Beginning, Section II, Next Section

Chapter 6

lizabeth's eyes slowly opened in the bright morning sun. It was hard to believe, as gloomy as it had been the day before, but it was a beautiful day out. Perhaps I shall go for a walk, she thought.

She lolled about in bed a few moments, reflecting on the evening before. She wasn't sure what Caroline had said to their father, but when she had appeared at the dining table she looked most defiant, which had brought even more sparkle to her dark eyes. Mr. Hollis, unfortunately, had hardly noticed her. Elizabeth wished she knew what the gentleman saw in her, so that she could stop doing it, but short of coming out and asking him, she had no way of knowing.

A note had arrived quite late from Netherfield from Isabel, saying that because of the poor traveling conditions the Connor sisters had insisted upon their staying the evening. Isabel sounded as though she was not pleased with the prospect (poor Sophie and Lucinda, they are likely as displeased), but had agreed to the arrangement. Isabel had added a postscript, however, which had vaguely bothered Elizabeth.

Julia has been sneezing throughout dinner, and her cheeks have an abnormal amount of colour in them. However, I am certain that it is just because of the weather today and she shall be fine by morning--I.

Elizabeth would feel much better if Julia were home where she could see her and be reassured that she was well. Julia rarely took ill, but the last time she had, it had been quite serious. Elizabeth remembered sitting over her sister's bedside many an evening that winter, worrying that her sister may not recover. Yet Julia had soon proved her wrong and became better.

With a tense sigh, Elizabeth swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up, stretching as she did so. It was nearly half an hour before she was able to join the family for breakfast, and by that time she discovered that Isabel had returned from Netherfield.

"Miss Connor arranged for me to go. Papa, I cannot help but think that perhaps she does not like me," Isabel was saying.

"Not like you? Isabel, it must be your imagination. Who upon seeing you could not like you?"

"All the same, I do not think Miss Connor or Mrs. Shawcross likes me." Isabel sighed. "Still, it was good that I was able to stay the night. I saw Mr. Connor at breakfast."

Elizabeth looked around the room, searching for the familiar face of her sister. "Where is Julia?" she asked.

Mr. Collins looked up at her, his displeasure at her "shenanigans" the evening before clear. "And good morning to you as well, Elizabeth."

"Where is Julia?" she repeated calmly.

"Julia is still at Netherfield," Isabel said.

"Why is she still there if you are home?"

"She is ill."

Elizabeth was stunned at Isabel's somewhat blasé attitude about her sister's illness. It seemed as though she could care less whether Julia lived or died, as long as she had the opportunity to see Mr. Connor.

"You should not worry, Beth," Victoria said softly. "I am positive that Mr. Connor sent for a doctor first thing this morning."

"Was it that serious?" Elizabeth's voice rose in proportion to her panic.

"Of course not, otherwise I would not have left no matter how much his sisters hated me." Isabel took a sip of tea. "She just had a cold and a slight fever."

"But Julia is never sick."

"Elizabeth, would please sit down? It is most distracting, having you standing while we eat." Mr. Collins spoke with his mouth full.

Elizabeth reluctantly sat in her customary seat, looking across the way at Julia's. A servant poured her a drink as her mother offered her some eggs, but she acknowledged neither person.

"Mr. Connor was not overly happy with his sisters for extending the invitation on a day of such dreadful weather, but I explained that we had set out hoping to arrive before it started raining. He did not seem...as though that answer pleased him, either."

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow in response. Mr. Connor, not pleased with Isabel? Or did he think Julia to be behind their appearance?

"Well, I dare say that Julia shall get over her cold soon enough and be back here with us at Longbourn," Mr. Collins said.

"Papa, Mama, I believe I should go to Netherfield and be with Julia," Elizabeth said abruptly.

"What on earth are you talking about?" Mr. Collins asked. "You are not needed at Netherfield, as Victoria just pointed out. You would do much better to stay here. Mr. Hollis is planning on joining us again this evening."

Had Elizabeth only been half-interested in going to Netherfield and taking care of Julia, the threat of having to sit at dinner with Mr. Hollis--who had spent the better part of the evening praising Miss Anne de Bourgh and her late mother--would have been more than enough to send her scurrying away.

"Doctors are all well and good, but Julia needs someone with her during her illness. She knows no one at Netherfield, and I feel I would be of great benefit to her."

Before Mr. Collins could offer a reply, Charlotte said, "I think it a wonderful idea. Elizabeth is right, Mr. Collins. Julia would recover much faster if her twin were there with her." Charlotte smiled. "I shall arrange for the carriage to take you there."

"Thank you, Mama."

Mr. Collins looked quite put out by his wife's taking the decision out of his hands. "But you should return before dinner," he said. "You may go to check on your sister, and be assured that she is all right. Charlotte, you may arrange for the carriage to bring her back in time for dinner."

"If you so wish, sir," Charlotte said, certain that someone at Netherfield could be persuaded to write and say that Elizabeth's presence was essential and she could not leave until Julia was better.

Elizabeth rose from the table. "If you will excuse me, I need to prepare to go to Netherfield."

She arrived no more than an hour later. Miss Connor briskly walked over to greet her, clasping her hands and greeting her warmly.

"Oh, Elizabeth, I wish that I had never sent that note!" she exclaimed. "I feel simply terrible that I am the cause of your sister's illness."

"Do not distress yourself, for Julia had no way of knowing that she would fall ill."

"I am so glad to have you here. Yesterday was most unusual, for we had the most interesting talk with your sister Isabel. Isabel believed that our brother was to be here and spoke of little else the entire time. Then Julia nearly fainted at the dinner table...and I felt so bad, for Isabel kept exclaiming that Julia was never ill, and that she had no idea of what should be done for her. She was most determined to leave here this morning."

"I had heard that your brother was most unhappy to find them here."

"He was upset with me, yes, for extending the invitation, and he was correct in being thus. This morning, however..."

"Yes?"

"I do not think he was altogether pleased with Isabel, to tell you the truth. She was in such a hurry to leave, almost as though she feared being in the same house as Julia would cause her to catch her illness. She would not even hear of entering her room to ask if Julia wanted to send a note."

"Did she?"

"Yes...did you not receive it?"

"No."

Miss Connor sighed. "I have a terrible feeling that it ended up somewhere alongside of the road, and I do apologize. You must have suffered agonies, wondering about your sister."

"You need not apologize, Lucinda. Isabel is not your sister."

"I should have sent the message with a servant rather than with Isabel. Then I could have been assured that you would receive the note."

"What does it matter, so long as I am here now?"

"Of course, you are right. Here I have been talking such inconsequential things, and you are undoubtedly wishing to see your sister. Come, I shall take you to her."

"Thank you."

Miss Connor led Elizabeth up the stairs and into the guest room where Julia lay resting, her eyes closed, her cheeks flushed. Elizabeth sat beside her, resting her palm on Julia's forehead, which was uncommonly warm.

"The doctor assured us that it was just a bad cold and she should be fine in a day or two," Miss Connor said.

"Julia is strong. She will be fine," Elizabeth replied.

Miss Connor left Elizabeth alone with Julia. For the most part, she sat there and watched as Julia slept. Her twin opened her eyes once, saw that she was there, and smiled before returning to her sleep.

It was in such a manner that Elizabeth spent the better part of her day, not stirring until late afternoon, when hunger pangs made her realize that she had not eaten breakfast in her haste to go to Netherfield and that she had eaten very little at dinner the evening before. That caused her to recall that Mr. Hollis was again expected at dinner--which was enough to cause her to lose some of her appetite.

Elizabeth dearly wished that she could ask to stay the night at Netherfield, but she would not be so presumptuous as to ask. Her mother was likely to have the carriage sent for her within the hour, so she must steel herself for another evening of dullness and glorification of the de Bourgh family.

She slowly made her way downstairs to find Miss Connor and thank her for her generosity towards Julia, but just as she was about to ask the butler where she could be found, the door opened and three men walked in.

"I say, Anthony, that you made a most excellent shot."

"Nonsense, Michael. It was a lucky shot at best."

"You are far too modest. It is not every man who gets distracted by a friend tripping over a dog and still manages to get his game."

"If you had not distracted me, Robert, I likely would not have made it."

Elizabeth stopped just as they noticed her.

"Miss Julia?" Mr. Connor asked, his voice incredulous.

"Elizabeth," Mr. Ashton corrected before Elizabeth could.

How did he know it was me? she wondered, as she felt herself getting lost in his amber eyes once again.

t is so good of you to come," Mr. Connor said. "Julia has been quite unwell."

"I have seen her worse, sir, so do not fear. She will be fine."

"I am surprised to see you here," the third member of the party, Mr. Shawcross, said. "Your sister Isabel tore out of here as though there were a plague in the house."

Elizabeth sighed at the reminder of her older sister's somewhat callous behaviour. "Yes, well, Isabel does not like to be reminded of illness." Her eyes tentatively met Mr. Ashton's, then quickly turned away.

You are a fool ten times over, Elizabeth Grace Collins, if you let yourself forget that he is a man almost engaged.

"You are free to stay at Netherfield as long as your sister remains ill," Mr. Connor said. "Would you like for me to send for some of your things?"

Elizabeth nearly shouted out her joy, and did not hesitate in answering. "Oh, yes, Mr. Connor. I would greatly appreciate your hospitality in allowing me to stay while Julia is sick. I feel that she would benefit from knowing I am here."

"Then it is all settled. Foster!" he called to the butler. "Send a man to Longbourn to bring some things for Miss Collins. She shall be staying with us until her sister recovers."

"Very good, sir."

"Your mother will not be distressed by your staying, will she?" Mr. Ashton asked. "I remember once when Lucinda took ill in London, Sophie stayed behind and her mother was furious."

"Most likely because most of Society had departed for the great house party in Sussex," Mr. Connor replied. "This was before she married Mr. Shawcross, and---oh. A story for another time, perhaps."

"I am certain my mother will understand," Elizabeth said. "She shall know that no such motive keeps me here, save a desire for the return of health to my sister." Elizabeth saw a brief moment of hurt fleet across Mr. Ashton's face. She began to feel sorry for him until she remembered him laughing with Miss Connor at the party.

"If you gentlemen would excuse me, I should like to send a note to her." Elizabeth made a quick curtsy.

"Of course," Mr. Ashton said. "Excuse us, Miss Elizabeth."

A servant showed her the way into the library, where she found pen, paper and ink. She managed to write "Dear Mama" before she found herself thinking of Mr. Ashton again.

"Elizabeth." He had known her right away. Well, it was to be expected--after all, Julia was much too ill to be moving about, leaving only one person who it could be. Still, Mr. Shawcross and Mr. Connor had been confused. Only Mr. Ashton had known--and had been certain of it.

She glanced about the desk, noticing a letter that lay exposed on top of some papers. Feeling like the worst of eavesdroppers, she picked it up.

"Dear Jonathon,

Greetings and salutations from Hertfordshire, and all those who live at Netherfield. Never in my life have I seen a more peaceful countryside than this, which undoubtedly would bore you to tears. As for myself, I confess that I enjoy the solitude.

We arrived a mere two weeks earlier after a sojourn in London. Robert spent a good deal of time enjoying the society and cast many an admiring eye on one lady or another, but none has captured his imagination quite like Miss Isabel Collins, a lady from Hertfordshire. She is, I grant you, a lovely young woman, but loveliness does not, and should not, detract from her obvious faults. She is far too concerned with details of fortune and property. She talks endlessly on a number of subjects that even you would find tedious. She is at times rude and self-possessed, but I suppose that she could not be any other way. You would understand if you met her father. The former Reverend Mr. Collins, now just Mr. Collins of Longbourn, is quite possibly the most boring gentleman I have ever met. He speaks so often of his former patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh (I believe we had the great misfortune of meeting that lady once, before she and her nephew severed ties due to his marriage), and he never finds anything about the woman that he cannot praise...except the fact that she is now deceased. It is easy to see how the eldest of his daughters managed to pick up the habit. Still, Robert is either unknowing of this or he is uncaring. He has not said anything as yet, but I believe he intends to make her an offer sometime in the near future, for he has never before been so captivated by a woman.

For all my disappointment in Robert, I must tell you that I have found reason to be seriously pleased in Hertfordshire, aside from the views. There is a young lady named Miss Elizabeth Collins with whom I have been very impressed. She is the younger sister of Miss Isabel, but I have never seen two sisters who have been less alike. I attribute this to Mrs. Collins, who from what I have seen is a truly great lady. (Any lady who would tolerate her husband's stupidities is one to be considered great.) Mrs. Collins is clearly close to Miss Elizabeth and her twin, Julia.

Oh, Jonathon, you would have to see Elizabeth Collins to believe her! She is nothing short of angelic, with beautiful blond hair and violet eyes unlike any I have ever seen. Yet she is more than just appearance. She is witty and outgoing, prudent (she never speaks ill of her family, much as she clearly wishes to) and yet daring, a wonderful listener and a good conversationalist. And I cannot deny that when I am with her, I feel a sense of completion that I have never felt with another woman.

Elizabeth blushed at the open admiration she met on the pages of this letter. How could he say such things about me if he were engaged?

You know me too well to doubt the sincerity of my feelings in this case.

Elizabeth glanced at the bottom of the letter, which was signed,

Your brother, Archibald Anthony Ashton IV.

"Archibald?" she murmured aloud. His name is Archibald?

She remembered that Mr. Shawcross had called him Anthony in the foyer before they had seen her.

"Think my name a tad ridiculous, do you?" a voice came from the door. Mr. Ashton stood there, a smile on his face.

Elizabeth turned even redder than before, caught as she was reading his private letter to his brother.

"I--I--"

"Do not worry. I have long since stopped taking offense, especially since very few people actually know it."

"Mr. Ashton, please forgive me for my--"

"Anthony." He walked over to the desk and sat on the edge.

"Excuse me?"

"You may call me Anthony, Miss Elizabeth, if I may call you just Elizabeth."

"That would be most improper, as I have known you only a week."

"For some people, one week would be more than enough time to know each other."

"We have only met twice." Elizabeth cleared her throat. "Besides, we have talked on little more than your admiration for Hertfordshire and your distaste for Philadelphia society."

"Have you found yourself thinking about much other than myself in the past few days?"

"Mr. Ashton--"

"I have thought of nothing but you. Your eyes. Your smile. Your grace and courage and beauty."

"I cannot believe--"

What Elizabeth was about to say remained unsaid, for Mr. Ashton's passion finally got the best of him and he could not prevent himself from kissing her.

Elizabeth had not anticipated Mr. Ashton's action, and the first touch of his lips to hers was something of a revelation. Her shock and anger at his presumption was soon outweighed by her curiosity and the pleasant tingle she felt.

Unfortunately, good sense and her father's voice calling her a morally devoid, wicked woman soon intervened. Elizabeth broke the kiss and soundly slapped the gentleman.

"Whatever was that for?" he asked.

"Look, Archibald--Mr. Ashton, I do not know what sort of woman you meet in America--"

"Generally, the same type I have met here. Except you, my darling Elizabeth."

"I am not your darling anything. I am a woman with whom you shared pleasant conversation, nothing more."

"You do not understand. Did you not read my letter to my brother?"

"I did. What I saw astonished me."

"Why did it do that?"

Elizabeth's frustration reached its peak. "How can you be almost engaged to one woman and yet sing the praises of another?"

Mr. Ashton was completely confused. "Engaged? To whom?"

It was Elizabeth's turn to be confused. "Why do you ask me to whom you are engaged, when you ought to know?"

"Clearly, madam, I do not know the name of my fiancee."

I must be mad to be having this conversation, Elizabeth thought. "You are most vexing. 'Tis Lucinda Connor who claims an engagement, sir."

"Miss Connor?" For a minute, Mr. Ashton could not make sense of the matter. Suddenly, everything made sense, and the world was a much better one for it. He laughed.

"What do you find so amusing, sir?"

"I believe there has been a miscommunication somewhere, Elizabeth."

"That is Miss Elizabeth, Archibald."

"That is Anthony, Elizabeth. I am not called Archibald by anyone except my mother and my brother when he wishes to annoy me." His laughter, however, ceased. "Tell me, what did Miss Connor tell you that led you to assume we were engaged?"

"It was no assumption. She said it herself."

"Yes? What was it she said?"

"She said--" Elizabeth tried to remember exactly what Miss Connor had said. "She said that she was engaged to Mr. Ashton--in short, sir, to you."

"She did?"

"Yes. She said that while there was no official announcement, you were merely waiting for final arrangements to be made."

"Did she say anything further?"

"Well, we were interrupted..."

"Then she never had the chance to finish, and did not give it another thought to tell you later. Of course, you have not seen her until today, and she probably was thinking more of your sister than of her talk with you."

"Tell me what?"

"Elizabeth, I never have been nor do I ever intend to be engaged to Miss Connor."

"She certainly seems to think you are."

"No, she does not. You see, my brother has a prior claim that I do not think he would appreciate my stepping in on."

"Your brother?" Elizabeth repeated. "What has your brother to do with it?"

"Miss Connor is almost engaged to my brother Jonathon."

"But she said--" What had she said? She had only said 'Mr. Connor,' not giving the gentleman a first name.

"Why did she tell you anything?"

"Because she noticed that we had been talking. I thought she was trying to warn me away from you."

Mr. Ashton frowned. "It is not likely that Lucinda was attempting to do anything such as that, for she speaks extremely well of you. Perhaps she was letting you know so you could share her joy...or possibly because she wanted you to know that you would become related by marriage."

"Do you not think that a bit premature? She is not officially engaged and we--"

"What about us?"

"I am not marrying you just because you kissed me. She had no reason to assume that we would based on one talk."

"I do not know why Miss Connor did what she did. All I can say is that we should put it behind us and make a fresh start."

For the first time since Miss Connor had pronounced that she was almost engaged to "Mr. Ashton," Elizabeth's heart felt lighter. Her Mr. Ashton, Mr. Archibald Anthony Ashton IV, was not the man Miss Connor had referred to.

"Anthony," Elizabeth said softly, "I believe I would like to do just that."

"It is too good to be true!" Elizabeth exclaimed when she checked on Julia later that evening. She had practically floated through dinner, and had not even bothered to regard the disgruntled note sent by her father, expressing as he always did his displeasure at her behaviour.

"What is?" Julia asked. She looked a bit better, but felt extremely weak.

"Mr. Ashton is not to be married to Miss Connor! It was all a misunderstanding!" Elizabeth related the story in full to Julia. When she came to the kiss, Julia's eyes widened.

"You kissed him, Beth?"

"You will think me terribly fast, Julia, but I did. Well, he kissed me, and I kissed him back."

"How was it?"

Elizabeth laughed. "Aside from the fact that when he did it, I thought him to be a scoundrel, it was quite nice." She stopped laughing. "But I did slap him, which was wrong of me. However, I am certain that he has forgiven me, given that I did not know the truth."

"Your Mr. Ashton could forgive you anything, I think." Julia coughed weakly, and all Elizabeth's cheer faded as her concern for Julia's health rose.

"Are you feeling any better?"

"A bit. Not as bad as I was this morning, thanks to you and Miss Connor. I am so glad you are here, Beth."

"I'm equally glad to be here." Elizabeth suddenly remembered that she had pleasant news to give Julia. "This should help you recover faster--Mr. Connor seems to have had a change of heart."

"In what way?" Julia asked.

"He was most displeased at Isabel's sudden disappearance this morning, and coupled with what Lucinda told him about my not getting your note--"

"Then how did you know that I wished you to come?"

"I came on my own."

"Oh. Thank you so much."

"Stop thanking me, Julia. You would have done the same were I ill. Anyway, Isabel's behaviour has put her in a most unfavourable light, in addition to some comments she made last night to the sisters at dinner."

"Yes...she spoke of little more than the previous night's party, and of how Mr. Connor had paid her particular attention. She almost seemed as if she wanted Sophie and Lucinda to pay her respect merely because their brother had paid her attentions and compliments. I believe they finally had had enough if they told Mr. Connor what she said."

"Mr. Ashton and I spoke--"

"Yes, you have told me."

"No, I mean through dinner, when we were not being watched. We sat next to each other and spoke privately. Mr. Ashton assures me that his friend is a sensible fellow, just occasionally blinded by beauty. If this is so, then Mr. Connor can soon be counted on to find another young lady to pay court to."

"Beth, please do not allow me to set my hopes. Mr. Connor is not likely to pay attention to me. There are the Misses Langston and Miss McGuire, who is visiting her cousins, all of whom are prettier than I. Miss Marcy Langston is particularly sweet and sensible--"

"You have an advantage over them, however."

"What is that?"

"You are here, and they are not."

"Some good being here does me. I cannot move from this bed, my nose is red and my cheeks are pale."

"I suspect that a little coaching on my part, along with Anthony's help, could send Mr. Connor in your direction."

"Anthony--oh, you mean Mr. Ashton. Best not let Papa ever hear you calling a gentleman by his first name, especially not Mr. Ashton." Julia sighed. "No, Beth, I would beg you not to do anything. If Mr. Connor wishes to become better acquainted with me, I would prefer it if he were not to take direction from you and his friend. I would want it to be because he truly wants to know me."

"Of course," Elizabeth said with complete understanding.

Julia yawned, tired in spite of sleeping most the day.

"I believe I shall leave you to rest now," she said. "I promise that I shall return first thing in the morning to see how you are."

"You are so good, Beth."

"No, I am not. It is you who are the better, Julia. Good night."

"Good night."

Elizabeth tiptoed out of the room and down the hall, entering her own room to reflect on the day's events.

For a day that had started out miserable, she could not have asked for a better ending.

Chapter 7

he next three days saw Elizabeth and Anthony--it was so hard for her to think of him as "Mr. Ashton" now, for every moment they spent in each other's company made her better and better acquainted with the man within the gentleman--almost inseparable.

Anthony told her of months of loneliness even as he was surrounded by people, something that Elizabeth could only experience through his eyes. She had never been alone in her life, for she had always had Julia.

"I felt as though I would never find anyone who understood me," he said. "You are so incredibly lucky, Elizabeth, for you have your sister. I have no one."

"Not even your brother? You were writing to him."

"Jonathon and I have been close, in the past. Time changes people, and we are not as close as we were." Anthony smiled. "Still, we exchange news. He was curious to know what Hertfordshire would be like."

Elizabeth's eyes sparkled as she recalled his description to his brother.

Elizabeth talked mostly about growing up in her family, with her insensible father, her practical mother, and of course, four sisters. She spoke of her secret correspondence with Mrs. Darcy and of the wonderful summer she had spent at Pemberley several years earlier. Unbeknownst to her, her eyes glowed when she spoke of the people she loved, and in her words he could see them much better than before--even those she was constantly exasperated with.

Elizabeth saw with new eyes Miss Connor. No longer was she a jealous woman, or even a mysterious one. Her motives had clearly been pure on the night of the ball--she had wanted to tell Elizabeth of the possibility of their becoming related by marriage. If her language had been confusing, she apologized profusely for it.

Lucinda giggled with her sister Sophie whenever she caught sight of Mr. Ashton and Elizabeth together, talking.

"To be sure, an engagement is forthcoming," she said, but not without a small sigh at her own sad state of affairs. She had yet to receive a letter of even a note from Jonathon Ashton, who had promised to write prodigiously.

"I only wish that Robert would be as sensible in his choice of a wife," Sophie replied.

To Elizabeth, the Connor sisters were most refreshing. Unlike many of the ladies she knew, the sisters were indifferent to a person's fortune. Their brother had a good fortune, to be sure, but they did not consider themselves above anyone.

"Are American ladies all like that?" she asked Anthony on the third day, as they set out to tour the lakes around Netherfield following a talk with Lucinda and Sophie.

"Like how?"

"Do they consider all to be their equal? I believe that equality was the cause of America's revolution, was it not?"

"It was indeed. Unfortunately, most ladies are quite unlike the Connor sisters. Most people in general are, to be more specific. America is not so different from England, for all that a great ocean divides us."

"I expected class divisions--I do not believe any society in the world could ever escape that--I meant...Anthony, I must speak plainly. You surely must know that I have very little in the way of fortune." Elizabeth noticed a surprised look in his eyes, but was determined to tell the entire story before he could say anything. "My father's estate is entailed away from the female line. Since my mother was never able to give my father an heir, the estate passes on to..."

"To whom?"

Elizabeth never could get through the telling without bursting in laughter. "It really is a fine joke, although my father never thinks so. Longbourn passes on to my godmother, Mrs. Darcy's second son, Edward. He is the eldest male heir on my father's side of the family."

"Why is it such a joke?"

Elizabeth related the tale of the great Lady Catherine de Bourgh as best she knew it, including what Anthony already knew--that she had disowned her nephew because of his marriage. But Lady Catherine's dislike was not the sole cause for vexation, for when Mrs. Darcy had been Miss Elizabeth Bennet, she had turned down Mr. Collins' suit and proposal of marriage. Anthony chuckled, but Elizabeth soon returned to the serious subject that had preceded it.

"I have nothing to offer you."

"You have yourself, Elizabeth. I would not trade that for all the fortune in the world."

"Seriously, though. What would your family think of me?"

"Honestly?"

"Yes, please."

Anthony ran a hand through his dark brown hair. "My father would undoubtedly find you the prettiest young woman he had ever seen, which would be all that mattered to him. My mother will ask about your antecedents, whether there were any titles in your family, and yes, she will be extremely concerned about your sphere."

"Then your mother would not approve of me."

"I do not care what my mother would approve or disapprove of. The fact remains that I am a man of nine-and-twenty, old enough to know my own mind."

"You cannot rid yourself of your family."

"No, but you can distance yourself from them. You, I believe, would never be comfortable being settled near your family."

"Most likely not." Elizabeth observed a carriage clattering up the road, heading for Netherfield. She recognized it--and its passenger--immediately. "My father is come!" she gasped, and with some nervousness, practically ran to greet the carriage.

The first person to step out was Isabel, wearing a dress clearly better suited for evening but not caring, as long as she looked her best around Mr. Connor. She was followed by Mr. Collins, who tripped on the first step and landed face first at Elizabeth's feet. Even Isabel had difficulty muffling her giggles as their father lay sprawled in an undignified heap on the dirt road

"Dear Heavens! Most unfortunate--I do not possibly know how--Elizabeth, help me up!"

Elizabeth assisted Mr. Collins to his feet. He began brushing dirt off himself. "It took you enough time to help me out, young lady."

"Hello, Papa," Elizabeth said. "It is quite a surprise to see you here."

"Isabel was most concerned that she should not appear in a bad light merely because she did not wish to fall ill."

"You mean that she wanted to appear concerned for her sister's health three days after the worst of it has passed, in an effort to redeem herself in the eyes of Mr. Connor and his sister."

"Elizabeth, you forget yourself!" Mr. Collins glanced about and saw no one. Elizabeth was surprised--Anthony had chosen not to greet her father. Of course, Elizabeth had told him that her father bore him some dislike, which was likely the reason.

"I most likely have, Papa. Do forgive me."

"Shall we go in?" Isabel asked. "Here, Papa, let me get the last bit of dirt from your coat." She brushed her father's back.

"Thank you, Isabel. Such a good daughter you are." He extended his arm to her and began walking, blatantly ignoring Elizabeth, who walked behind.

The party assembled in the North drawing room, where tea and coffee were offered.

"Thank you," Mr. Collins said. "This is a lovely room you have here, Mr. Connor."

"Thank you."

"It affords such a beautiful view of the countryside. I have always said, and my dear Isabel agrees, that the country is infinitely preferable to the city."

"I have always thought the country to be rather peaceful," Mr. Connor replied.

Isabel smiled, and the dimple in her right cheek flashed. "But I suspect that you would not always like to be in the country, would you?"

"No."

"The country," Anthony said reflectively, "is a place in which one goes to think things through...to reflect on the nonsense he meets in society and to decide what he would like to do with his life. I truly believe that some of the greatest decisions are reached in the country."

"Nonsense in society, sir? You believe that interacting with others is nonsense?" Mr. Collins was confused, and he felt that he should take offense. He still had not forgotten the slight he had felt when Mr. Ashton had ignored Caroline and instead danced with Julia, then Elizabeth.

"I do not believe it is nonsense. I believe that some of the mores and standards by which we live are nonsense, for it makes us all act in a uniform manner in defiance of our own wishes. For example, a young lady falls in love with a poor but kind gentleman but is forced to marry a rich, cruel one. I have seen it many a time, and were it not for society's demands, it would not have happened."

"I believe my opinion in such a case would best be summed up by something my former patroness said. 'Mr. Collins,' said Lady Catherine, 'there must be a preservation of rank and distinction of class.' If a young lady of quality married to poor man, it weakens blood lines. Suppose our young Queen were to marry a commoner!" He gave a delicate shudder at the thought.

Mr. Ashton held his tongue for his Elizabeth's sake.

"You have come all this way," Mrs. Shawcross said, "in order to hear news of your daughter Julia. Would you like to see her?"

"Elizabeth informs me that Julia rests quite comfortably upstairs, and that she should be ready to return home within a day or so. We have actually come to relieve you of the burden of...that is to say, we have come to bring Elizabeth home. She is greatly missed by her mother."

Elizabeth's cheeks flushed at what her father had been about to say.

"Since we feel, however, that Julia would benefit from having one of her sisters near, Isabel has graciously agreed to stay until Julia can return home."

Of course, Elizabeth thought. Now it all makes sense. He does fear that Isabel made a bad impression by disappearing suddenly. And he does not even know about what she did with Julia's note!

"Sir, that is really not necessary," Miss Connor said, her eyes betraying to her dear friend the fear that they may be left with Isabel.

Elizabeth observed Mr. Connor in this time, and what she saw surprised her. Rather than being pleased at the idea of having Isabel to see every day for the next two or three days--for surely Julia would be well by Tuesday--he seemed as though the idea were giving him heartburn.

"No, I insist. If for no other reason than I want to be reassured of Julia receiving the best of care while she is here."

Elizabeth's cheeks flamed again at the insult her father had paid the Connors. "Papa, you should know quite well that Julia is in very capable hands."

"She is in her sister's hands," Mr. Connor added. "I dare say that removing Elizabeth from her sister's presence might very well bring on a relapse."

Mr. Collins' washy grey eyes darkened and turned in Elizabeth's direction. "What have you to say on this, daughter?"

"I believe in whatever is agreed upon as being best for Julia."

"There, you see? We have all agreed that change would not be in Julia's best interests, and so Elizabeth must stay here," Mr. Connor said.

Her father's eyes were commanding, and Elizabeth suddenly grasped the second reason for this visit. They were not just concerned about Isabel losing Mr. Connor--they feared that they were losing him to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth wanted to laugh, but dared not to. She had not once had the slightest interest in Mr. Connor, except in the beginning, and that was quickly swept away in the wake of her interest in Anthony.

"Perhaps Julia would be well enough to return home," Isabel suggested. "I am sure she is over her little cold."

All eyes turned to her in disbelief. Isabel flushed, took a sip of tea, and changed the subject.

Try as they might, neither Isabel nor her father could undo the damage her thoughtless remark had caused. Deciding that any further attempt to replace Elizabeth with Isabel would be futile, Mr. Collins soon made his excuses to the residents of Netherfield, and told Elizabeth that she and Julia were to come home as soon as Julia was well again.

Elizabeth agreed, but saw no reason to actually return home for at least another two days.

Truth be known, Julia probably could have withstood the trip back to Longbourn, but her sister's wisdom prevailed. Elizabeth felt that she might have a relapse should she try traveling so soon after her illness, and so they stayed at Netherfield, to everyone's delight.

The morning following Mr. Collins' visit brought Miss Connor the long-awaited letter from Mr. Jonathon Ashton. She spent most of the morning walking about in a daze, thrilled beyond any compare about what the gentleman had had to say. She showed his letter to Elizabeth and Julia when she visited the sick room.

"It is official!" she exclaimed, hugging the letter to her as though it were the writer himself.

"What is official?" Julia asked.

"Mr. Ashton and I are engaged! Oh, how I long to travel back to America to see him! Why did I ever agree to come to England with Robert?"

"How can you be engaged if you are here and he is in Philadelphia?"

"It was only a matter of settling affairs. Now that everything has worked out...we are engaged. It is to be announced as soon as I return home."

"When shall that be?" Julia asked.

"Not soon enough for me, I fear." Miss Connor smiled. "You two must excuse me, for I have yet to tell Robert and he cannot help but be overjoyed when he hears the news."

"Of course," Elizabeth said.

"I cannot believe it has finally happened. It seems almost as if it were a dream..." With that, Miss Connor left the room.

"I am happy for her," Julia said. "I wish I could have her happiness."

"I believe that you may have all of it and more, someday."

"You sooner than I, no doubt."

"Julia, do you suppose you are well enough to spend a bit of time downstairs? Perhaps after dinner, so you could talk with Mr. Connor?"

Julia sighed. She had thought the same thing, especially after Elizabeth had told her about Isabel's disastrous visit. Perhaps now was her opportunity to impress Mr. Connor. However, she had had enough disappointments in the past week or so concerning that gentleman and refused to let herself hope like that again.

"Come, come, Julia. 'Tis better to suffer the slings and arrows'..."

"This is not a Shakespeare play, Beth."

"Please, Julia? For me? To make me feel better?"

"Why would you need that?"

"Because I feel guilty that I am happy at this moment and you are not. I want everyone to be as happy as I, as happy as Lucinda Connor. I want that for you, my dear sister."

Julia smiled. "Then I shall try--to please you."

The dinner conversation mostly concerned Miss Connor and her new fiancé. A toast was raised to the happy couple, and Anthony commented that he would be pleased to have her as his sister.

Following dinner, Elizabeth announced that she had a surprise for them all, and proceeded to bring out Julia to greet them. Everyone exclaimed that she should still be resting, but once assured that the young lady was doing quite well, were pleased to have her in their company.

Mr. Connor, it seemed, was the most pleased of all. He escorted her to the most comfortable couch and then sat beside her. Miss Connor and Mrs. Shawcross retired to the piano to play music, Mr. Shawcross sitting close by and commenting on the selections. This left Anthony and Elizabeth to talk together, which is what they preferred anyway.

Mr. Connor was quite amazed at what an easy conversationalist Julia Collins turned out to be. During his two previous meetings with her, he had thought her to be a friendly sort of girl, but a somewhat dull one for she barely said anything to him, unlike Isabel, who talked nonstop.

However, he had recently come to appreciate the workings of a fine mind, and a good listener. He recalled with some distaste the dreadful scene which had taken place that morning, and, coupled with what Lucinda and Sophie had told him about their conversations with the young woman, he realized that she was not what he thought her to be, for all of her beauty.

How many men have fallen victim to beauty in their youth only to discover their folly with age?

He did not intend to be such a gentleman, and so he let the last of his interest in Miss Isabel Collins fade away. It surprised him to discover that it did not take much, but he feared that that may reflect badly on his own character so he resolved not to think further on it.

Unlike her sister, however, Julia talked about more than parties and money and gowns. She spoke of Shakespeare and chess and music. Isabel had talked mostly about herself, but Julia only revealed information when he asked about it, and she always made a point of asking about him. She seemed...

She seemed interested in who he was rather than how large his fortune was.

But I do not wish to leap too hastily into an interest again, as I did with her sister.

Julia, for her part, had not expected such attentions from Mr. Connor as she received. She at first thought that her sister had broken her promise and had encouraged Mr. Connor to think of her, but she soon realized that Beth had done nothing of the sort. If she had, her machinations would have been accompanied by sly looks at them throughout the course of the evening, for Beth had never been much of a schemer and always managed to give herself away when she did.

Elizabeth barely glanced away from Mr. Ashton, and when she did, she always wore a curious look on her face, as though she were wondering what was happening on the other side of the room.

Mr. Connor made an announcement quite suddenly. "I am thinking of having a ball here at Netherfield. What do you think, Anthony?"

Mr. Ashton looked at his friend and smiled. "A splendid idea, Robert, if you do not think your sisters would be put out."

"Nonsense, Mr. Ashton. We shall be pleased to serve as our brother's hostesses," Miss Connor replied. "When are you thinking of having this ball?"

"Sometime in the near future, Lucinda. Perhaps in a fortnight or so." Mr. Connor beamed, but then he thought of something. "If you do not believe you would be well enough to attend, Miss Julia, I could postpone it."

Julia was rather startled that he would make his plans around her, and worried that perhaps he was fickle in love. Just the other day, he had set his sights on Isabel. Now it was her. Perhaps she was wrong in becoming involved with this man...

"I should be quite well, thank you."

"Capital! I shall have the ball within a month, I dare say." His smile was so full of warmth that Julia couldn't resist smiling herself.

Chapter 8

lizabeth and Julia returned two days later to find Longbourn in an uproar. As usual, Mr. Collins put the blame on Elizabeth.

"You were writing to that upstart!" he roared the moment Elizabeth entered the house.

"Papa, please do not shout. The servants talk something awful," Elizabeth replied. "And exactly to whom have I been writing?"

"That--that--to my cousin Elizabeth, Mrs. Darcy!"

"Oh." How on earth did he discover this? Surely Mrs. Darcy did not tell him.

"She has written a letter to us, informing me that her son would like to mend the breach between our families and plans on visiting Longbourn within the week."

"How on earth would this have come from my writing to her?" Elizabeth asked. "If I had been doing such a thing."

"She also wrote that the entire Darcy family would be visiting as well! She and her husband, the ungrateful nephew of Lady Catherine, and those...those children! Edward, who is to inherit this house when I am gone! She must have gotten the idea from you!"

"I would suggest no such thing to her if I were writing," Elizabeth replied.

"She said...what did she say? Let me find it here....ah, yes. 'I shall be most anxious to visit with my goddaughter and namesake.' What have you to say to that?"

"To what?"

"She singled you out, so you invited her, for Lord knows I never would have. It is bad enough that her son is to inherit my estate after I am dead and cheat my own children out of what is rightfully theirs?"

"By the same token, it can be said that you cheated Mrs. Darcy and her sisters out what should have been rightfully theirs when you inherited after their father's death."

"Beth," Julia whispered in a warning tone. She knew her sister was treading dangerously close to receiving the brunt of their father's anger.

"At any rate, I do not see how I could be connected by the next heir of Longbourn coming to see his future estate and inviting his family. Perhaps, sir, he wishes to do what you did and marry one of the daughters."

Mr. Collins seemed on the verge of saying something, but Elizabeth continued:

"Think of the honour, sir, that it would be. For all the Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh did not like the Darcys, they are still one of the most eminent families in the country. They have a great deal of wealth. They are connected--intimately--with the Earl of Matlock, not to mention Sir James Hampton and his wife."

Not, of course, that they would like the connection with the lady, but the gentleman is still a particular favourite. Elizabeth remembered her summer at Pemberley, during which Darcy's cousin and his wife paid their annual visit.

"It would be considered the match of the year. And do not forget the most important thing...that the next heir to Longbourn would be your grandson. Your blood would run through his veins."

Mr. Collins' anger had started to slip away with every word Elizabeth had said. At this last, it was gone altogether and he was in a fine humour when he said, "Daughter, you are quite right. I did not think on it in such a fashion. Charlotte! Charlotte! Where are you! We must make preparations for the Darcys' visit immediately--make haste, make haste!"

With that, he dashed away in search of his wife. His twin daughters did not mention that he was most likely to find her in the library.

"What is the likelihood that Edward Darcy is going to marry any of us?" Julia asked quietly.

"Practically nonexistent. If he were to marry, it would likely be you or I. I am...well, very likely I shall be engaged soon. And as for you...I believe that once he sees that your heart belongs to another, he shall understand. Which leaves him with Isabel..."

"Too peaheaded."

"Caroline..."

"Too serious and plain. Edward is a dashing rascal."

"Yes, plus Caroline is simply mad about Mr. Hollis."

"You are joking, right?"

"Remind me to tell you about what we did right before I went to Netherfield. Finally, we have Victoria, who is not out yet and, being Miss de Bourgh's favourite, is the least likely that Papa would let go, even if Edward did show an interest in her."

"It may be best if we did not mention to Papa that he is raising his hopes too high," Julia said.

"Quite right."

In the due course of a week, Longbourn was cleaned from top to bottom three times (Mr. Collins continued to find problems with the housekeeping even after the third time). He directed the ladies of his household on how to act and what to wear and even where to sit at table, even though nothing changed. However, there was a clear purpose to some of his directions that could not be ignored.

He had pinned his hopes on Edward Darcy marrying Caroline.

It was not merely in the way that he told her to defer to the gentleman, nor in the way he forbade her to read anything while the guests were in residence, but in his suggestions to Isabel that she allow Caroline to borrow some of her more becoming gowns, and suggesting that Caroline take some advice on how to act in society from her elder sister. He had always said that Caroline was the perfect child...

...and yet he was suggesting that she change.

Caroline, for her part, was pleased that her father was not objecting any longer to her wearing gowns that were far more flattering to her, but she had a different purpose in mind. She believed that the Darcys' visit would give her the perfect opportunity to bedazzle Mr. Hollis once and for all. She had made serious headway while Elizabeth and Julia had stayed at Netherfield, and she had been forced to remain in her drab gowns. Now, with her father's own blessing, she had her opportunity.

When at last the message arrived that the Darcys were within two hours of Longbourn, the entire household was waiting in anticipation, while the staff prayed that the visit would be of short duration. No one knew how long the visitors would stay, but it would likely be no more than a week or two...given the master's tendency to cater to higher society.

Within the time expected, two carriages appeared in view and soon came to a stop in front of Longbourn. Mr. Collins and his family were standing in expectation of the guests, Mr. Collins wearing his most welcoming--and, unwittingly, his most unappealing--smile. Charlotte, just behind him, also smiled, but her smile was warm and cheerful. She may not have been a handsome woman in her youth, and she never acquired beauty in her maturity, but everyone in Hertfordshire liked and admired Charlotte Collins--if for no other reason than for having to bear such a husband for nearly twenty-five years.

Isabel and Caroline stood behind their mother, then the twins, and finally, Victoria. Elizabeth wished herself taller in that moment, for the wanted to see the people she had not seen in years.

First to appear were Mr. and Mrs. Darcy themselves, both with gracious smiles. Mrs. Darcy's eyes sought out Elizabeth's, and with a sudden wink, she gave her goddaughter a hug.

Also in the first carriage was the eldest Darcy son, William, a tall, proud young man of twenty-three who was engaged to a lovely young lady from Derbyshire whose estate was but five miles from Pemberley. He bowed to each of the young ladies, and Mr. Collins could not help but feel a bit disappointed that William was already spoken for, for he would have made a most excellent catch for Julia. However, he was certain that he would soon have matches made for all his daughters, and the loss of William Darcy would not be felt once he had.

The second carriage opened, revealing the remaining four Darcy children. The young ladies appeared first--Miss Jane Darcy, the elder at sixteen, followed by her sister Miss Victoria, fourteen. They were barely out of the carriage when a young man barrelled out behind them, nearly tripping Victoria in his exuberance to see his favourite cousin.

"Beth!" the elder of the two exclaimed, ignoring Mr. and Mrs. Collins and sweeping Julia into his arms.

"Put me down! I'm Julia!" she exclaimed with a laugh. The young man flushed.

"Sorry, Julia. I thought you...well, it was an honest mistake!"

The Darcys all laughed along with Julia and Elizabeth. Mr. Collins frowned at this blatant snub, but said nothing.

"Hello, Edward," Elizabeth said. "It is good to see you."

The twenty-one-year-old heir to Longbourn proceeded to sweep her into his arms as he had her twin.

"You are making a complete fool of yourself, you know," she said.

"Perhaps," he replied. After setting her down, decorum returned and he approached her parents with all due respect, making florid apologies for his behaviour.

Elizabeth turned her attention to Edward's younger brother. She gave him a warm smile. "Hello, Alexander," she said softly.

He looked at her with his dark eyes shining. "Hello, Elizabeth," he replied.

Of the three Darcy boys, seventeen-year-old Alexander was her favourite. He was extremely nice, but sometimes a bit shy. He was the one she felt the sorriest for, because he had no estate to inherit, unlike his older brothers. The last time she had seen him, he had confessed that he was most envious of his brothers and wished that he had something to inherit.

"At least you can make your way in this world," she had told him. "I am the fourth of five daughters. The only way I can change my lot in life is to marry well. Even then, I shall have to wait until after my elder sisters marry before I even have a chance."

"I'll marry you," he had said.

"Oh, Alexander, I do not think that a good idea at all. You should marry a girl with a fortune so you do not have to worry about not inheriting anything."

"I do not want to marry for a fortune."

"Oh? So I suppose you want to marry me because you love me?"

"Well, no. I cannot say that I love anyone right now, other than Mama and Papa."

"Do you want to marry for love?"

"Yes, very much so."

Amid all the introductions--her father had launched into a long welcoming speech for the family--Elizabeth excused herself from Julia's side and walked over to Alexander.

"Do you still want to marry for love?" she asked.

"Do you still intend to marry for money?"

"No, I do not."

He smiled. "Then you must be disappointed in me, for I still want to marry for love."

"I am not disappointed in you. How could I be?"

"You said I should marry for money."

"You should try to attain both. But I would like to think that you are not governed by such monetary standards as to choose a wife simply for fortune alone."

He sighed. "I am not."

"You have been in London?"

"I have, with the family."

"Did any young lady there take your fancy?"

"Most of the young ladies there are older than I, and looking for a greater match than a youngest son with no fortune."

"Oh, Alexander...I am sorry."

"Aah, never fear," he said, displaying bravado she knew he did not feel. "I have a feeling about these things."

"Are you pretending to be clairvoyant, like that fortune-teller your father had at that party?"

"She did give me an interesting fortune."

"She did? What? You never would tell me."

"You must promise not to tell anyone."

"I swear."

"She said that I was going to meet a young woman with hair of honey and eyes like smoke...but I would meet her in a place and time that I could not even imagine. She said that if I could get past my beliefs I would find happiness beyond my dreams."

"That sounds like the fortune she gave me," Elizabeth said. "Only I was to meet a man, not a woman."

"With the same looks?"

"Well, no. She said I was to meet a man of amber eyes, and that if I could overcome the major obstacle of my life--a person with authority over me, according to her--that I would find 'happiness beyond me dreams.' That phrase seems to be catching."

Amber eyes? Elizabeth thought of Anthony's amber eyes...and wondered if perhaps that woman had known more than she had believed.

"Shall we come indoors? It is getting rather chilly," Charlotte said, inviting her guests into the warmth of the house.

Alexander extended his arm to Elizabeth and the two entered the house.

Mr. Collins had always intended to have a small party for the Darcys when they arrived at Longbourn. The problem was, he neglected to mention it to his wife. Charlotte was dismayed when Mr. Collins mentioned that he had invited several families in the neighborhood to greet their relatives.

"But Mr. Collins, I did not tell Cook to prepare--"

"Never fear, my dear Charlotte, I took the necessary measures. I was making sure that the food would be of the highest quality anyway, with the Darcys here, and--"

"Oh, Mr. Collins!" Charlotte groaned. "Do not worry for the servants. I am sure the Darcys are more than pleased with the attention they are receiving."

Mr. Collins remained unconvinced of this, but he wandered off to engage in conversation with Mr. Darcy and his eldest son.

Charlotte retired to her library for a moment's respite, where she was found by Mrs. Darcy.

"This used to be Papa's favourite room," Elizabeth Darcy said softly as she looked around the familiar surroundings. This had been the place she had spent many an hour, playing chess with her father or reading over a book or having an intelligent conversation. Unfortunately, this had also been the place where she had delivered to him the greatest heartache--when she had informed him that she was in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy and that it was her greatest wish to marry him.

"I have tried to keep it much as Mr. Bennet had it," Charlotte replied. "Only a few minor changes."

"It is your room now, is it not?"

"For the most part. You know Mr. Collins--he has never liked books of anything less than a serious stamp, and your father's collection has too many eccentricities to be to his liking."

Mrs. Darcy smiled. "Yes, I can well imagine Mr. Collins' opinion when he saw Tom Jones on the bookshelf."

Charlotte smiled. "I can imagine his opinion should he discover that it is currently not there. Elizabeth is reading it at present."

"Is she?" A playful grin appeared on Mrs. Darcy's face. "Then it seems as though your husband may have a legitimate complaint when he says I am a negative influence on the girl."

"Quite possibly."

The two ladies seated themselves and Charlotte rang for tea, which arrived two minutes later.

"Very good, Hill," Charlotte said. "Thank you."

The servant bobbed her head and left.

"So which of your five daughters has Mr. Collins married off to my Edward?" Mrs. Darcy asked.

"Now, Lizzy--"

"Do not think I do not know his intentions for a minute. He came here twenty-five years ago to find himself a wife, and now he believes that we are here for the same purpose."

"Are you?" Charlotte had been wondering why the Darcys had chosen this time for a visit. She had believed Elizabeth when she had said she had not invited the family.

Mrs. Darcy set her cup gently on the saucer. "I have had thoughts of it, yes. Aside from Beth, however, we have not met any of your other daughters. Mr. Darcy, of course, grouses that he would rather have Edward marry one of the servants before he marries..."

Charlotte sighed. "He does not want Edward to have Mr. Collins for a father-in-law."

"I should not have spoken, Charlotte. It was most impolite of me."

The two women had not spoken of the reasons for Charlotte Lucas' marriage to William Collins since the day Elizabeth had discovered she was engaged to the man. Charlotte had said she was not romantic, but practical. She had known what she was going into by marrying the man and she had had to live with him for twenty-four years, but she would not say a word against him, not even in closest confidence.

"Considering Mr. Collins' remarks following your marriage, I suppose I cannot blame him."

Mrs. Darcy thought her friend diplomatic for the remark and decided to return to their previous subject of conversation. "Does he wish Isabel to marry Edward?"

"No. He feels that Isabel will soon be engaged."

"Oh? To whom?" Mrs. Darcy tried to recall the name of the gentleman who had captured Isabel's fancy, but it escaped her.

"The gentleman from America who let Netherfield Park--Mr. Connor."

"I recall Elizabeth saying something about him, but I thought it was in reference to Julia."

"I suspect Julia harbors some feelings for the gentleman, but Julia will not tell me anything. I think that in itself answers my question, for she is not one to be secretive. No," Charlotte said with a small sigh, "he intends for Caroline to marry Edward."

"Caroline?" Mrs. Darcy tried to recall which one of the five it was, and came up with a somewhat mousy young lady.

"Yes, Caroline."

"I see."

"Then you also understand the small chance there is that his plan will work."

"Caroline appears too serious for Edward."

"Edward is too frivolous for Caroline. Lizzy, may I speak plainly?"

"Please do, Charlotte."

"I fear that there may be some very unhappy young women in this house soon. My husband has..." Charlotte fell silent. "He is attempting to arrange things in such a way that would not constitute anyone's happiness, least of all my daughters'. Isabel is thrilled with Mr. Connor and he is equally thrilled with her. I am glad for Isabel even though it breaks Julia's heart."

"Then it does not sound as though--"

"It is Mr. Hollis."

"Who is Mr. Hollis?"

"I take it Elizabeth has not written you of him?"

"She did not have the opportunity, I guess."

Charlotte haltingly made her description of Mr. Hollis, careful not to point out that he was rather like her own husband. "The dilemma is that Caroline clearly shows interest in the gentleman, but he only has eyes for Elizabeth--and Mr. Collins encourages him in this. While Elizabeth spent her time at Netherfield, I had hoped that Mr. Hollis would take more notice of Caroline, but at the end of every visit, he would ask me if I knew when Julia and Elizabeth would be coming home. He asked about Julia as a courtesy--his interest was in Beth."

"You think Mr. Collins means for Elizabeth to marry Mr. Hollis?"

"Yes."

Mrs. Darcy's eyes drifted, recalling a similar problem she had had when her mother had insisted she marry Mr. Collins. "Does Elizabeth realize this?"

"On some level, I believe she does."

"What about the Mr. Ashton she wrote me of?"

Charlotte smiled. "Although she has not told me of any particulars, I believe they are also to soon be engaged. Elizabeth glows when she speaks of him...she looks so happy."

"She is a romantic, you know."

"Yes she is, and I have encouraged it all her life. I could not bear for her to go through life not loving and respecting the man she marries."

Mrs. Darcy nodded in approval.

"So as you can see, Lizzy, we are in something of a muddle here at Longbourn. I am uncertain of what to do. I am not altogether sure there is anything I can do."

"I should not see where Mr. Collins would interfere should Mr. Ashton offer for Beth. It is the more advantageous match of the two."

"Mr. Collins has taken a dislike to Mr. Ashton, however." Charlotte told Mrs. Darcy of the unintentional snub to Caroline at the assembly ball and then of the disagreement the gentlemen had had at Netherfield during Mr. Collins' visit there.

"A muddle indeed, Charlotte. Perhaps a miracle will occur and everything will turn out all right." Mrs. Darcy took another sip of tea. "I never mentioned this, but during that summer Beth came to stay with us, I had always hoped that she would end up marrying Edward. I guess we showed up a bit too late for that."

"I think if Elizabeth were to marry any of your sons, she would marry your youngest, Lizzy."

"Alexander?"

"Yes. He is her favourite."

"I think they are nothing more than friends, Charlotte. I never hear Alexander talk of her in any other vein." Mrs. Darcy chuckled. "Besides, he keeps talking of a young woman with grey eyes, and if I recall correctly, Beth's are violet."

"He will marry the first grey-eyed woman he meets, then."

"No...she must also have blond hair. 'Hair of honey,' is how he describes it." Mrs. Darcy's smile remained. "I certainly hope she has a good fortune, for my Alexander will have little enough of his own to bring to the marriage."

"I am sure Alexander will be very happy no matter what ends up happening to him," Charlotte said.

The objects of their conversation were in the music room, where all of the children--saving William Darcy--had gone. Caroline was reading a book, as she always was, because she had heard that Mr. Hollis was among the people invited the little party that evening and he had recommended the book to her during his last visit.

The Misses Darcy were talking with Isabel, who was fascinating them with her raptures about Mr. Connor. Jane would not make her debut for another two years, and Victoria--or Torie, as everyone called her, had three years to wait.

Julia was playing the piano, her beautiful voice singing a Mozart song, hitting every note perfectly. Elizabeth was turning pages for her as she talked to Alexander.

Most surprisingly of all, however, was the sight in the center of the room. Edward Darcy had been quite transfixed by the vision in front of him when they had first been introduced, and his interest in the object of his affection had not diminished in the slightest.

For her part, Victoria Collins had no clue how to act toward this gentleman who had been paying her particular attentions for the past hour or so. She had certainly not expected them, as she was not out and had not had a share in society as yet. Plus, she knew that of the Collins girls, she was the plainest. She had inherited her mother's features, which though they were better than her father's, were still not handsome. Added to this were her illnesses and the fact that she was kept in doors, and Victoria had quickly come to understand that she was likely not to find a husband.

She had pinned her hopes on Miss Anne de Bourgh, who had quite often during her visits mentioned the fact that she would like to take Victoria to live with her at Rosings and perhaps even make her the heiress to Rosings. The idea was ludicrous--the estate, when Anne de Bourgh died, would wind up going to a distant cousin--but Anne had more than once hinted that she had high hopes for Victoria marrying that cousin, or should that not come off as planned, for Anne to leave Victoria a fortune outright so she would not have to be dependent on a man at all.

Which was why the attentions of Mr. Edward Darcy startled her and pleased her, for Victoria did want a husband of her own but she did not wish it to be Miss de Bourgh's cousin, whom she had had occasion to meet once and had thought most odious.

"Miss Victoria, I think I bore you," he said teasingly. "You have not said a thing in the past five minutes."

"Mr. Darcy, I believe it is because you have not allowed me to say anything," she replied in what she hoped was a saucy manner...but not too saucy.

Edward laughed aloud--it was a most pleasant sound. Victoria found that she liked it a good deal.

"Then the fault lies with me and I do apologize."

Whatever Victoria might have said to his apology remained unknown, for Mr. Collins appeared just then and announced that their guests were beginning to arrive. Victoria was disappointed, but she had a feeling that this was not an ending but rather a beginning.

Chapter 9

he Netherfield party was among the first to arrive. The pleasure Mr. Collins felt upon their arrival was tempered by the fact that Mr. Ashton was among the group. He had tried in so many ways to figure out how to exclude Mr. Ashton from the invitation, but had come up short every time. Still, he presented himself like a gentleman and made his bow to the younger man, who returned it with a glimmer in his eye. Mr. Collins had the impression that the gentleman was making sport of him, but on what grounds he did not know. It was a relief when he moved past the receiving line and entered the house.

Mr. Connor searched the room eagerly.

"Robert, if you are not careful, you might be considered too eager in your anticipation," Mr. Ashton teased.

"Go find your lovely young miss and enjoy her smiles, for you shall not budge me an inch until I find Miss Collins." Mr. Connor smiled. "Just be careful that the Miss Collins whose smiles you enjoy are not Julia's."

"So you have finally given up on Miss Isabel, have you?"

"Do you have any idea how pleasant it was to have a conversation in which more than one person spoke?"

"I do indeed."

"Then you have your answer."

Mr. Ashton wandered off in search of Elizabeth, smiling when he caught a glimpse of her. The smile faded a bit when he saw her standing next to two tall, dark haired, handsome young men.

What? Is this jealousy? There is surely some explanation for their presence.

"Mr. Ashton!" Elizabeth waved to him, smiling. "Come here and meet my cousins."

"Hello, Miss Elizabeth," he said with a smile when he came to stand in front of her.

"Hello, Mr. Ashton. I would like to introduce you to Mr. Edward Darcy and Mr. Alexander Darcy. This is Mr. Ashton."

The gentlemen made their bows.

"So it is you she cannot stop talking about," the older of the two said.

"Edward!" Elizabeth blushed.

"Edward, you are incorrigible," the other one--Alexander?--said.

"So sorry, Beth. Say, have you seen your sister around here anywhere?"

"Isabel is looking for Mr. Connor. Julia is talking with your sisters. Caroline...I am not sure where she is."

"Very good...what about Victoria?"

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at the question. She had noticed the two of them talking earlier and had thought Edward was merely being friendly to the girl, who tended to get overlooked by all except Miss de Bourgh on her infrequent visits. Perhaps she had been wrong about his motives.

"I believe she is over in the corner, sitting and resting."

"I do not suppose she knows how to dance," Edward said.

"She has yet to be taught. Anyway, Papa would most likely not allow her to dance as she is not out. He is a stickler for such things."

"Then how did it come about that four Miss Collinses are out in society when not one of them is married?" Edward asked.

Mr. Ashton had been curious himself.

"Isabel, being the eldest, should be the only one out, but when Caroline turned eighteen he could not resist allowing her into Society--even if she did not care. Since he had done that for Caroline, he had to allow us to be out as well. The only difference was, it took Mama two years to convince him to allow it. He did not wish us to wreck Caroline's chances." Elizabeth suddenly remembered that she was not merely talking to her cousins, but also to Mr. Ashton.

That should not matter in the slightest. We have talked about so many things that may not be considered proper.

"And Victoria...she will be out in another two years?"

"Two and a half, should it happen. She is fifteen."

"Should it happen? Why would it not?" Edward was looking far more concerned about this than Elizabeth thought he should.

"It has to do with your cousin, Miss Anne de Bourgh. She visits here from time to time."

"How do you bear it?" Alexander asked. "We are fortunate that we have seen her only once, at Lady Catherine's funeral."

"It is not easy, but as Papa and Victoria take up most of her attentions, we manage."

"What has Cousin Anne to do with anything?"

"She has spoken to Papa about taking Victoria to live with her...to become a 'proper lady' and, she hopes, marry some odious cousin so that she will become the mistress of Rosings someday."

"Victoria is already a proper lady," Edward said, anger flashing in his eyes. "As if Cousin Anne would know anything about it, having never learnt anything about society."

"Is your father serious about letting her go?" Alexander asked.

"I think he is. He would consider a marriage between one of his daughters and a member of the de Bourgh family as an honour...well, almost as high as Lady Catherine's selection of him as her clergyman."

Edward frowned.

"Ah, here you all are," Mrs. Darcy said as she approached the group. She took in the angered look on her second son's face but continued with comment. "This must be Mr. Ashton."

"You have spoken of me to others?" he asked, giving Elizabeth a wink.

"This is Mrs. Darcy, Mr. Ashton."

"Oh! Hello! I am Archibald Anthony Ashton--"

"The Fourth, I presume, because you are far too young to be your father."

"Correct, ma'am."

"It is good to meet you, Mr. Ashton. Your father has spoken of you on many of his visits to Pemberley. I feel as though--"

"You are that Ashton?" Alexander asked.

"Yes."

"Why did you not tell me so, Beth? What is America like?"

Elizabeth chuckled as Mr. Ashton found himself in conversation with Alexander, telling the younger man all about Philadelphia. When Alexander asked about cities to the west, all Mr. Ashton said was, "I have heard of New Orleans and I have been to St. Louis once."

The latter place, for some reason, appeared to capture Alexander's attention. He wanted to know all about it.

"I can never understand why Alexander is so fascinated with all things American," Mrs. Darcy said. As the two young men moved to one side, she turned to Edward. "What troubles you, son?"

"It is nothing, Mama."

"You cannot fool me, young man, I am your mother. What is wrong?"

"You might want to ask him about Victoria," Elizabeth said teasingly.

"Torie? What is wrong with--"

"Not Victoria Darcy. Victoria Collins." Edward's eyes cheered. "Oh, Mama, we had a lovely conversation. We talked about music and literature and life. She is sheltered--for some reason, her father thinks her sickly, but Victoria said that it was nothing more than terrible colds she gets in the spring that keep her indoors."

Mrs. Darcy was startled. She had expected such a passionate look for Isabel, for her beauty and her somewhat empty-headed nonsense usually appealed to Edward. Perhaps, she thought, he would show interest in Julia, for she was most like Elizabeth.

But Victoria?

"Then what is the problem?"

"She is not out, and Anne de Bourgh intends her for some cousin."

"Oh, Edward..." Mrs. Darcy sighed. "Come with me and I shall tell you a tale of Lady Catherine and her wishes for your father."

"I have heard it before. You used to tell it to Jane and Torie all the time."

"I leave out the bad parts so as not to scare them. Come along." Mrs. Darcy dragged her reluctant son away from the group he was in to tell him everything about how Lady Catherine had tried to ruin her in society following her marriage, and how she had overcome the obstacle.

Beth watched them go. Anthony and Alexander were still talking about America, and since Alexander loved the topic, she felt it would be impolite to intrude. Besides, she was content just having Anthony near. She watched the crowd.

The first person she noticed was Mr. Hollis, who was talking animatedly to her father. Elizabeth never could look on the man without shuddering slightly, especially when he was in the company of her father. She knew that her father wanted her to marry Mr. Hollis.

Quickly averting her eyes, she found Mr. Connor. To her surprise, she saw Isabel next to him. Isabel was chattering on as she always did, but Elizabeth noticed that he was not looking as interested as he had in the past. She also saw that he was looking at someone...Julia.

Julia looked unhappy, but every time Mr. Connor's eyes met hers she brightened. Elizabeth excused herself and walked over to her twin. "Why are you not talking with Mr. Connor?" she asked.

"I was. Isabel quickly took over. She got her grip on his arm and has not let him go since. She dragged him away from me...well, she called me 'Elizabeth,' so I guess she thinks it was you."

"She seems to be taking after Papa in that respect."

"Mr. Connor knew who I was immediately, Beth. I was so happy that he did not have to ask if I were Julia or Elizabeth...and then Isabel shows up, and thanks me for finding him for her, and steals him away."

"Did Papa say anything?"

"No, he did not. He has been talking to Mr. Hollis ever since the last of the guests arrived."

Elizabeth just sighed. "Have you seen Victoria anywhere?" she asked.

"She is sitting in that chair. Papa told her that he was 'allowing' her to join the company tonight, but he knew she did not enjoy it and she would be allowed to leave soon."

"I do not think she would be excessively disappointed if he forgot about her."

"You mean you saw the way she and Edward were talking in the music room earlier?"

"Yes. I think it's wonderful."

"So do I--but Victoria is so young. Edward has seen so much more than she has, and..."

"Perhaps it is better that he has done so much already. Now he shall be ready to settle down with a good wife. Plus, this guarantees that a Collins girl will marry the heir to Longbourn."

"But it will not be the one Papa selected, and you know he will be displeased, Beth."

"At the moment, I do not care much about his opinion. He was downright rude to Mr. Ashton when he arrived...I dread the day I have to inform him that I intend to marry the man."

"Beth! Has he asked you to marry him?"

"No--that is, not yet. But very soon, I think. Very soon."

Their father clapped his hands together and requested that Julia honor them with some music. Julia, startled that her father had requested her skills when he generally asked Caroline to play, acquiesced, but not without a long look in Mr. Connor's direction.

"I believe a dance tune shall do quite nicely, dear," he said.

Julia reluctantly found some sheet music to play. Elizabeth started back to Mr. Ashton, and quickly, because she had seen Mr. Hollis approaching and more than anything she did not want to dance with him.

"Quick, Anthony, come dance with me or I shall be forced to dance with that sweaty toad," she hissed.

Mr. Ashton smiled. "How can I refuse a lady?" he replied, taking her hand and leading her to the floor.

Mr. Collins could not imagine how things had gone wrong, but nothing was going according to his plan that evening. First of all, he had noticed that Mr. Connor did not seem as enraptured by Isabel as he had been at first. In fact, the young man looked absolutely bored. Isabel had never bored anyone in her life. She was so energetic, she always had something to talk about! How could anyone be bored around her?

Mr. Connor apparently had his reasons. They appeared to be directed at a certain petite blonde figure, who was now playing the piano. At first, he thought Mr. Connor had found interest in Elizabeth, but when he looked over at the piano player several times, he realized that it was Julia, not Elizabeth, that he should have worried about stealing Mr. Connor's affections away from her sister. Clearly, Julia had been ill for a lesser time than the twins had claimed, which was why the had been reluctant to come home.

Why any of it should surprise me is beyond comprehension. After all, she is Elizabeth's twin, and Lord knows that girl is handful.

He intended to have a long talk with Julia in the morning about her duties and responsibilities to her family, and to strongly inform her that he did not intend to allow her to marry until after Isabel had married Mr. Connor and Caroline had married Edward Darcy.

Which brought him to the second disappointment of his evening, because not only did Edward have absolutely no interest in Caroline, Caroline appeared to have no interest in him! After all of his warnings and talks and lectures on how it was important for her to marry well! He intended to have a talk with Caroline as well, especially after he saw her dancing with Mr. Hollis.

Even though he was most unpleased at finding Caroline...flirting with Mr. Hollis, he was certainly pleased at how she looked. Wearing a lovely gown that he once would have thought highly inappropriate, with her dark hair neatly curled around her shoulders, and her eyes bright, she looked very pretty. Even if she would never come close to matching Isabel's beauty, she was prettier than either of the twins that night.

But things did not improve when he finally found where Edward was hiding. Mr. Collins had been searching the room for the young man with no success, but then he discovered him sitting in a chair next to his little Victoria! The two were talking amiably and at length. Mr. Collins could understand none of it. Victoria, although not the ugliest girl in the room, was certainly not the prettiest and not half as pretty as his Caroline. Why would Edward show interest in a young girl not even out in society?

He did not blame Victoria, for heaven knew that the girl had little knowledge about society. She probably saw Edward's attentions as friendship and nothing more. Mr. Collins saw more in the young man's expression which made him suspicious. Perhaps he should mention to the man that Victoria was Miss Anne de Bourgh's special pet, and that Victoria was practically engaged to her cousin, Mr. George de Bourgh.

Finally, there was the biggest disappointment of all--Elizabeth. Nothing new there, of course, but this evening was a particularly trying one for him where that little lady was concerned. She had spent the better part of the evening with Mrs. Darcy or her son, Alexander. When she was not with them, she was with Mr. Ashton, and he was furious about that. Sometimes, he thought Elizabeth deliberately set out to upset him--by playing chess, reading books not meant for ladies, running about the countryside unchaperoned.

Now she was cultivating an interest in Mr. Ashton, knowing that he would be upset (he may be one of the wealthiest men in America, but he still could not stand the man). Worse than that, she was ignoring--even avoiding--a perfectly good gentleman in Mr. Hollis. He may not have Mr. Ashton's money, but he did have many attributes which that gentleman lacked. He supposed that, in light of the situation, he had best have the talk with her that he had been putting off until the right moment.

It appears I shall be spending most of my morning speaking with my children. Oh, well, as long as they understand that my word is law in this household and they shall not gainsay me or my plans for them.

Elizabeth had some difficulty managing to avoid Mr. Hollis. She danced with Mr. Ashton three times, with Mr. Connor twice, and then she was alone for a dance. Mr. Ashton was claimed by Miss Connor, and someone had succeeded Julia at the piano, leaving her free for Mr. Connor to dance with. Elizabeth spotted Mr. Hollis the moment he saw her, and somehow managed to duck out of sight before he could get to her. She wound up outside, looking at the gardens. With a quick glance to assure herself that Mr. Hollis had not discovered where she was going and followed her, she began to breathe a bit easier.

"I should not have left you alone, Elizabeth," a voice said behind her.

Elizabeth started for a moment, but she recognized the voice. "Please do not tell me you left Lucinda on the dance floor alone," she said.

Mr. Ashton laughed as he took her arm in his. "The dance is over. You were so involved in your game of hide and seek with Mr. Hollis that you must not have heard it end."

"I suppose I was." Elizabeth looked out at the garden. It was so beautiful in the moonlight. I could not have asked for a more romantic moment than this, she thought.

"It is so beautiful out here," he said.

"Yes."

"Elizabeth..."

"Anthony."

He tilted her head up and kissed her. It was a slow, lingering kiss, most unlike the first one they had shared at Netherfield. The strange emotions welled up inside of her, just as they had before, and she put her arms around his neck.

When the two broke apart, Elizabeth found herself out of breath.

"Miss Elizabeth Collins...I should have thought a properly brought up young lady knew better than to be kissing men in the moonlight," he said in a pseudo-stern voice.

"She usually does, Mr. Ashton, unless she is with this unusual American with the most amazing amber eyes she's ever seen."

"You truly think my eyes handsome?"

"Of course."

"I have had many a young woman complain that my eyes scared them. I do not know why."

"Perhaps they do not like something out of the ordinary."

"And you do?"

"I believe I do."

"In that case, Miss Collins..." Mr. Ashton let go of her face and took both of her hands in his. "I have wanted to do this since the day your father came to Netherfield. I intended to, but then he arrived and after that you were too concerned with your sister."

"Do what?" Elizabeth had an idea of what he might say.

"You must allow me, Elizabeth, to tell you how ardently I admire and I love you."

Elizabeth gasped. She had been right...but to hear the words still gave her intense pleasure. He loved her!

"You are quite possibly the most wonderful person I know. You give me so much joy and I never thought I would find it. I...I..."

Elizabeth's smile widened.

"I...was hoping that you felt the same way...and would do me the honour of becoming my wife."

His grip on her hands had tightened to the point of pain, but Elizabeth was beyond feeling as she said, "Nothing, Mr. Ashton, would give me greater pleasure. I would be honoured to marry you."

"You would?"

"Yes, of course! Did you doubt that I would?"

"Well, I think that every man, on deciding to ask a woman to marry him, is nervous and doubtful."

"Just as every woman fears receiving a man's interest without ever receiving a marriage proposal."

"I suppose it would be the same thing." He smiled. "I love you, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth smiled at him. "I love you, too."

"When may I speak to your father?"

Some of the joy receded when he mentioned her father. "Oh, Anthony...I do not know. Soon, of course, for I wish to marry you as soon as I can. Yet I am frightened that he will say no..."

"I think that the idea of your marrying so well will be the influencing factor with your father."

"Not to mention that I shall be living across an ocean and thus out of his life."

"Better that you said that than I."

"Perhaps you could call on my father in the next day or so...I think that would be best."

"Yes, of course." He let go of her hands. "Shall we return to the house?"

Elizabeth took his arm graciously, betraying nothing of her emotional state...except in her eyes. They were filled with a tremendous amount of love.

Continued in Section III