention and if unpleasantness arises as a result then I must make amends. Is there anything I may do to prevent the worst?"

Elizabeth tried to laugh but found that it was not possible. "Only your immediate departure from Hertfordshire would cool the gossip, I'm afraid."

The frown that met her remark was fierce. "I will not be leaving." As quickly, his brow cleared and his eyes lit from within. "Obviously, the gossip must be curtailed in another fashion."

Elizabeth was afraid to ask and hurried back to Jane's side.

Chapter 2 ~ A Man of Dubious Character

Posted on Wednesday, 27 July 2005, at 5:47 a.m.

"You should not have kept Mr. Darcy all to yourself, Lizzy! How is Jane to capture him if you are constantly in her way?" Mrs. Bennet's dearest friend, her handkerchief, was pressed to her face in an effort to dry imaginary tears.

"I do not want to marry Mr. Darcy, Mama," Jane quietly objected.

"Oh!" screeched her mother. "Do not say such things! He may hear you and then where will we be? In the hedgerows, starving, when your father suffers a heart attack from the shock of it all."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes.

"And you mind me, Miss Lizzy," continued Mrs. Bennet. "Mr. Darcy won't want an impertinent bride like you. If you want to spare my nerves you'll behave more like Jane and find yourself a nice young man with a decent fortune. Leave Mr. Darcy and his friend alone."

"Jane would be very unhappy with Mr. Darcy, Mama." Elizabeth was more than annoyed with the predictable response to her evening's activities. She took great pleasure in announcing, "He's a drunkard."

"What!" gasped her three younger sisters at once.

Mrs. Bennet was unconcerned. "It is of no consequence. Men like him enjoy their drink and he has money aplenty to afford it. Indeed, Jane," she excitedly added, "it may not take much effort at all to snare him!"

"He much preferred Lizzy's company, though," persisted Jane. "And I much prefer Mr. Bingley's."

"Nonsense! Did he not dance with you first, Jane? What does that say?"

"It says that he knows the rules of society," muttered Elizabeth.

By then the ladies had arrived at home, the carriage was left behind as they traipsed one after the other through Longbourn's front door. Mrs. Bennet called loudly for her husband as soon as her feet crossed the threshold. Although he did not respond, he was to be found in the parlour with his feet up and a warming fire in the hearth. He looked up as the door to the room opened.

"Ah, my dear. I did not hear you come in." His twinkling eyes met his second daughter's teasingly.

"Mr. Bennet," began his wife without any further ado. "You must talk some sense into Lizzy. She is going to end her days an old maid at this rate! She just will not listen to me."

"What is this about?" he dutifully enquired, fully aware that his daughter would be the one to eventually enlighten him even as Mrs. Bennet was opening her mouth.

"Two perfectly eligible young men -."

"Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. Yes, I know," interrupted her husband.

Her shoulders rose and fell as she neared the stage of hyperventilation. "You know? What do you know? Oh, of course you don't know about tonight's events. Lizzy kept Mr. Darcy all to herself when he specifically sought out Jane! Not only did she take him away from her own sister after their first dance but she practically dragged him out for another dance, feigned illness and then lured him into a private corner where his friend eventually discovered them. After that she had the audacity to dance with him yet again! For two dances!"

Mr. Bennet was taken aback. He scratched his head in some perplexity. "Please correct me if I'm wrong, or rather don't. I am sure I cannot withstand further elaboration. What you have told me sounds as if Lizzy has done exactly as you instructed her. Am I correct, Lizzy?"

"It was not my intention to -."

"There, you see? Elizabeth admits it herself. She did not intend to disobey you and was valiantly trying to perform as ordered. It is unfortunate that she chose the wrong man for her execution but it cannot be helped now, I suppose." Mr. Bennet sat down in his comfortable chair and dismissed the matter from his mind.

"That is not the way of it at all!" cried his wife. There followed the accustomed wailing on the lady's part, something that their five daughters had no desire to witness and so they took themselves upstairs to change and ready for bed.

Jane and Elizabeth met in the former's room as soon as they were in their nightclothes. Jane, in her normally placid state, looked dreamy eyed as she relived the time spent with Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth could not help but laugh.

"Lizzy," whispered her sister. "Is it true what you said? Is Mr. Darcy really a drunkard?"

"No, I said that to annoy Mama," admitted Elizabeth. "Although I did think he was, at first. He's something.... but not that."

"What do you think of Mr. Bingley?" was the next shy question.

"According to his friend he is every bit the gentleman. Do we believe the likes of Mr. Darcy?"

Jane's eyes were wide in innocence. "Why should we not?"

"He's a drunkard!" grinned Elizabeth.

"You said he is not!"

"You're right, but he's something not quite gentlemanly." Elizabeth pursed her lips in thought. "He's a lot like Papa in some ways, I think."

"Well, how can we not like him, then?" giggled Jane. "Even if it turns out that he drinks too much I'm sure you will cure him of that ill."

"I beg your pardon?" Elizabeth stared at her sister. "What makes you think I would care to do such a thing?"

Jane giggled again. "He's very handsome and he has ten thousand a year! Besides, I saw you in his arms this evening and then he had to pretend you felt unwell."

"Jane! How could you think such a thing of me! I truly was unwell. That ungentleman, Mr. Darcy, had put whiskey in my tea! Now what do you think of him?" Crossing her arms over her chest, Elizabeth stuck out her chin defiantly.

"It wouldn't be the first time, Lizzy. I know Mr. Case keeps that bottle under the table at your request but I swore never to tell our parents about it."

Elizabeth hid her face in her hands. "Oh, Jane. How long have you known? Please promise you won't breathe a word of it to Mr. Bingley for, if his friend should learn of it, I will never live it down."

Jane could deny her beloved sister nothing.

***

Examining his fingernails in the light of the fire, Darcy was only half listening to Bingley drone on about his fears of the evening. He said very little that might be considered different from the countless times he'd already delivered this lecture, yet Darcy would not completely ignore his friend.

"What of Miss Elizabeth? Your behaviour there was abominable. I cannot take another night's trial with you, Darcy. Miss Bennet is an angel. I'd like to know her better and I simply cannot do that when I must watch your every move!"

Darcy flicked a finger toward the other man. "You do not have to watch me. I am a grown man, you know. Besides, I rather like Miss Elizabeth." He smiled dangerously.

"That's worse, I'm sure." Bingley grew more alarmed. "You've never liked a lady in your life. Well, I mean... you have never let one of them affect you in any way. What do you mean, you like her?"

Sighing impatiently, Darcy shook his head. "What do you mean when you say Miss Bennet is an angel? For goodness sake, Bingley, Miss Elizabeth is an intelligent and attractive woman. What's not to like about her?"

"Yes, but... you haven't... I am looking for a woman to marry. You are not." Bingley's agitation appeared to be growing out of control.

"Am I not? The locals seem to think I am."

"You have never said as much." Whirling away, he crossed the room to the decanters arranged on the cart. "I need a drink. Would you like one?"

Darcy declined the offer. "What have you decided about tomorrow? We cannot go to Oakham Mount, apparently. Did you and your Miss Bennet come to an alternate arrangement?" Bingley stared at him blankly. "You didn't. Well, perhaps we can just show up as planned and Miss Elizabeth will offer a suggestion. She is sensible enough to think up something quickly. Then you may still have your precious time with Miss Bennet."

"Oh no," declared Bingley with a frown. "Any time you grant me to be alone with Miss Bennet means you will be alone with Miss Elizabeth. Not a chance."

"Surely you do not suspect me of impure motives! I may be the lesser gentleman of the two of us, Bingley, but no lady will ever be in danger in my presence, chaperoned or not!" He started to rise from his chair, indignation colouring his face.

Bingley hurriedly reassured his friend that he meant nothing of the sort. "I'm sorry, Darcy. I really do like Miss Bennet, more so than any other lady I've met. Perhaps I'm being overcautious. You know how your antics often upset me."

"And as I said, I like Miss Elizabeth. She has a strength of mind that I find refreshing in a lady. You need not worry about my behaviour while you entertain her sister. I will do my best not to embarrass you." Miss Elizabeth Bennet is too clever by half. She might be persuaded to engage in a little mischief herself, though. That thought kept him entertained for a while as Bingley chose to pick up where his lecture had been interrupted. After enduring another quarter hour of abuse, Darcy informed his friend that he would retire for the evening, having a few letters to write before he could permit himself to sleep. Bingley wished him a good night and poured himself another drink as Darcy left the room.

Once he attained the sanctuary of his chambers there was but one letter Darcy had in mind to compose; this to his sister.

Dearest Georgiana, it began.

I trust that my aunt and uncle are treating you well in my absence. I reiterate my parting to you in that I wish you could have accompanied me to Netherfield but we both know that Fitzwilliam would not permit it and it does neither of us any good to dwell on that subject.

I have been foiled in my determination to find the local populace dull and unentertaining as a whole. While there are many who fit that description there is one particular member of local society whose character is entirely worthy of closer examination. Are you amazed when I say it is a woman? I can almost see your face, your expression of surprise! Is this your brother? I assure you that it is none other.

Having said as much, please do not let on to Fitzwilliam that a lady has piqued my interest here. I have no desire to be removed from Bingley's home unless my friend himself demands it. Yes, dear sister, I have been troublesome to a degree but you know that Bingley's patience is far greater than our cousin's. As a matter of fact, the very sister of the aforementioned lady has caught Bingley's eye. I feel that I shall soon be able to paint a better picture of her for you and then there will be no misunderstanding my interest. At least you will understand. I cannot say the same for my friend, nor for the young lady. I have already hinted but she seems, despite an unusually intelligent disposition, to deny the verity of my intent.

Dear Georgiana, I fear I have said too much but I have never met a lady like Miss Elizabeth. You may think me a lovesick fool already but my heart has been touched and you know there are few who can accomplish that.

I will end my letter here. There is very little more to add. Meryton is a small town like any other. You would find nothing interesting here.

Yours affectionately,

Fitzwilliam.

***

If one could trust Mother Nature to suggest the day's weather by the colour of the sky at sunrise then the day boded well, even for such an excursion as Mr. Bingley had proposed to Oakham Mount. The carriage left Netherfield and arrived at Longbourn in good time.

Mrs. Bennet was dumbfounded. Not even she could imagine an excursion to such a place at such a time of year. She was not, however, about to scuttle the prospects of even one of her daughters when it came to romance and verily sent her two eldest, Elizabeth begrudgingly, with the two attractive gentlemen.

The carriage pulled away from Longbourn with three excited parties and one bemused one.

Mr. Bingley, Jane and Mr. Darcy expounded enthusiastically upon the day's prospects. Elizabeth shook her head, amused by the simplicity of her sister's and Mr. Bingley's outlook. She was still unable to fully comprehend Mr. Darcy's character. It was not possible for him to be so caught up in such a trivial scheme, was it? Their conversations of the previous night indicated a man of profound wisdom. Well, if not wisdom at least he had a deeper understanding than any other man of her acquaintance.

As the carriage continued on its journey, Elizabeth was aware of Mr. Darcy's eyes frequently resting upon her face. It was difficult to find any other focus as Mr. Bingley and Jane seemed to be absorbed with one another. At last she felt compelled to speak, to disturb the strangely potent atmosphere that prevailed in the compartment.

"We may be fortunate and not end up freezing to death on our outing." She waited for some response but, as expected, her sister and Mr. Bingley merely smiled vacantly, not having heard a word. Elizabeth's gaze challenged Mr. Darcy to respond.

"We have brought several blankets," he mischievously remarked. "Do you think it will be so cold? I have travelled many times to the peaks at home in Derbyshire and very rarely required more than an overcoat."

"Oh!" exclaimed Elizabeth. "Then you are familiar with the hazards of picnicking in unseasonable temperatures. I will trust that you have ensured that Mr. Bingley packed the necessary provisions."

Darcy's expression appeared confused for a moment but then he smiled. "My friend is not overly fond of nature so I expect that our picnic may turn out to be a short walk followed by a plea to return to the carriage to partake of the refreshments. You do not mind, I hope?"

Elizabeth was of two minds; relieved that Jane would avoid prolonged exposure to the elements and disappointment that she, herself, would have less time to spend with the man who had aroused her curiosity. Confinement in a carriage was no way to spend the afternoon when one was anticipating a more intimate encounter. Certainly the gentleman had given a strong impression of wishing to pursue this sort of interaction during their discourse the previous evening.

Conversation was dull, in her opinion, during the drive to their destination. Although the three other occupants seemed satisfied with it, Elizabeth longed for the playful banter that had characterised Mr. Darcy's discourse with her at the assembly. She need not have been so impatient. He was merely awaiting the opportunity to speak with her away from the attentive eye, and ear, of Bingley.

As Elizabeth had predicted, the conditions were blustery at Oakham Mount. It was not so dissuasive that Mr. Darcy was not amenable to an exploration of the immediate environs, although Jane expressed the desire to stay close to the carriage as she was not as adventurous as her sister. Bingley was in a dilemma; loathe as he was to leave Miss Elizabeth to Darcy's undivided attention, he was more inclined to spend time alone with his own favourite. Gentlemanly behaviour had never been so tested; why did he have to choose which lady to attend? There should not be the need for a decision since there was another gentleman in their party. That other gentleman was Darcy, however.

Eventually his heart won out and Bingley happily remained with Jane, satisfied that the other couple could not wander far.

Elizabeth was very much aware of the bounds of propriety, directing Darcy toward a path which led to a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the valley below. Here they were still within sight of the others while the distance and the wind ensured privacy of conversation.

"It is not as dramatic as the peaks at home but breathtaking all the same," he told her. "I would love to show you my favourite in return."

She once again felt surprise at his candour, more perplexing for the sheer impossibility of such a plan. The man lived several days' travel away in another county. The likelihood of Elizabeth journeying to Derbyshire was remote at the very least. "Perhaps one day I will find the opportunity," she felt obliged to offer.

His eyes turned to look directly into hers. "Will you?"

Elizabeth's heart stopped momentarily. His question was so earnestly posed that she was convinced he was unaware of the implied meaning. "I cannot promise," she finally said. The disappointment in his eyes made her long to be able to take back her words.

Just as suddenly Darcy smiled and turned back to enjoy the panorama. "I could spend hours in places like this. It's so quiet and peaceful, don't you agree?"

"Yes, I often come here myself for that same reason."

"Really?" His face lit up; Elizabeth admired his even, white teeth and the boyish expression of enthusiasm.

She laughed. "I do! Recall that I have four sisters. I doubt you can imagine the noise in our house on any given day of the week. I escape when I can."

A light frown now replaced his smile. "I have but one sister." He said no more, but took a few steps in the opposite direction, looking back over his shoulder to see if Elizabeth was following. She hurried to catch up with him, curiosity growing with every minute she spent with this man. When she reached his side, he boldly took her hand and wrapped her arm around his. With a sly grin he said, "You must watch your step around these rocks, Miss Bennet. It would not do to turn an ankle."

"Indeed," she replied, arching an eyebrow. "I would not be able to honour my debt to you and that would make me very unhappy."

"And I would be sorry to be left abandoned for any reason." Darcy's voice was soft and she had to strain to hear his words over the sound of the wind.

"Then I shall take extra care to avoid injury," she assured him, gripping his arm more tightly.

His posture became more erect, his chin thrust forward as he proudly escorted Elizabeth to the second vantage point atop Oakham Mount.

Elizabeth was not the only one curious about Darcy. Jane had noticed her own companion's attention frequently drawn away from her to where his friend stood in conversation with her sister. Gently touching his arm, she smiled when he turned his head to warmly acknowledge her.

"You don't need to worry. Lizzy knows all the paths up here."

"Oh," he said, his face turning a shade darker. "I wasn't worried, really."

Jane was still smiling but now it was more in sympathy. "You take very good care of your friend. Has he always been....? Um....." She could not bring herself to actually say the words but was determined to find out, for Elizabeth's sake, if Darcy was indeed attached to the bottle, for the knowledge would come in handy if it turned out to be true.

Bingley nodded his head, his shoulders drooping sadly. "As long as I have known him. He has good days and bad. It's not always predictable but there are often signs so that I can intervene to forestall trouble. At heart he is a good, kind man who is generous beyond the norm. There are many who would take advantage of that, believe it or not."

"That is terrible!" Jane was truly shocked. She looked over at the other couple, feeling heartily sorry for the young man and wondering what burdens had led him to drink. "You are to be commended for your dedication to him, Mr. Bingley. Has he any family?"

"A younger sister only, although he also has an aunt, an uncle and some cousins, one in particular who is very involved. Darcy's mother died when he was but a child and his father passed away five years ago."

"Such tragedy for one so young!" Her heart reached out, wishing there was something she could do to ease his pain. Then she reminded herself that Lizzy could do that equally well and that Darcy seemed to take delight in her presence, so Jane decided to return her attention to Bingley. "Have you any brothers or sisters, sir?"

Bingley gazed down into her face and forgot about the wind, the dampness and even about Darcy as he saw only sunshine and roses. "Two sisters but they are in London and will not be visiting me here. Miss Bennet, you are very lovely."

Jane blushed but did not look away. "Thank you, sir. You are very kind."

His expression was incredulous. "Kindness has nothing to do with it, I assure you! You are lovely, I say, and that is the truth. I am sorry if you find my manner too forward or these sentiments expressed too early in our acquaintance. I have learned that time is fleeting and life is too precious to waste it performing social niceties for the sake of appearance. My friendship with Darcy has taught me that."

"I do not know what to say," whispered Jane, her eyes wide and a tremor beginning to make itself known in her limbs.

Bingley leaned his head close to hers. "Say I may pay a call on you tomorrow and every day after that," he replied, also in a whisper.

***

Elizabeth chewed her lip as she considered his information. "Fitzwilliam. A rather long and stodgy name, isn't it? I much prefer something shorter. You know, my name is shortened to Lizzy. Do you like that? I could do the same with yours."

"I would not care to be called Fitzy." Warily, Darcy watched her serious contemplations. "I don't think I like Lizzy, either. Oh, I'm sorry! That was rather rude of me. I just meant that I prefer to call you Elizabeth. That is.. if I may?"

"Are we good enough friends to do that?" she teased. "Please remember not to call me anything but Miss Elizabeth in front of my mother, though. She will be excited enough to know that the two wealthy gentlemen enjoy calling on her daughters. There is no need to invite more animation on her part. I would fear for my father's health if that should occur."

"I did not intend to address you only by your Christian name! That would be so unforgivably disrespectful at this point. We have only just met!"

Elizabeth felt they had been going in circles ever since they had met. Mr. Darcy was certainly an enigma. She had never encountered a man who could confuse her so much within the space of five minutes. "Tell me about your sister," she said in an effort to learn more about him. Belatedly, she recalled his change of mood upon first mentioning her and she hoped the question did not cause him any distress.

"Georgiana is sixteen," replied Darcy, puffing out his chest with pride. "You will like each other."

Shaking her head, Elizabeth wondered if he meant his sister was to arrive soon and he would introduce them. He spoke in the most peculiar manner! "Does she wink at strange women, too?"

He laughed, startling her with the sound. "I do not find you strange, Miss Bennet. Unusual, yes, but..." He appeared to suddenly suffer from shyness.

"But what?" prompted Elizabeth. "I cannot have you stop now. How can I sleep at night not knowing in what way I am different?"

"Miss Bennet," said Darcy, seriousness clouding his brow. "You are different in all the ways that count. Please do not be alarmed that I meant in any way to be critical."

She gazed upon him in bewilderment. "That is very sweet of you to say, Mr. Darcy. Rest easy, I did not think for one moment that you were criticising me." Her head was beginning to spin. "Perhaps we should return to the carriage and see what Mr. Bingley has brought for our refreshment. I feel in need of something."

Darcy was quite happy to take up her arm again for their walk back to rejoin Bingley and Jane.

***

To say that Darcy's letter intrigued his sister would be an understatement. She was shocked and immediately called her cousin Fitzwilliam to show him the missive. "What shall we do? He cannot be serious, can he?"

The Colonel read the letter three times, frowning and muttering to himself. "I knew it had to happen eventually. What sort of woman could he meet in the countryside of Hertfordshire?"

"Not the right kind!"

"No," he agreed. "We must leave immediately." He handed the letter back to Georgiana and left to make the arrangements to travel post haste to Netherfield in order to circumvent the trouble sure to ensue.

Chapter 3 ~ Curiouser and Curiouser

Posted on Friday, 29 July 2005, at 5:15 p.m.

Elizabeth stared at him, incredulous. "I beg your pardon?"

"Is this not a social occasion?" Darcy's smile was, as usual, endearingly mischievous. "You did promise."

"And I shall not go back on my word," she said. "However, there is no music! To what do you propose we dance?"

"Miss Elizabeth is right, Darcy," his friend cautiously broke in. "This is not a suitable place for dancing. The ground is not even, for one thing," he hurried to add when he sensed an objection. "We would not want to see Miss Elizabeth injured."

"Of course. I should have thought of that." He seemed annoyed with himself for not remembering since he had only recently spoken of it, as well.

"Perhaps when we return to Longbourn Mary could be prevailed upon to play for us. There is room enough to dance in the parlour if we shift the chairs a little." Jane was always eager to find a way to please others.

"What an excellent idea!" Bingley preferred to think of the benefit in having Darcy safely occupied while he could enjoy Miss Bennet's conversation some more. "Are we ready to go, then?" He looked toward the other gentleman for an answer.

Darcy consulted Elizabeth's opinion before voicing his agreement. They were on their way in minutes.

Mrs. Bennet was beside herself at the sight of the two most eligible young men ever to visit Meryton now gracing her front step. "Come in, come in! Hill! Bring some tea into the parlour!" She swept into the room and directed them all to chairs, taking care to seat Mr. Darcy next to Jane. The gentleman, she saw, pleasantly smiled at them all and then commented quietly aside to her eldest daughter. This drew a contented sigh from her. She was sure that her plans for Jane would come to fruition in no time at all.

The tea arrived, Elizabeth taking advantage of the opportunity to abandon her seat and invite Jane to assist in preparing the gentlemen's cups. Stealing a peek at Darcy while she poured, Elizabeth saw him watching, his eyes laughing at her. She was tempted to poke out her tongue at him but with her mother stationed in careful observation it was not to be endeavoured. Elizabeth sent Jane back with the tea for them so that when she returned to the table she could take her own cup and choose her own seat. Quite naturally, Jane chose to sit next to Mr. Bingley, leaving her mother wringing her hands in vain as Elizabeth took up the empty chair next to Mr. Darcy.

He studied the beverage before taking a sip, then his eyes sought Elizabeth's, shifting from there to her tea and back as if enquiring of the contents. When she blushed bright pink Darcy could not conceal his grin but Mrs. Bennet was not pleased.

"Mr. Darcy," she unexpectedly called from across the room. "Was your excursion to Oakham Mount to your liking?"

"Yes, madam," he replied with a slight bow of his head. "I was quite taken with the view. The elevation is not so striking as in the north of Derbyshire, where my home is, but I never allow comparison to colour my perception of the beauty of any object." Elizabeth bit her lip to stifle a laugh. Never had she heard anyone but her father address her mother in such a way and Mrs. Bennet's vapid stare indicated her inability to respond in kind. Yet Darcy continued. "For example, you have five daughters. All lovely ladies, I must tell you, and still I would not compare one to any other for each is a beauty unto herself."

Bingley had at last taken notice of his friend's monologue, nervously interjecting. "You have the heart of a romantic, Darcy. It is uncommon in our London circles but I daresay even the ladies present have rarely heard such poetry spoken." He smiled at the others, encouraging them to respond.

Elizabeth, noting an indication of bewilderment on Darcy's countenance, rose to the challenge. "You are correct, sir. There are few gentlemen who would partake of such a pastime although I do recall one, who was rather enamoured of Jane, writing a line or two of prose."

Blushing deeply, Jane denied the seriousness of the attachment while her mother expounded on the topic, eventually returning to Darcy's interest in the subject. "Do you write poetry, sir?"

Feeling all the embarrassment that such a question could imply; a man of Darcy's station writing poetry! Elizabeth was speechless. Instantly she became aware of his polite reply to the insult.

"No, madam. I do not write poetry but I do enjoy reading it. I fear I have no talent for such ambitions."

"Nonsense!" cried Mrs. Bennet, casting aside his modesty quite callously. "You have such a way with words and speak so prettily, I'm sure any poetry you might write would quickly install you in the heart of the lady upon whom you bestow it." She sat back, a smug smile on her face as she looked at Jane.

Sighing, Elizabeth wished she had managed to slip something into her tea. It would have made this hour tolerable, at least.

***

Georgiana Darcy sat deep in thought for the first leg of their journey south from Matlock. If she could have willed the horses to fly it would have been done but, alas, she must remain content with the hurried pace of the four-in-hand as the driver pushed them onward. Her cousin had said they would make Netherfield by the next evening if they encountered no bad roads or weather. Georgiana's concern for her brother was so great that she did not care if she had to sleep in the carriage en route.

Fitzwilliam had studied her for several miles and finally felt the need to speak. "My dear, is this really the first time your brother has ever written to you of an infatuation with a lady?"

She looked up, startled from her ruminations. "Yes. You know we have rarely been apart, except for last summer...." Her voice trailed off, the subject too painful to visit just yet. "Other times his letters have been brief with no mention of the people he may have found interesting."

"It is all too quick, by far. I don't like it." Her cousin frowned darkly. "Perhaps it was too soon after that business with Wickham but I thought Bingley could deal with him."

"Richard?" Her voice was tentative and he raised his eyebrows in curiosity. Georgiana swallowed nervously. "What if we are too late? What if he... what if William has already...." She couldn't go on.

"What do you mean?"

She drew in a deep breath, closed her eyes and carefully said, "Did Father not see to his education in all matters? He is not a child and has not been one for some time. Surely, Richard, he must have had some... interest in ladies before now?"

His eyes widened, reflecting how flabbergasted he was by her questions. "What would you know of this, Georgiana?"

"I am not a child, either," she sharply reminded him. "I will not pretend ignorance when my brother's future is at stake. If he has compromised this young lady in any way then we must be prepared."

The Colonel considered how to reply. "What do you consider to be enough... damage.. to constitute him marrying the woman?"

"Richard! Should he not marry her whatever he may have done? If her reputation is ruined by the smallest thing -!"

"Georgiana," he interrupted. "You must understand that it is commonplace for women to place themselves in such a position, especially if they have no other prospects and the man in question would secure them for life."

"It's not fair." She pouted like the child she claimed not to be and he annoyed her by laughing. "It's especially not fair to William!"

"No, of course it isn't," he conceded, not at all reconciled to the facts as they existed. "It is how things are, however. Now, if you insist on being forthright, tell me what you believe is necessary to have occurred for your brother to marry this woman?"

"Well," she began, not at all sure how to phrase it delicately, nor if her cousin, a man, would understand her allusions. "Whoever this Miss Elizabeth is, that he has declared himself in love with... Richard, I sincerely hope he has not declared himself to her! Should she prove to be one of the fortune hunters you have mentioned I fear for him. Oh, I love my brother so much! Why must life be so cruel?"

"Let us think positively, Georgiana. Darcy is perfectly aware of what constitutes a transgression of propriety where ladies are concerned. I can vouch for that." He dared not explain how that particular lesson came about. "I am confident he would not cross that line. I cannot speak for this woman he has mentioned."

Georgiana glared at him. "Must you her refer to her as a woman and not a lady? For all we know she may be perfectly respectable."

The sound he made in response was hardly respectful. "Not likely," was his only comment.

"You expect me to think positively when you say things like that?" She brought both hands to her head, exhaling forcefully into her open palms. "I will have to live with her if she becomes his wife. Richard, how could I tolerate her if she is ... if she doesn't want him but only what he can give her? William deserves so much more."

Fitzwilliam ground his teeth in frustration. "I know that. It is what angered me most when I read your brother's letter. He is so genuine and will give his heart so willingly, when he decides to bestow it at all, but if she is not worthy of him I dread the consequences when he discovers it."

"We must be prepared," Georgiana repeated.

"May I suggest that, when we arrive, I will speak with Bingley and find out what has been going on while you have a chat with Darcy. He is far more likely to confess to you and to avoid me at all costs." Fitzwilliam was not happy with this arrangement but preferred it to the alternative of Darcy running off and hiding from him.

Sighing, his young cousin agreed, hoping that whatever her brother had to say would not be too shocking for her ears.

***

There was only one person glad to see the visitors at last leave Longbourn House; Mr. Bennet enjoyed his solitude, preferably when it was quiet. Although the two young men were pleasant enough, the music and laughter such a presence engendered in the females of his home was sufficient to make him complain of nerves. As soon as possible he had retreated to his library, leaving the young people to their entertainments and his wife to her fantasies of marrying off her daughters to this fresh prey.

The sound of the front door opening and the babbling of most of his family once again retreating to the parlour indicated that the prey had departed and Mr. Bennet took the opportunity to steal a glance out the window. To his surprise, the gentlemen were not alone! His two eldest had accompanied them outside and were paused in the shadows of shrubbery which lined the drive while, apparently, they awaited the carriage to be brought around. Mr. Bennet sipped his port and sat upon the cushion lining the window seat.

***

The hour was far later than everyone had anticipated they would stay. Mrs. Bennet had insisted that the gentlemen remain to dine and neither was disposed to say no. With the light soon to fade it was time to leave but Bingley was determined to have another five minutes alone with Miss Bennet. The ladies walked out with them and he managed to detach Jane from her sister's side, walking just far enough away to keep Darcy in sight over the lady's shoulder.

"I shall return tomorrow," Bingley said, brushing his fingers along hers. "Do you think your sister might like to take a walk?"

"Walking is one of Lizzy's favourite activities." Jane's voice was breathy as if affected. She looked up into Bingley's face, her own all doe-eyed innocence.

Darcy turned his attention away from the other couple, catching Elizabeth's eye and noticing the sparkle of happiness there. He wanted to say something but his tongue felt unexpectedly tied. Unable to speak, he walked a pace or two away, then turned back. Elizabeth arched an eyebrow in his direction. He blinked in surprise as the most unusual yet exciting sensation surged through him. Unwittingly, he stepped toward her and Elizabeth, unsure of his intent, stepped back. Darcy stopped, blinking self-consciously. He stole a quick glance toward Bingley and then, quite shyly, smiled at Elizabeth.

The effect was startling and made her laugh merrily. Impulsively, she reached for his hand and drew him closer. "I have never known anyone like you, Mr. Darcy. You make me laugh and feel silly and warm all at once. How do you do that?"

He looked down at their hands; Elizabeth was patting the back of his in the manner one comforts a dear friend. Darcy again felt that strangely exhilarating sensation and moved to take her hand more intimately, entwining his fingers with hers. "I do not know," he answered in all truthfulness. "I find I don't recognise myself, either." He suddenly knew he wanted to kiss her but that it was expressly forbidden. The restriction chafed; the urge to ignore it, pretend it didn't exist, was strong. Cautiously, Darcy leaned toward Elizabeth, his eyes never leaving hers. Her brows rose slowly as he drew closer, her lips parted slightly. Then her eyelids closed and she tilted her head up. Quickly, he brushed his lips against her cheek, pulling back to observe her reaction.

Elizabeth's eyes opened and she giggled. "Thank you," she whispered, raising her hand to the spot his lips had touched. Her heart was beating at an alarming rate which shocked her, for the kiss had been so chaste, not at all what she had expected!

"Darcy," called his friend. "Time to go."

"I must leave," Darcy told Elizabeth as if she could not have heard Bingley.

She nodded, still breathless from his touch. Jane joined her and together they stood in the fading light watching the carriage carry the gentlemen away from Longbourn. In another minute Jane excitedly turned to face her sister.

"Lizzy, we must talk tonight. I will get us some warm chocolate and bring it upstairs to your room."

Elizabeth was eager to concur but knew not what she would say. She hardly knew what to think! The two sisters parted in the hallway after bidding their mother goodnight. Elizabeth hurried to her room and once there fell back against the closed door, clasping her hand to her breast. She could feel her heart beating, still so quickly! Hearing in her mind the words of her mother, Elizabeth dreaded to think that she would suffer that lady's affliction of nerves the rest of her life. Three steps took her to the bureau where she opened the bottom drawer and drew forth from the deepest recesses a bottle from which she poured some of the contents into the glass she kept by her bedside. One sip was her intention but the intensity of her pounding heart compelled her to partake more liberally. The liquid warmed her throat on its descent and Elizabeth let out a contented sigh when she could breathe once more.

A knock at the door signalled Jane's arrival. Elizabeth put the bottle away but did not bother to remove the glass before opening the door and taking the cups from her sister. Jane looked at Elizabeth suspiciously.

"Lizzy, I thought you put that bottle back in Papa's cabinet?"

Elizabeth hung her head in shame. "I tried to, Jane. Honestly. Each time I took the bottle out to return it Mama would shout from downstairs and I just couldn't bear to part with it. I am so glad I had it tonight! Oh, Jane, how aflutter I am!"

Incredulously, Jane enquired, "Why? What happened?"

"How do I tell you? I don't know. I mean, my head is all confusion. I think I'm falling in love with Mr. Darcy and we only just met! How can that be?"

"Oh, Lizzy," soothed her sister. "Do not fret so. Mr. Darcy is a sweet man and Mr. Bingley assures me that he also a good and kind one."

"But he is so odd," mused Elizabeth. "I cannot understand him. I cannot understand myself!"

"I did ask Mr. Bingley about his friend," Jane confessed. "I'm afraid you were right when you said he likes to drink."

"Jane, I said he was a drunkard! That's not quite the same thing." Elizabeth was very sorry for her hasty remark at the gentleman's expense. "But what have you heard that makes you think he truly is a...." She couldn't say the word, especially with the reminder of her own recent libation on her tongue.

"I discreetly enquired of Mr. Bingley and he acknowledged the truth of it. The poor man has had a lot of tragedy in his life. It is not to be wondered at that he seeks relief in the bottle."

"Don't I know it," muttered Elizabeth.

"You must be careful, Lizzy." Jane felt it imperative to caution her about getting involved with a man who suffered from such an illness. "Should you find yourself alone with him after he has been imbibing and if you have, as well! You could be in very great danger of committing an impropriety."

Elizabeth's heart suddenly began racing again. How could she tell her dear, sweet sister that the thought she'd just put in her head was a very attractive and enticing prospect? No, she forced the thoughts aside for the moment, knowing that she could dwell on them at her leisure once Jane left her for her own room. "I shall remember your words."

Allowing Jane a quarter hour to express the feelings that she had discovered during those few private minutes in the shrubbery with Bingley, Elizabeth laughed, comforted and encouraged as was required, then saw her sister off for the night and crawled into her own bed. Snuggled under the down comforter, she let her mind linger on the memory of how she felt when Darcy's lips touched her skin. She imagined him kissing her again, more properly, with the scent of brandy on his breath.

The thought alone was intoxicating. It was some time before Elizabeth was able to sleep.

***

As the Netherfield gentlemen were not expected until afternoon, Mrs. Bennet found an excuse to send her daughters into Meryton during the course of the morning. Lydia and Kitty ran ahead, spotting some red coats among the villagers who were milling about the shop windows. Elizabeth, tired of the antics of her younger sisters, paid little attention to their whereabouts until they suddenly laughed loudly, drawing the attention of most of the people in the street.

"Come, meet my other sisters." Lydia was dragging a man by his arm, leading him in their direction. "Lizzy! Jane! You must meet Mr. Wickham. He had just joined the regiment this very day. Can you not picture him in his red coat? How dashing you will be!"

Elizabeth felt her knees wobble and a pressing desire for her companion secreted away in the bureau. She dared to offer a small curtsey, barely managing to avoid the need to grab Jane's arm to prevent herself from falling over. "Mr. Wickham," she said, eyes averted.

The gentleman looked upon her curiously, then smiled at Jane and Mary. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, ladies." He bowed with a flourish.

Mary was most solemn in her greeting. "So many new gentlemen to meet of late. Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy and now you, Mr. Wickham. I hope you will visit us as often as the other two."

Blushing furiously, Elizabeth wished to escape. How could her family embarrass her so consistently? To her amazement, their latest acquaintance knew the first ones and she heard him speak of them.

"Mr. Darcy of Derbyshire? I am surprised to hear of his appearance here. It must be down to his friend's presence." Mr. Wickham's smile was charming and full but he made a note of the five ladies, all sisters, and said, "I am not surprised to hear, however, that the gentlemen often enjoy the company of such lovely ladies."

Lydia crowed with delight at the compliments, latching herself to him more firmly and declaring that he must return with them for tea. Even Jane was dismayed by the suggestion. "But Lydia, recall that Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy are due this afternoon. Mama will be thrown into quite a tizzy if you bring home yet another gentleman with no warning."

"Pooh!" pouted the younger girl. "Mr. Bingley is interested only in you and Lizzy finds Mr. Darcy fascinating for some reason. What are the rest of us to do?"

Mr. Wickham now gazed upon Elizabeth with a new perspective. However, he felt obliged to disappoint the youngest lady, albeit slightly. "I fear I cannot accept your generous invitation, Miss Lydia. My obligations this afternoon are to my new employment but I would be honoured to escort you all back home if I would not be intruding."

The offer brought her some comfort and, all of their errands quickly accomplished, the six set off for Longbourn, Lydia trying to lag behind with Mr. Wickham but failing to incur his cooperation. The gentleman was waiting for an opportunity to speak more privately with another of her sisters.

***

It was Darcy's habit to rise early and ride before breakfast. He was an avid horseman, training his own mounts, and this was something he enjoyed doing in the cool morning temperatures. Having recently acquired a new mare with the potential for improving his stock at Pemberley, he was eager to test her out in Netherfield's paddocks. After an hour he finally noticed his friend leaning on the fence rails and knew it was time to put the mare away. Darcy dismounted, handing the reins to a groom, and cheerfully greeted Bingley.

"Do you plan to eat first or have a bath?" Bingley asked, shaking his head at the dirty smudges on the other man's face and hands. "You look as if you were carrying the horse, not the other way around."

Darcy examined his clothing and wrinkled his nose in distaste. "Jackson will roll his eyes at me yet again. Do I have time for a bath before we visit the Bennets?"

Bingley clapped a hand on Darcy's shoulder and laughed. "We have hours yet before we go. Come and eat something. You must be starving by now."

While they breakfasted, Bingley thought of how to broach the subject which had occupied his thoughts most of the previous evening. He had berated himself for being so distracted with Miss Bennet that he failed to notice his friend's increasing interest in her sister. Darcy had as much as confessed that he liked her, of course, but that had never meant anything before. Darcy liked many people, some of them ladies, and all as respected acquaintances, nothing more. His interest in Elizabeth Bennet was obviously very different.

"It's unfortunate you have no hothouse here, Bingley."

"Pardon me?" Jolted from his thoughts, Bingley stared across the table, wondering what Darcy found missing from the meal's selection.

"Can you not picture the delighted expressions on the ladies' faces if we could bring some fresh flowers with us this afternoon?" His eyes took on a faraway look. "Mother always loved Father to bring her flowers, especially in the winter months when everything was so dreary. Georgiana makes sure the vases are filled daily at Pemberley. You might consider setting up an orangerie if you plan to stay here for any length of time, Bingley." Darcy returned his attention to his plate.

Fresh flowers? Bingley might have been amused had he not suspected his friend's emotions had been touched in a way never before. "About Miss Bennet, Darcy," he said by way of introducing what he hoped would be a serious discussion. "What do you really think of her?"

"Oh, she is a fine young lady, Bingley. You like her very much, I know." He placed his knife and fork in the plate, wiped his mouth with the cloth provided and let out a contented sigh.

Bingley shook his head, realising his foolishness in not being more explicit. "I did not mean my Miss Bennet. I was referring to your Miss Bennet."

A flush of colour spread over Darcy's cheeks. "She.. she is not my Miss Bennet," he stammered, unable to meet Bingley's eyes. "Miss Elizabeth is delightful and I already told you that I like her. I don't know what else you could want to know."

"We are likely to be thrown into many more intimate situations, the four of us. I do not want you to feel uncomfortable, Darcy. Nor do I wish you placed in circumstances where you are out of your depth." He paused, quickly licking his lips as he braced himself. "A man can get into trouble very easily when a beautiful woman is involved."

Darcy's expression grew cold. "I am in no danger, Bingley. I am perfectly acquainted with what is acceptable behaviour and what is not. Furthermore, it is not I who is likely to cross the threshold of propriety, from what I have observed so far." He folded his arms across his chest and stared defiantly down the table.

"No, no," conceded Bingley. "You are quite right to reprimand me thus. I think I know a little of what you are feeling, though. My Miss Bennet has lit something in my heart that I swear was never there before and I suspect your... er.. Miss Elizabeth may have had the same effect on you." His friend did not deny it and so Bingley felt himself proven correct. "Perhaps we can keep an eye on each other, then."

That idea seemed to agree with Darcy. His smile appeared again and he rose from the table. "I will see to a bath now. To appear at Longbourn looking like this would be inexcusable. Please have me called when you are ready to leave."

Chapter 4 ~ Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Posted on Monday, 1 August 2005, at 5:57 a.m.

"Stay right here while I get Mama." Lydia ran into the house to bring forth Mrs. Bennet that she could meet Mr. Wickham. Mary was on her heels at a sedate pace, not at all interested in witnessing the event but Kitty felt it was a race, wanting to find their mother before her younger sister could accomplish the task. Elizabeth noticed that Jane was daydreaming, her eyes vaguely directed toward the place she had said her private farewell to Mr. Bingley.

Mr. Wickham seized his opportunity. "Miss Elizabeth, may I have a word with you?" His expression conveyed the urgency even if his tone had not already done so.

Elizabeth walked a few steps away from Jane. "Is something wrong, Mr. Wickham?" she enquired.

"Forgive my bluntness, Miss Elizabeth, but my honour could not let me remain silent. Once I heard that Mr. Darcy was in the area and that he frequently pays calls at your home I had no choice but to speak." She raised an eyebrow; those familiar with Elizabeth Bennet would recognise it as a challenge for the speaker to go on. In this instance she had no need to encourage. "I know we have but a few moments but I must caution you while I can. Mr. Darcy is not what he appears. Oh, I know he is charming and sweet but there is a side to him that is rarely seen. Having grown up with him I have unfortunately been witness to it many a time and the results have been difficult to bear."

Elizabeth was shaking her head disbelievingly but her tongue remained silent.

Wickham looked around covertly before continuing in a more hushed voice. "This will be difficult for you to believe but I tell you the truth. The man is a half-wit. Madness runs in that family. His mother, Lady Anne... she died so young. It was tragic, so very tragic. And her sister, Lady Catherine de Bourgh! A more wretched tyrant would be hard to find. She has a daughter, too, who is sickly and confined to the house. She is rarely seen and has never been outside the local vicinity, certainly never to London."

"Mr. Wickham!" Elizabeth at last found her voice. "I cannot believe any of this!"

"Oh, Miss Elizabeth, please do not dismiss my words so quickly. Allow yourself time to think about them, consider what you have seen and how Darcy behaves with others. You will know I speak truly. Be wary, though. At a moment's notice he may become violent. Darcy is unpredictable and many a father back in Derbyshire has refused to allow his daughter to work at Pemberley. I tried to convince his sister and cousin to find a safe place, an institution in which to place him; for everyone's safety, you must believe me! They will not hear of it. They prefer to hush up his crimes, spiriting away the young women he has -. No, I will not sully your ears with those details. I will only beg you to keep your wits about you, Miss Elizabeth, and please caution your sisters, too."

Elizabeth stared at him, too horrified to say anything.

Then Mrs. Bennet was upon them in all her excitement.

***

"How much longer?" Darcy impatiently scanned the view outside the carriage window. "I'm sure it wasn't this far when we came yesterday."

Bingley chuckled. "I did not move either house, I swear."

Darcy shrugged his shoulders and laughed, too. "That would be a feat." He relaxed into the cushioned interior, tearing himself away from the window, knowing he should not appear like an eager fool when they would at last come upon Longbourn.

"What do you think of my hosting a ball later next month? I would have to invite Caroline so I have a hostess, though."

Darcy's face showed his opinion of the latter idea. "Must you? I'll have to dance with her and you know how much she dislikes me. It will be quite the punishment to stand up with her."

"Do you have any other suggestions?" There were not many ladies he could call upon to fulfill that role. Even Darcy's sister was too young.

"It is too bad there is not a lady willing to hire herself out for the job."

Bingley's shock with the notion, and the fact that Darcy had uttered it, left his mouth hanging open. There were altogether too many women willing to do such a thing, and more, but he would not enlighten his friend about that!

"When Georgiana is out," continued Darcy, "we shall have three balls each year at Pemberley. I will insist upon it."

"I'm sure she will like that," Bingley said with some relief that he had moved on. "Perhaps I will just ask Sir William Lucas to arrange more assemblies so that I need not worry about a hostess. You do not mind the informality of a country dance, do you?"

"Not as long as the Misses Bennet are there," grinned his friend. Both fell silent with the mention of the desired ladies, each imagining his Miss Bennet twirling about the dance floor as his partner. Their destination came upon them unawares, so preoccupied were they with their thoughts.

"Jane! Lizzy!" Mrs. Bennet's voice could be heard at the top of the drive, long before the carriage came to a halt at the front steps. Expecting to see her on the lawn, the gentlemen were surprised to discover that she was still indoors and looked at each other in silent amazement at her talent of projecting her voice such a distance. It must have come in handy when her gaggle of daughters were mere girls and spread throughout the garden in need of rounding up.

A veritable stampede of footsteps preceded the opening of the door and the appearance of Mrs. Bennet with four of her daughters in tow. "Do come in, gentlemen," she cooed. "Please join us in the sitting room this afternoon. Kitty, show Mr. Bingley the way." She shooed them forward, casting a frown up the staircase as she passed it while taking up the rear.

In the sitting room Mrs. Bennet surveyed everyone ranged about the space, noting that Mr. Bingley had once again taken the seat beside Jane. She sighed. It was inescapable at this point, she supposed. Mr. Darcy kept looking around as if he expected someone to jump out from behind a piece of furniture. Helpfully she said, "Lizzy will be right down." She thought so, anyway. Her least favourite daughter had gotten on her last nerve prior to the young men's arrival. Mrs. Bennet, at this point, did not care if Lizzy ever showed her face again.

Darcy, however, nodded and tried not to look as disappointed as he felt. He chose to occupy his waiting time by politely engaging the ladies in conversation. Miss Lydia was not particularly cooperative, preferring to embark upon an examination of the allure of the traditional dress uniform of the British military. Despite Darcy's learned contributions to the dialogue, for his closest cousin was a Colonel in His Majesty's service, Miss Lydia rebuffed his opinions as insignificant. She did not seem at all interested in the reasoning behind the colour and cut of an officer's attire. A trifle frustrated, he next tried Miss Catherine's interests but soon discovered hers to be identical, though less forceful, as those of the youngest Bennet sister.

Mary was quiet but the topic of books was enough to draw her out. She enquired with gusto about the latest acquisitions to the Pemberley library and related with equal enthusiasm her anticipation to see her father purchase some of the same titles in the coming year. By the time Darcy had grown tired of talking, and felt a headache forming due to the excessive female chatter, Elizabeth finally showed herself.

The gentlemen immediately rose from their seats and Darcy's smile beamed upon beholding her. Elizabeth faltered as she entered the room; seeing his welcoming expression bolstered her courage, however.

It is not true. Not true. None of it is true.

She accepted the seat he offered and watched him place another chair beside her for himself. Studying his eyes, Elizabeth tried to fathom their depths, to see beyond their light of simple pleasure at being with her once more. There was nothing unusual, though. When she relaxed enough to offer him a smile of her own there was a brief crease of his brow; he seemed to be questioning her. She had no idea what he meant and shook her head. His smile returned, whereupon he leaned over to say in as quiet a voice as possible, "I am glad to know my worries are unfounded. Ever since the misunderstanding with the tea that first evening I have harboured a concern for your fortitude."

This confession threw Elizabeth into greater confusion. What did he mean? Could he possibly have believed her to suffer from the same affliction she had laid at his door, albeit jestingly? It was too ludicrous by half! He truly must be mad! Then, with guilt puncturing her indignation, Elizabeth allowed the justice of his conclusion for she had, indeed, consumed drink more than once and more than twice since that evening. 'Twas not Mr. Darcy whose mind was in question but her own. Her emotions must have shown on her face for Elizabeth now saw Darcy looking a little unsure of himself.

"Have I offended you again, Miss Bennet?"

She let out a soft sigh. "No, Mr. Darcy. I was preoccupied with something that I recently heard. Please do not be concerned."

Now that Elizabeth had joined them Bingley was eager to set out on a walk. His suggestion met with the approval of the other three pertinent members of the party and encouragement from Mrs. Bennet who, deciding that at least one decent marriage from her efforts was better than none at all, was eager to see Jane settled. Reminding her eldest of the time dinner was to be served, she wished them an enjoyable excursion.

The two couples chose the path to Meryton to begin, Elizabeth commenting that there were several intersecting sidings to distract them if the weather held. Conversation was subdued; Jane and Bingley being habitually more quiet but Elizabeth was having difficulty with her conflicting emotions and Darcy was simply enjoying being with her. Occasionally she stole a sideways glance at him to see if he had changed in any way from what she remembered the previous night. Of course the idea was ridiculous but Elizabeth's mind was in such a state after Mr. Wickham's astounding revelations that she would not have been surprised to see little horns sprouting from Darcy's head.

When they came upon the second intersection Bingley asked if they might take it, looking to Elizabeth for confirmation. She nodded, telling him that it led to a pretty view further along and if they continued it would eventually lead them into Meryton from the west side of the village. Now they could no longer walk so close together and Elizabeth knew not whether she was more grateful or fearful of the distance between them. Scolding herself for putting so much credence in the tales of a man she had only met that morning, she drew in a deep breath and decided to face whatever consequences might come.

"Was your morning pleasantly spent, Mr. Darcy?"

He welcomed the opportunity to gaze upon her openly. "Indeed it was, Miss Bennet. I recently bought a new horse and was putting her through her paces. I was pleased with her performance. May I ask what you did with your time?"

"I went into town with my sisters," she replied, carefully choosing the next words. "Lydia introduced us to a gentleman who has just joined the regiment encamped here. You know my sister's fondness for officers."

"Yes, I do." Darcy mused on the strange conversation he'd had with her.

"Coincidentally, this gentleman indicated that he was acquainted with you," Elizabeth bravely forged on.

"How odd! I wonder if he knows my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam? What is his name, Miss Bennet?"

"Mr. Wickham." There, it was said. Elizabeth watched as the colour drained from Darcy's face. It was enough confirmation that the two men did know one another but did not address the issues put forth by Mr. Wickham. Unfortunately, she had no idea what to say now and could only wait for Darcy to speak. Gradually, colour returned to his cheeks but it was not the gentle hue of good health. The red grew deeper and deeper until Elizabeth had no doubt of his anger. The words at a moment's notice he may become violent echoed in her mind. She was sure that moment was upon her.

"What has he said?" Darcy demanded. He stepped so close to her that strands of her hair moved when he spoke. "What did he tell you?"

Elizabeth knew not what else to do. "Mr. Bingley!" she cried out. "Mr. Bingley, please come at once!" She backed away from Darcy until her foot stepped in a hole and she fell to the ground. Darcy loomed over her, his hands reaching down.

Elizabeth screamed.

***

"What the -!" Mr. Bingley spent no more than a second thinking about what they had just heard. He grabbed Jane by the hand and ran back down the path, hoping she was nimble enough to keep up for he did not know which was worse, leaving her behind in his haste or slowing the pace so that they would be late in preventing... What? What can have happened?

They crashed through the low branches and foliage lining the path, finally coming upon Elizabeth and Darcy. She was on the ground, shaking her head rapidly while Darcy stood with an outstretched hand, appearing to be offering her assistance.

"Lizzy!" cried Jane. "Are you hurt?"

"Oh, Jane!" Elizabeth embraced her sister as Jane knelt beside her.

Bingley looked at his friend questioningly. Confused, anxious and reproaching himself for his own irresponsibility, he asked, "What's going on?" Then he saw the fear in Darcy's eyes and knew something unusual had occurred. Bingley took him by the arm and led him away from the ladies who were still crouched on the ground, Elizabeth holding tightly to Jane as she whispered reassurances. "Darcy, tell me what happened? What upset Elizabeth and what are you afraid of? You know you can trust me."

"Wickham! Wickham, he's here!" Breathing heavily, Darcy's eyes travelled from his friend to Elizabeth and back again. "He's ruined everything. Again." He gestured toward the ladies. "Just look at her. She's afraid of me."

What could he say to make her afraid of you? wondered Bingley.

"I should call him out!" The fear left his eyes to be replaced by anger once again. "I will call him out! He can't do this to me."

"You cannot call him out." Bingley was firm. He held Darcy by his shoulders. "Do you hear me? You cannot call him out. Put that notion from your head. We will solve this another way." Bingley's confident tone began to calm his friend.

"What about Miss Elizabeth? I cannot allow her to think so ill of me." He spoke with determination. "I must find a way to regain her good opinion."

A little ways away Elizabeth was not thinking so very differently. "Jane, I feel so foolish. How will he ever forgive me for behaving like a heroine out of one of Mrs. Radcliffe's novels? That man spoke with such smooth charm, just like a snake. Yes! He is a poisonous snake for his words coiled about me like so much evil, tainting my mind so that Mr. Darcy's gentle nature I saw as cunning and deceit. Oh, I feel such loathing for Mr. Wickham and shame for my own stupidity."

"Lizzy," replied her sister in a soft voice. "I'm sure Mr. Darcy will readily forgive you. He appeared to me to be as much in love with you as you are with him. Together you will overcome this, Lizzy. Do not be afraid." Jane hugged her before helping Elizabeth to rise from the dirt path and brush the leaves from her skirt.

Bingley and Jane exchanged a look, nodding in silent communication. Each stepped back, allowing Darcy and Elizabeth to approach each other alone.

"I'm sorry," said Darcy, having lost none of his resolve. "I did not mean to frighten you." His arms remained at his sides, hoping she would see he was no threat.

"I am sorry, too. Such a fool I was, to put even a farthing's credit toward Mr. Wickham's vile gossip." Elizabeth's eyes were filled with sadness as she turned them on the young man she was now sure was her destined partner in life. "Can you forgive me?"

His lips parted, a soft exhalation confirming his desire to honour her request. Tentatively, he reached out to take her hand, stroking the back of her fingers lightly. "I can deny you nothing, do you realise that? I will tell you of Wickham's dealings with me in the past but not now, not here. I must have time to collect my thoughts and dispose of my ire. You cannot have known how his presence here would affect me."

"It must be something truly horrible," sympathised Elizabeth. She closed the distance between them, needing to demonstrate that her trust had been regained. "Whenever you are ready, sir, I will be ready to listen." She was thrilled to see his smile return, even if it was at this moment only a shadow of its former brilliancy. Her heart began a joyful rhythm, so much more comforting than the fearful cadence of moments before. "Shall we continue our walk, then?"

Darcy's reply was wordless; his expression conveyed his answer and, as he took Elizabeth's arm in his, Bingley and Jane fell in behind them. This time Bingley vowed he would not let his friend down.

***

Several hours later saw the gentlemen on their way back to Netherfield with no little relief that the remainder of the day had been without incident. Mrs. Bennet had provided an impressive dinner menu and there were no complaints on that. Bingley was both impatient and reluctant to speak with his friend about the trouble earlier in the day but he knew it must be addressed. There was still the problem of Wickham being in town and Darcy's desire to do something about it. He was not about to spoil the current relaxed atmosphere by mentioning that, however. It could wait until they were home and comfortably settled in the library, one of Darcy's favourite retreats.

This plan was not to be, though, for when they arrived at Netherfield another carriage was in the yard, one that Darcy immediately recognised. "Fitzwilliam has come." Unexpectedly, he realised this could only be good. His cousin would know how to rid them of Wickham.

Hurrying into the house, Darcy called out loudly to find out where the Colonel was lurking. He was astonished and delighted when his sister was the first to appear from the vicinity of the sitting room.

"Georgiana!" He scooped her up in his arms and spun her about in a circle.

"Put me down, William!" she laughed. "I'm getting dizzy!" He did as she asked and Georgiana looked him over from head to toe. "Yes, you still look like my big brother. I think I detect a tiny difference, though. Maybe you'll tell me about it?" she teased. Darcy's grin was embarrassed and he stared at his feet for a few moments before nodding vigorously. Georgiana relented a little, taking his hand and leading him into the sitting room where their cousin awaited.

Bingley first enquired if they had been given refreshment upon their arrival and was pleased to learn that his servants had been attentive. "We dined at a neighbour's home this evening. I'm sorry we weren't here to greet you."

"Nonsense," Fitzwilliam snorted. "You had no idea we would be coming."

Bingley immediately rang for his housekeeper, quickly consulting with her and arranging for two guest rooms to be prepared. When he was finished, the Colonel suggested that they remove to another location and allow Georgiana some time alone with her brother. Bingley understood the urgency in Fitzwilliam's request and was anxious to inform him of the most recent developments. They left the sitting room without Darcy noticing and closed the door to Bingley's study.

"I imagine you can guess why we are here." Colonel Fitzwilliam did not sit but slowly walked the perimeter of the room, giving a cursory examination of the layout. "Darcy wrote to his sister of a woman he finds interesting."

"That would be Miss Elizabeth Bennet. It was the Bennets with whom we dined this evening."

"Hmm. Bingley, this information is disturbing at the least. Who are these Bennets? Tell me what has been going on." He at last came to a halt and faced the other man.

Bingley was prepared. "I know what you must be fearing but before we delve into the respectability of the lady's family I must first inform you that George Wickham is also in the area."

Fiztwilliam hissed, "Wickham!"

"Yes, although so far he does not seem to have made any attempt to contact Darcy, at least not directly." An angry frown preceded his next words. "Miss Elizabeth was not so fortunate."

"What?" The Colonel's voice cracked in the room. "Did he harm her in any way?"

"No, not exactly. It appears that he managed to convince her that Darcy was someone to be feared for while out walking today there was a most upsetting incident." Bingley did not need to be urged to say more; his companion's stance demanded it. "I confess that I allowed Darcy to get out of my sight for a few minutes. He was with Miss Elizabeth while I was walking with her sister. We had set out on a more narrow path and.. well, I heard Miss Elizabeth call my name, then she screamed. When we came upon them a moment later, she was on the ground refusing to allow Darcy to assist her. I took him some distance away while Miss Bennet comforted her sister and discovered that he was very angry and very much afraid of what Wickham might have said to her."

"I can imagine what he's told her," growled Fitzwilliam.

"Whatever Darcy thought, he threatened to call out Wickham for the deed. I did persuade him that it was not a good idea."

"Good. I presume, since you were still welcome for dinner, that no lasting harm came of it?" When Bingley assured him that Miss Elizabeth and Darcy had resolved their misunderstanding and were once again on friendly terms Fitzwilliam was less sanguine. "Wickham I will take care of but this issue with Darcy and his infatuation -."

"It is more than an infatuation," Bingley protested on behalf of his friend. "He is truly serious about her."

The Colonel kept shaking his head. "He cannot be. Nothing will come of it."

"Fitzwilliam, you may control everything else but you cannot control Darcy's heart. I am telling you that he's given it to Miss Elizabeth Bennet and nothing you say will convince him otherwise." This was one subject where Bingley felt overwhelmingly that his friend's cousin was wrong. Darcy had every right to be happy, to marry if he chose and if that lady returned his affection. It was obvious to him that Miss Elizabeth was sincere; besides, Jane had told him so.

The only reply he received, however, was, "Then we must hope that Georgiana has more success."

Continued in the next section