Part One

Autumn 1811

lizabeth was wandering through the fields. The day was sunny but rather cold, yet she had no inclination to return to Longbourn. There was nothing at home that could have been called home. Of course, Jane was there and she was always dearest to Elizabeth but even the presence of the good-natured Jane could not balance the impression that the rest of the family made. She has never held her mother in high esteem, her other sisters were silly and overbearing, and as for her father, well, he stopped caring a long time ago. Elizabeth stood on the top of the hill. Suddenly the wind started blowing, she turned around but could see absolutely nothing. The road that led downhill seemed non-existent. She felt dizzy and tried to reach for a branch of the nearby tree, yet she could not find it. All of the sudden everything became silence. Elizabeth opened her eyes and found herself in a strange room. It was not a big one, the furniture was pleasant, though definitely not dating from 1811 and there was a number of objects, she had never seen in her life.

Autumn 1997

The door opened and a blond-haired girl ran inside. She slammed the door and at that very moment noticed Elizabeth. She was as startled as Elizabeth, but was first to regain speech:

"Who are you? And what are you doing in my room?"

"I don't know. Just a few seconds ago I was standing on the hill and now I am here. Where am I, by the way?

"You are in London. And it's twentieth century! Where did you take those cloths from? They look like Regency Time ones."

"I suppose they are Regency, if you refer to Prince Regent's times. I come from Hertfordshire. And I was born in 1791. What is, pray, your name?"

"Jane. I am 21 and come from Poland. And yours?"

"Oh I am sorry, I have not introduced myself. Elizabeth, Elizabeth Bennet…"

"You must be joking, it's impossible!"

"Why is that so? What is wrong?"

"Well nothing but… Could you hit my hand very hard?"

"Why?"

"Just do it."

Elizabeth tapped Jane's hand. Jane was about to say that it is not hard enough when the bell rang.

"What is it?" asked Elizabeth.

"It's my phone, I'll be back in a second and if you are still here, it means I am not dreaming." And with those words she ran out of the room.

Elizabeth was again by herself. She started looking around the room. It reminded her of a library. The books were all over the place. There were novels, biographies, and even some books on economics and law. It proved that Jane was either a great reader or that the books belonged to some one else. Elizabeth took one of the books. The cover said that it was "The Great Gatsby" by Francis Scott Fitzgerald. She opened it and started reading: "In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since. `Whenever you feel like criticising anyone,' he told me, `just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had.'

At that particular moment, she heard Jane, who was standing in front of her.

"So, you are still here! As I am definitely not dreaming, it seems you are real and about to stay a little longer."

"So it would seem. Before you have left you said: "phone"; what is it?"

"It's a devise with which you can talk for distance. Like me and Jack, my boyfriend, who leaves in Clovelly House, just did."

"And in which part of London are we now?"

"It's Earl's Court. Cromwell Road. Coming back to Jack. He called to tell me that we must see him and that he is to bring a friend with him. I have agreed for both of us to come, so we must find you something … more … modern to wear and we are going."

"Why can I not go in my dress?"

"Because it looks funny and I bet you wouldn't like to make a show of yourself. Come, my sister has left her cloths here when she was to marry and she was your size then."

Jane grabbed Elizabeth's hand and took her to the other room. Within half an hour Elizabeth was dressed. Jane had tried to put her in a tight blouse but Elizabeth persuaded her that she had much rather wear something different and they had found a dress and a jacket that according to Jane looked fantastic on Lizzy, as she started calling Elizabeth. As Jane was preparing her cloths and doing something called "make-up", Lizzy thought that she feels as though she had known Jane for years.

They went out of the flat and down the stairs. As they found themselves outside, Lizzy was overwhelmed. The noise of something that Jane has called "cars" was terrible and she was glad when she found herself in Jane's car, which has at least partly shielded her from the noise.

Throughout the way, Lizzy has been looking out of the window. London was very different from the one she knew. Yet she found that she was fascinated by everything: the noise, the crowds and most of all the strange smell in the air. They stopped in front of a small pub. Jane locked the car and they went inside. As they entered, two young men in their twenties stood up. The blond man waved to them and Lizzy was sure that it was Jack. The other man stood a little in the rear. Lizzy noticed that he was tensed and seemed to feel a little awkward when he saw them. It was Jane who spoke first.

"Jack, this is a friend of mine, Lizzy. Lizzy this is my boyfriend Jack and his friend…"

"Oh, I'm. sorry. I haven't introduced my friend. Lizzy, Jane, this is William Darcy. I haven't seen him for a while as he was abroad for some years."

Lizzy was about to say that she was pleased to make the acquaintance when she noticed how pale Jane looked.

Part Two

ane, do you feel well? Maybe you would like some wine?" asked she.

"No Lizzy, I'm. fine. I … I'd just remembered that I have left something in the car. Jack, could you come with me and give me a hand?"

"Yes. Excuse me, Lizzy, William, we'll be right back".

Lizzy and William were left to entertain each other. William was silent, and for some unknown reason, Lizzy could not find a subject that would suit her. Finally she remembered that Jack has mentioned that William has been abroad.

"Mr. Darcy, we cannot sit like this, completely silent."

"Why have you called me Mr. Darcy?"

"I do not know. It just seemed proper. We hardly know each other, we stand in no relation whatsoever, so I figured out…"

"Oh, do not trouble yourself with that. It's just that everyone calls me here by my Christian name and not my surname."

"I gather then that you have been abroad for a long time."

Darcy didn't answer at once. Again, he seemed tensed and Lizzy could not guess why.

"Yes… I have been traveling for a long time and even though I have returned, England seems distant and foreign."

"Yes, I can guess what you mean."

"Which part of England are you from, Miss…"

"Bennet. I am from Hertfordshire. And you, sir?"

"I come from Derbyshire."

"It is believed to be a beautiful county."

"Yes, I never tire of the view of Derbyshire landscape. ……… Miss Bennet, forgive me, would you like something to drink?"

"Yes. A glass of water please."

Darcy stood up and went to fetch it.

Meanwhile, outside the pub, Jane had been pacing around the car.

"Jack, who is he?"

Jack blushed.

"He is a friend of mine, who has been abroad for some years and now has returned."

"Where did you meet him?"

"We were together at high school. He was one of my closest friends. We then lost contact and yesterday he phoned me."

"I don't believe you. There cannot be such coincidence. Tell me the truth Jack."

"It is the truth."

"Okay. Remember, you've been telling me about your friends from high school. We are still seeing ninety percent of them, but neither you nor anyone of our acquaintances ever mentioned a name: William Darcy. Why, Jack? Why?"

"I don't know. It's been seven years since we have all parted. I don't know why the subject of Darcy never came out in our conversations."

"Okay, I am willing to believe you, but first I want to see your high school yearbook. If Darcy is there, I will apologise for my outburst and you may tease me for that for as long as it will amuse you. However if Darcy is not there, you will tell me the whole story and I will be free to tease you on that subject as long as I will like it. Do we have a deal?"

"Jane, what's the point in doing it? Don't you trust me? "

"It is not the question of trust. It is the question of Lizzy's future! Deal?"

"There is no need for that. I admit I lied but if I have told you the truth you would think I was insane."

"Now you are talking. Tell me everything you know about Darcy."

"I have met him yesterday evening. Remember I drove you home and went to Clovelly. I came home and there he was, sitting in my armchair, reading "The Remains of the Day" by Ishiguro. I was scared to death. Can you imagine? A strange man sitting in your own room, with your own book! He stood up, greeted me and said he was sorry for the intrusion, but he wasn't responsible for it, as he had no idea how he found himself there. He introduced himself as Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, Derbyshire. We started talking and he told me about himself. He wasn't very talkative but from what he said I gathered he believes he was born in 1784. He seems a nice chap, although his behaviour at times may look rather strange or even haughty. I had no idea how long he is to stay, so I made him look more modern and instructed him that there are no Mr.- and Miss- stuff, that we call each other by our Christian names and that his own sounds pretty strange so we had to change it to William. I wanted it to be Will, but he wouldn't agree. I called you so that we could first meet together and then introduce him into our society. He says, he may stay here for a long time because he has to figure out how to return. Are you satisfied?"

"Yes! It all makes sense now. Have you read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen? Of course you haven't. If you had, you would know who Fitzwilliam Darcy is. You would also know that after long peregrinations he is to marry Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn, Hertfordshire. My "friend" Elizabeth - Lizzy has found herself in unexplained circumstances in my bedroom this morning. The Lizzy, you have just met, is a future MRS Fitzwilliam Darcy. I know there is some reason for which they have both come to our time and to stay with two people who love each other."

"Jane, it's only a book. Maybe it's just a coincidence…"

"I don't believe in coincidences. There is something in it and we shall know it. Now, we'd better return to them."

Part Three

hey re-entered the pub smiling. Jane decided that Lizzy and Darcy should know nothing about the existence of a book that tells their lives' story. As they approached the table, occupied by Darcy and Elizabeth, they have noticed that the couple enjoyed their time together. Darcy wore a broad smile. They have been discussing Samuel Richardson's novel titled "Pamela". Lizzy has been explaining:

"But do you not think, sir, that the deeds of Mr. B. were awful. How can a man think so highly of himself that he neglects the very foundations of good breeding? How can he think that just because he is rich, he can use poor Pamela? Will you not agree that it is below a man?"

"I concur, Miss Bennet. His behaviour has been, indeed, very rude, yet had you considered his claims for such behaviour, you might not judge him that hard. He is not only rich but also educated; he knows the ways of the world. In his society, his behaviour was not that rare."

"Yet do we have to behave in certain ways just because other people do it. One should have enough common sense and moral principles not to follow the crowd, if the crowd is wrong."

"I absolutely agree with you Lizzy," cried Jack. "I see you have found a topic to discuss. I hope you have not noticed our absence, for which we apologise."

"Apologies accepted, though there has been no need for them." said Elizabeth.

"Would you like to stay here or do we go for a walk. London in the evening is a beautiful place. We could see the Tower and Buckingham Palace…" suggested Jane.

"Buckingham Palace?" asked Darcy.

"That is to say St. James's Palace. We could then go to dinner."

"It sounds like a marvelous idea. Shall we go?" called Lizzy.

They have all set out to see the twentieth-century London. Dinner in a Chinese restaurant in Soho wasn't the best idea. Neither Darcy nor Lizzy knew how to operate with chopsticks and Beijing Duck was a nightmare for both of them. Yet as they parted late at night, both guests seemed perfectly happy. Jane noticed that Darcy was quite animated and his mood reminded her of "the Derbyshire Darcy" from the novel. Maybe they are not just the characters in the novel, maybe they had really lived but their life turned out to be different from what the book says. Maybe they were brought here, so that we could show them the way, show them how to achieve happiness.

Lizzy has been sleeping in the front seat of Jane's car on the way home. It hasn't been a long ride, but it has been a long day for Elizabeth. Jane woke her gently when she had parked the car. They walked up the stairs and Lizzy unconsciously marched towards the armchair.

"Would you like tea or coffee?"

"Yes, please. Tea would be great."

Jane fetched the cups and sat in an armchair opposite to Lizzy.

"Did you like William? I think he is a nice chap."

"He tries to be very pleasing but when he talks about duty, social classes and education, he seems fastidious and haughty. When you came back with Jack, we were discussing a book. If you had come earlier, you would have heard his opinions on marriage within one's class."

"Lizzy, would you marry some one just because he asked you and said he loved you, although he admitted that every feeling in him revolts against your alliance?"

"It depends on many things but I doubt finding myself in such situation. If he loves me, I have to love him too. I truly do not know what I would do. The only important thing is love and I know that I would never marry without love and I would definitely not for money."

"Good. We have a saying here that if you marry for money, you will have to earn them all your life. But…! Try not to be prejudiced. Sometimes true feelings hide themselves in the chaos of prejudices and we cannot find them."

"I always consult my common sense while making an important decision and so far I have avoided the sorrow lot and existence of a prejudiced man. It is lovely to talk with you but I am very tired. Could you find me some place to sleep?"

"Of course, I should have thought about it earlier, forgive me. You may sleep in my "guest room". It's small but I hope you don't mind. The bed is quite comfortable. Here it is." said Jane showing Lizzy inside. "Sleep well and I shall wake you tomorrow at ten if you don't get up earlier. If you do, and I'm not around, there will be hot coffee waiting for you in the kitchen. Good night. Sleep well."

"Thank you, you too. Jane?"

"Yes?"

"I just wanted to tell you that you are a wonderful person and so is Jack You are made for each other."

"Thank you. It's nice of you to say so. See you tomorrow."

Meanwhile at Clovelly House, Jack and Darcy had been drinking whiskey.

"Did you enjoy the time?"

"Yes, it was rewarding. Jane is a lovely person."

"Yes, she is. I don't know what I would do without her. It's unbelievable that only two years ago we didn't know each other. She came here to study. She has vacations now and starts again at Michaelmas. But Elizabeth is a very nice person too, don't you think?"

"Yes she is. However Miss Bennet seems to have the capacity to oppose to everything I say. She can also be quite teasing."

"I have noticed. Especially when she wants to ridicule one's folly."

"What was the thing she said tonight at dinner when we were discussing Napoleon? Oh yes, I remember: "Whenever you feel like criticising anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had". I wonder how she came up with such an idea."

"I can tell you. It's an opening sentence from "The Great Gatsby" by Scott Fitzgerald."

"So she also professes opinions that are not her own."

"Don't be serve on her. I find her a very amiable person."

"You sound like my friend Bingley."

"We'd better get some sleep because tomorrow the ladies won't let us rest, and you, I believe, wanted to find something on crossing time. I will show you to your room and bid you good night."

"Good night."

Part Four

t was nine o'clock when Jane woke up. The first thing she remembered was yesterday's afternoon and evening. A sudden thought came to her mind. Maybe it was just a dream! She got up and went to the "guest room". The door was half-opened. She saw Elizabeth sleeping, her curling hair on the pillow. Had Darcy seen her at that moment he would have fallen in love with her in a second. thought Jane. He would have no objections to her background or connections. Lizzy opened her eyes and smiled at Jane.

"Good morning. Is it ten already?"

"No, but as I was passing by, I saw you sleeping and you looked so lovely that I couldn't help stopping by. Had any man seen you at that moment, he would have fallen for you at an instant."

"Jane, don't say such things. I hope no one but you had seen me. If otherwise I could never look straight in people's eyes again. Not only would my reputation be ruined, but also that of my family. I would have never brought disgrace on my name, though I fear that there are enough people in my family who could do it without any scruples."

"Don't say such things. Sooner or later everything will be fine and you will be laughing at what you say now."

"You sound as though you knew my future?"

"Nonsense! It's just the common sense that you are so proud of. And now get up because we have to go shopping. The fridge is empty and you have nothing to wear for an evening out."

"I do have the dress you had given me yesterday."

"It is not suitable for an evening out."

"But yesterday, it was fine."

"Yesterday was yesterday and today… well… you cannot wear the same things all the time."

Two Hours Later At Sainsbury

"Jane, what is that?"

"It's a shop, a supermarket, where you find everything and the majority of it is cheaper."

"Are there many supermarkets like this?"

"Oh yes. Take the trolley and I'll be putting things inside. "

"What are those cupboards for?"

"These are not cupboards. These are fridges, where you store meat and other things, so that they will not rot."

"You have one at home, you said. It is very useful and very twentieth century." Jane laughed.

Lizzy and Jane were walking out of the supermarket, each with a big paper bag that covered the sight. Lizzy was in the lead when something, or rather someone, hit her. She lost balance, fell down and with her, the bag. Jane hadn't seen it at the first moment and it was not until she heard a familiar voice say:

"Excuse me, Miss… Oh Miss Bennet, I am so sorry. Are you well?" that she knew something had happened.

"Yes, I thank you Mr. Darcy but you should pay more attention to where you are going," came the reply.

"Yes, madam. Let me gather your things. I am exceedingly sorry about what happened…"

"Am I not interrupting?" asked Jane who has been standing unnoticed next to Lizzy.

"Good morning Miss…Jane." called Darcy jumping to his feet. "I have…. I…"

"I know you ran into Lizzy. What are you doing here?"

"I came with Jack shopping and Jack left his wallet in the pocket of his jacket in the car, so I offered to fetch it."

"And here you are running into Lizzy." laughed Jane. "We have to go, it was nice to see you again."

"The pleasure was mine. Good morning ladies."

Packing everything into the car took them fifteen minutes, as Jane had problems with unlocking the car. They were almost ready to leave when Jack and Darcy appeared.

"Hello, darling," called Jack

"Hi! What are you doing at such hours during weekdays shopping? I thought you shop only on Sundays."

"It's true unless there is special occasion. And today there is one. I wanted to invite you two to dinner at my place. I cook."

"Great, isn't it Lizzy? We gladly accept. At what time shall we be there?"

"Eight would be fine."

"Okay, Lizzy, we have a lot to do and not much time. See you guys at eight."

They drove away but Jane could notice that although Lizzy hasn't been paying much attention to Darcy, he started observing her quite closely, especially when she was standing silent and looking in some other direction. We are on a good way, said she inwardly. The idea with the locks was a good one.

Meanwhile, Jack has been struggling with the shopping. Darcy seemed to be on some other planet.

"Could you give me a hand?"

"Yes, of course. Excuse me."

"You were quite absentminded. What happened?"

"Nothing, It's just that… I didn't know Miss Bennet and Jane come to dinner."

"Well, I thought it would be nice to have them both with us. I tell you there is nothing like a home-made dinner if you want to woo a woman."

"Who do you want to woo?"

"I have already wooed one. We shall marry when she finishes university. Now it's time for you. Lizzy and you would make a great couple."

"How could you think that I want to woo Miss Bennet."

"Do you want?"

"No, but…"

"So there is already a "but"! Come man; admit you are attracted to her. I had seen you looking at her when I was talking to Jane."

"No, it's just that… that she has intriguing eyes."

"That's a good start. Let's go we have lots to do and it's already noon."

Part Five

ane and Lizzy went through each and every cloth-shop that could be found on both Oxford and Bond Streets. What they have chosen was an outcome of compromise between both young ladies. Elizabeth wanted a long, light dress, which did not suit Jane at all, as she wanted to have Lizzy in a tight black one. Finally they have chosen a deep green, rather short dress made of taffeta in which Lizzy looked "very attractive" as she was told by at least four persons from shop's personnel. Jane declared that all they needed now was a visit to her hairdresser and a delicate make-up.

As the girls were busy looking for a "suitable dress", the boys were busy preparing the dinner. Jack has chosen a Polish menu of which he knew Jane was fond. It consisted of a Polish soup called Zur , Old Polish zrazy with Mushrooms and Cream alongside with pierozki (dumplings). For a desert, he was thinking of Fluffy Baba. It all required a lot of work and he knew he would need help from Darcy. For the first hour Darcy behaved as though he has never been in the kitchen, not to mention cooking. He had absolutely no idea how to separate yolks from the white, and at a certain moment, Jack thought that he would either have to call off the meeting or order something from the restaurant. However after an hour or so, he noticed that Darcy began to understand what cooking was all about. No more was he wearing this funny expression on his face, that had appeared as Jack told him to go to the kitchen and help. He proved to be extremely useful while making the dumplings. He had the patience and the accuracy that was needed for it. At seven, the zrazy were ready, the soup tasted lovely, the dumplings were already fried and waiting to cool. The cake was in the oven and everything was under control. They had now one hour before the girls would come. Having themselves showered and dressed properly they were waiting for the ladies in Jack's cabinet; both with a glass of wine in hand.

Quarter past eight the bell rang and two stunning creatures came in. Darcy couldn't take his eyes from Elizabeth and both Jane and Jack noticed that Lizzy was also taken with Darcy. He was wearing a smart, black suit, and even loving Jane had to admit that Darcy looked better in Jack's cloths than the owner did. Having entered the living room, Jack poured each of them aperitifs. Mainly Jack and Jane sustained the conversation. Darcy and Lizzy scarcely took part in the conversation. They looked as though each of them was making some kind of a decision. A few minutes before nine, Jack announced that dinner would be served at nine and called Jane to the kitchen. Darcy and Elizabeth were again left to entertain each other. Elizabeth looked around and ventured an opinion.

"Jack lives quite comfortably."

"Yes, I believe he does. He told me that he inherited the house after his uncle's death. Each man in his twenties should have a house."

"So he could waste it gambling." said Lizzy archly.

"You tend to be rather severe on man."

"Well, the longer I live on this world the less I like it."

"World does not mean men."

"Maybe not your world but from where I come from, world means men as it is made by men."

"What do you have against men?"

"Well, they are either stupid or indifferent, but they are always after the money. They do not merit you for who you are but for what you have."

"Well, these are heavy accusations, but before you feel like criticising anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had" replied Darcy laughing at her.

She looked at him with her "intriguing" eyes that glanced with a sparkle of amusement as she said:

"I believe I had been killed with my own sword. Acknowledged sir. I admit I am defeated." And in her thoughts she added: I acknowledge that you are a worthy opponent but the next battle is mine to win.

The rest of the evening passed without problems. During the dinner, Lizzy and Darcy joined in the conversation of the other couple. It was witty and at times sharp but as they parted, they felt that they have never passed such a pleasant evening. Darcy was on the point of deciding that he preferred the twentieth century to his own. He was not sure why, but his inner voice told him that it had something to do with Miss Bennet. The time he spent washing the dishes allowed him to contemplate the person of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. By the time he was going to bed, he decided that Miss Bennet was unlike any of the people he knew. As he was falling asleep he had the image of Miss Bennet's smiling face.

Also Miss Bennet's thoughts were occupied by Mr. Darcy. She acknowledged, his company was pleasant but only with other people in the room. When they were alone they seemed to have arguments on various topics. It never happened in company of others. She wasn't thinking of him in terms of liking or disliking. She was contemplating how to draw him into conversation, so to laugh at his follies. The next time we see each other you will be sorry that you have used my words against me. Suddenly she thought she was being mean. This thought however was soon forgotten as it was balanced by the fact that Darcy made every effort to contradict her theses. As she closed her eyes at night, she was sure she had the image of William Darcy before her eyes.

Part Six

he morning greeted the girls with sunny weather. They were sitting in the kitchen, sipping coffee.

"What are you planning to do today?"

"Well, I don't know, but we could go for a little excursion, say to Cambridge."

"Good idea. Are the gentlemen to accompany us?"

"Do you want it?"

"Well, it would be nice and as far as I remember Darcy spent there three years. He might give us a tour."

With a quizzical smile, Jane said simply: "I'll phone Jack."

She returned in five minutes and said. "Get ready, they will be here in half an hour."

Jane and Lizzy were standing in front of Jane's house when Jack's car pulled in. They jumped inside and greeted the men. They've been going on a motorway for two hours. Darcy and Lizzy were silent. They both admired the view from the window. Journey by car is so much different from that in the coach. thought Darcy, the landscape has changed so much through the last two hundred years. Maybe it is more comfortable to have a car to travel or fridge to store food but the landscape is no more as beautiful as it was.

Lizzy's thoughts were differently occupied. How to provoke him to that degree that he says something stupid and I can tease him. I wonder how he would react if I said:

"Mr. Darcy, do you think women should be admitted into universities?"

"Why, yes, Miss Bennet. Jane has been studying law and she is such a wonderful and accomplished woman!"

"Mr. Darcy you flatter me!" cried Jane.

Lizzy wasn't happy that he professed such an opinion, which contradiction she couldn't defend. Instead she asked Jane:

"Jane, I heard that you and Jack are planning to get married when you finish your studies?"

"Yes, that is our plan. I have one more year before I complete it."

"Have you never considered quitting studies and marrying?"

"No, Jack and I both know that without proper education you cannot achieve much. Therefore we decided to wait."

"Do you not think, Mr. Darcy that it is a sensible idea?"

"Yes, it is very sensible" replied he, "One must not marry at the age of twenty or two-and-twenty, when one goes through the age of stupidity. Marriage, in my opinion, requires responsibility and rarely is one truly responsible in one's early twenties."

Elizabeth couldn't disagree. There was this feeling within her that she couldn't name. Right at that time she wasn't even thinking about it as she was occupied creating tricky subject for him. She hasn't even noticed amusement on the faces of her three companions. Remembering yesterday's argument, Darcy knew what she was aiming at but promised himself that in no way can she find a subject on which he may profess opinions that do not agree with hers. There was also this thought in him that he should show her that he could give up his opinions for her. Jack noticed his grin and looked at Jane, who was visible in the rear view mirror. She also grinned and noticing him started to wink. She was wondering what Elizabeth would think of. Her curiosity was satisfied soon.

"Jack, you said, you work in trade. By some people it may be considered below their rank to associate with tradesmen. Have you ever had problems with that?"

"No. In my circles no one would ever consider such way of thinking."

"And you, Mr. Darcy," continued Elizabeth, "could you despise a person who lives from trade."

"By God, never Miss Bennet. One should never be prejudiced and if one must judge other people, one ought to consider who they are and not what they do for living."

Elizabeth was at a loss. He seemed to be doing it on purpose. Why was he not entering into argument with her? Throughout the day in Cambridge, she has been trying to engage him in conversation on controversial topics but without success.

On the way back she was silent. How wrong has she judged him? He was witty, intelligent and could easily be called more than a worthy opponent. She was beginning to admire him. He was so calm that none of her questions could drive him out of control. She was feeling silly. Had she judged him properly, she would not have made an idiot of herself today. She was sure he could not hold her in high esteem now.

She couldn't have erred more. At two o'clock, Darcy was sure she could come up with no more topics on which she could catch him and mock at his opinions. Yet she amazed him. She kept asking questions on various topics until they had returned to the car. He thought of her as about a delightful creature. He couldn't precisely determine his feelings, but he had already acknowledged that she had been one of a kind.

Jack dropped Jane and Lizzy in front of their home. Jane invited him and Darcy to step inside, but both men decided that it would be better if the girls got a good night sleep after a long day. Jane knew it was just an excuse but said nothing. She knew Jack had to go to work tomorrow, his vacations were over. Jane kissed Jack and Darcy bowed to Elizabeth. She smiled faintly and acknowledged it, thinking how bad she looked in his eyes.

Both girls were sitting in Jane's room drinking tea. Elizabeth was in rather low spirits but kept conversing with her friend. She has come to consider Jane a friend. It was around eleven when the telephone rang. Jane picked the receiver. She whispered to Elizabeth:

"It's Jack."

Then there was a long silence. Jack has been telling her something rather fervently. Lizzy couldn't hear it but from Jane's expression she could tell, something bad happened. Something was telling her that it's about William.

Part Seven

ane, something terrible has happened. Darcy disappeared before my eyes. We were talking about Cambridge and I asked him how he felt about Elizabeth. First he blushed but then looked into my eyes and said:

"I rarely open myself to other people but I will tell you how I feel. She is one of the people, and there are not many of them, whom I hold in high esteem. She is witty, intelligent and she knows what she wants; yet she will never sacrifice her principles to achieve what she wants. Her principals have no price. At first I considered her to be one of those sharp people who seek to recommend themselves to others by being scornful but I was mistaken. She does only what she thinks is right and has no other motive. Even though our acquaintance has been rather short, I have to admit that I have grown to admire her. I… I think I… think I… have fallen in love with her. Yes, that's it. I couldn't find a proper word for the feeling I have for her. Now I know it! It is L O V E!!!

I was looking at him in disbelief. It occurred to me that you were right. There was a purpose in them coming to us. They were to find love. Then I have noticed that something was wrong. He started to tremble. He muttered that he was dizzy and that he could see nothing. Before my eyes he started to fade and within thirty seconds he disappeared. Just like that!"

"Oh, Jack what are we to do. How am I to tell her that?"

"Tell what Jane?" cried Elizabeth, "What?"

"Come over here Jack, I have to talk to Elizabeth." She hanged up the receiver and turned to Lizzy. "Lizzy, it's about William. He has disappeared. "

"How was that possible?"

"Lizzy, they had been talking about you…"

"About me?"

"Yes, William was telling Jack how he felt about you. He said that he admired you and that… that he loved you…"

Lizzy stood up and ran out of the room crying. Jane followed her to her room and sat next to her on the bed. Lizzy was sobbing and Jane hugged her. After half an hour she regained enough control of herself that she could utter:

"It's all so clear now. I teased him and quarreled with him. I tried to show him that his views were wrong and what he did. I am sure he did not quarrel with me today not only because he wanted to tease me, but also to show me that he was willing to give up his opinions for me. And I was so stupid," cried she, still sobbing. "He did that because he loved me, and I was so blind and hadn't noticed his affection. Until the moment you told me about his disappearance, I could not name the feeling that I had for him. Now I know what it is called. It is love. But now it is all too late. Oh, Jane…" she sobbed.

Jane was holding her tight repeating that everything would be fine. Suddenly she noticed that Elizabeth was trembling. The trembling grew; she looked as if she were dizzy. Jane realised that she was fading. Just like William, she faded within thirty seconds.

When Jack arrived he found Jane staring in an empty air. He knew that Lizzy must have faded away too.

"Don't worry Jane, everything will be fine. You knew that we had a task to accomplish. These two people were made for each other and we helped them discover that. We should be happy. Now, we are sure they will find understanding in their own time."

Jane looked at him and smiled. Jack embraced her and they were sitting like that, until two hours later Jane fell asleep. Half asleep, she whispered to Jack:

"We have our future to plan, just as we planned the future of our friends. I love you…"

Part Eight

Autumn 1811

Longbourn

ane," whispered Elizabeth.

"I am here sister. It is so good to have you back. We were so worried about you."

"What has happened?"

"Five days ago you went for walk but never came back. We were searching for you and after two hours Hill and Papa found you lying unconscious three miles away from Longbourn. We were very worried. No doctor could tell us what was wrong with you. Papa was very worried. You know how he loves you…"

At that moment Mrs. Bennet burst into the room.

"Oh Lizzy you are with us again. It is so good, so good. Do you know that Netherfield Park is let at last? It is taken by a young man of three and twenty from the North. He has FIVE THOUSEND A YEAR !!!…"

"Enough Mrs. Bennet, Lizzy has to rest," interrupted her Mr. Bennet. When his wife left, he simple said "It's good to have you back sound, dear."

Meanwhile

London

Fitzwilliam Darcy and his sister Georgiana were drinking tea.

"William, it is so good to have you sound again. The Colonel and myself were very worried about you. The doctor said that you are in a coma but he could not state the reason for it. Do you remember anything?"

"No. I mean I do not remember what happened to me. There is only the feeling of anticipation in me. It is as though something very important was to happen. Very important for my future."

"And you have no idea what it is?"

"I feel as though…" he stopped I was to meet somebody he added in his thoughts, and then aloud, "I truly don't know. Is there any mail for me?"

"Yes, I believe Charles Bingley wants to invite you to his new home. He took Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire."

"Do you want me to go there?"

"I would love to have you for myself, but I think you should go. Maybe it is the important thing that you anticipate."

Four Weeks Later

The Bennet family, excepting Mr. Bennet, was on its way to the Assembly rooms in Meryton. Jane and Lizzy were speaking quietly.

"And you remember nothing."

"No facts at all but I have such a strange feeling. I think there must have been some reason for me to stay in a comatose state for five days without any logical explanation."

"You mentioned some kind of feeling. What is it?"

"I don't know but it's been growing stronger every day for the last month. It's a feeling that my future depends on the events that are soon to come."

"Have you any notion of these events?"

"No, but maybe it's the ball at the Assembly Rooms."

"Stop laughing, Lizzy. It may be serious."

"We will see what the future brings."

The carriage arrived and Mrs. Bennet with the girls entered the Rooms. They were late, due to Kitty's and Lydia's quarrel about dresses. They entered a few minutes before the group from Netherfield arrived. The Netherfield party consisted of three gentlemen and two ladies, both sisters of Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth glanced at them but only one person drew her attention. It was a tall, handsome man in his mid-twenties. Mrs. Bennet whispered to her ear that according to Mrs. Long he had ten thousand a year and a marvelous estate in Derbyshire.

Sir William greeted the new guests and Elizabeth had noticed that the tall man was looking at her. He said something to Mr. Bingley and the latter started speaking to Sir William. Sir William smiled and led both gentlemen to the place where Mrs. Bennet and her daughters stood. He introduced the gentlemen to the ladies. The tall, handsome man requested Elizabeth's next dance, and Bingley, Jane's.

When the dances commenced they both approached the ladies. At first Darcy and Elizabeth were silent but then Darcy started:

"Excuse my boldness, Miss Bennet, but have we not met before?"

"I do not think so, although you seem very familiar to me."

"Do you have this feeling, too."

"Yes."

Dear Reader! Miss Elizabeth Bennet has become Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy. However, the fact that both parties involved were kind towards each other from the very beginning, allowed it to be accomplished faster than it happened according to Miss Austen's book. Life is usually different from fiction.

PS. Don't think that Lady Catherine accepted Elizabeth. She was even ruder than Miss Austen suggests. However true love can never be defeated, if it is defeated it wasn't true love.