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Chapter Seventeen

Though all residents of the Carlisle house ostensibly put on happy faces for the celebration of Christmas, many did not feel the underlying joy normally associated with the day. Sophia still harboured guilt regarding her interference, which even confession to her husband and all his tender comfort could not quite assuage. Sarah was emotionally drained after spending a number of hours talking with and soothing Jane before seeing her to sleep, and then later rehashing everything with Elizabeth and Sophia upon their return home.

Jane, initially not knowing what to believe of Mr Bingley's professed ignorance of her presence in town, had been persuaded by Sarah to accept his innocence in this respect, and to admit that there had been at least some duplicity on the part of the sisters. Though reassured in this respect, all other questions as to Mr Bingley's feelings and intentions still remained unclear, and despite no longer feeling the overwhelming hopelessness that had grown during his absence over the last month, she could by no means give her self over to expectations of reconciliation, particularly as her fears regarding a possible attachment to Miss Darcy still played constantly on her mind.

In Sarah's estimation, Bingley's behaviour during the evening - his moving to Jane the moment he saw her in the room, his constant looking in Jane's direction, the distress clear in his features as he watched her dance or speak with other men - made her even more confused at his desertion. Elizabeth's story upon her return, however, gave the missing piece to the puzzle. Sophia, being completely unsuspicious of any attachment Elizabeth might feel toward Mr Darcy, assumed Elizabeth's upset was all on Jane's behalf, so she expressed her opinion on the Bingley sisters' and Mr Darcy's interference with little thought to moderation, despite Sarah's attempts to quiet her emotion. In Sophia's eyes too, Mr Bingley was by no means absolved by this disclosure. She could only view it as confirmation of weakness. Anything which hurt her dear Jane was hard to forgive, and she still believed her friend could find a more deserving man.

Eventually though, as Luke joined Sarah's appeal to reason, Sophia calmed down, admitting to herself, and later to Luke, that some of the strength of her reaction came from her own feelings of guilt. After Luke had firmly reminded his wife of her need to sleep and look after her health at this time -- removing her to his chambers for some more intimate and tender ministrations -- Sarah finally found herself alone with Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth, dear," Sarah whispered as she moved next to the young woman to offer her a comforting hug, "all will work itself out."

Such tender solicitude was too much for Elizabeth, turning her anger and frustration to tears, and Sarah once again found herself cradling and comforting one of her grown stepdaughters. Not wishing to force Elizabeth's communication concerning Mr Darcy, Sarah would not directly approach the subject of her feelings. Still, suspecting this may even be more the cause of her distress, once Elizabeth began to recover herself Sarah worked to put aside her own irritation at Darcy's interference in Jane's affairs to say something in his favour.

"Elizabeth, you say Mr Darcy declared himself to have been totally unsuspicious of your sister's attachment; -- not knowing Jane as we do, is it not possible that he, in all honesty, misread her feelings?"

"I don't believe that's possible mother. It was obvious she accepted Mr Bingley's attentions with pleasure."

"I understand that, dear, but we know enough of the world to understand that pleasure does not always equate with affection. If Mr Darcy, as you assume, was ignorant of our connections, it might have been possible to conjecture Jane would be satisfied to accept a comfortable establishment with a pleasant man, even if she did not love him. Might Mr Darcy have not desired for his friend that his wife not only like him, but also love him?"

"Jane's behaviour has proven her far above such suspicion," Elizabeth answered, still on the defensive. "I more readily believe that his objections were based solely upon his learning of our mother's lower connections. He would keep his friend from happiness in marriage rather than see him aligned with a family who owns warehouses in Cheapside."

"You do not know that, Lizzy. Remember too, he has admitted he was mistaken."

"Only because he now knows of your connections, Mother."

"Now you're being silly, Lizzy. Darcy is in no need of my family's support or approval. His relations on his mother's side have every bit the standing of the Landsdownes."

"Then, if it does not have at its root an arrogance and the prejudice of rank, how do you explain his change of attitude toward Jane?"

"It might be just as he said. The discovery that Jane had refused men of greater wealth and standing proved that his suppositions had been in error. Not an easy admission for a man with such obvious pride in his discernment."

"Yes, 'pride' is exactly the word for the man, pride personified," Elizabeth responded, showing Sarah she was not to be easily moved from her position.

"Very well, dear," Sarah answered, while producing her handkerchief to wipe a stray tear which Elizabeth's own had missed. "It's that just I cannot help remembering what Charlotte's opinion has always been in regard to Jane's reserve. Should we not admit that Jane's feelings, though fervent, are little displayed. There is a constant complacency in her air and manner not often united with great sensibility."

Elizabeth remained silent at this proposition, and Sarah could see she might be willing to confer it some small amount of credit, even if she could not yet admit it aloud. So it was that with confused and unsettled emotions, the last of the Carlisle's guests retired to try for what sleep they might be able to find.

Hence, it had been a struggle for some to maintain the veneer of good cheer desired on Christmas morning, but all endeavoured not to spoil the joy for those unburdened by the by events of the preceding evening. All were glad for the arrival of the Gardiners, as children do much to distract and turn one's mind from one's self. Ben was held in hero status by his younger cousins, who could always count on him to collude with them in disrupting the decorum of any occasion, and then to extract them from any danger of punishment though the use of both humour and charm. The heartfelt giggling at Ben's antics by of the younger of the Gardiner boys, did much to early lift the shadow over the gathering and, as none of the party was really formed for ill humour, they each exerted themselves to enjoy the occasion of the day.

The adults of the party chose to attend the evening service at St Paul's Cathedral, eschewing the morning services as ones which would be too crowded and too demanding socially. Dressed warmly against December's cold in the vast church building, the party moved in and sat quietly in reflection of many things... not all spiritual. Elizabeth, sitting with her head bowed, trying to shake worldly and resentful thoughts from her head and to appropriately appreciate the consequence of the occasion they were celebrating, was unaware that not ten rows behind her was a tall, handsome, but somewhat grave looking man, sitting by his young sister. He was still attempting to deal with the implications of the preceding night's altercation with the woman who, he now understood, he most desired - but toward whom he also felt an anger and resentment. These feelings mingled with a guilt over his own actions, causing him to defensively seek justifications for his anger and feelings which he knew, on a deeper level, were not entirely justifiable.

Given this, neither Elizabeth nor Darcy felt particularly comfortable with the heartfelt message of peace and goodwill to mankind, or at the Bishop's stressing of the humility of God in becoming man to bring reconciliation and grace to the world - urging the congregation to be imitators of such self-sacrifice and forgiveness.

In his distracted state, it was not until the final hymn that Mr Darcy experienced a new wave of discomfort as he discerned the familiar figure of Mr Bennet standing not too far in front. Quickly running his eye along the pew, changing his stance slightly to give him a clearer sight, he found her.

His first instinct, based upon the acute rush of discomfiture which recalled to him the strength of her charges and displeasure at the ball, was that he and Georgiana should depart quickly to avoid any encounter. He was, however, unable to remove his eyes from her, and the uncharacteristic despondency he could read in her countenance as she looked at her hymnal but made no attempt to join the throng of voices, made him -- perversely he thought -- wish to reach out with comfort. The words of the evening's message pricked at him, telling him that to leave with out a word would only demonstrate human weakness. He should, nay, he must now act his part with an integrity and humility. He may have jeopardised his chance of earning her affection, but at least he might hope for a return of some of her respect.

Darcy did not rise as soon as the benediction was pronounced, but instead waited for the push to ease before taking Georgiana's arm to lead her to the vestibule where, to Georgiana's surprise, they waited, her bother saying there were acquaintances whom he would like her to meet.

When the Carlisle and Bennet family entered the area, Darcy found himself held back by an insecurity, but he took his opportunity upon Elizabeth's stepping back somewhat from the rest of her party . He led Georgiana in her direction, and though the paleness of his face showed discomfort, he spoke to Elizabeth, if not in terms of perfect composure, at least of perfect civility.

She had instinctively turned away upon seeing him; but, stopping on his approach, received his compliments with an embarrassment impossible to be overcome as memories of last night's encounter vividly returned to her.

"Miss Bennet, I hope you have been able to have a merry Christmas." There was something in these words which implied a concern that the dispute of the preceding evening may have tainted her enjoyment of the day.

With a discomfited blush overspreading her cheeks, she replied with words to the effect that her day had been fine, and awkwardly returned her compliments for the Christmas season. Following this polite exchange she hoped he might feel free to leave but, instead of moving away, he proceeded to introduce his sister.

Elizabeth looked up to find a tall girl, on a larger scale than herself. Though little more than sixteen, her figure was formed, and her appearance womanly and graceful. To Elizabeth's mind she was pretty, though less striking than her brother. There was sense and good humour in her face though, and her manners were perfectly unassuming and gentle. Elizabeth found her not aloof, but exceedingly shy. Though every instinct of Elizabeth cried out to remove herself from Mr Darcy's presence, she could not bring herself to act in anyway that might be perceived as discourteous toward this young woman.

Jane noticed Mr Darcy speaking with Elizabeth and, characteristically, showed her natural civility by joining her sister in passing on her best wishes for the season. Darcy felt even more uncomfortable at such generous politeness from the girl who, he now understood, he had badly misjudged, but he thanked her with a semblance of equanimity before continuing with the introduction of his sister. On finally meeting the girl who had been put forward as a rival for Mr Bingley's affection, Jane looked a little paler than usual, but more sedate than Elizabeth had expected. She addressed Miss Darcy with a propriety of behaviour free from any symptom of resentment or coolness, and spoke to her with an open kindness.

The Carlisles had moved to their carriage with Kitty and Mary, but Mr and Mrs Bennet, who'd remained to farewell Elizabeth before she left with the Gardiners, soon joined their daughters' circle.

After the requisite season's greetings were exchanged, a small round of ostensibly inconsequential conversation took place, including a question by Mr Bennet as to whether the Darcys had spent any of Christmas with the Bingleys. Mr Darcy replied in the negative, saying "I believe they were to pass the day with relations. Is that not right, Georgiana?"

Most listeners were relieved to note that Georgiana's reply, which professed an ignorance on the question at hand, was spoken in so neutral a manner that it was completely void of any symptom of particular regard or interest in Mr Bingley's concerns. Jane knew not what to think of such a reaction, feeling part hope, and part an anxiety that -- if Miss Bingley were correct about her brother's inclinations -- Mr Bingley could find himself trapped in a marriage without affection. If either Mr Darcy or Elizabeth had known Jane's thoughts, they'd no doubt have appreciated the irony of her concerned observation.

The Bennets senior and Jane soon took their leave. Elizabeth too, looked for an opportunity to politely withdraw, but was forestalled by Mr Darcy asking to be introduced to her remaining friends, who were standing back, talking between themselves whilst waiting for Elizabeth to finish speaking with her acquaintances. This was a stroke of civility for which she was quite unprepared; he'd obviously mistaken her aunt and uncle for people of fashion. Given her conviction of Darcy's social arrogance, she wondered how he might react upon discovering who the Gardiners really were.

The introduction, however, was immediately made; and as she named their relationship to herself, and her uncle's occupation, she stole a sly look at him to see how he bore it; and was not without the expectation of his decamping as fast as he could from such companions. Darcy, however, was determined to lessen Elizabeth's ill opinion of himself, and though he was surprised by the connexion; he would not allow himself to act in any way that she might construe as haughty. So far from going away, he entered into conversation with Mr. Gardiner. Elizabeth's uncle's conversation clearly displayed his intelligence, his taste, and his good manners, and Darcy found no effort of determination or self control necessary to affect a natural interest in the exchange. When they soon after parted, Elizabeth was all astonishment at Mr Darcy's behaviour, and wondered if she aught be a little ashamed given her accusations not twenty four hours earlier. She did not know what to make of it. The man was too exasperating all together.

Mr and Mrs Gardiner, not suspecting any of the history between Mr Darcy and their niece, spoke of him in passing during their short ride home as a good looking and well spoken gentleman. Elizabeth tried to give her concurrence with an attitude of polite indifference, and changed the subject to that of her young cousins who had earlier returned home under the care of their nanny.

"Do you think Marianne and Hannah will still be awake, they made me promise to read to them if they were not yet asleep when we arrived home."

"They awoke so early this morning that I believe we will find them well and truly in the 'Land of Nod'," Mrs Gardiner predicted. "They've had such a full and exciting day, particularly with all of Ben's rabble rousing."

Talk of the children adequately filled the conversation for the few minutes it took to arrive back at the Gardiner house, where Elizabeth used the excuse of the preceding late night to escape quickly to her room. Sleep, however, once more evaded her as thoughts of Mr Darcy refused to leave her in peace. She was still reluctant to leave aside her umbrage at his interference in Mr Bingley and Jane's affairs and, truth be told, continued to struggle with a hurt at his seeming hot and cold attentions to herself; but neither could she completely defeat the feelings his mere presence stirred inside her. Such a dilemma only served to increase her anger at his behaviour. Their first encounter should have shown her the folly of developing feelings for this man. If she was not the type of woman who could tempt him, why then did he have to amuse himself by courting her good opinion? Was it some kind of sport? Could the interest he showed toward her be some kind of misplaced deference to the respect he held for her father? She had no clue. All she knew was that, if she wished to protect herself from future pain, she must harden herself to his charm.

The 27th soon rolled around and whilst Elizabeth sat in the Gardiner's parlour agonising on how to compose a hesitant letter of congratulations to Charlotte, visitors for "Miss Bennet" were announced. So it was that, with hardly an opportunity to prepare, she found herself face to face with Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley. The sisters' looks of inarticulate surprise upon being shown into the room, quickly informed Elizabeth it was not her but Jane whom they had expected to see. Elizabeth felt little inclined for politeness, and if Mr Gardiner had not been present, the atmosphere in the room would have been quiet and very chilly indeed.

This was not as Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst had planned things to happen. Whispers of censure regarding their brother's "cold hearted capriciousness" toward the "darling" Jane Bennet had already begun circulating before the Christmas Eve ball came to an end. What had begun as an evening of such promise, culminated with feelings of uneasy discomfort consequent to the many sideways looks of disapproval cast in their direction and hushed voices of reproach. Now their brother had suddenly chosen this moment to be immovable. Perversely, no matter how much they demanded it, he refused to visit Jane. Their earlier work of conviction in expressing their certainty that Jane did not care for him, had done its work too well, and he simply refused to demean himself further by chasing after a woman who, he was now sure, had only tolerated his attentions from kindness.

To add insult to injury, their own attempt at re-ingratiating themselves into a position of intimacy with Jane was now going awry. The upstart Elizabeth had barely spoken a word, leaving them at the mercy of a woman whose only claims to standing were warehouses in Cheapside. They quickly left, determined to carry out their visit to Jane, taking solace in the fact that at least there would be no shame in having their carriage seen outside the Carlisle residence. The day though, did not get better for the sisters. The awkwardness they felt during their short visit to the Gardiners was nothing compared to the mortification they experienced at the Carlisle town house. The servant accepted their cards, but quickly returned with the message that Miss Bennet was not in. However, as their carriage moved away from the house, a glance at the drawing room window clearly showed Jane standing within, speaking with a good looking young man.

Sophia felt not one pang of guilt as she flung the Bingley sisters' cards in the fire before Jane might see them. Jane was too kind-hearted for her own good, and she was not about to expose her to any further duplicitous manipulations from such women, particularly if it meant an interruption to her interview with such a fine young man as Mr Kingsmill. Sophia had been both surprised and pleased to have him call upon Jane, thinking he was just the type of man to put thoughts of Mr Bingley in the shade. Upon rejoining the family in the drawing room though, she began to suspect that it had not been Jane he'd come to see, but Elizabeth. Mr Kingsmill had moved from Jane's side to Mr Bennet's, and the conversation had been astutely turned to Mr Bennet's second daughter. Sophia's initial temptation to try to manoeuvre the visitor again toward Jane, was forestalled upon a realisation that such an act would be wrong to Lizzy and that, indeed, Mr Kingsmill's wit and ironic view of the world would far more suit Elizabeth than her gentler sister. When Mr Kingsmill left, Sophia strongly suspected his next stop would be at Gracechurch Street.

Elizabeth, still fuming at the sheer nerve of the Bingley sisters' renewed, insincere and thoroughly self-serving interest in "dear Jane", found it hard to return to her letter. She'd finally settled enough to begin writing once more when further visitors were announced, these ones even less expected than the last.

Chapter Eighteen

It took a certain amount of self-control for Elizabeth to hide the mix between confusion and discomfort she felt as Mr and Miss Darcy were shown into the parlour. Over the past day she'd though much on Mr Darcy's friendliness at the Christmas Evensong. Following their argument at the ball she'd certainly not expected any such civility. She'd eventually concluded that by introducing his sister he'd fulfilled any perceived obligation he might feel to herself. Now freed from this duty, she'd deemed it unlikely that they should ever meet on such friendly terms again. Given this belief, a personal visit, and one at Gracechurch Street too, was not even an imagined possibility, and she was initially at a loss regarding how to best respond. As on Christmas day, she found herself slightly peeved that the presence of the young Georgiana meant the option of a clear and continued coldness toward Mr Darcy was not an open one. Accepting this, she exerted herself to be friendly for Miss Darcy's sake.

It therefore, came as a relief when Mr Gardiner joined them and engaged Mr Darcy in conversation. Elizabeth was then able to attempt an exchange with the sister without the intense observation of the brother. Between Mrs Gardiner and herself they were able to keep a discussion going with the occasional input of Miss Darcy who, though too timid to speak overmuch, listened to what was being said in an interested and engaged fashion. Just when Elizabeth began to relax a little Mr Gardiner's presence was called away by a business associate and, soon after, Mrs Gardiner's required by her children, leaving Elizabeth alone with the Darcys and once more feeling vulnerable. Surprisingly, Mr Darcy did not use this opportunity to take his leave as Elizabeth might have expected, but seemed determined to stay out the visit whether the Gardiners were present or not.

Elizabeth determined to remain composed and continued to direct her focus toward Miss Darcy, but Georgiana's reserve made her brother's participation in the conversation a necessity. As much as Elizabeth reminded herself not to give in to the tensions that Darcy's presence and attention excited in her person, she was finding it increasingly difficult not to be somewhat drawn in by his solicitous attention to his sister's feelings and, as always, by his superior views and conversation. It was in this context that Elizabeth met the, again unexpected, arrival of Mr Kingsmill with an almost delighted relief. She was completely unaware how much pleasure her new caller felt at the heartfelt and genuine smile she sent to him as he entered the room and, conversely, of how much concern was felt by her other male caller at the same circumstance. Mr Darcy was watchful for the remaining ten minutes of his visit as Elizabeth, feeling a respite from the tensions of being alone with the Darcys, increased in livelihood and entered enthusiastically into a light repartee with Mr Kingsmill.

Elizabeth was pleased that Miss Darcy, though becoming even quieter herself in the presence of the young gentleman, was unable to keep herself from showing interest in the exchange taking place. Mr Kingsmill, noticing this also, took some pains to include Georgiana in the discussion, and despite eliciting only a few words from her, was able to feel a sense of accomplishment at bringing a smile to her face on more than one occasion, and even once making her laugh. Miss Darcy's smile almost made Elizabeth revise her opinion that the sister was not quite as handsome as the brother, but the skip of her heart as she sent an involuntary glance in Mr Darcy's direction, unintentionally catching his eye, made her feel this was not possible.

When time came for the Darcys to take their leave Elizabeth rose to see them off and, as Mr Darcy was occupied in speaking to Miss Bennet for the moment, Mr Kingsmill gallantly offered to escort Georgiana to her carriage. If Mr Kingsmill was of a more negative disposition he may have regretted this civility because Darcy, seeing his sister well attended, took the opportunity to hold Elizabeth back a little for a few minutes private conversation while Mr Kingsmill waited with Georgiana at the carriage door. The younger man, however, received his reward as soon as the carriage pulled away, as Elizabeth expressed her gratitude for his attention and inclusiveness to Miss Darcy.

"It was my pleasure," Mr Kingsmill replied with a smile, before offering his arm to Elizabeth to lead her back into the Gardiner house.

They were soon rejoined by Mrs Gardiner and though the rest of the visit passed pleasantly, Elizabeth was glad to see him go, needing time to herself to think on what Mr Darcy had asked just prior to his departure.

Immediately upon arriving back at his townhouse, Darcy excused himself from Georgiana and made his way to the solitude of his study. He had much to think on but his mind was not its usual ordered self. It kept returning to the smiles Elizabeth had directed at Kingsmill and the picture of them returning to the Gardiner house arm in arm. He dropped into a large leather chair and momentarily rested his face in his hands. As much as he wished to be annoyed at Elizabeth, to blame her for entertaining the attentions of a man other than himself, to indict her with the charge of inconstancy, he knew well that the situation was one all of his own making. He was the one who'd kept a certain arm's distance in their friendship, the one who used all his self-control not to encourage any false romantic hopes within her. It was he who'd judged her family as unequal to the Darcy name and he who'd returned to London to remove himself and Bingley from the Bennet girls' influence and allure. In doing so, he had made not only himself miserable, but also his closest friend. Darcy had to admit that his current sufferings were, plain and simply, the consequences of his own erroneous judgements and assumptions. Bingley's only guilt, however, was that of being unaffectedly modest. It was only the younger man's diffidence that had prevented his depending on his own judgment in regard to Jane's feelings. Even if Darcy could not hope to regain Elizabeth's regard, he told himself, the least he must attempt is the repair of the estrangement between Miss Bennet and his friend, even if it meant him being temporarily cast in the humiliatingly undignified and incongruous role of 'match-maker'.

In her room at the Gardiner's, Elizabeth had finally taken up a book in order to provide some distraction from her fractured ponderings. The quick personal exchange with Mr Darcy had been both a cause of relief and of disappointment for Elizabeth – relief on her sister's part and, though she would rather not admit it, disappointment on her own. His words had given her a clear reason for his visit, making it obvious that it was motivated by concern for Mr Bingley, and not by any personal desire Mr Darcy might have had to see herself. He had again admitted his error in supposing Jane indifferent to his friend, and requested Elizabeth's alliance in undoing the consequences of his unwarranted interference, pleading the innocence of his friend and assuring her of Bingley's constancy of feeling. The difficulty was, Darcy had explained, that given his own and the Bingley's sisters' earlier insistence on Jane's indifference, Mr Bingley was now entrenched in a belief that Miss Bennet had only tolerated his attentions out of kindness, and he had determined not to subject Jane to the irritation -- nor himself to the pain – that any continued attentions would excite.

Elizabeth's initial and admittedly perverse wish to deny Mr Darcy any assistance, was quickly overcome upon the recollection of her sister's distress. Accordingly, she provided him with the information that her whole family was planning to attend the theatre on the following evening, saying that if Mr Darcy could persuade Mr Bingley to attend she would do what she could to make her sister aware of his insecurity. If everything went well it seemed that Jane might have her happy ending after all but -- Elizabeth sighed at the thought -- any hopes she'd built up for her own happiness seemed to have proven nought but illusory.

True to her word Elizabeth made time to speak privately with Jane when they met at Carlisle House just prior to leaving for the evening's performance of Romeo and Juliet.

"I have a confession to make to you, dear Jane, and I hope you will not be angry with me," she began cautiously, not quite knowing how to broach what was clearly still such a vulnerable subject.

Sarah's words and ministrations on Christmas Eve had restored a tentative hope in Jane, but having received no visit from Mr Bingley in the days following Christmas, these hopes seemed to have returned void. Though she tried her best to conceal it, her sense of sadness was still visible to those who knew Jane best.

"I am certain you cannot fear anger from me," Jane replied with a smile, "and I'm sure no confession is necessary."

"You may change your mind when I tell you I have been speaking to Mr Darcy concerning Mr Bingley…"

Elizabeth looked so serious that Jane remained silent, now certain that her sister was about to definitively confirm her anxieties concerning a relationship between Mr Bingley and Miss Darcy. Elizabeth, noticing her sister's sudden paleness hesitated to move on. Still, knowing Jane deserved to be forewarned of what the evening might bring, she told of Mr Bingley's likely attendance at the theatre.

"You hope to protect my feelings but you need not worry," Jane replied with an effort at equanimity. "I know I was unprepared to see him on Christmas Eve, but I am now fine. I assure you that I am capable of enjoying his conversation as an agreeable and sensible young man, without having a wish beyond it. I am perfectly satisfied, from what his manners were at the ball, that he never had any design of engaging my affection. It is only that he is blessed with greater sweetness of address, and a stronger desire of generally pleasing, than any other man. If he cares for another, I wish him every happiness..."

"No, Jane, you misunderstand me," Elizabeth interrupted, "but if you have truly moved passed a desire for his devotion, I'm concerned that my collusion in this matter has been even more ill-conceived than I have feared... Mr Darcy has confided that Mr Bingley's feelings for you are both strong and constant, but that he has been persuaded by his sisters to believe in your indifference, and does not wish to burden you with undesired attentions."

Elizabeth, blushing a little and turning her head away at her own omission of Mr Darcy's fault in this matter, failed to notice the turn of emotions on Jane's countenance. She was only brought back to the exchange by Jane's whispered reply.

"Could this be true, Lizzy, might he really love me? Might he really not understand that which I feel for him?"

"He is mistaken to be sure; but it is to the credit of his modesty," Elizabeth smiled with a relief as she saw some of colour and peace return to her sister's face. "When one sees the crush of admirers around you, Jane dear, is it really a great wonder that he might feel insecure?''

Any further opportunity for discussion was lost as the carriages arrived and the sisters were separated in the bustle of the excursion.

Sarah watched Jane through the first Act of the play and noted Jane's uncharacteristic fidgetiness. She had wondered about the wisdom of bringing Jane to a romantic tragedy, but at intermission she seemed rather more distracted than affected by the drama being played out on the floor. Immediately pleading a need to escape the confines of the box, Elizabeth asked Jane for her company and they separated themselves from the rest of their party before anyone else had time to think of joining them.

Bingley was less eager to leave the comfort of his seat. The play had pushed him into an even more melancholy mood and he wondered at Darcy's insistence that they attend. He now felt ill-inclined to oblige his friend any further by going out to face inane chatter, particularly given the curiosity of those amongst whom conjecture had been circulating concerning the nature of his previous friendship with Miss Jane Bennet.

Darcy prickled at the duplicitous role he was being forced to play that evening, and Bingley's unusually anti-social behaviour was not helping Darcy's ill humour at the awkwardness of this whole damnably contrived situation. The thought that this might be all for nought, however, made him exert himself with renewed efforts and, as tended to be the case, he prevailed over his less assertive friend.

Jane and Elizabeth were very soon caught up in currently undesired social exchanges with friends and acquaintances, many of whom were asking after Jane's health following her early departure on Christmas Eve. Reassuring all with a quiet patience that she certainly did not feel, Jane tried to remain polite and to keep her eyes from scanning the foyer. It was due to this circumstance that she was unaware of Mr Bingley's approach until she heard Mr Darcy speak, his enquiry pulling her and Elizabeth away from the circle of people with whom they had been engaged.

"Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth," what a pleasant surprise to see you here tonight."

"A pleasant surprise indeed, Mr Darcy," Jane replied, blushing a little at the staged nature of the meeting before turning to his companion with smile. "Mr Bingley, I am so very glad to see you tonight. I was very disappointed at not to be able to speak with you again at the ball."

Bingley inwardly winced at the warmth of her expression and words. The knowledge that behind them lay nothing but kind-hearted friendliness was the cause of real pain, some of which could be read in the tentativeness of his expression as he stated his hopes that she was now fully recovered from the evening.

"I am feeling much better," Jane answered; feeling inadequate to the task of displaying her feelings, even though she believed her happiness was dependant on his understanding the strength of her affection.

She looked up to Elizabeth with a plea for some assistance, but found Mr Darcy had drawn her sister aside, and they were now some way off in conversation with Colonel Fitzwilliam. It seemed that she would have to step somewhat outside her natural modesty if she hoped to provide the encouragement that the man in front of her needed.

"After the ball I felt certain you would call upon us, but with your absence over the past few days, I was beginning to almost despair that it would happen," she continued, forcing herself to hold his eye, despite an awareness of the colour she could feel rising in her cheeks.

"I was sure you would have many callers," Bingley answered by way of apology. "I did not think I would be missed."

"To the contrary, Mr Bingley," Jane replied in a low voice, before turning her eyes downward in embarrassment at her boldness. "Since arriving in London I've often hoped you might call."

Bingley began to feel as a man moving from death to life.

"If you wish for a visit, Miss Bennet, I am always at your command."

Silence hung in the air again as Jane knew not quite how to reply, but she managed to raise her eyes and hold his until an intrusive interruption by two of the gaggle of men who seemed to constantly dangle after Jane, momentarily called her attention by their greetings and inquiries.

Mr Bingley's feelings of uncertainty suddenly returned as he remembered his sisters' previous assurance that he had foolishly misinterpreted Jane's friendship as affection. He would have then made his excuses and moved away, had not Jane herself not cut short the men to reiterate that she now counted on his visit.

From a short distance across the room Sophia eyed Mr Bingley with a prejudiced suspicion, which only softened a little as she read the insecurity in his countenance each time his eyes involuntarily moved to Jane. As intent as she was in her observation she jumped a little as her sister spoke beside her.

"Don't look so severe, Sophia. I know you might have made grander plans for her but this is Jane's choice, not ours."

"I know…" Sophia answered with a reluctant smile, "… but if he hurts her again…"

"He'd have to be either extremely brave or exceptionally foolish!" Luke laughed. "With you watching over matters he wouldn't dare."

Chapter Nineteen

At the Carlisle townhouse Jane was experiencing a tension of a different kind, but one of similar intensity. Her calm exterior belied the mixture of anxiety and anticipation within. Sarah, still vaguely uneasy over Sophia's concerns regarding Mr Bingley, had co-opted her sister's company for some morning calls, assuring her that no ill could come to Jane with the rest of the family to support her. Indeed, chatting with Kitty and Mary as they sat together in the winter parlour had slightly allayed Jane's nervousness, but her mind was only half on the discussion as she listened for any sounds that might indicate the arrival of visitors. The girls' slightly stilted conversation was interrupted as a bored Benjamin entered the sitting room to complain about nothing to do with the morning, lamenting over being required to spend time in the city where outdoor pursuits were severely limited.

"It would be far too cold to be out much even if we were at Longbourn," Mary answered, to which Ben replied that it was neither snowing nor raining, and that it would take more than a blustery wind to keep him from riding.

"Did I not hear father say he would take you out today, Ben?" Kitty asked.

"Yes, but he is shut up with Uncle now, and you know how it is when they begin talking business; they're likely to be hours yet."

"Then why not find a good book to read," Mary helpfully suggested.

It was perhaps fortunate that Jonathan was announced at that moment to distract Mary from her brother's particularly ungracious reply to her suggestion, whilst Kitty, in a fit of generosity, offered to play either cards or chess with her younger sibling.

As Kitty and Benjamin moved upstairs Jonathan sat down beside Mary and tried to be inclusive of Jane in their conversation. Jane's distraction though, became clearly visible as the young engaged couple soon realised they were the only contributors to the discussion. Given such a circumstance, neither felt they were demonstrating any lack of civility in leaving Jane to her own thoughts as they removed themselves to the music room.

Jane, feeling so much depended upon Mr Bingley calling this day, was just beginning to work herself into a greater state of unrest at the fear that he may bring one or other of his sisters with him or, even worse, that he might not visit at all when, thankfully soon, his familiar voice in the hallway announced his presence ahead of the servant. A small sigh of relief escaped her when the door opened, and Mr Bingley and Mr Bingley only, entered the room.

He seemed unable to decide between anxiety and pleasure on finding Jane by herself, and apologised by letting her know that he had understood most of her family to be within.

"They are about somewhere," Jane replied by way of explanation, but refrained from calling a servant to bring them to the room – a circumstance not unmissed by her tentative caller.

They then sat down, and after polite enquiries regarding health were made, seemed in danger of sinking into total silence. They both were eager to speak, but knew not where to begin. It was absolutely necessary, therefore, to think of something, and in this emergency Jane, with the circumstance of his departure from Hertfordshire still playing on her insecurities, uncharacteristically spoke just what was on her mind.

"How very suddenly you all quitted Netherfield last November, Mr Bingley. It must have been a most agreeable surprise to see your friend and your sisters so soon; for, if I recollect right, they left but the day after you." Then feeling afraid of her boldness in addressing such a sensitive subject she tried to digress somewhat by adding, "Your sisters were well, I hope, when you left them today."

"Perfectly so at Christmas -- I thank you," Mr Bingley replied self-consciously, not comfortable in recalling the heat of the arguments he'd had with his sisters that day, "but I have not seen them since, as they have removed to the Hurst townhouse."

"I think I have understood from Miss Bingley that you have not much idea of ever returning to Netherfield again?"

"I have never said so!" Mr Bingley replied in surprise, only now beginning to understand that his sisters' duplicity must have extended to Jane as well as to himself. "I have never felt more at home than I did in the society of Hertfordshire, and I have missed it very much this past month."

"I am glad you have not forgotten us, Mr Bingley," was all Jane could manage in her soft tone, but Bingley could not fail to notice the emotion in her eye and the slight tremor in her voice, and determined that for both their sakes the time had come to speak clearly and to settle things either for good or for ill.

His standing to distractedly walk to the other side of the room was indicative of some of his discomposure; silence hung awkwardly in the air, and though he turned back toward Jane he could not quite bring himself to look directly at her as he began to speak.

"Miss Bennet, how could I forget? I have thought little of anything but you. Still, I have struggled with the apprehension, nay fear, that you may not return my affections. You are too good to give me hope where there is none. My feelings for you go far beyond admiration and friendship; they are of the deepest kind. Tell me now if you are unable to love me, and I will never importune you on the subject again."

The quiet with which his words were greeted was terrible, and the one small sob that broke the silence almost broke his heart, but as he looked up to see silent tears streaming down Jane's face, he could think of nothing but he r pain.

"I'm so sorry, Miss Bennet. Causing you hurt was what I most wished to avoid. I should not have spoken." With that turned to leave but had not gone more than two steps when he was halted by Jane's lightly restraining hand, and found her suddenly in his arms -- softly sobbing with her head buried in his shoulder.

At first Mr Bingley hardly knew how to react, but somehow through his confusion he registered that despite Jane's tears, her clinging to him was a positive sign indeed, and he instinctively held her close, bringing one hand up to gently stroke her hair whilst he whispered comforts and soft endearments.

Jane's overwhelmingly emotional response had surprised even herself, and after a she had recovered somewhat she became acutely aware of the position in which she had placed herself. Embarrassment fought with the delightful sensations she was receiving from his closeness and touch, and it took real strength to pull back, to step away from him and form an apology for such behaviour.

"I'm sorry Mr Bingley," she began, frightening him momentarily with the idea that she might be framing a rejection, "I hope you'll not think me too much an idiot. Who knew such happiness could rob one of all speech and all rational thought?"

"Happiness…?" Bingley asked, the half confused, almost laughing smile on his face as he reached out to take Jane's hand and pull her again closer, showing both relief and amusement at this definition of her tears.

"Yes, happiness" Jane answered sheepishly.

"Then you will be my wife?" he asked as his hand came up to softly caress her cheek.

"Most certainly," she replied in the edge of a whisper, feeling once more she might be deprived of a capacity of speech as Bingley's hand tilted her face toward his. She shivered involuntarily upon catching the intensity in his eyes as he brought his lips to hers to take the most tender and softest of kisses.

Engaged as they were in such a delightful pursuit, neither noticed that Lord Carlisle and Mr Bennet had entered the room until Mr Bennet loudly cleared his throat. Mr Bingley at least had the good conscience to look a little contrite as the pair self-consciously stepped back from each other, but he did not falter in his purpose.

"Mr Bennet, may I request a word with you alone?"

"Curiously, son," Mr Bennet answered wryly, "that was the very thing I was about to ask of you."

Mr Bingley quickly accepted Mr Bennet's invitation to the library, still experiencing too much elation to be overly anxious about the interview to come. Fortunately for Mr Bingley, the joy the father had witnessed in his daughter's, albeit red-faced, countenance, left him too pleased for Jane to be at all cross over the position in which he'd discovered the young couple. He was not, however, at all beyond desiring at least a little sport from the circumstance, and he schooled his visage to look as stern as possible.

"You have something to ask of me young man?"

"I do sir, I wish to ask for your daughter's hand."

"I assume she is not at all averse to such an arrangement," Mr Bennet replied dryly.

"No sir, she was generous enough to accept my offer."

Mr Bennet continued to look stern, and remained silent just long enough for the young man to begin to squirm at little under his scrutiny.

"Can you tell me why I should look favourably on such a match?"

"Sir…, in point of fact I can't. I know she has refused some with much richer prospects than I." Still, rather than looking apprehensive at being able to give Mr Bennet no better answer, a broad smile broke out across his face, "but none the less, she loves me."

"Mr Bingley," Mr Bennet shook his head, "cannot you see that I am doing my best to intimidate you right now. Must you spoil my fun by giving such a disarming answer."

"I'm sorry sir," Mr Bingley replied, with what could only be cast as a grin. "I'm sure there will be many occasions where you will effectively be able to frighten me, but frankly, at the moment I am simply too overwhelmed with happiness to feel anything but euphoria."

At this Mr Bennet could do nothing but laugh out loud and graciously welcome the young man to his family. He did succeed in unsettling his future son in law though, as he broached the question of when the wedding might be,

"After witnessing the display in the sitting room, I'm assuming that you'd prefer a shorter rather than a longer engagement," he commented dryly, and enjoyed watching Mr Bingley's discomfort as he tried to frame his answer. He soon let him off the hook though, and escorted him back to the winter parlour, as he knew Jane would be anxious to learn the outcome of their interview.

Jane looked up upon them re-entering the room, a little relieved at both their smiles.

"Jane, you will be a happy woman," her father whispered to her as her pulled her to her feet for a congratulatory hug before handing her to her fiancé. "Luke and I will leave you, as I'm sure you have much to say to each other… but remember, Bingley," he added, only half joking, "there are many people in this house, and the door will be open."

Chapter Twenty

Despite her nervousness she could not help but be impressed as she was lead through the house to a waiting Miss Darcy, and had to admit a grudging admiration of Mr Darcy's taste. Though the rooms were lofty and handsome, and their furniture suitable to the fortune of their proprietor, the décor was neither gaudy nor uselessly fine; with less of splendour, and more real elegance than was often found in the houses of the more affluent and pretentious families.

Miss Darcy was alone and seemed really pleased to see her. She learned that Mr Darcy had initially intended to remain with his sister that morning but, during an earlier visit from Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley, he had recalled some work that required his attention, and retired to his study.

Elizabeth, relieved at her reprieve from the awkwardness and confusion she continued to feel at Mr Darcy's attentions, smiled at the idea of his decamping from the company of these women, and settled down with Miss Darcy ready to take full advantage of her own escape. In the company of just Elizabeth, unable to rely on the contribution of others to maintain the discussion, Georgiana exerted herself to speak far more than was naturally her wont, and Elizabeth was soon to discover that the intelligence and humour that she had suspected in the young girl, were very much an actuality. Miss Darcy felt the beginnings of an uncharacteristic ease in the company of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Her brother's recommendation had been enough to ensure her favour: his judgment could not err, and he had spoken in such terms of this young woman as to leave Georgiana without the power of finding her otherwise than lovely and amiable.

In search of topics that could be more comfortably sustained between herself and Miss Darcy, Elizabeth turned to the subject of music, and it was then that a real animation came to Miss Darcy's eyes. After exchanging information on their favourite pieces Georgiana was even brave enough to invite Elizabeth to her music room to examine a new instrument, a present from her brother only a day earlier.

"My brother has spoken very highly of your playing, Miss Bennet, and I would love to hear it."

"Oh dear, I am certain now to give nothing but disappointment," Elizabeth answered, blushing, both pleased and surprised at the idea that Mr Darcy would even mention, what she saw as, her own inferior skills. "I have heard so much of your own talent at the instrument, Miss Darcy."

Elizabeth soon found herself shown into a very pretty sitting-room, lately fitted up with greater elegance and lightness than even the apartments below.

"William recently had this room set aside for me," she explained to Elizabeth, still a little embarrassed at his generosity. "He discovered I had taken a liking to it, and had it redecorated to my taste. I sometimes think that there is nothing he would not do to give me pleasure."

"Ah, the brother we all dream of," Elizabeth smiled at the younger woman. "My brother is not yet twelve, and sometimes it seems he lives for nothing but to irritate >his sisters."

Miss Darcy laughed as Elizabeth went on to explain a few of Ben's typical escapades before both women turned to an examination of the instrument.

"I'm very jealous," Elizabeth announced after pronouncing the pianoforte splendid. "My sister will have one that is very similar in her home after she marries in a fortnight's time; Mr West's instrument is quite beautiful."

"Mr West?" Georgiana queried.

"Yes, Mr Jonathan West; my sister's fiancé," Elizabeth answered, a little confused at Miss Darcy's lack of information. How could it come about that Mr Darcy had commended her own playing, but had failed to mention Mary's talent and Jonathan's genius?

"Oh my…," Georgiana breathed. "I have heard him play; he's magnificent."

"He certainly is," Elizabeth agreed, "but not at all vain with it. He's altogether a delightful gentleman. We leave town in less than a week's time, but you must come and visit before we depart. You can hear him again, and meet my other sisters. I'm sure you would get along with them all very well. My sister Mary will be living in London following the wedding, and I'm sure she would love another acquaintance close in age, and especially one who appreciates music as much as she does herself."

"Oh, I couldn't impose," Miss Darcy answered, looking almost overwhelmed at the thought.

"It would be a delight, not an imposition," Elizabeth laughed at her. "I will be visiting them the morning after next. Perhaps I could call past to collect you on my way."

Miss Darcy initially looked so nervous at the prospect that Elizabeth decided not to continue with the suggestion there and then. She instead redirected her interest to the instrument, and determined to return to her invitation at the end of the visit.

Mr Darcy was in a poor mood as he sat in his study and tried to direct his attention to the trivial business sitting in front of him. The matter was of the type he would normally leave to the attention of his steward, but seeing to it himself was at least preferable to the company of Bingley's sisters. He still felt ashamed at his complicity in the sisters' scheme to leave Hertfordshire, and though he knew that the primary fault in the business was his own, he couldn't help but wish to lay at least part of the blame on the sisters' misinformed gossip, derision, and their insistence that Jane was merely seeking a comfortable establishment.

There was, however, a more pressing reason for his ill-humour. Though he had not really allowed himself a great deal of hope in the matter, he was still disappointed at Miss Elizabeth Bennet's failure to visit that morning. Certainly, any such visit may have proved uncomfortable with Mrs Hurst, Miss Bingley and Miss Bennet all in the same room, but his emotions still tugged at this further evidence of Elizabeth's desire to avoid his attentions. It had been very easy to discern her comparative pleasure and ease in the company of Mr Kingsmill, and her serious and reticent answers to his attempts at conversation the preceding evening stood in start contrast to the smiles and observations she had directed at his cousin. Ironically, the clearer it became to him that Elizabeth may have slipped beyond his reach, the more he understood how greatly he desired her.

Absorbed as he was in such self-critical musings, he did not note the quiet chatter coming from his sister's new sitting room just a few doors away. The music that was soon coming from the pianoforte too, was such a familiar thing that he thought little of it until, that is, it was complemented by laughter and further chatting. An examination of his watch assured him that the Bingley sisters must have left some time ago; besides, he could little imagine Georgiana inviting them to the sanctuary of her favourite room. A moment later brought more laughter, and this time he quickly registered its familiar light tone. Leaving his desk he moved silently down the hallway. Reluctant to interrupt the girls' occupation he halted at the room's entrance, leaning on the door-jam in order to take in the countenances of the two young women seated beside each other at the instrument, looking intently at the sheet of a new duet in front of them, and laughing at each slip they made as they tested out the unfamiliar music.

"Oh, Miss Darcy, I told you I had no real credit on this instrument," Elizabeth giggled at the clearly mis-timed and discordant noise that she'd just produced from the keys.

"Don't listen to her, Georgiana dear," Mr Darcy spoke up as he walked into the room, causing his sister to jump at the unexpected interruption, and Elizabeth's heart to almost miss a beat. "She plays beautifully. You should particularly ask her to share Beethoven's Pathétique with you".

"Oh William, you frightened me so. You need to learn to walk more heavily," Miss Darcy chided, though her smile showed her more than pleased at her brother's arrival.

"Sorry, Georgie," he smiled, "I certainly did not intend to startle you. Miss Bennet, how lovely to see you here today."

"Mr Darcy," Elizabeth answered with a slight acknowledging bow of her head, but as she lifted her eyes to him again she could think of little more to say. Thankfully Miss Darcy rescued them from silence by beginning to tell her brother of the pleasures of the morning's visit.

Though feeling more than pleased at the rapport that seemed to be building between his sister and Elizabeth, Darcy could not but feel that Elizabeth was still somewhat withdrawn in her exchanges with him. Though she continued to exert herself to be part of their conversation, Darcy assumed this was for the sake of Georgiana rather than for himself. Her answers to his queries may have seemed natural to a disinterested observer, but her eyes would not hold his, and her words had little of the spirit that he was used to in their exchanges at Netherfield.

Waiting just long enough after Mr Darcy had joined them so as not to appear rude, Elizabeth announced that she should now leave, as she would be soon be expected at her uncle and aunt's house. Despite her wish to expediently escape the discomforting company of Mr Darcy, she recalled her earlier suggestion that she collect Miss Darcy for a morning at the Carlisle house.

"Mr Darcy," she broached as they all moved together down the stairs, "I suggested to Miss Darcy that she might like to meet some more of my sisters. We are all coming together at my Aunt Sophia's home on the day following the morrow, and I was hoping perhaps you would consent to Miss Darcy coming with me. I might easily call past on my way… that is if Miss Darcy would like to join me."

A glance at his sister showed Georgiana nervous at the prospect, but a nod told him that she was not unwilling.

"That would be a delightful idea, Miss Bennet," Darcy answered, forcing himself not to feel a little jealous at the idea of Georgiana receiving such attention from Elizabeth while he felt himself somewhat locked out. "I have some business I must attend to that morning, so your offer to escort Georgiana to your Aunt's is gratefully accepted. I should be free to collect her myself though, as the meeting should not go longer than a few hours."

Elizabeth, feeling a little disconcerted that she had again unintentionally made arrangements that would place her in Mr Darcy's company, had to really exert herself to attend to making arrangements. Given how often she'd found herself in the immediate vicinity of Mr Darcy over the last week, she began to think that she could not return to the country soon enough.

As they stood making small talk in the foyer whilst waiting for the carriage to be brought to the front, they were all surprised by the doorbell. Mr Bingley then appeared before them, looking more light-hearted than Elizabeth had seen him look since Hertfordshire. His greetings were informal, and somewhat inane as he threw in comments about the glorious beauty of the day, when the others could see it as nothing but grey and unpleasantly blustery.

"Oh, Miss Elizabeth," Bingley smiled as he looked at the three bemused faces in front of him, "your sister knew you were visiting the Darcy's today, and hoped I might still catch you here. She wanted me to deliver you this." He then fished about in the pockets of his coat before producing a slightly crumpled missive, addressed to Elizabeth in Jane's, albeit uncharacteristically hasty, hand.

Elizabeth accepted it with the requisite thanks, intrigued a little and hoping the carriage might arrive soon so as to give her the privacy to read the letter she now held.

"Oh, don't stand on form," Bingley cried out impatiently, "None of us will mind if you read it now."

Elizabeth may have felt self-conscious at perusing a personal letter in company, and at the Darcy's door of all places, but Mr Bingley would not be gainsaid and her own curiosity burned. She broke the seal and took in the short missive twice before the meaning really sunk through. She looked up at the smiling man in front of her, offering her hand in warm and sincere congratulations, and was startled as he pulled instead into a quick hug.

"It seems that Mr Bingley is to be my brother," Elizabeth blushed by way of explanation as soon as she was released.

This announcement brought about a new round of congratulations, Darcy a little overwhelmed at so swift and right an end to the last month's suspense. These were only interrupted as Elizabeth's transport finally arrived. Elizabeth said her goodbyes to both Mr Bingley and Miss Darcy, and left as Miss Darcy finished expressing her pleasure at such news, telling him that she'd met Miss Bennet on Christmas day and found her everything charming and beautiful. Mr Darcy silently walked with Elizabeth to her carriage. Though relieved, he was also feeling acutely aware of how his interference almost cost his friend such happiness… and how it seemed also to have cost him his own.

He was brought back to the world by Elizabeth's goodbye. He too, made the requisite farewells as he took her hand to help her into the carriage. She was about to step up when she seemed to have pause. Stopping, she turned to him and for the first time since Christmas Eve looked him fully in the eye, granting him an unreserved smile.

"Thank you, Mr Darcy," was all she said before ascending into the carriage, but he was almost sure that she'd given his hand a light squeeze before he'd released her. He returned to the house with his chest tight, not sure of whether she'd just given him hope, or whether she'd simply given him an even greater awareness of what it was that he'd lost.

Chapter Twenty-One

This happy end also went a great way toward securing a pardon for his friend. Sarah's reasonable counsel had made the start. Though initially reluctant to admit any mitigating circumstances regarding Darcy's interference, Elizabeth had found Sarah's words playing on her mind. Though still suspicious that hopes for his sister's future security may have added to his lively concern for Bingley, it now seemed possible, nay, even probable, that his primary concern had been Bingley's long term happiness. She knew her own distaste at the idea of marriage for expediency's sake, so could not blame Mr Darcy for similar feelings when it came to his friends. Neither could Elizabeth be insensible to the knowledge that, upon discovering his error, Mr Darcy had not simply confessed his fault, but had suspended his own comfort, and even his pride, to put matters right. To admit such things in favour of Mr Darcy was difficult for Elizabeth. It left her feeling some how vulnerable. It was as though her principal excuse for maintaining a cool distance from Mr Darcy had become an invalid one. Not that her determination to remain aloof had come to much over the preceding week, she thought wryly. It almost seemed that she had been more in his company than even during his time in Hertfordshire.

She forced the matter from her mind as the carriage pulled up at the front of the Gardiners'. Bearing such good news for her relatives, she soon exchanged joyful and pleasant thoughts for her more confused ones. There was much to smile and talk over with her aunt, uncle, and with her curious eight-year-old niece, to whom the idea of a second wedding amongst her cousins was very exciting indeed. Jane's good fortune was such an interesting topic for a time that Mrs Gardiner almost forgot to inform Elizabeth that in her absence she had missed a visitor.

"Oh, Lizzy dear, I've neglected to tell you that Mr Kingsmill called today," she said, handing Elizabeth his card with a smile. "He strikes me as a rather nice young man."

"He does indeed," Mr Gardiner added, "I was inclined to invite him to dinner but Madeline advised me that it would be best to first consult you on whether you would feel comfortable with such an invitation."

As preoccupied as she had been over the last few days, her uncle's question at first took her by surprise, until it began to dawn upon her that the Gardiners might suspect Mr Kingsmill to have an interest in herself.

"Oh…" she breathed in a drawn out syllable as a touch of colour came to her cheeks. "Thank you for asking me. As enjoyable as Mr Kingsmill is as a companion, life has been so full of late I think I would appreciate the intimacy of just family party for the next few days," she managed.

Elizabeth was thankful as her relatives accepted this explanation and expediently moved on to another subject. The matter though, did not leave Elizabeth's mind, and once again she retired for the evening with too much to think upon. The idea that Mr Kingsmill might particularly like her had come as a bolt from the blue, but on reflection Elizabeth was embarrassed that she had not been aware of the possibility. She had first met him the previous season but, though they developed a fairly easy rapport, they had enjoyed little more than the occasional conversation. This winter, however, she had seen him more; he'd been at a few afternoon soirées that she'd attended with the Carlisles, and they'd run across each other at the theatre. At the ball she'd even danced with him twice without it occurring to her that this might indicate an interest, and she hadn't thought at all about the significance of his going out of his way to visit at Gracechurch Street.

She now felt foolish indeed, that her preoccupation with Mr Darcy seemed to have caused a blindness to matters in which she was typically more than discerning. She felt perversely cross with Mr Darcy for, in her reasoning, he was undoubtedly the cause of all this discomfort. She could not help but think that if it were not for thoughts of Mr Darcy she might like the attentions of Mr Kingsmill very much. As it was, her continued reluctant esteem for Mr Darcy had made the idea of liking another man, even such a man as Mr Kingsmill, an impossibility. It was therefore, with a certain amount of relief, she recalled that they would all return to Longbourn in only a few days time, for she dearly wished to be able to forget Mr Darcy, and hoped soon she might be whole enough to at least consider exchanging his place in her esteem, with affection for another. She would not, she told herself once more, remain unhappy over him.

The next day was gladly one of refreshment for Elizabeth. A new letter from Charlotte went someway to reconciling her to her friend's choice. Charlotte had reiterated that she was satisfied with her situation, and was sure that she'd be very comfortably settled at the Hunsford parsonage. The letter also contained an eager invitation for Elizabeth to visit in March. Though Elizabeth foresaw little pleasure in such a visit, she could not refuse. Perhaps, she tried to encourage herself, it might provide just the change of scenery and distraction that she might need. She was thankful too, that Mr Kingsmill did not call that day, as she feared a certain awkwardness at their next meeting. Sophia though, and all the Bennet females did call. At such an influx Mr Gardiner retreated to his study, leaving the women to their own enjoyment and to the discussion of Jane's good fortune.

"I find we were perhaps too harsh on Mr Bingley," Sophia whispered to Elizabeth at her first chance. "I really wished to dislike him, or at least extract a little punishment for his neglect of our Jane, but after meeting him I just could not..."

"You do not know how completely I can empathise with such a sentiment," smiled Elizabeth. "I fear I owe you an apology for venting my feelings on his desertion in such a strong manner. Once again it seems Mother had the right of it."

Sophia laughed. "Oh, the difficulties of being younger sibling to one so perfect."

"Again, I certainly understand you," Elizabeth answered with a look in Jane's direction.

"It's a hard lot we have," Sophia grinned as she followed Elizabeth's eye, "but I might claim that those of us who are imperfect, might possibly have the advantage of being no less than interesting. We at least keep the world on their toes."

Elizabeth just had time to laugh at this observation before returning her attention the wider company. Her interest was caught as Mrs Gardiner asked Jane how she came to be spending the day following her engagement apart from Mr Bingley.

"Oh, I will see him this afternoon," Jane smiled at the thought, "but this morning he has gone to tell his sisters of our news. He called past their house last night, but it was too late for him to see them."

"That's a kind perspective, Jane," Sophia teased. "The way I understand matters is that since a fairly heated altercation with his sisters at Christmas, they have they been punishing Mr Bingley by refusing to see him."

"Whatever the case," Sarah spoke up, "I do hope things are going well for him this morning; it is such an unnatural thing to be estranged from one's family."

"I wonder how his sisters might react to the engagement?" Mary mused. "They have certainly proved themselves no friends to his attachment to Jane."

"That I cannot wonder at," spoke Jane with her characteristic generosity, "since he might have chosen so much more advantageously in many respects. But when they see, as I trust they will, that their brother is happy with me, they will learn to be content, and we shall be in good terms again; though we can never be what we once were to one another."

"That is the most unforgiving speech," laughed Elizabeth, "that I have ever heard you utter."

"Good girl!" added Sophia with an encouraging grin, "It would vex me indeed to see you again the dupe of Miss Bingley's pretended regard."

Across in a more exclusive area of town, another small party was gathered. The mood there, however, was far less cheerful, unless the occasional snide comment could be classified as good humour. That morning Louisa and Caroline had left their home quite early, before Charles might have a chance to call, stopping at their dressmaker's rooms before moving on to their planned visits. Despite the initial mortification of their family being subject to censorious gossip, they'd found that it had at least promoted them to the status of persons of interest, and as such it had garnered them no few callers from among their more illustrious acquaintances. Though the sisters would have preferred a different cause for the enlargement of their society, they were not slow to grasp at any circumstance that might be to their own social advantage, and were even willing offer the sacrifice of some of their brother's character for such a privilege. Though much of the ton had tut-tutted at Bingley's ill use of Jane's affections, a number had felt a certain joy at the notion of such a 'perfect' and seemingly untouchable woman learning what it is to be slighted.

This morning Caroline was pleased to exchange the occasional disdainful comment about the Bennets with Mr Allen, whom she had found visiting her 'dear friend', Lady Brussellthwait-Smythe. In this man Caroline was delighted to discover another who was pleased to sneer at the 'meagre' amounts settled on the Bennet girls, and who was happy to disparage the family's low relations. Feeling encouraged by Allen's concurrence, Miss Bingley had just finished announcing that Charles would do far better, and that he was fortunate to have sisters who looked out for his good, when a fairly smug Lady Emily Brentworthington was ushered into the room. Her smile faded though, on noting the presence of Caroline and Louisa, being sure now that she must have been usurped as the bearer the delightfully fresh gossip she had just garnered upon calling at the Carlisle house. Her frustration upon learning that Sophia was not home had been more than done away with upon Luke's imparting of information about an engagement between Jane and Mr Bingley.

Excited at this early intelligence, Emily had intended to make great mileage of her intimate knowledge of such an unexpected development in the Jane Bennet saga. Sadly now, believing the whole room must already know all, she found her anticipation of pleasure substantially diluted. Accepting this, she thought at least to have the satisfaction of demonstrating that she was already abreast of the news; so, rearranging her gracious smile, she immediately congratulated the sisters on their brother's good fortune.

The disappointment she had felt only moments before, however, turned instead to an unadulterated delight, as the priceless expressions on Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley's faces told her she had not been usurped as the bearer of such interesting news after all. Giving little credence to the Louisa and Caroline's embarrassed excuses, the belief that Mr Bingley had not yet deigned to inform his sisters of his engagement made the whole story more wonderful still, and in drawing rooms across London for the next few days, many indulged their mirth at the expense of the Bingley sisters.

Elizabeth called to collect Miss Darcy the next morning, happy in the knowledge that her brother would be out. Though a little tentative over the idea of the visit, Miss Darcy was set somewhat at rest by the amusing family tales that Elizabeth related during their short journey. Being sensitive to Miss Darcy's shyness, the company at the Carlisle household were careful not to overwhelm her, taking time to talk to her individually and taking care not to make her the centre of attention for the whole room. Jane, sitting alongside Mr Bingley, happily accepted Georgiana's sincere congratulations, pleased that Miss Darcy's heart seemed not at all effected at Mr Bingley's engagement to herself. Mary, unsurprisingly, spoke to Georgiana of music and about her upcoming wedding, and Kitty, being much of an age with Miss Darcy, decided to particularly take her under her wing -- introducing her to the older members of the family, and warning her about Benjamin. Elizabeth could not but truly appreciate the discerning thoughtfulness of all her family.

When Jonathan arrived, Mary used Miss Darcy as an excuse to escape with him to the music room, inviting Georgiana and Elizabeth to join them. Mary could not help but like the young lady, particularly as her obvious appreciation of music was written clearly on her face as she listened to Jonathan play, and she reiterated that Miss Darcy would be more than welcome as a visitor at their home when they settled in London.

They eventually returned to the rest of the family. Elizabeth had been enjoying the morning so much that the tension she felt upon discerning Mr Kingsmill's presence, took her completely by surprise. She took a breath and forced a smile onto her face as she tried to greet him with an appropriate amount of friendliness, which might not be construed as encouragement, and then unthinkingly made an excuse to speak with Sarah. Mr Kingsmill found himself once again abandoned in the company of Miss Darcy. Still, being every part the gentleman, the young man made an attempt at conversation saying something of the unaffected friendliness of the Carlisle and Bennet families; this time he was surprised to receive a reply from the shy young lady.

"They are delightful," she answered, too absorbed in her thoughts to think to be afraid of speaking. "It makes me wistful. It would be lovely to have such a large family. My brother is wonderful to me, but ten years is a wide difference in age…"

Noting how Mr Kingsmill was now regarding her she blushed at her boldness in saying so much, but his empathetic reply put her more at ease.

"I believe I know just what you mean. I only have one sister myself, but she married when I was but 15 and lives in County Durham, so Mother and I see her but a few times a year. Here, observing the easy affection and the playful exchange that goes on in this family, one can feel a little envious," he smiled. "Do you have many cousins?"

"Some, there are the Fitzwilliams, but they are older again than my Brother. There's also my cousin, Miss de Bourgh, who is three years William's junior, but she too, is rather quiet, so she and I seem to have very little to say when together."

"So you don't often visit with her?"

"No," she replied, pleasantly surprised at his interest. She discretely refrained from explaining that brother tended to shield her from the close attentions of their, somewhat officious, Aunt Catherine.

"I have no cousins. Both my parents were only children," Kingsmill supplied. "My sister, though, is soon expecting her fourth child. So my family is at least growing. It's always delightful when she and my nephews are able to visit… exhausting… but delightful."

"Am I right in suspecting the boys enjoy their uncle's company?" she queried with a smile.

"I think they consider me their personal plaything," Mr Kingsmill answered with a wry smile, "but I dare say it is my own fault for encouraging them. My sister tells me I will be the ruin of them."

"I think if I were an aunt," Georgiana replied with the hint of a laugh, "I too, would spoil my nieces and nephews. Is that not an aunt or uncle's duty?"

It occurred to Kingsmill that Miss Darcy looked very pretty indeed when she laughed, and he was almost disappointed to have their personal tête-à-tête interrupted by Kitty joining them. When he had first met Miss Darcy he had suspected an underlying thoughtfulness and good humour, and this day's insights seemed to confirm this intuition. The conversation between himself and the two girls moved on so pleasantly, though Kitty held the lions share of the girls' side of the discussion, that he almost forgot that his purpose that morning had been to see Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

Elizabeth drew out her conversation with Sarah as long as she was able, then accepted that she must return to Miss Darcy despite her being at Mr Kingsmill's side. As she walked over to their circle, the discussion was just moving to the Bennet family's impending return to Hertfordshire.

"I am very much looking forward to being home once more," Elizabeth announced, with a confidence that Mr Kingsmill might understand that she had no regrets in leaving London's company. She was happy to note that though he momentarily looked thoughtful at her words, he did not look unduly heartbroken, though he did venture a query as to whether she intended to return to town after the weddings.

"No, I may visit in town overnight on my way to Kent," Elizabeth offered, "but I have made arrangements to stay with a friend of mine in that country for much of spring."

It was as this conversation began that Mr Darcy arrived to collect his sister, but rather than allowing him to join Georgiana, Mr Bennet claimed him for more masculine conversation, saying that -- as besotted and engaged men -- neither Mr West nor Mr Bingley's conversation qualified at that time.

"And Mr Kingsmill too," Luke laughed, "seems to have chosen the faces of pretty young women over manly debate."

Darcy only just managed a smile at Luke's comment, again feeling an increase of jealous tension at Kingsmill's apparent rapport with Elizabeth. As the conversation moved on though, he relaxed somewhat; particularly upon reference to the Bennets removal to Longbourn – which would at least place Elizabeth away from Kingsmill's interest.

"Are we likely to see you much at Netherfield?" Mr Bennet enquired.

"I have not spoken of the matter with Bingley, but it would be a pleasure to spend more time in Hertfordshire," Darcy answered, feeling a little more cheered at such a prospect. A sudden recollection though, dampened his spirits, as he realised that Wickham's presence in the area excluded the possibility of him taking Georgiana with him. "It may prove difficult, however, as I have promised more time to my sister this winter."

Elizabeth, who has just walked across with Georgiana, caught most of Mr Darcy's response. Certain that Mr Bingley would have no objection to inviting Miss Darcy as a guest, she could only see Mr Darcy's excuse as a pretext to stay away. Though she again felt sadness at this renewed confirmation of Mr Darcy's indifference, she realised that it was ultimately for her good that she'd heard. Without this reminder she may have been tempted to misinterpret Mr Darcy's continued attentions during the remainder of the morning's visit, as indicative of an interest in her. As it was though, she at least understood enough to repress any foolish and impossible desires when it came to Mr Darcy. He did not love her.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Posted on Monday, 12 December 2005

As Charles Bingley soon followed the Bennet family to Hertfordshire, life in London became quieter still for the Darcy siblings. Even calls from Bingley's sisters decreased as Caroline, flattered by the notice of Mr Allen and enjoying a participation in his resentful depreciation of many, but particularly of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, chose to spend more time in a different circle. Frustrated that Mr Wickham's presence near Meryton precluded his taking Georgiana to visit at Netherfield, Darcy felt ill-inclined toward other socialising. Over the month of January he visited his club rarely, paid only occasional duty visits to his Uncle and Aunt and to older family acquaintances, and avoided the popular parks and ways when riding out for exercise. Colonel Fitzwilliam though, continued to be a regular caller at the Darcy home, and was oft-times accompanied by Mr Kingsmill who, due to similar opinions and temperament, had become a firm friend of Darcy's cousin.

As intelligent and personable as Mr Kingsmill might be, the underlying jealousy Darcy felt concerning Elizabeth took something from the ease of association, and it required an applied effort on his part to play the role of an amiable host. His primary comfort was that whilst in London Mr Kingsmill too, was separated from Elizabeth. He could only hope that this time apart would lead to a tempering of any inclination one might hold for the other, but -- he reluctantly admitted to himself -- such an expectation might be vain, as he'd certainly not experienced any such waning of sentiment upon his own separation from Elizabeth. Had Darcy been less preoccupied with these matters he may have discerned a decrease in Georgiana's customary reserve as Mr Kingsmill became a more familiar face at the Darcy townhouse, and that toward the end of the month Kingsmill in fact spent more time whilst visiting conversing with Miss Darcy than with either himself or with Colonel Fitzwilliam.

February brought with it not only the anticipation of Charles and Jane's wedding, but also a letter from Mr Bennet informing Darcy that Mr Wickham was no longer in Hertfordshire, having been obliged to leave the regiment on account of some debts of honour which were very pressing. On the receipt of such information, Darcy began to plan for both his and Georgiana's removal to Netherfield for the fortnight leading up to the wedding. He was hopeful that this might give him some opportunity to repair his friendship with Elizabeth, and at least restore him to a position from which he might be able to, this time properly, attempt to court her affection.

It was with the idea of speaking to Georgiana about these travel plans that Darcy broached the subject of the Bennet family at breakfast the following morning.

"I gather you are still in correspondence with some of Miss Bennets?" he ventured, trying to not appear overly interested in the matter.

"Yes, indeed!" Georgiana answered with a gentle enthusiasm. "I have had letters from both Elizabeth and Catherine, and Mrs West even took time to write to me whilst on her wedding trip. The wedding sounds to have been perfect."

"I'm certainly glad to hear it," Darcy answered with a smile. "I was wondering if you might like to travel to Hertfordshire with me for the celebration of Mr Bingley and Miss Bennet's wedding."

It took little more than the look of pleasure on his sister's face to discern that she would like it very much indeed and, before he went on to talk of the details of when they might leave, another idea occurred to him.

"You could perhaps ask if Miss Elizabeth might like to join you for a visit to Pemberley over spring," he added casually.

"Oh, that would be lovely," she replied, "but I think that she is already committed. On the morning we visited at the Carlisle house I recall her discussing plans in regard to spending spring in the country with Mr Kingsmill."

If Georgiana had guessed how her brother might interpret these somewhat ambiguous words she may have reconsidered her phrasing. Little did she know that with two short sentences she had not only sentenced her brother to greater torment, but she had also reduced the proposed trip to Hertfordshire to a paltry four days. As Darcy tried to put on a cheerful façade for the sake of his sister over the next few weeks, he attempted to come to terms with the reality that through his own arrogance and interference he had lost Elizabeth. Certainly there had been not yet been an announcement of an engagement, but if Kingsmill's mother or visiting sister had been convinced to invite Elizabeth to stay at Kingsmill's estate, and she had accepted, it seemed the announcement would just be a formality.

Elizabeth found a garden bench in a secluded corner of the extensive parkland at Rosings. In many ways the past three moths had been emotionally demanding, but she considered that she'd faced the challenges of such a time with certain dignity, and that she'd forced herself to a realistic pragmatism. Her sisters' weddings had been delightful. She truly did share in the joy of these complete unions of both hearts and minds – at least they demonstrated that such felicity was possible. She was not yet one and twenty, and she would not despair of finding a man who would suit her just as well!

Without being jealous of her sisters' happiness, she'd still found an extra poignancy in participating in their celebrations whilst recognising that her own seedling hopes had come to nought. It was particularly difficult to maintain her positive focus at Jane's wedding as Mr Darcy stood opposite her in support of Mr Bingley. The fact that he did not spend above four days in Hertfordshire was evidence enough to prove what she had long suspected; he might enjoy her company, but his heart could not have been engaged. He once more was everything solicitous in his interactions with Elizabeth during the short time they spent together over the days leading to the wedding. He certainly noticed her, complimented her; and even stayed by her. He'd once again forwarded her friendship with Georgiana but, despite all, he was still somehow distant in his way with her, oddly, this time his manner had seemed tinged with something different, but not quite discernable… at first she wondered if it might be a sadness, but this seemed to make little sense. She hoped it wasn't pity.

After all the excitement and activity of the two weddings at Longbourn, her time with Charlotte in Kent had been a time of rest and restoration. Charlotte's practical good sense and friendship did much to cheer her, and it amused Elizabeth to see how well she managed her husband. Certainly Mr Collins was a silly man, but an active reminder that marriage was not all felicity may have been, in some odd fashion, exactly what Elizabeth required at this time. Both Mr Collins and Lady Catherine could be excessively diverting in their own ways; Mr Collin's deference to his patroness had to be witnessed to be fully comprehended. Her father's description of the man, though vivid, had not fully prepared her for the odd mix of pride and obsequiousness that were bundled together in his tall and heavy frame. Something in his look put one in mind of an undertaker, but the moment he opened his mouth such serious associations were impossible. He seemed to expect Elizabeth to be very impressed with his position, and occasionally he hinted that he might think her disappointed that she was not in Charlotte's enviable shoes. Some of what he said almost seemed to suggest that – had she had not been foolishly absent from Longbourn in December -- the privilege of being Mrs Collins might have fallen to her. It was an unpleasantly uncomfortable thought, and she was grateful once more for her father's prescience in the timing of Mr Collins' visit.

Lady Catherine's dealings with Elizabeth had provided their own form of entertainment. The formidable lady liked to pretend a certain mutual understanding as she dropped names and discussed shared acquaintances, but her words simultaneously held an of edge supercilious condescension, just enough was in her tone and phrasing to covertly remind Elizabeth that her inferior pedigree had not been forgotten. Lady Catherine demonstrated all the confidence of Mr Darcy and more, but little of his information or astuteness. Elizabeth found it very difficult to trace any kind of likeness between the two of them, but still found Mr Darcy at the front of her mind during every visit to Rosings.

Perhaps the circumstance that affected her the most was the presence of Miss de Bourgh. No matter how Elizabeth tried to engage with her she could not but find her pallid and insipid, demonstrating interest in little beyond her own immediate concerns and comfort. Knowing the nature of gossip Elizabeth had tried not to credit Mr Wickham's information regarding an expectation of marriage between the two cousins; but such a union evidently appeared destined by Lady Catherine; who anticipated Mr Darcy's Easter visit with great pleasure. Without exactly saying the two were engaged she spoke of her daughter and her nephew, and of the estates of Pemberley and Rosings, as though already united. As reluctant as she might be to admit it, Elizabeth found the idea that Mr Darcy would marry Miss de Bourgh for the sake of alliance and increased wealth, profoundly disturbing.

Such a concern told her much about her feelings. She had thought herself strong and resilient; she thought she'd come to terms with the reality that Mr Darcy was not intended for her; had thought herself prepared to meet him again as an indifferent acquaintance; but here she was, on the day of Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam's expected arrival at Rosings, hiding in a corner of the great garden, trying to settle herself and defer the inevitable meeting for as long as possible…

The regular Easter sojourn to Rosings was never one of great pleasure for either Mr Darcy or Colonel Fitzwilliam, but it was only right that they should afford their aunt the courtesy of this annual visit. It had become more difficult for Darcy over the past few years as his aunt's hints about her expectations in regard to his duty to both Anne and the family had become more overt. Though he had done all short of issuing a rudely blunt refusal to denote his disinterest in the scheme, his aunt chose to be blind to all such indications. This year he had been even less eager to visit Rosings. Though trying his best to set aside his disappointments and look forward in his life, he was not at this moment in the best temper to tolerate his aunt's proclamations and boorish intrusiveness. Nevertheless, he'd been on his best behaviour that morning, and had at least pretended an interest in his aunt's information on her acquaintances, her neighbours, her servants, the village, the newly married rector and his wife's visitors… though in reality he'd not registered above one word in ten. Desirous of solitude, he'd been quick to take the opportunity of escape following luncheon, despite Lady Catherine's pointed suggestion that he might like to sit with Anne. Protesting the need for exercise he politely excused himself and, leaving Colonel Fitzwilliam to fend for himself, walked briskly away from Rosings to his favourite haunt of the park.

Although Elizabeth had just spent the better part of an hour steeling herself for the inevitability of once more being required to spend time in the company of Mr Darcy, the power of her emotions upon unexpectedly seeing him striding through the park seemed to momentarily leave her without rational function. His preoccupation with other matters was obvious, as he walked past not ten paces from where she sat, apparently without discerning her presence. She was of half a mind to just let him pass but chided herself on such cowardly stupidity before calling to him to make her presence known.

"Good afternoon, Mr Darcy," was all she managed, hoping her voice sounded cheerful.

He turned to her with a look of almost pure stupefaction, shaking his head as though to clear his mind of any illusion before finally finding his voice to greet her with a simple "Good afternoon, Miss Bennet."

"I hope that yourself and Colonel Fitzwilliam had a comfortable journey from London," Elizabeth ventured, desiring to put an end to the awkward silence that seemed to hang in the air after their brief exchange.

"I'm sorry, Miss Bennet," he offered apologetically as Elizabeth covered her discomfort with the activity of rising from the bench to walk toward him. "You certainly seem to have the advantage of me in having some expectation of the Colonel and me arriving here. I had not the smallest notion that you might be in Kent."

"Oh, I am staying with my friend, you recall Miss Lucas. She is recently married to your aunt's clergyman."

"Oh, I do recall my aunt saying something about guests at Hunsford at some point this morning. I obviously should have attended more," he admitted with a certain amount of chagrin.

He noticed a small smile on Elizabeth's lips at this, not doubt sympathetic to how his attention may have strayed under Lady Catherine's excessive volubility.

"I must admit to being very surprised to see you here, for I was sure I had some information that you were to spend the spring in Warwickshire," he added almost tentatively.

"I suspect that you need more trustworthy sources," Elizabeth suggested distractedly as she tried to discern whether he considered the surprise pleasant or otherwise. "I'm not even sure if I have any acquaintances in Warwickshire."

"Mr Kingsmill's estate is in Warwickshire." The words were out before he really thought on them.

"So it is," Elizabeth answered with a confused laugh, "but I'd hardly be staying there!"

Darcy was glad that Elizabeth had looked away for the moment. He knew not what emotions must have shown on his face at such a pronouncement.

"Perhaps Miss Darcy would have been a better informant," Elizabeth continued. "She's known of my coming here since the day we visited at the Carlisle townhouse. I recall she was present when Mr Kingsmill enquired as to whether I'd return to London following the weddings… and I've certainly spoken of it in my correspondence with her." Elizabeth tried to keep her voice light, but was struggling not to feel disappointed that Mr Darcy's interest in her had not even extended far enough for him to enquire of her from Georgiana.

Reproaching himself as an utter dolt, Darcy's mind quickly saw how significantly he's misinterpreted his sister's information. But despite feeling foolish, the relief he felt on understanding that Elizabeth's affections might still be unengaged showed on his countenance, and he directed a sincere and open smile in her direction.

"Well, your presence here certainly is a delightful discovery," he said putting only a little of what he felt into words. "It will surely add a great deal to the enjoyment of our stay at Rosings."

Elizabeth was unsure of how to feel about such a statement, but thanked him regardless. Whilst much of her was flattered at the confirmation that Mr Darcy did find pleasure in her company, part of her mind protested that it was unfair of him to be so engaging; that was careless to court her attention when together only to happily forget her when apart. And though she allowed him to take her arm to escort her back to the parsonage, she determined she would not let him again take her heart.

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