Southern Pride and Yankee Prejudice

By Mary Kate

Section I, Next Section

Part 1

February 1865

Elizabeth sighed and pushed back a lock of her dark hair before returning to the soldier she was tending. He was a Confederate officer, and she a Yankee nurse, but that was no matter. None of the doctors or nurses at this camp could leave a man to die when they could save him.

This officer had been unconscious when he was brought in, and was only now coming to. "Please ma'am," he said, struggling to sit up. "Am I in the hands of friends or enemies?" His Virginian accent came through clearly because of his distress.

"Friends, of course. Now lie still. And before you ask: yes, you will live; yes, you'll be in one piece; and yes, your men are being cared for, as many as we found."

The officer sat back with a chuckle. "Now how did you know I was going to ask that?"

Elizabeth smiled. That accent of his was so familiar. "Every man wants the first two answers, and every officer the third." Further down the row of makeshift beds a weary voice called for a nurse.

She rose. "I have to go help him. You lie here and try to sleep some more. If you need me, just call."

Before she could leave his bedside, the officer caught her hand and kissed it with true Southern charm. "Thank you, ma'am."

During the night, Elizabeth woke and decided to make the rounds of her patients and make sure they were all well. Besides, she wanted to see that officer again. She'd been too busy during most of the day to go back to him, and there was something distressingly familiar about him. She wanted to know what.

He was sitting in his bed, looking longingly at the outside, his profile etched sharply against the silvery moonlight. Elizabeth gasped softly as she realized who he was.

She stepped further back into the shadows. Of all the people to meet in this war, he was the last she'd expected. She closed her eyes. She could still remember their first meeting...

Part 2

March 4, 1861

"Jane, Elizabeth, are you ready yet?" Mr. Bennet called as he headed the door of their home. "We will be late if you don't hurry."

"Coming, Father!" they called back in unison. When they reached the foot of the stairs, Mrs. Bennet was already there.

"I do not see why you are taking our girls to this inauguration. It is not as though any of the men will be thinking of them. It will be all speeches and politics and - "

"That is why you do not have to come," Mr. Bennet interjected smoothly. "But Jane and Elizabeth have expressed an interest in the event, so I am quite happy to take them."

Mrs. Bennet continued to fuss as they put on the coats. "Be careful not to get wet or catch a chill, girls, for it would not do to be ill for this evening's ball. Oh the weather here is so bad for you!"

Each girl kissed her mother's cheek as they went out the door to the carriage. "Out of there at last," Elizabeth thought.

As the carriage wound its way to the Capitol building, where the inauguration of the new President would be held, Elizabeth reflected on her mother's words.

While the Bennets were not very rich, Mr. Bennet's status with Congress and the natural charm and talents of Jane and Elizabeth made them - and their three younger sisters - more than eligible matches. Jane especially needed not worry over marriage, as she was the loveliest of the five.

But there was no convincing Mrs. Bennet of all that, and as they had now reached the Capitol, Elizabeth put the matter out of her mind to concentrate on the event soon to take place before her.

Mr. Bennet found them quite good seats, so Elizabeth could see clearly as Vice President Hamlin was sworn in, then as Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth President of the United States, received the oath of office. Then he began his inaugural address.

"Fellow citizens of the United States: in compliance with a custom as old as the government itself, I appear before you to address you briefly and to take, in your presence, the oath prescribed by the Constitution of the United States, to be taken by the President 'before he enters on the execution of his office.' . . .

"Apprehension seems to exist among the people of the Southern States that by the accession of a Republican administration their property and their peace and personal security are to be endangered. There has never been any reasonable cause for such apprehension. Indeed, the most ample evidence to the contrary has all the while existed and been open to their inspection. It is found in nearly all the published speeches of him who now addresses you. I do but quote from one of those speeches when I declare that 'I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so.' . . .

"I hold that, in contemplation of universal law and of the Constitution, the Union of these States is perpetual. Perpetuity is implied, if not expressed, in the fundamental law of all national governments. It is safe to assert that no government proper ever had a provision in its organic law for its own termination. Continue to execute all the express provisions of our National Constitution, and the Union will endure forever--it being impossible to destroy it except by some action not provided for in the instrument itself. . .

"Physically speaking, we cannot separate. We cannot remove our respective sections from each other, nor build an impassable wall between them. A husband and wife may be divorced, and go out of the presence and beyond the reach of each other; but the different parts of our country cannot do this. They cannot but remain face to face, and intercourse, either amicable or hostile, must continue between them. . . .

"The government will not assail YOU. You can have no conflict without being yourselves the aggressors. YOU have no oath registered in heaven to destroy the government, while _I_ shall have the most solemn one to "preserve, protect, and defend it.

"I am loathe to close. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."

Thunderous applause echoed around the room. "Well, Elizabeth?" Mr. Bennet said.

"Well, Father," she replied with a smile. "It was very grand, and that was an inspiring speech. Thank you for bringing us."

"I am glad you liked it. Unfortunately, we cannot stay. Your mother, you understand." He offered them each an arm and began walking through the crowds outside to their carriage.

Then someone called, "Mr. Bennet!" They turned to see two young men walking quickly to catch up to them.

"So you made it after all," the younger one said. "We'd hoped you would, as there is something we would like to discuss with you - Oh, forgive me, ladies."

Elizabeth was hard pressed not to laugh at the innocent expression of dismay on the young man's face as he realized his faux pas.

"Jane, Elizabeth," Mr. Bennet said formally. "May I present Mr. Charles Bingley of North Carolina, and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Virginia. Bingley, Darcy, my daughters Jane and Elizabeth."

The sisters curtseyed slightly as Mr. Bingley said, "It is a pleasure to meet you both." Mr. Darcy only nodded.

"May we walk with you back to you carriage?" Mr. Bingley asked. "I wouldn't want to keep your daughters standing while we talk."

Mr. Bennet acceded to this request, and Mr. Bingley immediately offer Jane his arm. She took it, blushing prettily, while Mr. Bennet walked on Mr. Bingley's other side.

That left Elizabeth to Mr. Darcy, who offered his arm with that charm only found in true Southern gentlemen. As she took his arm, Elizabeth remarked, "Didn't you also wish to speak to my father, Mr. Darcy?"

"It is of no immediate matter, Miss Bennet. Charles knows my questions and, if the opportunity presents itself, will ask them. If not, I will ask myself at a later date."

They walked in silence from then until they reached the carriage. Mr. Darcy handed Elizabeth in, and Mr. Bennet shut the door.

"Tell your mother I'll be home later, Elizabeth. I've found I have some business to see to immediately."

The sisters were left alone as the carriage drove away.

Author's Note on accents: Mr. Bennet, Jane and Elizabeth speak with light New Jersey accents, since that is where they lived before Washington, D.C.. Mr. Bingley and Darcy speak with light accents from their respective states. All five speak like well-educated people. Unlike some characters still to be met...

Part 3

Evening of March 4, 1861

The Bennets came into the ballroom of the White House in a clump. Jane and Elizabeth came in on Mr. Bennet's arms while Lydia and Kitty walked with Mrs. Bennet. Mary alone had declined the invitation, as she preferred staying at home and reading.

Kitty and Lydia immediately rushed off to watch some handsome officers, but the others politely stayed in the receiving line. After what seemed like ages, they finally reached the front.

"Mr. Bennet, how good to see you!" a feminine voice exclaimed.

"And you, Mrs. Lincoln, as always." Elizabeth looked up from the ground to see her father kiss an elegant woman's cheek, then shake hands warmly with a very tall gentleman who looked very familiar... "Now, Mr. President, Mrs. Lincoln, allow me to present my wife Francine and my two eldest daughters Jane and Elizabeth."

Fortunately for everyone's peace of mind, Mrs. Bennet was too much in awe to do anything but bow politely. Jane, too, managed only to be polite, but Mrs. Lincoln immediately began talking to her as if they were old friends. Consequently, Elizabeth was left to bear the President's scrutiny all on her own.

"So, Miss Bennet," he said, "your father tells me you're interested in politics."

"Why, yes," she stuttered. "I am a bit."

"Perhaps sometime we might convince you to come visit a session of Congress, so you could see first hand how lawmaking works."

"It would be my pleasure and my honor, Mr. President." Elizabeth was stunned. To be invited to witness a session of Congress by the President himself!

"I shall look forward to seeing you. Now, if you will excuse me, I will return you to your father's care and see to the rest of my guests."

As he moved off, Elizabeth stared in shock for a moment. That was something she could never have imagined. "When did you meet the President?" she asked her father.

"Oh, some years ago," Mr. Bennet replied, rather pleased. "It was when he first served in Congress. We've kept in touch since then."

Elizabeth said nothing more as they reached the place where Mrs. Bennet and Jane were standing and chatting with Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy.

"There you are!" Mrs. Bennet said cheerfully. "We've been waiting for you."

"How good of you," Mr. Bennet replied dryly.

The musicians began to play a waltz, and Mr. Bingley extended a hand to Jane. "Miss Bennet, if you would favor me with this dance?"

"Of course, sir." He led her out to the dance floor.

Mrs. Bennet turned to Mr. Darcy. "And you, sir? Have you come ready to dance, as your friend has?"

Elizabeth groaned mentally. Did her mother ever not say something rude?

"I rarely dance," Mr. Darcy replied.

"Well, let this be one of the occasions then."

Mr. Darcy looked at Elizabeth. "If Miss Bennet will consent to be my partner, I will do just that."

"I would like that very much, sir." She set her hand in his and let him lead her to the dance floor.

The waltz was not one of Elizabeth's favorite dances because she had to stand so very close to her partner. But tonight, she found, she didn't mind it so much. Mr. Darcy was a very skilled partner, and they moved smoothly around the floor together.

"I understand from your father that you have an interest in politics, Miss Bennet."

Elizabeth surprised herself by saying, "Is that all he ever tells people?"

Mr. Darcy smiled at her. "I'm sure he doesn't mean it to upset you. He seems very pleased and proud that his daughter thinks of something besides officers and fashion."

"Well, I suppose there is that," she conceded. "Yes, Mr. Darcy, I am interested in politics."

"I should introduce you to my sister, Georgianna. She, too, is interested in politics, but I'm afraid those women nearest her discourage that interest."

"I would like to meet your sister."

The music ended, and Mr. Darcy led Elizabeth back to her family. "Until next time, Miss Bennet," he promised, bowing over her hand.

Author's note: In regards to the accents of Mrs. Bennet, Kitty and Lydia: all three want to sound elegant so they all try and sound Southern, despite being from New Jersey. Imagine the worst "Southern belle" accent you can, then double it.

Part 4

March 5, 1861

The morning after the ball, Elizabeth was up early, despite the late hours that everyone had kept. Truthfully, she hadn't slept much. She just kept going over the sequence of events with Mr. Darcy. By eight o'clock in the morning, she gave up on sleep and got up.

She went downstairs. The house was quiet. Not surprising, since her family was still asleep.

"Oh, Miss Elizabeth," one of the maids said. "This morning's paper is waiting for you in the dining room, and your breakfast will be ready whenever you are."

"Thank you, Sarah. I think I will wait for breakfast until Miss Jane comes down."

Elizabeth sat down to read the paper. Normally that was how she started her day, but rarely did the activity bother her as it did today. The rumors of war upset her.

Sometime later, the rest of the Bennets began to get up. Not that Elizabeth saw them. But she heard them.

"Oh, my poor head! Hill, fetch my breakfast."

"Mama, say that I may stay in bed. Mary says it is slovenly, but I am tired."

"Lydia, can you not see that your poor sister is in pain? Must you make so much noise?"

"But Mama! What about Mary?"

"Tell Mary to be quiet and keep her opinions to herself. Oh, my head, my nerves!"

A moment later Jane came into the dining room and shut the door behind her. "That," she said as she took the seat opposite Elizabeth, "is the only reason I shall be glad to marry and have a home of my own."

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at the normally mild Jane's words, but declined to comment.

"Well, perhaps that was an exaggeration, but all that noise!" Having now vented her frustrations, Jane began eating the breakfast set before them. "What are you reading, Elizabeth?"

"The Post. There's an article about - "

The door opened, and Mr. Bennet walked in. "Good morning, Jane, good morning, Elizabeth."

"Good morning, Father," they replied in chorus.

"It's a comfort that at least one of my children pays attention to the world," he remarked, noting the paper beside Elizabeth. "What news this morning?"

She pushed the paper over to him so the headline was clearly visible: Experts Predict War.

"It says the President's speech was tantamount to a declaration of war. Do you think that's right?" Elizabeth asked her father.

Mr. Bennet pondered that. "I can't say, Elizabeth. The President doesn't want war, I know, but the Union is important too. Important enough, in his mind, to fight for."

Just then a servant came in the room carrying two bouquets. "Excuse me, but these just came for Miss Jane and Miss Elizabeth."

Elizabeth took hers. It was all roses, the softest, palest, pink roses she'd ever seen. "Where," she wondered softly, "does one get roses in Washington in March?"

The card with the roses was written in a fine, flowing hand and read: Thank you for last night's waltz. Fitzwilliam Darcy

Part 5

Posted on Wednesday, 17 June 1998

Later that morning, when everyone was up and about, the previous evening's ball was discussed.

"... Then I danced with another officer. I think he was a Captain or something," Lydia finished with a giggle.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes at Jane tolerantly. Lydia's silly behavior was a source of some amusement to her as long as she didn't go too far.

"And that charming man danced with Jane all evening," Mrs. Bennet exclaimed. "And even Elizabeth had one good partner."

Jane and Elizabeth exchanged a look. They had chosen not to tell their mother about the flowers that had come earlier. She had a tendency to over-react and would consider them halfway to engaged.

"Who was that woman you were talking to, Jane?" Elizabeth asked suddenly. "The tall, proud one."

"That was Caroline Bingley, Charles' sister. She's not proud at all. I found her very agreeable. She has just come this past week to keep house for him."

"It is good that you get along with her. A girl should always get along with her husband's family," Mrs. Bennet said reflectively.

"Mama! I have only known Mr. Bingley one day. It is much too soon to be even considering that."

One of the maids came into the room. "Excuse me, but this letter just came for Miss Jane."

Jane took the letter and read it. "It is from Caroline Bingley. She writes that she would like to get to know me better, so I am invited to tea this afternoon."

Mrs. Bennet was practically beside herself with joy. "Tea with the Bingleys! Oh, Jane, this will be your chance to get to know him better and find out what he likes."

"Mr. Bingley will not be there, Mama. He and Mr. Darcy are dining with some Senators this evening and won't be home til late. Father," Jane continued, turning to Mr. Bennet, "may I take the carriage?"

"No, that is quite impossible," Mrs. Bennet interrupted. "Kitty, Lydia and I will need it when we got out. You can use the open carriage. It wouldn't seat three and besides, it looks like rain."

"Mother!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "Jane will be wet through when she reaches the Bingleys' residence."

"Don't be silly, Elizabeth. Of course she won't. But if it rains, they won't send her home, and she'll have to spend the night."

Part 6

Posted on Tuesday, 23 June 1998

Accordingly, the open carriage was called for, and Jane went off. Elizabeth stayed by the window to watch her. Five minutes later, it began to rain.

"Elizabeth, get away from there! What will people think?"

She moved grudgingly. "I hope Jane made it to the Bingleys' before the rain started."

"Of course she did! It isn't that far." Mrs. Bennet was pleased with the success of her plan. Jane would marry Bingley, then she would turn to getting Elizabeth married. Maybe that nice young man from the ball. What was his name...? Darcy or some such.

Around eight o'clock that evening, a letter arrived addressed to Elizabeth.

Dear Elizabeth,

I'm writing this to you because I know you will understand where Mama wouldn't. I did get wet from the rain, and I'm afraid I caught something of a chill. It's not serious! But the Bingleys have extended their hospitality to me until I am well enough to return home. I shall be well in a few days, I am sure. They are all very kind to me. The only thing I miss right now is you, dearest sister.

Jane

"Well, Mama?" Elizabeth said as she read part of the letter aloud.

"Well nothing, Miss Elizabeth. This is perfect. She'll be there for several days, and she will certainly get to know Bingley by the end of her stay."

"But what if she is really ill?"

"It's a chill, Elizabeth. How serious do you think it can be? No, she'll be fine, and everything will work out beautifully."

The next morning at breakfast, another letter arrived, again addressed to Elizabeth. This one was from Mr. Bingley, to assure her that Jane was being cared for properly and his hopes that Jane would be well very soon.

"That is it," Elizabeth said, rising. "I'm going to see Jane."

"You'll do no such thing, Miss. You'll only be in the way. Besides, there is no way for you to get over there."

"Mama, I won't be in the way, and I'll walk over there. It's not so far."

"I shall be humiliated," Mrs. Bennet exclaimed. "Oh my poor nerves. You will be filthy when you arrive, and then what will they say?"

"Frankly, Mama, I don't care. I'm far more concerned about Jane than what some people we barely know will say about it. That's final."

Part 7

Posted on Thursday, 25 June 1998

Elizabeth, true to her word, set out for the Bingley residence right after breakfast. She had not foreseen how truly muddy the streets would be, but no matter; it wasn't far.

When she reached the house, she was suitably impressed. It was a lovely house, nicer than the Bennets' townhouse, though not as grand as the one they had up North.

Mr. Darcy was just arriving on horseback when she walked up. "Miss Bennet!"

"Mr. Darcy."

He dismounted and handed his reins to a groom. "What brings you here so early, Miss Bennet?"

"I've come to inquire after my sister. I hope I won't be intruding."

"Not at all," he hastened to assure her. "Let me take you to her."

True to his word, Mr. Darcy escorted her directly to the room Jane was in. Then he left them alone, promising to send up some breakfast for them both.

"How are you, Jane," Elizabeth asked as she took of her hat and cloak. "You don't look well."

"Everything is well, now that you are here, " Jane replied wearily.

"Rest now, Jane. You need to gather your strength," Elizabeth ordered, trying to keep the worry from her voice. This was not like Jane, and Elizabeth was worried.

Jane fell asleep almost immediately, and Elizabeth went downstairs to see Mr. Bingley. She found him, along with Mr. Darcy and two women whom he introduced as his sisters, in the dining room having breakfast.

"Forgive me. I did not wish to intrude."

"You're not intruding, Miss Bennet. Please, how is your sister?" Mr. Bingley asked.

Elizabeth frowned a little. "She isn't as well as she'd like me to think. I'm afraid she might be very ill."

"Then you must stay here," Mr. Bingley said decisively. "I'll send someone to your house to let them know."

"You are too kind, sir. Thank you." She paused to look at Mr. Darcy, who seemed almost pleased that she would be staying there. "Forgive me, I should go back to my sister."

When she had left the room, Caroline Bingley immediately set on her. "Did you see her, Louisa? Her hair was a mess."

"And her dress. Six inches deep in mud, I'm sure," Louisa exclaimed. "Shocking."

"That's what comes with these Northern girls." Caroline's tone left no doubt in anyone's mind as to the intended insult.

"I didn't notice any of that," Mr. Bingley said. "I saw a young woman who was genuinely concerned about her sister."

The sisters rolled their eyes at each other. "And you, Mr. Darcy?" Caroline asked. "I'm sure you noticed."

"Actually, I didn't. I noticed only that her eyes were exceptionally bright with exercise and that her color was up. If you'll excuse me," he said with a bow. He left, leaving Mr. Bingley to think about more ways to make his guests comfortable and Caroline to stare after him in amazement. That wasn't the answer she'd been hoping for.

Part 8

Posted on Tuesday, 7 July 1998

In the evening, at Jane's urging, Elizabeth joined the Bingleys after dinner. Mr. Bingley and his sisters, along with Louisa's husband Mr. Hurst, were engaged in a card game, so Elizabeth decided to read.

Mr. Darcy joined them several minutes later. His eyes first sought Elizabeth, and when he saw her reading, he smiled, sat down at the nearby desk, and began writing busily.

Eventually, Caroline looked up from the card game. "Why, Mister Darcy!" she exclaimed. "I didn't hear you come in. Why didn't you say anything?"

"I had no wish to disturb anyone," he replied coolly.

"What are you doing now?"

"I am writing a letter to my sister."

"Oh, dear Georgianna! How is she? Is she making plans for her debut?"

"She is quite well, and yes, plans for her debut are well underway. It is set for the beginning of June, if nothing happens to delay it." The tone of his voice discouraged any more questions.

Caroline took the hint and abruptly changed topics. "Miss Bennet, do come and play with us. The game is always so much more fun when there are more players."

"I'm afraid I don't know the game," Elizabeth confessed. "Besides, I am enjoying what I am reading."

"You prefer reading to cards?" Louisa asked incredulously.

"Oh, Elizabeth Bennet is a great reader," Caroline said snidely. "She takes pleasure in nothing else but politics."

"Forgive me, but I don't deserve that," Elizabeth replied. "I take pleasure in many things."

"Such as dancing," Mr. Darcy interjected softly.

Elizabeth looked at him with surprise, and a small blush spread across her features. "Yes, Mr. Darcy. I do enjoy dancing."

"And you are quite an accomplished dancer," he added, his voice dropping another level.

"Only because I had an accomplished partner," she replied pertly. She rose and went to sit beside him. "Tell me about your sister, please."

He smiled. "Georgianna is a young woman of sixteen. She's about your height, but she is blond, whereas you are dark. She is sweet, but she lacks confidence in herself. And those around her," his gaze shifted to Caroline, "do not encourage her to be herself."

"Shall I be able to make her acquaintance, do you think?"

"I hope so. That is the principal reason for my letter: to invite her to Washington. I would like to introduce her to you as soon as may be arranged."

"I look forward to it, sir."

There was a long pause before Darcy continued. "Miss Bennet, perhaps it is a touch forward of me, but would you care to go for a drive with me tomorrow? The weather should be clear."

"If my sister is well enough that I can leave her for that long, it would be my pleasure."

Part 9

Posted on Friday, 10 July 1998

March 7, 1861

The next morning, Elizabeth checked on Jane. Her temperature was down, but she was still a bit weak.

"I am much better, Elizabeth. We can go home today."

Elizabeth shook her head as she looked through the few clothes she had. "No. We'd better stay until tomorrow at least."

"Are you going driving with Mr. Darcy this morning?" Jane asked.

"I had thought to. Would you rather I stay here with you?"

"No, Elizabeth. Go and enjoy yourself. I will be quite well here. Wear the green dress. It's the most flattering to your coloring."

Elizabeth looked over at her sister. "Am I trying to impress Mr. Darcy, then?"

"No. He's already impressed." Jane smiled. "Who could not be? You're lovely, intelligent, charming, kind..."

"Enough, Jane. I'm not half that good, but thank you." Elizabeth slid into the green dress. "Do you think you can button the back? I can't reach the middle buttons."

As Jane buttoned them, she cautioned Elizabeth. "Be careful what you say. Charles told me that Mr. Darcy has a somewhat biting temper, and whatever you do, don't talk about politics. You will never agree with Mr. Darcy."

"Yes, Jane. No, Jane," Elizabeth dutifully replied.

"Have a good time, dear," Jane said calmly.

Mr. Darcy waited somewhat impatiently in the front hall of the Bingleys' house. He was looking forward to his drive with Elizabeth, but he didn't know what he would say to her. He wasn't very good at talking, except when it came to politics, and Charles had already warned him off that subject.

He turned as he heard footsteps on the stairs. Elizabeth was coming down, dressed in green the color of new leaves. His breath caught in his throat. She was even more beautiful than before.

Part 10

Posted on Thursday, 16 July 1998

"Miss Bennet. You look... lovely."

"Thank you, Mr. Darcy." She let him help her on with her coat. Then he offered her his arm, which she took, to lead her out to the carriage. He helped her in, then climbed in the other side.

Skillfully he directed the horses to the park. He didn't know what to say, but he felt he ought to.

"My but this is awkward," Elizabeth said suddenly.

"What is, Miss Bennet?" Darcy asked in surprise.

"This." She gestured with one hand to indicate the drive and the two of them. "Here we sit, silent as stone. Yet you asked me to drive, and I accepted readily. So one would think we would attempt to enjoy the other's company."

"One cannot enjoy a person's company in silence?"

"It is not that kind of silence, Mr. Darcy. It was a very awkward silence."

"Indeed it was. I'm afraid I did not know what to say to such a lovely lady as you, Miss Bennet."

Elizabeth paused before replying. She was not sure if that was a genuine compliment, or just the famous Southern charm. "I'm afraid you have the wrong 'Miss Bennet' for those kind of compliments, sir."

"If you say so, Miss Bennet. I would never contradict a lady."

She laughed. "Thank you, Mr. Darcy, for both compliments." He smiled at her. Elizabeth smiled back. She found herself liking Mr. Darcy, even though she barely knew him. She remembered Jane saying how Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley had dined with some senators the evening she first went to the Bingleys', and to make conversation, she asked, "Tell me, sir, if you will, why were you dining with the senators the evening before yesterday? Business or pleasure?"

"A bit of both, Miss Bennet, though much more business than pleasure, I'm afraid."

"And what did you discuss, if it isn't secret?" she asked teasingly.

Darcy paused before answering. "What every person in Washington is discussing, Miss Bennet. The secession of the southern-most states," he replied seriously.

Elizabeth, too, dropped the playful air she'd had. "If I'm not being bold, why were you there? You aren't in Congress."

"No, I'm not. But the senators seem to think that Charles and I both can offer insights that they themselves might miss. Or, at least, that's what they say."

"And what conclusions did you reach?"

"That the possibility of war is very high. And that Virginia, North Carolina and the rest of the southern slave states will be reluctant to join in a war against their own."

"They wouldn't disobey the President's order!" she gasped.

Darcy shrugged slightly. "I don't know, and I said as much that night. There's a slim possibility they might secede as well."

"And you, sir? How do you feel?"

"Miss Bennet, I would be lying if I said I wanted Virginia to secede. The Union is the best country in the world, and it's good for everyone to be here. But if the Union tries to abolish slavery, the rest of the South will almost certainly rebel."

"And you with it?" she asked, a hint of acid in her voice.

"Please, Miss Bennet, don't put words in my mouth." He turned the horses back. "It's time we were returning," he observed.

The way back, they were as silent as they had been going, neither wanting to continue the conversation, but yet not knowing what else to say. When they reached the Bingley house, Elizabeth let Mr. Darcy help her down from the carriage. Her cheeks were red, but she hurried up to Jane's room before Mr. Darcy could inquire about it.

Part 11

Posted Tuesday, 21-Jul-98

Mr. Bingley was sitting with Jane when Elizabeth went upstairs. He took one look at her flushed cheeks and turned to Jane. "Excuse me, Jane. I think I should be going. I hope you will feel up to joining us for supper?"

"Of course, Charles. I look forward to supper." She smiled at him. He left, shutting the door firmly behind him. "Sit down, Elizabeth. What happened?"

"I should have listened to you, Jane."

"Please say you didn't talk about politics."

"I wish I could." Elizabeth recounted the whole story. "What now, Jane? I like Mr. Darcy."

"You might try apologizing. It sounds to me like you were in the wrong," Jane replied reflectively.

Elizabeth paused. She had been wrong to jump on his statement like that without thinking. It hurt her pride to admit she was wrong, but it was true. "At dinner," she promised herself.

Darcy sat back, playing with his glass. He'd been rather abrupt with Miss Bennet, and he owed her an apology for it. She'd hit on a nerve, though, and he'd responded without thinking.

He set the glass down, picked up his pen and tried again to finish his letter to Georgianna. Thoughts of Elizabeth kept intruding. He could see her blushing at his compliments, could see her with her eyes sparkling with laughter.

He wondered suddenly how she would look if he tried to woo her.

Dinner began rather strained. Some arrangement had put Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy next to each other, and the tension between them affected the rest of the table. Even Caroline noticed it.

When Jane and Mr. Bingley began a conversation and the whole table's attention was no longer on her, Elizabeth leaned over to Mr. Darcy. "I owe you an apology for my behavior earlier. I was wrong to say such things to you. I am sorry."

"On the contrary, Miss Bennet. The fault is mine. I should not have taken your comments to heart that way. I beg your pardon for that."

Elizabeth smiled. "Since we both think we are at fault, shall we not call it even and forget all about it?"

"That is a very good idea, Miss Bennet."

Part 12

Posted on Thursday, 06-Aug-98

That evening, they gathered around the parlor again. The difference from the previous night was, of course, Jane's presence, but also that Darcy made no secret of his preference for Elizabeth's company.

The two of them sat together on one side of the room, embroiled in a discussion over the merits of Tennyson as compared to Browning. The subject had come up during dinner and had just naturally carried over. By unspoken consent, they avoided politics.

Jane and Mr. Bingley sat by the fireplace, where a fire burned against the chill. What they talked about is not important; their conversation was constantly interrupted by Mr. Bingley's solicitous questions about Jane's health.

Caroline, annoyed by Mr. Darcy's attention to Elizabeth, had picked up a book in an effort to get his notice. Not given to the work of understanding what she'd picked up - a collection of Emerson's essays - she quickly became frustrated with that.

Seeing that Mr. Darcy would only watch her if she were with Elizabeth, Caroline went over there. She was sure the comparison would be to her advantage. "Miss Elizabeth, do take a turn with me. It's so refreshing."

Elizabeth stopped mid-sentence to look at Caroline. A walk around the room was not her idea of refreshing. But the way Mr. Darcy looked at her clearly said, "Humor her. She is our hostess." So all she said was, "Why, yes, of course."

Caroline looped her arm through Elizabeth's and they crossed the room. As they returned to their starting place, Caroline said, "Mr. Darcy, why don't you join us?"

"That would defeat the purpose."

"How so, sir?"

"Why, either you are in each other's confidence and wish to share secrets." His look at Elizabeth said how unlikely he considered that possibility. "Or you know your figures are best displayed when walking. Either way, I am best where I am."

"Oooh, Mr. Darcy! What a thing to say!" Caroline exclaimed. But Elizabeth only smiled. "Do you not think so, Miss Elizabeth?"

"I think Mr. Darcy speaks only as he finds. I am sorry he thinks the latter of us, but it is true that that is what many young ladies would do."

"You are very hard on your sex," Caroline remonstrated.

"Like Mr. Darcy, I speak as I find." Elizabeth's tone was light and unconcerned, but the words were none the less serious.

Fortunately, she was spared Caroline's catty response by Jane calling her, wishing to retire.

When the sisters had left, Caroline began abusing Elizabeth. "Elizabeth Bennet is one of those young ladies who seek to recommend themselves to the other sex by criticizing their own, and I suppose it succeeds with the sort of men she is accustomed too. But, in my opinion, it is a pathetic and very mean attempt."

"Undoubtedly," replied Mr. Darcy, to whom this remark was chiefly addressed, "there is meanness in all the arts which ladies sometimes condescend to employ for captivation. But as I doubt that Miss Bennet's object was captivation, this does not apply to her."

Caroline was not so entirely satisfied with this reply as to wish to continue the subject.

Upstairs, while Jane and Elizabeth prepared for bed, they discussed the members of the household.

"He is everything a young man ought to be. He is sensible, lively, good-natured, and I never saw such happy manners - so much ease, with such perfect good breeding!"

"He is also handsome," replied Elizabeth, "which a young man ought to be, if he possibly can. Well, he certainly is very agreeable, and I give you leave to like him. You have liked many a stupider person."

"Oh, Elizabeth!" Jane laughed. "But what about Mr. Darcy? I noticed you and he spent quite a lot of time in conversation tonight."

"I think Mr. Darcy is kind, good, and very intelligent. I think I like him very much."

Part 13

Posted on Friday, 07-Aug-98

March 8, 1861

The next morning, the Bennet sisters went home, to their mother's disgust. She had counted on them staying at least until the end of the week, and made no bones about telling them so. But before that, they actually needed to leave the Bingley residence.

Mr. Bingley ordered his carriage for them for "as soon as they were ready." But so many things came up before they could be ready.

They needed to eat breakfast. Then Mr. Bingley asked three times if Jane truly thought she was well enough to go home; he would be quite happy to invite her to stay if she felt ill. He was afraid the weather was chilly; would she be quite warm enough in the carriage with only her cloak? The seats in the carriage were not cushioned enough; they needed wait until more could be fetched.

Through it all, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy sat out of the way talking. "Miss Bennet, might I - that is, would you be offended - may I call on you sometime?"

Elizabeth blushed a little. "Of course, Mr. Darcy. You are always welcome." The smile she gave him gave proof to her words.

"May I also beg a favor of you?" At her nod, he requested, "If you would, I would ask you not to call me 'Mr. Darcy' anymore."

"What shall I call you then, sir?" she asked pertly.

"My name is Fitzwilliam, and you may use that, if you choose, or some variation of it."

Again, she blushed. While not unaccustomed to calling people by their first names, it was a mark of intimacy she hadn't expected Mr. Darcy to offer.

Jane called to her then, sparing her the necessity of a reply. "Elizabeth, come! Father will be expecting us."

Mr. Darcy handed Elizabeth into the carriage and kissed her hand before he shut the door. Before the carriage drove away, Elizabeth said softly, "My name is Elizabeth... Fitzwilliam."

Mrs. Bennet was very angry with them for coming home so early. "You should have stayed longer. Another two or three days would have been no trouble."

"But, Mama - " Jane protested.

"No buts. Well, it is all over and done now, and I dare say there is nothing to be done about it," Mrs. Bennet replied, with all the airs of a martyr. "Oh, my poor nerves."

Part 14

Posted on Sunday, 09-Aug-98

March 11, 1861

Now, the Bennet family was not rich. But they did have a very nice home in Trenton, which was where all five girls had been born, as well as their house in Washington. Unfortunately, the girls could inherit neither of these properties, a fact that did not set well with Mrs. Bennet. Instead, upon Mr. Bennet's death, the two properties would fall to a cousin, Mr. Collins. The sisters would still inherit their share of Mr. Bennet's small fortune, but what was that without a home?

It happened that at breakfast, a few days after Jane and Elizabeth had returned from the Bingley residence, Mr. Bennet happened to address his wife with, "I hope you have ordered a good dinner, my dear."

"Oh, why should I have? Who could be coming? And if you say Charlotte Lucas, I do not see why we should order anything unusual for her." Charlotte Lucas was Elizabeth's best friend - outside of Jane - and she dined frequently with the Bennets.

"I was speaking of a gentleman, a person I have never met before in all my life."

Everyone stared around the table, their thought written plain on their faces. Who could it be? Mr. Bennet enjoyed their puzzlement greatly. It was rare for him to surprise everyone in the family.

"Then who is it, Father?" Elizabeth asked. "For you would not ask just anyone to dine with us."

"I will tell you, Elizabeth. But to tell you, I shall have to read the following letter to you. I received it nearly a month ago, and, as I discovered it was of some import, I answered it a fortnight ago."

"But who is the letter from?" Lydia demanded.

"Patience is a virtue, sister," Mary rebuked. "It would well become you to cultivate it."

"Well," Mr. Bennet said, clearing his throat. "The letter is from my cousin, Mr. Collins, who, when I am dead, will be able to turn you out of this house as soon as pleases him."

"Oh, I wish you would not discuss that horrid man! Why could he have written to you? Why could he not have kept quarreling with you as his father did?"

"My dear Mrs. Bennet, if you will wait patiently, all will be explained." So saying, he began to read.

Hunsford, near Raleigh, North Carolina

February 12, 1861

Dear Sir,

The disagreement between yourself and my late honored father always gave me much uneasiness, and since I have had the misfortune to lose him I have frequently wished to heal the breach. For some time I was kept back by my own doubts, fearing lest it seem disrespectful to his memory for me to be on good terms with anyone with whom it had always pleased him to be at variance. My mind, however, is now made up on the subject, for having received ordination at Christmas, I have been so fortunate as to be distinguished by the patronage of the Right Honorable Mrs. Catherine de Bourgh, widow of Colonel Lewis de Bourgh, whose bounty and beneficence has preferred me to the valuable rectory of this parish, where it shall be my earnest endeavor to demean myself with grateful respect towards Mrs. de Bourgh, and be ever ready to perform those rites and ceremonies which are instituted by the Church of England. As a clergyman, moreover, I feel it my duty to promote and establish the blessing of peace in all families within the reach of my influence; and on these grounds I flatter myself that my present overtures of good-will are highly commendable, and that the circumstance of my being next in the entail of Longbourn estate will be kindly overlooked on your side, and not lead you to reject the offered olive branch. I cannot be otherwise than concerned at being the means of injuring your amiable daughters, and beg leave to apologize for it, as well as to assure you of my readiness to make them every possible amends, -- but of this hereafter. If you should have no objection to receive me into your house, I propose myself the satisfaction of waiting on you and your family, March 11th, by four o'clock, and shall probably trespass on your hospitality till the Saturday fortnight following, which I can do without any inconvenience, as Mrs. de Bourgh is far from objecting to my occasional absence on a Sunday, provided that some other clergyman is engaged to do the duty of the day. I remain, dear sir, with respectful compliments to your lady and daughters, your well-wisher and friend,

William Collins.

"There, you see, Mrs. Bennet?" Mr. Bennet asked as he set the letter down.

"I do not see, but if he is inclined to make our girls any amends, I shall not be the person to discourage him."

Part 15

Posted on Saturday, 29-Aug-98

Promptly at four o'clock, the carriage containing Mr. Collins arrived at their door, and all were assembled to greet him. Introductions were quickly made before they entered the house for tea.

During tea, Mr. Collins sat beside Mr. Bennet, with Jane and Elizabeth not far away. The sisters watched, amused, as Mr. Bennet slyly baited their cousin.

"You seem very fortunate in your patroness," Mr. Bennet observed.

"Oh, indeed! Mrs. de Bourgh is all a great lady should be! She is generous and such a considerate neighbor as well. She has even condescended to visit me in my humble abode."

"Has she any children?" Mrs. Bennet inquired. Almost against her will, she was beginning to like Mr. Collins.

"One daughter, Anne. Unfortunately, Anne is of a sickly nature, so she does not go out as befits her station. I have often remarked to Mrs. de Bourgh how this deprives the world of one of its brightest jewels." He turned to Mr. Bennet. "I have often observed how agreeable compliments of that sort are to ladies, and so make every attempt to use them."

Mr. Bennet choked back a laugh. "May I be so bold as to inquire if these compliments are composed on the spot or whether they arise from previous meditation?"

"They arise chiefly from what is passing at the moment, but I do sometimes entertain myself by composing such as can be applied to any situation."

Elizabeth could not restrain her laughter any longer. She hastily excused herself and fled to her room, where she laughed until she cried.

Jane followed her up. "Elizabeth, is anything wrong?" she asked softly.

"No, Jane. He is simply the most pompous, pretentious man I've ever met." She began laughing again. "The idea that he would 'composing such as can be applied to any situation'..." She mimicked Mr. Collins' voice so accurately that Jane too laughed.

"Oh, Elizabeth. What will we do with you?"

March 12, 1861

The next morning, Elizabeth and Jane sat outside in the garden. A shift in weather had brought warm air to them, and flowers were beginning to bloom. Jane and Elizabeth looked like flowers themselves, with their full skirts spilling around them where they sat.

Mr. Collins watched them sit and laugh together from another part of the garden. A design that had begun before now became a full-blown purpose. Mrs. Bennet joined him there.

"You have two beautiful daughters, my dear lady," he remarked to her. "Especially the eldest..."

"Yes, Jane is a sweet girl. But I feel as though I must warn you that she is very likely to be soon engaged. As for Elizabeth... I could not say if she has any prior attachments, but I think not."

"Ah," he said. His gaze moved from Jane to Elizabeth. She, though perhaps not quite as beautiful as her elder sister, was still an uncommonly lovely young woman. Yes, she was more than worthy for what he had in mind.

Part 16

Posted on Thursday, 03-Sep-98

Lydia and Kitty came out into the garden. "Jane, Elizabeth!"

"What is it, Lydia?" Jane asked calmly.

"We want to go and look at shops. But Father says we cannot go unless you go with us." Lydia pouted. "I cannot imagine why. It is not as though Kitty and I would do anything wrong."

Jane and Elizabeth looked at each other, and Elizabeth sighed. "Yes, Lydia. we'll go with you."

Half an hour later, they were on their way. By then the group included Mr. Collins as well as the four sisters, as he felt he could not allow them to go alone and unaccompanied.

They walked along the street, wandering mostly. Lydia and Kitty exclaimed over every shop window, making a small spectacle of themselves. Elizabeth, the obvious object of Mr. Collins' attention, tried very hard to ignore him.

Up ahead, Lydia spotted someone. "Look, Kitty. Isn't that Denny and Carter?"

"Oh, it is! Who is that with them?"

"I don't know, but he's very handsome."

Elizabeth refrained from saying that she thought the gentleman in question looked too handsome, almost unnaturally so, as the three men approached them.

Captain Carter greeted them courteously. "Miss Bennet, Miss Lydia, Miss Kitty. We were going to call on you later." The last was directed to Lydia and Kitty. "May we escort you wherever you're bound this morning?"

"Yes," Lydia said. "But only if you introduce your friend to us."

"Forgive me, ladies. May I present Mr. George Wickham? He has just joined our regiment, and we look forward to having him."

Mr. Wickham bowed politely to all the ladies, then Jane introduced Mr. Collins. They chatted politely for a while, with Kitty and Lydia obviously enjoying it. Jane and Elizabeth liked it less so, but that could simply be because they had no one to talk to, and Mr. Collins didn't count.

It was at this moment that two gentlemen rode by on horseback. "Miss Bennet!" Mr. Bingley exclaimed, reining in his horse. "We were just on our way to visit you and inquire after your health." He dismounted and moved to Jane's side where he began to talk with her in low tones that no one else could hear.

Elizabeth turned her eyes to Mr. Darcy. "Good day, Mr. Darcy."

He too dismounted. "So I am 'Mr. Darcy' again?"

"Only until you chose to speak to me. Good morning, Fitzwilliam," she replied with a smile.

"Good morning, Elizabeth. Quite a gathering here." He looked around until he saw Mr. Wickham. Then he stiffened. Wickham turned a little pale when their eyes met, then he looked away. "Yes, quite a gathering."

Elizabeth stared at him, unsure what to do. "Mr. Dar - Fitzwilliam, is something wrong?"

Darcy turned back to her. "No, Elizabeth. Everything is just fine." Taking her hand and pulling her a little away from the group, he said, "I have an invitation to extend to you. Charles is hosting a small ball at his home in a week. The formal invitation will be delivered tomorrow, but I would like to add my personal request that you come."

Elizabeth took a deep breath to steady herself. "With such an invitation, how could I refuse? Yes, I will come."

"You will? That's wonderful! Will you promise me the first waltz of the evening as well?"

"Of course." She might have said more had Lydia not called to her.

"Elizabeth, do hurry!"

Only then did Elizabeth realize everyone was waiting for her. "Will you come to dinner the day after tomorrow? I would love to have you, and I know Jane would like to have Mr. Bingley over."

"Done, and I will see you then, if not before." He kissed her hand. "Farewell, Elizabeth."

Part 17

Posted on Tuesday, 22-Sep-98

Elizabeth returned home in a bubble of happiness, not withstanding the presence of Mr. Collins. Dinner with Mr. Darcy this week and a ball next!

Oh, if only she could make the time go by with a snap of her fingers!

March 13, 1861

The day flew by for Elizabeth, who wished to get to the next evening. She did so much work that even Jane was surprised, and Mrs. Bennet (who was truly beginning to like Mr. Collins more and more) began to secretly rejoice that Elizabeth was in love. Unfortunately, Mrs. Bennet had guessed the wrong man.

Had she been asked, Elizabeth would have confessed that she did not know if she was in love or not. She would certainly have admitted to liking Fitzwilliam Darcy, more than any other man of her acquaintance, but love? That was something else entirely.

As Mr. Darcy had promised, the formal invitation to the ball did come that day. It included the entire family and Mr. Collins. Mr. Collins immediately tried to secure Elizabeth for the first dance, and she agreed, somewhat reluctantly, on the condition that the dance was not a waltz.

Flowers were also delivered to Elizabeth and to Jane, gifts from Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley. Jane received roses again, but Elizabeth's were a bouquet of forget-me-nots. She read the accompanying note and smiled before tucking it away in a special box on her vanity.

That evening, the Bennets attended a small gathering the Philips. Mrs. Philips was Mrs. Bennet's sister, and the two were very close in their own peculiar way. Mr. Philips was an attorney and, as such, had some interesting acquaintances who were invited to the gathering. Among them were Lydia and Kitty's officer friends Carter and Denny. Also, Mr. Wickham.

Lydia, it was quite obvious, made it her goal to win Mr. Wickham's attention for herself. But in this she was quite unsuccessful, for Mr. Wickham attached himself to Elizabeth for the duration of the evening.

Elizabeth, for her part, was not particularly interested in having Mr. Wickham waiting on her. But as their was no real harm in it, and she had no one else, she permitted it.

Sometime later, after supper was over and the party had broken up into smaller groups for cards and such, Mr. Wickham seated himself beside Elizabeth. "Tell me," he said, "have you known Mr. Darcy long?"

Elizabeth controlled the feelings that rose at the mention of that gentleman's name long enough to answer. "Not long. Two weeks."

"I have known him all my life," Mr. Wickham said. At the expression on Elizabeth's face, he added, "I can see you are surprised. No doubt you noticed the coldness of our greeting." After a nod from her and a short pause, he asked, "Miss Bennet, may I tell you something?"

Part 18

Posted on Wednesday, 23-Sep-98

Elizabeth nodded. "Yes," she replied courteously.

"His father, Miss Bennet, the late Mr. Darcy, was one of the best men that ever lived, and the best friend I ever had; and I can never be in company with this Mr. Darcy without being grieved to the heart by a thousand tender memories. His behavior to myself has been scandalous; but I truly believe I could forgive him anything and everything, except for his disappointing the hopes and disgracing the memory of his father."

Elizabeth refrained from commenting, even from letting her face express how doubtful she considered this information.

"We were born in the same town, Mr. Darcy and I, within the same park even. We grew up together, sharing everything alike. My father began as an attorney, but gave that up to serve the late Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy held him in high esteem, as a friend even. When my father passed away, Mr. Darcy gave him a promise of providing for me, and I am convinced it was as much to discharge the debt he felt towards my father as it was a sign of affection for me."

Mr. Wickham then began to speak on more general topics, the neighborhood, the society, seeming very highly pleased with all that he had seen.

"It was the prospect of constant and good society," he added, "which was my chief inducement to enter the military. I knew it to be a most respectable, agreeable corps, and my friend Denny tempted me farther by his account of their present quarters, and the very great attentions and excellent acquaintance Washington had procured them. Society, I own, is necessary to me. I need employment and society. A military life is not what I was intended for, but circumstances have now made it eligible. The church should have been my profession -- I was brought up for the church, and I should at this time have been in possession of a most valuable living, had it pleased the gentleman we were speaking of just now."

"Indeed?" Elizabeth inquired politely.

"Yes -- the late Mr. Darcy had intended for me the next presentation of the best living in his gift. He was my godfather, and excessively attached to me. I cannot do justice to his kindness. He meant to provide for me amply, and thought he had done it; but when the living fell, it was given elsewhere."

"Really?" Elizabeth remarked coolly, seemingly more interested in the way her skirt settled around her.

"Yes. There was just such an informality in the terms of the intention as to give me no hope from law. A man of honor could not have doubted the intention, but Mr. Darcy chose to doubt it -- or to treat it as a merely conditional recommendation, and to assert that I had forfeited all claim to it by extravagance, imprudence. Certain it is, that the living became vacant two years ago, exactly as I was of an age to hold it, and that it was given to another man; and no less certain is it, that I cannot accuse myself of having really done any thing to deserve to lose it."

It was at this moment that someone called Elizabeth from across the room, and she was obliged to go over there. Soon after, the Bennets left, and Elizabeth was not alone with Mr. Wickham again before then.

She hurried to bed without lingering to talk over the gathering with her family. She wanted to get to the next day's dinner so she could see Mr. Darcy again. And what things she had to ask him!

Part 19

Posted on Saturday, 26-Sep-98

March 14, 1861

Elizabeth had fluttered around so much getting ready for dinner that evening that Jane finally ordered her to sit still.

"Dear Elizabeth, you've rearranged the flower arrangement three times in the last fifteen minutes. Enough. Just sit and wait."

But that proved too much for Elizabeth. She was up and looking out the window to see if they'd come every other minute. "What if they can't come?"

"They will come."

The gentlemen did come, exactly on time. Elizabeth, who had run upstairs to put on her necklace, paused on the next-to-last step for a moment to observe. Mr. Darcy was so handsome.

Darcy looked up, hearing a rustle on the steps. She's beautiful, he thought. Without another thought, he held out his hand to her to guide her down the steps. When she was on the floor again, he brought the hand to his lips. "Good evening, Miss Bennet," he said.

"Good evening, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth replied. Seeing that everyone else had already left the foyer, she added, "Won't you follow me to the parlor?"

In the parlor, there were only two places left, together on one of the loveseats. Elizabeth cast a look at Jane; that was certainly not how their mother had planned the seating. Jane merely smiled.

The conversation flowed on around them, occasionally going in some very strange directions. But Elizabeth paid little attention to all that. Her attention was entirely focused on the man beside her.

Darcy looked at Elizabeth. He wished he could get her alone. There were so many things he wanted to say to her, to ask her. He had to know if she cared for him at all. If she did... He would cross that bridge when he came to it.

Noting that dinner wouldn't be served for another half hour at least, and that she was completely unable to concentrate on the conversation, Elizabeth rose and excused herself from the company, claiming she needed some fresh air. She was slightly disconcerted to find Mr. Darcy beside her as she left the room.

"May I join you, Miss Elizabeth?" he asked. "I am not at best in company."

Elizabeth nodded. "You may, of course, join me. But I have never seen you uneasy in company."

Darcy looked at her with half a smile. "I am only comfortable in some company."

She began blushing. Was he referring to her company? Before her blush could betray her, she led the way out to the garden. She took a seat on one bench, and Mr. Darcy sat down beside her.

There was a slight pause, then both of them began at the same time. "Mr. Darcy, may I ask - " "Miss Bennet, if it is not too forward - " They both stopped.

"You first, Miss Bennet," Mr. Darcy said politely.

Elizabeth took a breath. "Yesterday I was at my aunt and uncle's home. A man named Mr. Wickham spoke to me of you and told me a story."

Part 20

Posted on Sunday, 27-Sep-98

Darcy stiffened. "Go on," he said.

"He said that he had been promised an inheritance, a living specifically, by your father, and that you refused to give it to him when he came of age. According to him, there was no reason for it."

Elizabeth watched in concern as Darcy stood up and walked a few paces away. He turned around. "Is that what you think of me, Elizabeth?" he asked harshly.

"No!" She went over to him and took his hand in hers. "No, Fitzwilliam. I think much better of you than that. I merely want to know the real story, for even Mr. Wickham could not create the whole thing out of nowhere."

Mr. Darcy sighed. "All right, Elizabeth. I will tell you the truth. Mr. Wickham was a favorite of my father. And when he died, my father did express the wish that Mr. Wickham have this living when he was old enough, if I thought it suitable. But by then, I was already aware of Wickham's faults. He tends to lead a life of dissipation. When he came of age, Wickham came to me. He didn't want the living. Instead he wanted, and I gave, money.

"That was the last that I had seen of him until the summer just past. In the summer, my sister had gone to Richmond with her governess, and Wickham joined them there, obviously by pre-arrangement. He courted Georgianna, and she believed herself in love. I arrived only just in time to prevent an elopement." Darcy's voice was still bitter, though somewhat less so than at the beginning.

"So he will do almost anything to get his revenge on you," Elizabeth supplied softly. "Including trying to charm a woman you showed any interest in."

Darcy looked at her, half a smile on his face. "Yes," he replied in a more normal tone of voice. "You are quite correct, but for one thing." At the innocent question in Elizabeth's eyes, he added, "It is not just 'any interest' in you. Elizabeth - "

He bent his head down, and Elizabeth was sure he was going to kiss her. But Jane chose that moment to call. "Elizabeth, dinner is ready!"

Mr. Darcy straightened up, and, for the first and only time in her life, Elizabeth wished Jane were somewhere else.

Part 21

Posted on Friday, 16-Oct-98

Elizabeth stepped back regretfully. "We should go in," she murmured, starting to turn back towards the house. Why had Jane chosen that moment to call?

As she moved away from him, Darcy caught her hand. "If I have offended you, Elizabeth, I hope you will forgive me."

She smiled back at him. "No, indeed, I am not offended at all." Far from it, she thought, but did not say.

When they returned to the house, Jane pulled Elizabeth aside. "Dear Elizabeth, what have you been doing all this time?"

"Talking," Elizabeth replied distantly. Much as she loved Jane, there were some things too sweet to tell even her.

"Well, dinner is ready to be served, and Mother is beside herself over your absence."

"And we couldn't have that," Elizabeth said dryly. Jane didn't reply, except with a look of rebuke.

Elizabeth could never remember another night when she had been so embarrassed. First, her mother.... Mrs. Bennet never stopped talking about Mr. Bingley and how glad she was to know him and how beautiful Jane was and... Jane blushed through the whole conversation.

Then there was Mr. Collins. First, he introduced himself to Mr. Darcy and told him about being minister for Mrs. de Bourgh and how wonderful she was. Elizabeth could have dropped through the floor at that. Then, Elizabeth found herself seated between Mr. Collins and Lydia. Mr. Collins never stopped comparing everything to Mrs. de Bourgh's plantation home, Rosings Park, and Lydia prattled on non-stop about the newest officers she had seen.

Mr. Darcy was seated across from Elizabeth, but he said next to nothing. At least, nothing that could count as conversation. His eyes said a great deal, mostly of his admiration for Elizabeth, but he almost never spoke. And every time Elizabeth tried to start a conversation with him, Mr. Collins broke in with Mrs. de Bourgh's opinion on that subject. Elizabeth finally gave up entirely.

When dinner was over, the gentlemen said they needed to leave; there was business that needed taking care of. Mr. Bennet, Jane and Elizabeth saw them to the door.

Mr. Bennet shook hands cordially with both of them. "I will see you both on the sixteenth, at Senator --'s home, correct?"

"Correct," Mr. Bingley replied.

"Well, then, good-bye." Mr. Bennet walked away, leaving to his daughters the job of proper farewells.

Jane and Mr. Bingley stood together talking softly while Elizabeth said good-bye to Mr. Darcy. "Good night," she said softly.

"Good night, Elizabeth," he returned. Only the presence of Jane and Bingley kept him from kissing her then and there. "I will see you on the nineteenth."

"Yes," she said. In a half-whisper, she added, "And you will be in my thoughts until then."

"And you in mine." Darcy brought her hand up and kissed it as he had before.

A discreet cough reminded them both that there were others present. Darcy let go of Elizabeth's hand with a gentle squeeze, and the gentlemen left.

Part 22

Posted on Sunday, 25-Oct-98

March 16, 1861

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet to see you," the maid announced only moments before Elizabeth walked into the Lucas' drawing room.

Charlotte, who had been sitting there working on her embroidery, immediately rose and embraced Elizabeth. "It is good to see you, Elizabeth."

"And you, Charlotte."

Charlotte Lucas was an old friend of Elizabeth's, despite a difference of five years in their ages. She was not exceptionally plain, but neither was she exceptionally lovely. So it was for all her qualities. She was not one extreme or the other, merely average. The only quality she possessed in any great degree was practicality. Her chances of marriage were slim, due to her average qualities, but she did not hold this against her friend Elizabeth, who possessed many fine qualities.

The two sat down just opposite each other, and Charlotte rang for tea. They talk of little things for several minutes, catching up on the details of the other's life.

"I have heard," Charlotte said, "that one of the politicians from North Carolina favors your sister."

Elizabeth nodded. "Mr. Charles Bingley."

"Ah. I believe I've met him," Charlotte replied. "He is quite a gentleman."

Elizabeth smiled. "He is indeed. And, by all appearances, likes Jane very much."

"Then she must encourage him. If a woman conceals her affection from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him. There is so much of gratitude or vanity in almost every attachment that it is not safe to leave any to itself. We can all begin freely - a slight preference is natural enough; but there are very few of us who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement. In nine cases out of ten, a woman had better show more affection than she feels. Bingley may like your sister; but equally, he may never do more than like her, if she does not help him on."

"Encourage him? Before she is sure of his character, or her own affection even?" Elizabeth asked.

"Certainly," replied Charlotte. "Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance; and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life."

"You make me laugh, Charlotte; but it is not sound. You know that, and that you would never act in this way yourself."

"Well," said Charlotte, "I wish Jane success with all my heart." Then, with a delicacy unusual for Charlotte, she changed the subject slightly. "What of you, Elizabeth? I have heard you were seen driving with someone a week or so ago."

Elizabeth admitted to that, but refused to say more, and turned the conversation to more general topics.

At the Bingley residence, a disgruntled Caroline sat with her siblings in the drawing room, planning the ball to be held in three days.

Mr. Darcy came into the room during the lull in the conversation. "Charles, we'd best be going. We're expected at Senator --'s house in less than half an hour."

"Coming, Darcy." Bingley looked at his sisters. "I have the utmost confidence that you two can plan this without me."

Caroline didn't reply, just nodded politely. Louisa told the gentlemen to have a good time before they left. Then she looked at her sister.

"What is wrong, Caroline? You were barely polite."

"I am sorry, Louisa. It is hard to be pleasant about a ball that will only serve to further endear the Bennet sisters to our brother and Darcy."

"Now, dear, think about what you're saying. Both Charles and Darcy are well-bred Southern gentlemen. The Bennets, whatever their virtues, are Northerners. How much attraction could really be there? Besides, Elizabeth Bennet will have to stand against you, and Georgianna will be coming soon to provide a comparison to Jane. Does that set your mind a little more at ease?"

Caroline thought about it for a moment. "You are right, Louisa. I was upset over nothing. The best thing for me to do is just to be pleasant and charming."

"Precisely. Now, we must seat you beside Mr. Darcy at dinner..."

The sisters returned to their planning with renewed enthusiasm.

Part 23

Posted on Sunday, 01-Nov-98

March 17, 1861

With the ball to be held in only two days time, both the Bennet household, and the Bingley household were thrown into disarray.

At the Bennets', Mrs. Bennet scurried around everywhere, complaining of her nerves. Elizabeth and Jane, far from being their normal, efficient selves, wandered around the house dreamily. Mrs. Bennet rejoiced.

"Two daughters married!" she exclaimed to Hill, the housekeeper, at one point. "Mr. Bingley is such a fine, handsome young man. And Mr. Collins... He is better than Elizabeth deserves, the way she behaves. But it will all work out well."

Lydia and Kitty, now free from any sort of discipline, used the time to make better friends with the officers, who would also be attending the ball. One gentleman in particular had caught their interest, but Wickham showed attention only to Elizabeth when they met.

"I cannot decide," she told Jane that evening after Wickham, Denny and Carter had been to tea, "who is slimier and less to be trusted: Mr. Wickham or Mr. Collins."

"Elizabeth! What a way to talk!" Jane scolded. "Mr. Wickham may not be so truly bad."

"No," Elizabeth said. "I cannot believe that. Fitzw - That is, Mr. Darcy was so particular. And he would never tell a story like that about his own sister without it being true."

"Then perhaps there is some misunderstanding between them," Jane pointed out.

"No, Jane, you cannot absolve everyone. No, Mr. Darcy is all goodness, and Mr. Wickham is not."

"I believe you like Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth," Jane said, to which statement Elizabeth made no attempt at a reply. What could she say?

In the Bingley household, everyone had taken time for tea. Caroline and Louisa sat together on a couch, with Mr. Hurst asleep in a corner, Bingley on a chair beside them, and Darcy over by the window.

"I do believe Mr. Darcy is pining the loss of Miss Elizabeth Bennet," Caroline said.

"Not at all, I assure you," he replied. Why should he? He had seen her only a few days ago, and would see her again in two days. But for the first time in days, his thoughts were not even with her.

Caroline was pleased enough with this reply to continue the conversation. "Elizabeth Bennet is entirely too independent. Do you know what I heard today, Louisa?"

"No, do tell."

"Well," Caroline looked over at Mr. Darcy to see his reaction. "I heard she was seen in the worst part of Washington, giving out charity," Caroline's tone made that a great evil, "to those - those people there. And mark this, Louisa, she was alone!"

"Oh, my!" Louisa exclaimed.

Bingley and Darcy exchanged a glance. The attempt was so transparently obvious that it was almost laughable. "That is not true, Caroline," Bingley said.

"And how would you know, Charles?"

"Because her sister Jane and I were with her," he said calmly.

Darcy couldn't help smiling at Caroline's face when Bingley said that. She looks like a fish, he thought. But the smile quickly disappeared as he turned back to his brooding.

The news from home was worse than he'd predicted, and he knew with certainty that if he had another month until he had to return South, that would be all. It didn't sit well with him, though. There was so much he wanted to tell Elizabeth, to ask her. If only he knew he would have time.

Part 24

Posted on Tuesday, 03-Nov-98

March 19, 1861

The night of the ball at last! Elizabeth sat at her vanity, her maid arranging a few white rose buds in her hair. The roses had arrived only an hour earlier, accompanied by a card from Mr. Darcy. How he had known she would be wearing white was quite beyond Elizabeth, but she blamed Jane for it.

Mrs. Bennet came in the room. "You do look well, Elizabeth. You'll never be as pretty as your sister Jane, but I must say you look very well."

"Thank you, Mama."

"I hope you will be polite to Mr. Collins, for he has paid great attentions to you."

Elizabeth sighed. "Yes, Mama."

Not so far away, in the Bingley household, Darcy was getting ready. "The black, I think," he instructed his servant. The black would look dramatic against Elizabeth in white.

After he had dressed, Darcy picked up a small box from his desk and slipped it into the pocket of his jacket. The ring inside had been his mother's, and he thought it would fit Elizabeth admirably. That is, if she gave him the answer he hoped for when he asked her to marry him.

He went to the window where he could see as soon as her carriage arrived and so could hurry downstairs to meet her.

Finally the Bennets were off. In the first carriage were Jane, Elizabeth, Mr. Bennet and Mary, who was only attending in hopes of showing off her inconsiderable talent at the piano. The second carriage, then, had Mrs. Bennet, Lydia and Kitty. Mr. Bennet had refused to ride in that carriage due to all the giggling that was sure to go on.

Elizabeth adjusted her necklace nervously, and looked over at Jane, who was doing the same thing. At almost the same moment, they reached out to each other and squeezed the other's hand for comfort and support.

"You will be fine, Elizabeth," Jane murmured.

"And you, Jane, will outshine everyone there," Elizabeth replied, smiling when her sister blushed.

The carriage stopped, and Mr. Bennet handed his daughters out. A movement at a window upstairs caught Elizabeth's eye, and she looked up to see Mr. Darcy watching her. She smiled and waved up at him a little, and he smiled back before disappearing from the window.

Part 25

Posted on Thursday, 05-Nov-98

Despite Mr. Collins' best efforts, it was Mr. Bingley who escorted Elizabeth into the house. He had come out immediately upon seeing who the carriages belonged to and had Jane on one arm. Perhaps it was at Jane's suggestion that he offered Elizabeth his other arm to bring her into the house.

Once inside, a servant came to take her cloak, and Elizabeth was left standing there for a moment. But only a moment, for Mr. Darcy came over to her as soon as he saw where she was.

"Good evening, Elizabeth," he said with a small bow. "You are looking beautiful tonight."

"And you look very handsome, Fitzwilliam," she replied with a smile. She couldn't help noticing how distinguished he looked, or how appreciatively he looked at her, and she blushed a little self-consciously.

"Shall we go in?" Darcy asked, offering his arm to lead her in. She took it, and arm in arm, they walked into the ballroom.

Of the four people who truly noticed that entrance, only one was pleased. Jane liked Mr. Darcy and thought he was the right man for Elizabeth, if any man was, and she had high hopes that she would hear of their engagement soon.

Caroline, Wickham and Mr. Collins were all less than pleased, however. Mr. Collins was simply affronted that 'his' Elizabeth would attend a ball on another man's arm. Caroline couldn't bear that 'that annoying Northerner' would be taking 'her' place at Darcy's side. And Wickham was just not happy. Elizabeth obviously hadn't believed what he'd told her, and Darcy was so clearly in love, it sickened Wickham.

Darcy and Elizabeth were, of course, oblivious to all this. They had eyes only for each other. Not long after they had entered the room, however, the musicians began to play, and Mr. Collins approached Elizabeth where she stood off to the side with Darcy.

"Cousin Elizabeth! I hope you have not forgotten that you have promised me this first dance," he said as he reached them.

"No indeed, sir, I could not have forgotten, even had I wanted to." Elizabeth looked to Darcy and rolled her eyes.

Darcy watched with some amusement as Mr. Collins led Elizabeth to the dance floor. Collins had no idea what he was doing, and Elizabeth was obviously frustrated by this. On more than one occasion, only quick movement on her part kept Mr. Collins from stepping on her dress.

When the dance was finally over, not nearly quickly enough for Elizabeth, Darcy claimed her again. "Come. There is someone I would like you to meet."

"A good someone?" Elizabeth inquired playfully. "It must be, for you look almost eager to see them, and you never look like that at mention of someone like Caroline Bingley."

"Yes, it is a good someone," Darcy replied, smiling at her. "A very good someone. And here he is." He gestured to a handsome man wearing the uniform of an officer in the United States Army standing off to one side. "Fitzwilliam!"

"Darcy! I had wondered where you had gotten to." The handsome man, who Elizabeth did not think was as handsome as Darcy, came over and shook Darcy's hand. "Who's the fair lady, if I may be so bold?"

"Fitzwilliam, allow me to present Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Miss Bennet, my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam."

Fitzwilliam looked at Darcy with a raised eyebrow. It was the first time he'd ever seen Darcy with a lady, looking so happy. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Bennet."

"The pleasure is all mine, sir," Elizabeth replied with a smile. She could see that Darcy and his cousin were very good friends, and she found herself wanting to impress Colonel Fitzwilliam just a little so that he would think her good enough for Darcy. Elizabeth Anne Bennet, don't go thinking that! Darcy hasn't asked you, and he may never.

The musicians began to play again, this time a waltz, and Darcy held out a hand to Elizabeth. "I believe I have this dance."

Elizabeth set her hand in his. "I believe you are right, sir."

Part 26

Posted on Thursday, 12-Nov-98

Darcy led Elizabeth onto the dance floor and, setting his hand on her waist, began to lead her in the waltz. For several moments they were silent as Darcy struggled to find the words he wanted.

"Come, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth said playfully. "We must have a little conversation."

"What would you like me to say, Miss Bennet?" he replied.

"You might make some kind of remark on the size of the room, or the number of couples."

He smiled, and assured her that whatever she wished him to say should be said.

"Very well. That reply will do for the present. Now we may be silent."

"Do you talk by rule then, while you are dancing?" Darcy asked, in much the same playful style that Elizabeth had used.

"Sometimes. One must speak a little, you know. It would look odd to be entirely silent for half an hour together, and yet for the advantage of some, conversation ought to be so arranged as that they may have the trouble of saying as little as possible."

"Are you consulting your own feelings in the present case, or do you imagine that you are gratifying mine?"

"Both," replied Elizabeth archly; "for I have always seen a great similarity in the turn of our minds. We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room."

"This is no very striking resemblance of your own character, I am sure," he said, with mock solemnity. "How near it may be to mine, I cannot pretend to say. You think it a faithful portrait undoubtedly."

"I must not decide on my own performance," she replied.

He didn't answer, being once again lost in his thoughts, and they were again silent for a few moments, until William Lucas, Charlotte's father and an advisor to two representatives from Maryland, appeared close to them, meaning to pass by to the other side of the room. But on perceiving who it was there, he stopped.

"I am most highly gratified indeed, my dear sir. Such very superior dancing is not often seen. Allow me to say, however, that your fair partner does not disgrace you, and that I must hope to have this pleasure often repeated, especially when a certain desirable event, my dear Miss Elizabeth," glancing at her sister and Mr. Bingley, "shall take place. What congratulations will then flow in! But I shall not detain you longer."

After Mr. Lucas had left, Darcy turned back to Elizabeth. "Mr. Lucas' interruption has made me forget what we were talking of."

"I do not think we were speaking at all. He could not have interrupted any two people in the room who had less to say for themselves." Here she smiled to take any sting out of the words. "We have tried two or three subjects already without success, and what we are to talk of next, I cannot imagine."

"What do you think of books?" he asked, smiling back.

"Books? Oh no, Mr. Darcy, you shall not trap me so easily. We have discussed books several times already, and we do not agree in the least."

The music drew to a close then, preventing Darcy's reply. Instead, he said, "I hope you will forgive me, Elizabeth, but I must leave you for a while, or else there will be unpleasant talk."

"You are right, Fitzwilliam. I hope, though, that you will not leave me all evening."

"No, of course not." He led Elizabeth back to the side of the room, to where Charlotte Lucas was standing. "Here you are, Miss Elizabeth. I hope that I may claim another waltz later."

"Of course, sir. Whenever you please."

Part 27

Charlotte looked at Elizabeth after Mr. Darcy left. "Well, Elizabeth, it seems Mr. Darcy is slightly interested. You might have told me."

"It is nothing, Charlotte. It was just one dance, after all," Elizabeth protested. Much though Charlotte was her friend, she couldn't keep a secret for an entire evening. If she told Charlotte anything, the entire assembly would know it before the evening was out. And Elizabeth most certainly did not want that.

"You have not seen him pay that much attention to anyone else, have you? Nor has he even asked anyone else for one dance, but already he has asked you for a second. Do not be a simpleton, Elizabeth."

The musicians began another song, and Mr. Collins approached the two young women. Elizabeth hurriedly made the introduction between the two. "Charlotte, this is my cousin, Mr. Collins. Mr. Collins, my dear friend Charlotte Lucas."

Mr. Collins opened his mouth to ask Elizabeth to dance with him, but suddenly, Colonel Fitzwilliam was there. "Miss Bennet, may I have this dance? My cousin has praised your abilities as a partner."

"Why, of course, Colonel. It would be my pleasure." So saying, she set her hand in his and let him lead her to the floor, leaving Mr. Collins to ask Charlotte to dance. "I must thank you, Colonel, for rescuing me from having to dance with my cousin."

"I rather suspected something like that, which is why I was a bit precipitous. I would have come over in any case, however." He gave Elizabeth a somewhat sheepish look, as though she would think he had no interest in her except to rescue her.

They began to dance, and Elizabeth couldn't help comparing the Colonel's dancing to Darcy's. Darcy was so much warmer about it, more personal... With a start, Elizabeth realized that Darcy held her a shade too close, a touch too personally for strict propriety. That thought made her blush somewhat.

Colonel Fitzwilliam pretended not to notice this, instead remarking, "I must confess, Miss Bennet, if you will forgive the boldness of my comment, that I have rarely seen Darcy so animated as I have today. I am supposing that this behavior in him is due to your influence."

"That is bold of you, Colonel, and I cannot reply, for I have never seen Mr. Darcy behave otherwise. He is, in all respects, a perfect gentleman and always has been."

The Colonel smiled at her. "You set my mind at ease, Miss Bennet. If you have seen him only as a gentleman, you must care for him and he for you."

Elizabeth colored again. "Sir, I believe you presume too much."

Colonel Fitzwilliam only smiled at her.

Part 28

Posted on Sunday, 15-Nov-98

After her dance with Colonel Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth was claimed for a dance with Mr. Bingley, while Jane danced with someone else. She enjoyed that dance, even if Mr. Bingley did talk a little too much of Jane.

Then there was a short break while the musicians rested a bit, and Elizabeth found herself with Jane and Charlotte.

"Mr. Darcy looks at you a great deal, Elizabeth," Charlotte remarked.

"I cannot imagine why," Elizabeth said. If he had something to say, he could have said it while we were dancing instead of letting me prattle on.

Jane and Charlotte exchanged a glance. "Can you not?" Jane asked. "I can."

Across the ballroom, Darcy watched Elizabeth where she stood with Jane and Charlotte. He should have asked her while they were dancing. That would have been the perfect opportunity. What a fool he was.

Caroline, seeing that Darcy was not with Elizabeth and noting the slight frown on his face, came up behind him. "Why are you not dancing, Mr. Darcy?"

"Because there is no music, Miss Bingley." He did not even turn from his contemplation of Elizabeth.

Caroline was put out. He was not supposed to respond that way. "Well, the music will begin again in a moment." He nodded abstractly. "Won't you ask me, Mr. Darcy? I am the hostess, and you have yet to notice me."

"I am already engaged for this next dance, Miss Bingley. Perhaps later." With a polite nod, he left her standing there, and walked over to where Elizabeth, Jane, and Charlotte stood.

"May I have this next dance, Miss Elizabeth?" Darcy asked as he reached her.

"Oh course, Mr. Darcy. If you will excuse me," she asked her companions, who nodded their assent.

Darcy led her onto the floor, and into the set just forming. The dance was a Virginia reel, one of Mr. Darcy's favorites, and he found the perfect partner in Elizabeth. She was light on her feet, and quick to keep up with him. When the dance ended, he was sorely tempted to steal a kiss right there in the middle of the ballroom. Instead, he offered Elizabeth his arm. "May I get you something to drink?"

She smiled breathlessly at him, her face flushed from the dance. "I'd rather get some fresh air," she replied.

"Then that is what you shall have." He lead her outside to the porch. No other people were out there due to the slight chill in the air.

"It is very beautiful out here," Elizabeth observed.

"Yes," Darcy replied. "More so now that you are here to grace it."

Elizabeth turned back to him, a look of innocent uncertainty on her face. Darcy could hardly keep from pulling her into his arms. She was so beautiful, with the moonlight glistening on her.

"Elizabeth, I must say something," he said, his voice husky.

"Yes, Fitzwilliam?"

"Would you - Could you - "

"Mr. Darcy!" "Cousin Elizabeth!"

The simultaneous calls broke the mood. Elizabeth shivered a little, more at the thought of Mr. Collins than the cold, but that made Darcy aware of how chilly it was.

"We should go in. You will catch something out here like this." He slid his jacket off and put it on her, then took her arm to lead her inside.

Once inside, Elizabeth was pulled away by Mr. Collins, and Caroline hung all over Darcy such that they could not dance together for the rest of the evening. That did not prevent their thoughts from being on each other though.

Why did he not ask me then? Elizabeth thought. I was so sure he as going to. It was almost enough to make her cry, and she left as soon as she could.

Darcy watched her leave. I should have asked her then, and not paid any attention to that fool of a cousin of hers or Caroline. I am a fool.

Part 29

Posted on Friday, 20-Nov-98

March 20, 1861

Elizabeth woke the next morning, her head pounding and the sunlight streaming through her window. She had cried herself to sleep the night before and was paying for it now. She pushed herself into a sitting position as someone knocked on her door. That someone turned out to be Jane, who came in carrying a tray with breakfast on it.

"I thought you might like to not have to get up right away," Jane said, setting the tray down on the bedside table.

"Only if you will join me, Jane," Elizabeth replied, trying to summon a smile.

Jane pulled a chair closer. "I admit I was hoping you would say that. I wanted to talk to you." She took her sister's hand in hers. "I heard you crying last night, Elizabeth. Why were you so upset?"

Elizabeth looked away, not answering.

"I see. It is Mr. Darcy. Has he done anything... inappropriate?" Jane said the last word hesitantly, almost afraid to suggest it.

"No, dearest Jane, he hasn't done anything inappropriate. Indeed, he hasn't done anything at all." Elizabeth's eyes filled up with tears, and she began to cry again.

Jane pulled her sister against her, stroking her hair an murmuring soft, comforting sounds. "There, there, Elizabeth. It will be all right."

Finally, Elizabeth stopped crying and sat back up. "I am sorry, Jane. This is so unlike me. But I am hardly myself when it comes to Mr. Darcy."

"It is all right, Elizabeth. I understand." Jane squeezed Elizabeth's hand comfortingly. "Just remember that you always have me here for you."

"Always, Jane."

For a moment, they just sat like that, sharing each other's love and companionship. Then Jane, with all her usual sensitivity, poured Elizabeth a cup of tea, and, while Elizabeth ate the breakfast there, talked about the morning's uproar. "...Mary was there with all her platitudes, and so of course, Mama began to get even more flustered, and Mr. Collins moves around and does absolutely nothing. We miss your sanity and sense."

Elizabeth smiled. "I will get up as soon as I finish this breakfast."

From downstairs came Mrs. Bennet's voice. "Jane! Oh, Jane, where are you?"

Jane stood. "I must go, or Mama will be even more upset. I will keep her from bothering you as long as I can."

As Jane left the room, Elizabeth called after her, "Thank you, Jane."

Jane went down the stairs to the front hall. On the way, she met one of the maids coming up.

"Oh, Miss Jane! There's a gentleman here to see Miss Elizabeth."

"Thank you, Molly. I will see the gentleman. There's no need to disturb Miss Elizabeth." Jane continued down. She reached the bottom and saw who was there.

"Miss Bennet," he said, inclining his head politely.

"Mr. Darcy."

Part 30

Posted on Thursday, 03-Dec-98

"Is Miss Elizabeth home?" Darcy asked.

"I do not believe she is receiving visitors at the moment." Jane could hardly help the slight coolness in her voice. Much as she admired Mr. Darcy, she could not see letting him in to see Elizabeth when he had upset her so much already.

"Miss Bennet, I must see her, speak to her. It is imperative." He took Jane's hand in his. "I have been a fool for too long, and what I need to say to her cannot be delayed any more."

Jane could not resist the look in his eyes. "I will see if she will come down. I can't promise anything though. Elizabeth has a mind of her own."

"I know." Half to himself, he added, "That is one of the qualities I love most in her."

Jane hurried up the stairs to Elizabeth's room, unable to bear the look in Mr. Darcy's eyes any longer. She found Elizabeth with her maid buttoning up her dress. "Elizabeth, there is someone to see you."

"Who is it? I really don't feel up to seeing anyone."

"You must. It is a matter of great importance." Jane took Elizabeth's hand and pulled her out of the room and down the stairs. When Elizabeth stopped on seeing who was down there, Jane pushed her down a little ways. "Go on." Then she disappeared, leaving Elizabeth and Darcy alone.

"Elizabeth," Mr. Darcy began.

"Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth interrupted. "What can have brought you here so early this morning?"

"I have come to ask you to come for a carriage ride again. The weather is getting warmer, and I wish to speak to you in private."

The look in his eyes made Elizabeth's heart skip a beat, but she resolved not to get her hopes up, only to have them dashed again. "I - That is, I had not - Yes, of course, sir." She went to tell Jane where she was going, put her cloak on and was back in the front hall in a few minutes.

Mr. Darcy led her outside and helped her into the carriage before getting in himself. For several minutes they were quiet; Elizabeth did not know what to say, and Mr. Darcy did not know how to say it. When they reached the park they had driven in on their first carriage ride together, Mr. Darcy stopped.

"Miss Bennet... Elizabeth. In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."

Elizabeth felt herself flushing, unable to say a word. Could this be...?

Part 31

Posted on Monday, 07-Dec-98

"Tell me truly," he continued, taking her hands in his. "Can I ever be worthy of your affection, your love?"

She stared at him, her breath catching in her throat and her heart pounding wildly. "My affection you already have. My love - " She paused for a moment. "If you do not have my love, no man ever will."

For a moment, there was complete silence, and Elizabeth could see that Darcy had not really expected that answer.

"Truly? I am not dreaming this? Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth..." Darcy let go of her hands, but only long enough to pull a small box from his pocket. "Will you marry me?"

"Yes, Fitzwilliam, yes, a hundred times yes!"

Darcy opened the box and took out the ring inside. "This was my mother's. I think she would be pleased to know that you are wearing it." He slid it onto Elizabeth's finger.

Elizabeth looked at the ring. The deep blue sapphires on it glimmered as light hit them. "It is beautiful. I will treasure it."

"And I will treasure you," Darcy replied. Her eyes glimmered at those words, and he could not resist the temptation any longer. He bent his head and very softly kissed her lips.

For a moment, Elizabeth just stared at him. Then she smiled, and all was right with the world again.

"I think," Darcy said, "that I should bring you home now. I need to speak to your father, and you are entirely too irresistible."

Elizabeth laughed. "Oh, Fitzwilliam..." She wrapped her arm through his, trying not to interfere with the way he was driving.

He looked down at her, so trusting and loving. Everything he could possibly want, now or ever. "You do not know how long I have waited for this," he said softly.

"Why did you wait so long then?" Elizabeth asked pertly. All her good humor was restored by the fact that Fitzwilliam did love her, and whatever his reasons for waiting, he had proposed, and she had accepted.

Darcy shrugged a little. "Many reasons. For one, both times I wished to ask you, we were interrupted. Once by your sister, and once by Caroline Bingley." Elizabeth conceded this point gracefully, as it had not been too far off her own thinking. "Also, I was partly afraid of your response."

At this, Elizabeth laughed. "What, the great Mr. Darcy afraid? Never." When he laughed at her representation of him, Elizabeth sobered. "What was your final reason, Fitzwilliam? Neither of those two would really have held you back."

Darcy sighed. "My final reason, since you ask, was your family." He could feel Elizabeth stiffen beside him. "Before you get upset, here me out."

Part 32

Posted on Tuesday, 08-Dec-98

"Please, Elizabeth, let me explain."

Slowly, Elizabeth relaxed and nodded. How could she not? She had listened to Wickham, and she did not care one button for him. Surely she could hear Darcy out since she claimed to love him.

"First, let me say that I hold your father and your elder sister in the highest respect. Your father is one of the most brilliant men I have ever known, and your sister, besides being beautiful, is sweet, gentle, caring... But I am digressing. The rest of your family though... Well, they are very silly. And they show an astonishing lack of propriety."

Elizabeth winced at every word, as much at her own thoughts as Mr. Darcy's words. How often had she thought the same thing, had argued in vain with her mother to check Kitty and Lydia! She wanted to be angry with him for saying such things about her family, but she could not. He was right.

Darcy watched her struggle with this. He would not blame her for being angry at his words. He doubted that he could remain calm, should someone say that about his sister.

She looked at him. "Is that all?" she asked, a faint quiver in her voice.

"No," he said, adding hastily when he saw the look on her face, "my ending is not that bad, I promise." She nodded, and he continued. "My last reason.... is perhaps the most well thought out, though that isn't saying much, I grant you. You are from the North, Elizabeth. That is how you have been brought up and the beliefs you follow. Am I correct?" Again Elizabeth nodded, beginning to see where this was going. "I am from the South, and that is so different from the North. I did not know if you would be willing to come to the South with me, to try and make a life there, where everything is strange to you."

For a moment, Elizabeth sat with bowed head. "Is that what you thought of me and my feelings, Fitzwilliam? That I cared so little that I would not go with you?"

"It is not just about love, Elizabeth. It is a different way of life. I could not bear to make you unhappy, and I was afraid that bringing you South would make you very unhappy."

She lifted her head and looked at him. "I cannot argue with your points, Fitzwilliam. Any of them. You are quite right, my family is very silly, though I hope you will not say that to anyone else. And perhaps I would not be happy in the South, if I were with anyone else. But I will be with you, and any place will be home if you are there."

Darcy wanted very much to lean over and kiss her again, but he could not very well do that when he had to drive the carriage, or when half of Washington could see them. So he settled for something less demonstrative. "I love you, Elizabeth Bennet."

"I love you, Fitzwilliam Darcy."

Part 33

Posted on Saturday, 12 December 1998

March 21, 1861

Elizabeth sat in the parlor arranging flowers and humming to herself. She was expecting Mr. Darcy to arrive any time, which is why she had chosen the parlor for her activities. From there she could see anyone who arrived.

Yesterday, Mr. Darcy had done no more than drop her off at home, promising to come by today. "I would ask your father's permission today, Elizabeth, my love," he had said, "but I'm expected somewhere else. I'm late as it is."

"Then why did you come today?" she had asked.

"Because I could not wait any longer. I had to know if you loved me," he had replied. They had stood several more minutes in the kind of conversation that only lovers use before he had torn himself away to go wherever he had been going.

Elizabeth had then gone inside and poured out the whole story to Jane, who had partially been expecting something of that sort. It had taken some time to tell the entire story, and Jane had confessed herself very well pleased by Mr. Darcy and his actions.

"Now if only your Mr. Bingley were as confident as Fitzwilliam," Elizabeth had said.

"He is not my Mr. Bingley," Jane had replied, but she was smiling and blushing.

Elizabeth looked at the ring on her hand. It was a beautiful ring. She felt privileged that Darcy had thought her special enough to wear his mother's ring. She heard the door open, and, thinking it Mr. Darcy, she rose to go to the parlor door.

It was her mother and Mr. Collins.

"Elizabeth, Mr. Collins has something he wishes to discuss with you in private," she started to leave and shut the door behind her.

"Dear Mama, do not go. Mr. Collins must excuse me. He can have nothing to say to me that anybody need not hear. I am going away myself."

"No, no, nonsense, Elizabeth." And seeing that Elizabeth truly seemed about to escape, she added, "Elizabeth, I insist upon your staying and hearing Mr. Collins."

Elizabeth sighed as she returned to her seat. There was no use arguing when Mrs. Bennet was like this. She would be better off just listening to what Mr. Collins had to say, then leaving. She touched her ring again. She could get through this.

"Believe me, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that your modesty, so far from doing you any disservice, rather adds to your other perfections. You would have been less lovely in my eyes had there not been this little unwillingness; but allow me to assure you that I have your respected mother's permission for this address. You can hardly doubt the purport of my discussion, however your natural delicacy may lead you to dissemble; my attentions have been too marked to be mistaken. Almost as soon as I entered the house I singled you out as the companion of my future life."

Part 34

Posted on Tuesday, 15 December 1998

"Mr. Collins - " Elizabeth attempted to interrupt. She couldn't let this continue.

"But before I am run away with by my feelings on this subject, perhaps it will be advisable for me to state my reasons for marrying, and moreover, for coming into Washington with the design of selecting a wife, as I certainly did."

The idea of Mr. Collins, with all his solemn composure, being run away with by his feelings, made Elizabeth so near laughing that she could not use the short pause he allowed in any attempt to stop him farther, and he continued:

"My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances, like myself, to set the example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly, that I am convinced it will add very greatly to my happiness; and thirdly, which perhaps I ought to have mentioned earlier, that it is the particular advice and recommendation of the great lady whom I have the honor of calling patroness. Twice has she condescended to give me her opinion on this subject; and it was but the very Saturday night before I left Hunsford, between our pools at quadrille, while Mrs. Jenkinson was arranging Miss de Bourgh's foot-stool, that she said, 'Mr. Collins, you must marry. A clergyman like you must marry. Choose properly, choose a lady for my sake; and for your own, let her be an active, useful sort of person, not brought up high, but able to make a small income go a good way. This is my advice. Find such a woman as soon as you can, bring her to Hunsford, and I will visit her.' Allow me, by the way, to observe, my fair cousin, that I do not reckon the notice and kindness of Mrs. Catherine de Bourgh as among the least of the advantages in my power to offer. You will find her manners beyond any thing I can describe; and your wit and vivacity I think must be acceptable to her, especially when tempered with the silence and respect which her rank will inevitably excite."

Elizabeth was nearly choking, torn between laughter and horror. She had to stop this, but she really didn't know how. Mr. Collins never stopped for breath.

"Thus much for my general intention in favor of matrimony; it remains to be told why my views were directed to Washington instead of my own neighborhood, where I assure you there are many amiable young women. But the fact is, that being, as I am, to inherit this estate after the death of your honored father, who, however, may live many years longer, I could not satisfy myself without resolving to choose a wife from among his daughters, that the loss to them might be as little as possible, when the melancholy event takes place, which, however, as I have already said, may not be for several years. This has been my motive, my fair cousin, and I flatter myself it will not sink me in your esteem. And now nothing remains for me but to assure you in the most animated language of the violence of my affection. To fortune I am perfectly indifferent, and shall make no demand of that nature on your father, since I am well aware that it could not be complied with; and that only a small amount, which will not be yours till after your mother's decease, is all that you may ever be entitled to. On that head, therefore, I shall be uniformly silent; and you may assure yourself that no ungenerous reproach shall ever pass my lips when we are married."

Elizabeth couldn't let this continue. It was absolutely necessary to interrupt him now. "You are too hasty, sir," she said. "You forget that I have not yet given you an answer. Let me do so without further ado. I thank you for the compliment you have paid me, I am very sensible of the honor of your proposals, but it is impossible for me to accept them."

"I am not now to learn," replied Mr. Collins, with a formal wave of the hand, "that it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he first applies for their favor; and that sometimes the refusal is repeated a second or even a third time. I am therefore by no means discouraged by what you have just said, and shall hope to lead you to the altar before long."

"Upon my word, Mr. Collins," Elizabeth exclaimed, "your hope is rather an extraordinary one after my declaration. I assure you that I am not one of those young ladies, if such young ladies exist, who are so daring as to risk their happiness on the chance of being asked a second time. I am perfectly serious in my refusal. You could not make me happy, and I am certain that I am the last woman in the world who would make you so. If your friend Mrs. de Bourgh met me, I am sure she would find me in every respect ill qualified for the situation."

"If it were certain that Mrs. de Bourgh would think so," said Mr. Collins very gravely, "but I cannot imagine that she would disapprove of you at all. And you may be certain that when I have the honor of seeing her again I shall speak in the highest terms of your modesty, economy, and other fine qualifications."

Elizabeth was nearly ready to scream. This was a nightmare. If only Fitzwilliam would arrive and save her! "Mr. Collins, all praise of me will be unnecessary. You must give me leave to judge for myself, and pay me the compliment of believing what I say. I wish you very happy and very rich, and by refusing your offer, do all I can to prevent your being otherwise. In making me the offer, you must have satisfied the delicacy of your feelings with regard to my family, and may take possession of the estate whenever it falls, without any self-reproach. This matter may be considered, therefore, as finally settled." And standing as she said this, she would have left the room, had Mr. Collins not addressed her,

"When I do myself the honor of speaking to you next on this subject, I shall hope to receive a more favorable answer than you have now given me; though I am far from accusing you of cruelty at present, because I know it to be the established custom of your sex to reject a man on the first application, and perhaps you have even now said as much to encourage my suit as would be consistent with the true delicacy of the female character."

"Mr. Collins," Elizabeth said with some frustration. "I don't understand you. If what I have said to this point has seemed to encourage you, I don't know how to phrase my refusal such that you'll accept it."

"You must give me leave to flatter myself, my dear cousin, that your refusal of my addresses is merely words of course. My reasons for believing it are briefly these: It does not appear to me that my hand is unworthy of your acceptance, or that the establishment I can offer would be any other than highly desirable. My situation in life, my connections with the family of de Bourgh, and my relationship to your own, are circumstances highly in its favor; and you should take it into further consideration that in spite of your manifold attractions, it is by no means certain that another offer of marriage may ever be made you."

Elizabeth almost started laughing at that. Oh, Fitzwilliam, she thought.

"Your portion is so small that it will in all likelihood undo the effects of your loveliness and amiable qualifications. As I must therefore conclude that you are not serious in your rejection of me, I shall choose to attribute it to your wish of increasing my love by suspense, according to the usual practice of elegant females."

"I assure you, sir, that I have no claim to that sort of elegance which consists of tormenting a respectable man. I would rather that you believed me sincere. I appreciate the honor you have done, but I must decline your proposal. Need I say more?"

"You are uniformly charming!" he cried, with an air of awkward gallantry, "and I am sure that when sanctioned by the authority of both your excellent parents, my proposals will not fail of being acceptable."

To this, Elizabeth made no attempt at a response, only left the room silently. How could she argue with someone who was going to make everything she said more proof of her love for him?

Part 35

Posted on Thursday, 17 December 1998

Elizabeth went into the sitting room, sat down on the sofa and buried her face in a cushion. She couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry, or both. Mr. Collins was so ridiculous, so pompous, and there was no way she could have stopped him without revealing her engagement. But she couldn't do that until her father had given his consent. Where was Fitzwilliam?

Darcy had, in the meantime, arrived, and Jane had sent him to the sitting room. It was there he found Elizabeth, her face still in the cushions to the point where she did not notice him coming. When he saw her, he rushed over to pull her into his arms.

"Elizabeth, my dearest, what is wrong?" he asked.

She told him the story, managing to get it out around slightly hysterical tears. "Oh, Fitzwilliam," she concluded. "I was afraid I would laugh myself to death."

Darcy touched her face gently. "I should go speak to your father before this nonsense with Collins goes any further."

"I will go with you." She dried her face. "Do I look as though I have been crying?"

"You look beautiful, as you always do," Darcy said sincerely, which did much to put a smile on Elizabeth's face. She would have replied, but she heard a voice out in the hall.

"Elizabeth! Come here this instant! Your father wishes to speak to you!"

Elizabeth pulled away from Darcy. "I must go. This will undoubtedly be about my refusal of Mr. Collins."

"I'll go with you," Darcy offered.

"If you wish, but I think it best that I talk to my parents alone first." Elizabeth smiled. "Else my mother will think it some sort of trick to get out of marrying Mr. Collins, which only she thinks is a good idea. Marrying Mr. Collins, I mean."

Darcy put a finger under Elizabeth's chin. "I will follow your lead in this, my love. Just remember you can always count on me." He dropped a feather soft kiss on her lips, and Elizabeth wanted to melt into him.

The door handle jiggled, though, and Elizabeth and Darcy each took a step back before her mother walked into the room. "Elizabeth, your father wants to see you in the library right now. Why, Mr. Darcy, to what do we owe this pleasure?" She didn't pause a beat between the two sentences.

"I have urgent business with Mr. Bennet," Darcy replied calmly. "But it can wait a few minutes."

"Thank you, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth managed with a wry smile. "You are too kind."

With Mrs. Bennet leading, all three made their way to the library. Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth went inside, leaving Darcy to wait impatiently.

Part 36

Posted on Monday, 4 January 1999

"Come in, my dear," her father said as soon as the door was shut. "I've asked for you on a matter of some importance. Now, I am told that Mr. Collins has made you an offer of marriage. Is this true?"

"It is," Elizabeth said with a nod.

"I see. And this proposal you have declined?"

"I have."

"Yes, well, we come now to the point. Your mother insists upon your accepting it. Am I correct, Mrs. Bennet?"

"Yes, or I will never see her again."

"An unhappy choice is before you, Elizabeth. From this day on you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins. I will never see you again if you do."

Elizabeth wanted to laugh at this; she had known her father would not let her down. Mrs. Bennet, however was less than pleased.

"Oh, Mr. Bennet! Elizabeth, you must marry Mr. Collins. Otherwise, what will become of us when your father dies, and he inherits the estate?"

"Mama, it is not like that." There was a knock at the library door. Mr. Bennet called out for them to come in, and Mr. Darcy came in.

Now, Mr. Darcy had done something he would have been ashamed to admit. He had been listening at the door, so he knew Elizabeth needed someone to back her up. And by all rights, that was his job. So he knocked on the door and went in.

"Mr. Bennet, there is something I must speak to you about," Darcy said rather abruptly.

Mr. Bennet sighed. "Of course, Darcy. Now, will you ladies please excuse us?"

Darcy stopped them. "I think they should hear what I have to say." Elizabeth glanced at him and met his eyes. The look she gave him was as intimate as a kiss and assured him of her full support. "I wish to ask for your consent to an engagement between your daughter Elizabeth and myself."

To say that Mr. Bennet was surprised would be an understatement. Shocked and speechless would be closer. "Have you asked Elizabeth herself?" he asked.

Elizabeth extended her left hand to him in response. "I accepted Mr. Darcy yesterday, Father."

"In that case," Mr. Bennet said with a sigh. "I suppose there is nothing more to be said on the matter." He took Elizabeth's hand and set it in Darcy's. "I wish you all the joy in the world, my dear. And Darcy, I think that you are getting the better of this bargain."

"Oh, Mr. Bennet!" Mrs. Bennet wailed. She left the room pouting and crying. She had so wanted to see Elizabeth marry Mr. Collins.

Darcy tugged gently on Elizabeth's hand, pulling her very willingly to his side. "See?" he said, putting his hand alongside her face. "I told you it would all work out."

"On the contrary, Mr. Darcy," she replied with a smile. "I believe it was I that told you."

Mr. Bennet slipped out of the room with a smile, shutting the door firmly behind him, just before Darcy ended the argument once and for all with a kiss.

Part 37

Posted on Monday, 11 January 1999

Lydia and Kitty Bennet left the house, giggling. They had no intention of staying and listening to the row at home, not when they could go see officers. Besides, who knew if Mrs. Bennet would convince Mr. Collins to marry one of them?

Charlotte Lucas was coming up to the Bennet house just as Lydia and Kitty were leaving. "Charlotte! Oh, you will never believe!"

Well used to this from her own sister, Charlotte merely asked what the news was. That was all the encouragement Lydia needed.

"What do you think has happened this morning? Mr. Collins has proposed to Elizabeth, and she has turned him down."

"I cannot say I am surprised at that," Charlotte said with a smile. "Elizabeth made her feelings for him perfectly clear."

"Oh, but you haven't heard it all!" Lydia exclaimed. "She is already engaged. To Mr. -- Mr. -- Kitty, what is his name? He came to ask Father's permission this morning."

"Mr. Darcy," Kitty supplied. "And he has given her a ring with sapphires. It was his mother's, I heard Jane say so."

"Elizabeth is engaged to Fitzwilliam Darcy?" Charlotte asked, though not with much surprise. She had seen he was attracted to her friend the night of the Bingleys' ball. She had not expected him to propose so soon.

"Yes. And Mr. Collins is in a temper, for he says Elizabeth only meant to make a fool of him. And Mama goes around saying 'Oh, Mr. Collins!' and telling Elizabeth that she will never speak to her again." Lydia seemed almost pleased with that fact.

"I am surprised that your mother is making such a fuss over the matter. Mr. Darcy is an infinitely better match for Elizabeth. But perhaps I can help. Do you think he would come to dinner at my home?"

"Oh please," Kitty begged. "Or else we will have to listen to him all evening."

Charlotte replied that she would indeed invite Mr. Collins to spend the evening with her family. She did not say so, but an idea was beginning to form in her mind.

Part 38

Posted on Friday, 15 January 1999

Kitty and Lydia, who wished to be rid of Mr. Collins as quickly as possible, ushered Charlotte into the sitting room, where Mrs. Bennet was sitting and moaning over the loss of Mr. Collins.

She called on Charlotte for comfort and support. "Dear Charlotte, you must persuade Elizabeth to marry Mr. Collins, else what will become of us when Mr. Bennet dies? But no one thinks anything for me and my poor nerves."

Charlotte frowned, as if in thought. "But, Mrs. Bennet, if I may be so bold, isn't Mr. Darcy five times more suitable as a husband? He does have a large plantation in Virginia, as well as being a favorite for the next senatorial election there."

"But he has no reason to take care of us when Mr. Bennet dies," Mrs. Bennet wept.

Charlotte forbore to point out that Elizabeth would not wish to take care of her mother and younger sisters no matter who she married. In any case, she was spared the necessity of replying by the arrival of Mr. Collins.

Being a sensible woman, she would have left the room and gone in search of Elizabeth, so great was the tension in the room, but she was detained by Mr. Collins' inquiries after her family. He would not be satisfied with simple answers, but needed to ask every detail. By that time, her curiosity was piqued, so she walked to the window, so as not to seem like she was listening.

Mrs. Bennet began the conversation in such a voice that Charlotte could have heard it in the next house over, or so it seemed to her.

"Oh! Mr. Collins!"

"My dear madam," he replied, "let us be forever silent on this. Far be it from me," he continued, in a voice that marked his displeasure, "to resent the behavior of your daughter. Rather, it is my duty, as a clergyman and as her cousin, to wish her and her fiancé great joy." His tone implied that he doubted there would be joy on either side of that marriage. "Now, if you will excuse me, madam, I will retire to change for dinner." With those words, he bowed and left.

As it turned out, Lydia and Kitty did not entirely get their wish. Charlotte never had an opportunity to ask Mr. Collins to dinner. Instead, Mrs. Bennet had invited her to stay. But, for the evening, Mr. Collins paid no attention to any of the Bennet girls.

At dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet sat at the head and foot of the table, as was their custom. Elizabeth and Jane sat on their father's left and right sides. Mr. Darcy, who was also staying for dinner, sat on Elizabeth's left, with Kitty to his other side. On Jane's right was Mary, with Charlotte beside her. Mr. Collins sat between Mrs. Bennet and Charlotte, while Lydia was between her mother and Kitty.

Mr. Collins, in an attempt to snub Elizabeth, ignored her entirely, bestowing his attentions on Charlotte. Elizabeth never noticed, or if she did, she paid no attention to it. She was so occupied with Mr. Darcy that she barely noticed the food she ate.

After supper, they all retired to the parlor, where the ladies played the piano in turn, and Mr. Collins again paid all his attention to Charlotte. It was at this time that the matter was brought to Elizabeth's attention.

"Your cousin is paying a great deal of attention to Miss Lucas," Darcy said softly as he turned pages for her.

"I cannot imagine why Charlotte is allowing it. He is a fool, and she is entirely too sensible for him."

"She does not seem to be objecting to his attentions in the least," Darcy remarked thoughtfully.

Elizabeth looked and almost missed the notes, as she felt something strange. It might be called jealousy, for, though she did not want Mr. Collins, some part of her was angry that he had a replacement so quickly. But her own good sense reasserted itself when Darcy put a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"If that is they both want it," she said to Darcy, "then what can I say?"

Part 39

Posted on Monday, 1 February 1999

March 22, 1861

Elizabeth spent most of the next day in Jane's company. It was as though the fact of her engagement had made them realize that they could not always be together, and they wanted to make the most of all their time.

Together, they went to their seamstress' to arrange for a new dress for each of them. The Darcys were going to host an engagement party in a few weeks, after Darcy's sister had arrived in D.C., and the eldest Bennet sisters would be the guests of honor, especially if Charles Bingley proposed to Jane.

After that, they took a long walk, pouring out their hearts to each other. It was a good time for both of them.

On their way home from this walk, they were overtaken by Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy almost immediately dropped back a little. Neither was much inclined to talk, both lost in their own thoughts.

Finally, Elizabeth gave voice to her thoughts. "They make a fine pair, don't they?" she asked, indicating Jane and Bingley.

"Hm?" Darcy said. "Oh, yes, I suppose so."

"Fitzwilliam, you are in a very thoughtful mood. Share your thoughts with me, please."

"It is nothing, Elizabeth. I was just thinking about my home."

"Virginia or Pemberley?" she inquired

"Pemberley," he replied with a smile. "I did not think I had ever spoken of it to you."

"You have not. It was Caroline Bingley who first mentioned it to me." In a precise imitation of Caroline's voice, Elizabeth said, "'Oh, Louisa, I grow so tired of Washington. How I long to be at Pemberley! I do hope Darcy will bring us back with him.'"

Smiling in spite of himself, Darcy scolded her gently. "Somehow I doubt that Caroline was speaking to you."

"No," Elizabeth agreed, "but she was speaking at me. I think she was endeavoring to discourage me."

Darcy let that comment go. After all, what difference did it make if Caroline had wanted to discourage Elizabeth? She was his, and he was hers now. "I can hardly wait until I take you to Pemberley, Elizabeth," he said. "You will love it there."

"Tell me about it," she pleaded.

And so he did. Until they reached her house, he told her of the beauties of Pemberley. He had the pleasure of watching her eyes light up at his words and knew that she belonged at Pemberley as much as to he did.

Part 40

Posted on Saturday, 6 February 1999

March 23, 1861

The next afternoon, Elizabeth again went over to the Lucas' home. She had not seen Charlotte since the dinner with Mr. Collins. As a matter of fact, she hadn't seen Mr. Collins since then either.

To her surprise, when she was shown into their sitting room, Mr. Collins was there, speaking with Mr. Lucas. Charlotte immediately drew Elizabeth over to a seat by the window.

In a low voice that would not carry to the men, she told Elizabeth of Mr. Collins' visit the day before and that morning.

"Oh, Charlotte," Elizabeth said. "I am sorry he was foisted off on you."

"You need not be sorry, Elizabeth," Charlotte replied. "I am not done with my story." She went on to explain to her friend that Mr. Collins had proposed, and she had accepted him.

While the thought had crossed Elizabeth's mind that Mr. Collins could fancy himself attracted to Charlotte, never had she imagined that Charlotte would truly accept him. "Engaged to Mr. Collins! Charlotte, you are joking!"

Charlotte's face betrayed a momentary confusion and pain at such a direct reproach, but she soon regained her composure, and calmly replied, "Why should you be surprised, Elizabeth? Do you think it so impossible that Mr. Collins should be able to win any woman's good opinion, because he was not so lucky as to succeed with you?"

Elizabeth had by this time recovered her own composure and managed to assure Charlotte that the prospect of their relationship was very welcome to her, and that she wished her all imaginable happiness.

"I know what you are thinking," Charlotte said. "You are surprised by the fact that Mr. Collins has proposed so soon after being rejected. But I hope, when you have had a chance to think it over, you will be satisfied with what I have done."

"But, Charlotte," Elizabeth protested, "can you really be happy with such a man?"

"I'm not romantic, Elizabeth. I never was. I ask only for a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins' character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state."

"Undoubtedly," Elizabeth answered. After an awkward pause, they returned to the rest of the family. Elizabeth did not stay much longer; she needed time to reflect on what she had heard. It was a long time before she became reconciled to the idea of so unsuitable a match. She had always felt that Charlotte's opinion of matrimony was not exactly like her own, but she could not have supposed that, when it came to the test, Charlotte would sacrifice every feeling to worldly advantage.

It was a humiliating picture for Elizabeth, and added to the pain of a her friend disgracing herself that way was the certainty that it was impossible for that friend to be happy in the way she had chosen.

Part 41

Posted on Thursday, 25 February 1999

That evening was another large dinner. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy were again present, as were the Lucases and Mr. Collins.

This was when Mrs. Bennet first heard about the engagement between Charlotte and Mr. Collins. Predictably, she went through her hysterical stage, and complained to Jane that "those Lucases are so artful". Jane barely managed to keep her mother out of earshot for that discussion.

When she had recovered from that, though, Mrs. Bennet could not help making several comments to Mrs. Lucas about Mr. Darcy's fine plantation in Virginia, and what a fine match Elizabeth had made.

Elizabeth could not help laughing to Darcy about that after dinner. "My mother is as changeable as the weather. I knew she would stop complaining eventually." Then she grew serious. "I just wish my mother's mood change had not depended on Charlotte doing something so foolish."

Darcy took her hand in his. "You cannot live Charlotte's life for her. She think this is best, so it is your duty, as her friend, to support her in this decision."

"I know that, Fitzwilliam. It just pains me to see her saddling herself with such a man." Then she smiled. "I am so happy that I want everyone to be equally so."

Darcy agreed with her on that idea, and spent some time proving it to her.

The next day the Bennet family bid farewell to Mr. Collins. He was returning to Hunsford in order to prepare for the coming of his bride as soon as could be arranged. No one in the family was overly sorry to see him leave, excepting perhaps Mary, who thought him fairly learned.

Elizabeth, for her part, was glad to be rid of her cousin. Much though his airs could amuse her, it was a pleasure of which a little went a long way.

Life quickly settled into a new routine at the Bennet household. Mornings and afternoons were filled with the rounds of visits as always, though a frequent topic now was Elizabeth's engagement. Evenings generally saw either Mr. Darcy or Mr. Bingley, more frequently both, as guests for dinner and conversation after at the Bennets'.

Elizabeth was in heaven, happy as she could never claim to have been before. The only shadow in this happiness was that she could not yet share it with Jane. But she was sure that would come soon enough.

Darcy, too, was happier than anyone could remember him being. He was more animated and lively in company than previously.

It was this change that prompted his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, to remark one day, "Elizabeth Bennet has worked wonders on you, Darcy. You are a changed man since meeting her."

"Hmm? I suppose so. She is an amazing woman, and I am the luckiest of men that she loves me."

"It is a pity that her sister Jane is not unattached. You make me almost wish to marry into such a remarkable family," the Colonel said, only half in joke.

Darcy frowned thoughtfully. "Yes," he replied, not really paying attention to his words.

The Colonel, though failing to see what had caught Darcy's attention like that, changed the subject. "So when will we hear wedding bells?" he asked.

"After Georgianna arrives. I could hardly marry without her here." The conversation shifted to Georgianna's upcoming visit, and soon after Darcy left, still with that thoughtful look on his face.

Part 42

Posted on Monday, 22 March 1999

March 28, 1861

Elizabeth could not get much out of Darcy when he came over the evening after seeing his cousin. He was distracted, and spent much of his time watching Jane and Bingley. Elizabeth did not see what he was watching; Jane and Bingley were acting as they always did.

"Fitzwilliam," she asked finally in frustration, "what are you looking at? You have watched Jane and Charles more than you have watched me this evening. Is something wrong?"

"I beg your pardon, Elizabeth," he replied with a smile. "I have been most inattentive. Can you ever forgive me?"

"Not unless you tell me what you are thinking."

Darcy paused only a heartbeat before saying, "I am wondering if Charles and your sister will marry any time soon."

The slight frown on Elizabeth's face disappeared. "I hope so. They are so well suited." He mumbled some affirmative, which seemed to satisfy her.

April 3, 1861

Elizabeth stared out the window at the drizzling rain, waiting futilely for Darcy. Today was the day his sister was expected, though some sixth sense told Elizabeth that Georgiana would not be arriving today.

One of the maids came into the room. "This letter just come for you, Miss Elizabeth."

Elizabeth took the letter. "Thank you, Sarah." She broke the seal, which she recognized as Darcy's.

Dearest Elizabeth,

I am sorry to inform you that my sister will not be arriving today. She has written that her preparations are taking longer than she had hoped. Instead, I am to go to Pemberley in a week's time and bring her back with me. I am sorry it is not you who will be beside me for that trip.

I cannot even join you today, for Bingley, as you will know, is traveling to North Carolina this afternoon, and I have some commissions for him. I shall see you instead tomorrow.

I remain yours devotedly,
Fitzwilliam Darcy

Elizabeth put down the letter and sighed. She wanted to see Fitzwilliam so badly. Then a thought crossed her mind. Charles was traveling to North Carolina? She wondered if Jane knew anything about it.

"It is nothing to be concerned about, Elizabeth," Jane said. "Charles said he had some business to take care of, though he would not tell me what. He will be returning with Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy, so he will not be gone long."

"If you are sure, Jane, I will not worry."

"I am quite sure. Come, let us go break the bad news to Mama that she will have no guests this evening."

Part 43

Posted on Friday, 16 April 1999

April 6, 1861

In the afternoon, Elizabeth noticed that something was wrong with Jane; her sister seemed somehow less cheerful than usual. She cornered her sister just before dinner, asking for an explanation of her mood.

Jane sighed a little mournfully. "I had a letter from Caroline Bingley today. She is going to join Charles at Netherfield."

"Whatever for?" Elizabeth demanded. That was not like Caroline, in Elizabeth's opinion. "Isn't he returning in a week with Fitzwilliam and Georgianna?"

"I thought so. Caroline says that she thinks that Charles will not wish to return to D.C. once he sees 'the beauties of the South'. Elizabeth, she seems to think that Charles is in love with Miss Darcy and is only waiting for her to grow up."

"I do not believe it," Elizabeth said flatly. "I am certain that Fitzwilliam would have told me if this were the case."

"What if he did not know the truth himself?" Jane argued. "He could not tell you then. But it does not matter; he will be forgotten and everything will be as it was before." At Elizabeth's look, Jane added, "I am very serious. I will remember him always as the kindest man I have ever met, but that it all. And I have the comfort of knowing that it was all an error on my side, to dream that way."

"Jane, you are too good and angelic. I feel that, as much as I love you, it is so much less than you deserve. But sometimes, you do not do yourself enough credit. I do not believe that Charles will remain at Netherfield."

"Are you suggesting that Caroline would lie to me?" Jane asked. When Elizabeth did not answer, Jane said, "That is exactly what you think, isn't it? Why?"

Elizabeth hesitated. As much as she loved her sister, she knew how trusting Jane could be. How could she phrase this best? "I think they do not think our family is quite good enough for Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. We are, after all, Northerners."

"I'm sure that they want the best for him, maybe even wanting him to marry Miss Darcy. But it may be for the best reasons. They have known her longer than me, so it makes sense they would care more for her. In any case, though, I'm sure they wouldn't go directly against their brother's wishes."

"I disagree," Elizabeth said. "I think they would, if that suited them."

"No," Jane said. "I will not, I cannot, believe such a thing. The best I can hope for is that Caroline has somehow mistaken his feelings."

Elizabeth murmured some assent, thinking that she would ask Fitzwilliam about it when she spoke to him later.

Part 44

Posted on Sunday, 18 April 1999

April 7, 1861

Elizabeth went over to see Darcy the next morning. It had become her custom to include time with him every day.

She left her coat with the butler and was ushered into the study, where Darcy was working busily on some papers. He looked up as she came in. "I will be five minutes, Elizabeth, then you will have my time to yourself."

"There is no rush," she assured him. She wandered around the room, taking it all in. "Have you heard from Charles lately?"

"He has only been gone three days. That's hardly time to hear from him."

"Caroline evidently has heard something. She left yesterday, saying she would be joining him at Netherfield. She said she didn't think he would want to leave again."

"I would have surmised much the same thing," Darcy remarked absently. His attention was more on the letter in front of him than the conversation he was having with his fiancée.

Elizabeth looked at him in surprise. "You knew he wasn't coming back?"

Darcy looked up for a moment. "No. I did not know he wasn't coming back; I still do not know this. I merely suspected it."

"And did you also suspect," she asked, a dangerous tone in her voice, "that he would leave without first proposing to Jane."

He missed the tone, his attention was so focused on what was before him. "I did suspect that, I admit."

Elizabeth was starting to get angry. Jane was miserable at home, and her beloved Fitzwilliam had suspected that it would happen. "And you said nothing to him, nothing about leaving the woman he loves behind?"

"I gave him my honest opinion," Darcy said. "Elizabeth, what is the point of all these questions?"

"What was your 'honest opinion'?"

"Elizabeth, my love - "

"What was your opinion?" she repeated, her voice strained.

"That he consider it carefully before he make any lifelong decisions, and that your sister is by birth and breeding a Northerner and - "

Elizabeth didn't wait to hear what else he had to say. "I'm not feeling so well at the moment. I hope you will forgive me for breaking our engagement this morning," she said coolly, then turned and left the room.

Darcy went after her, still not entirely sure what Elizabeth was so angry. Left behind on his desk was the letter he had been so intent on.

Darcy,

Tempers are flaring over the possibility of secession. Return immediately; we need your cool head to help prevent Virginia being pulled into war.

Part 45

Posted on Monday, 19 April 1999

April 8, 1861

Elizabeth woke with a throbbing headache. At first she couldn't remember why; it didn't matter though. Fitzwilliam would make her feel better when he came over later. Then she winced. He was the reason for the headache.

She rose and went over to her desk. There was a letter there, from her to Fitzwilliam. She read through it again. It was a good letter, saying just what she meant. She folded it and slipped it into the envelope, but she couldn't bring herself to seal it. Instead, she set it down on the desk and turned away.

Breakfast had never been such a melancholy meal as it was that morning. Both Jane and Elizabeth were in the doldrums, though for different reasons. Mrs. Bennet was weeping miserably over Mr. Bingley's departure, and Lydia and Kitty were inconsolable over the fact that the officers were all being called away to join their regiments.

After breakfast, Elizabeth tried to go on with her normal morning routine, but it wasn't working. She kept looking out the window in hopes that Fitzwilliam would come see her. When she wasn't at the window, she was in her room staring at the letter on her desk.

Finally, about noon, she sealed up the letter and gave it to one of the servants to deliver to Mr. Darcy.

Darcy thought about Elizabeth all morning. Even when he was meeting with the other politicians from Virginia and the other southern states that were still part of the Union, he mind was on his lovely fiancée.

When he returned home in the early part of the afternoon, he began giving directions to his servants to pack his things. He would be leaving on the 10th, after he had a chance to speak with Elizabeth and apologize for whatever he had done.

That done, he went out once more, again joining the Southern politicians. It was well on the way to midnight when he returned and he promptly went to bed, planning on visiting Elizabeth as soon as possible.

So it wasn't until the next morning that he looked at his mail in his study and found the letter with her distinctive seal. Curiously he broke the seal and removed the letter.

Dear Mr. Darcy...

Part 46

April 9, 1861

Dear Mr. Darcy,

After much careful consideration of our conversation yesterday, I feel there is something that needs to be said before we go any farther along a course of action that may bring great unhappiness to both parties.

Yesterday, you condemned my sister as a Northerner, implying that she was somehow unworthy of your friend's affection because of this. This idea gave me great pain, as you no doubt noticed. Not only does it distress me to see my beloved sister wronged in such a way, but it also bring to the surface many worries which I had previously overcome.

Whatever you may think of the North in general, do not condemn my sister merely for her birthplace. She is all that is good and sweet, well deserving of any man's love. Moreover, Jane and Mr. Bingley are so much in love that separating them seems not only unjust but undeservedly cruel.

It is not this alone, though, which dictates I write this letter. When you spoke of my sister's birth as a reason for Mr. Bingley to not marry her, you renewed fears that you might consider me beneath you for that same reason. I know you have said that you do not feel this way, that your only concern is for my happiness in a place not my own. But when you say something as you did yesterday, all my worries come back. How can a marriage survive for long with such concerns?

With that thought uppermost in my mind, I feel it is imperative to make you this offer. If it is your wish, I will release you from our engagement and leave you to bestow your affections where you see fit. If this is your desire, I will return you ring and we will consider the matter closed.

Until we next speak, I remain yours sincerely,
Elizabeth Bennet

Darcy set down the letter, somewhat in shock. He picked up the letter and read it through again, trying to focus on what the words meant, rather than on Elizabeth's amazing eloquence. How she could believe that he wouldn't want to marry her...

He saw, at least he thought he saw, why Elizabeth had been angry with him. But she had misinterpreted what he had said. He had meant something quite different.

How to make her see his side of the story? Some sixth sense told him that this would not be a good time to visit: she would either refuse to listen, or she would refuse to see him altogether. He looked at the letter again and half-smiled. If a letter worked once, it would work again.

He set to work.

Part 47

Posted on Wednesday, 5 May 1999

April 9, 1861

Late in the afternoon, Elizabeth was moping in the parlor, after having asked Jane to leave her alone for the time being. She wanted Fitzwilliam to come and tell her it was all a mistake, that everything was really fine. But that could not happen. He had encouraged Mr. Bingley to leave Jane that way, and now nothing could be right.

She laid her head in her hands. She wasn't going to cry, she wasn't. She was going to be strong and go on just as always.

A sound at the door caught her attention, and she lifted her head. One of the maids was there with something in her hands. "Forgive me, Miss Elizabeth, but this letter came for you. He said it was important."

Elizabeth took the letter. She knew it was from Darcy. It had to be. She looked at the handwriting; it was.

Dismissing the maid, she ran to her room, where she could read the letter in private. But in spite of her longing for this letter, she almost did not want to open it. It took her several minutes to work up the courage to break the seal and open the letter.

Dearest Elizabeth,

I must begin this letter with an apology. I must ask your forgiveness for writing to you instead of coming to plead my case in person. As you are reading this, I am preparing for a trip and so unable to come to you. But I will explain that in time.

In your letter, you made the statement that I separated Mr. Bingley and your sister. I think that you have misunderstood what I said, what I did and my motives behind it.

It was not long after we met that I saw how Bingley admired your sister. I admit I paid it little attention at the time; I have often seen him fall for a pretty face and my thoughts were full of you. It was not until that evening we were walking and speaking of Pemberley that I began to be aware of a serious interest on my friend's part. Furthermore, it took a conversation with my cousin to make me see that Bingley and your sister were considered attached. I observed my friend closely from there on and observed a greater partiality towards your sister than I had ever witnessed in him. I also watched your sister; her attitude was cheerful and pleasant, but I did see any sign of a particular regard. I was not convinced that she was in love, though I was not convinced otherwise.

When Bingley came to me and told me that he was planning on proposing to your sister, he asked my opinion. I told him what I told you when I proposed to you: that Miss Bennet is a Northerner by birth and breeding and I was not sure she would be happy in the South. I also mentioned what I have just described: that I did not know if she returned his affections.

Bingley left for Netherfield, uncertain of what he would do. I believed then, and I still believe, that he merely needed time to decide what was important to him. I did not, contrary to what you may have thought, actively work to separate him from your sister. I simply did not want him to make a mistake that could hurt both of them.

If I was mistaken in understanding your sister - and it is probable, as you know her better than I - than I am very sorry for what I said. It was not done with the intent to hurt either one, and I hope you will forgive me for my actions here.

The other point I must here address is the focus of your letter. In no way is it my wish to end our engagement; I love you too much to ever willfully leave. If you wish to end our engagement, I will understand, but I do not wish it. The ring is yours; it belongs on your hand as long as you choose to wear it.

That said, I must bid you farewell for a time. I am called to the South in an attempt to prevent my state from being drawn into the war. I will be leaving early on the tenth, but I will return in a few weeks. When I return, I hope that I will be able to speak with you in person and that you will by then have decided to forgive me for my actions.

Yours devotedly,
Fitzwilliam Darcy

Elizabeth set the letter down and lay back on her bed. He loved her. He hadn't separated Jane and Mr. Bingley. At least, not really. She should have known she could have trusted Fitzwilliam that he would not do such a thing.

Heart pounding, she read through the letter again. He was truly the best of men. Her only regret was that she would not get to see him before he left, that she could not tell him how much she loved him now.

It could wait. He would be back in a few weeks, and then she would have a lifetime to tell him how much she cared.

Part 48

Posted on Tuesday, 13 July 1999

April 10, 1861

Darcy left for Virginia at dawn. As he left the house, he wished that Elizabeth were there, kissing him good-bye and telling him to hurry back to her. Instead there was only an empty house.

Sighing, Darcy turned away from the house. Soon enough, if all went well, he would be back and Elizabeth would be at his side.

With an optimism few people noticed about him, Darcy did not dwell on what would happen is all didn't go well.

April 12, 1861

The quiet spring morning was shattered when Confederate soldiers under the command of General Beauregard fired on Fort Sumter. After a day and a half of bombardment, the fort was forced to surrender.

The war had begun.

Elizabeth heard of this when her father returned from a meeting with some of the senators. They had been one of the first groups to get word of what had happened.

When Mr. Bennet told Elizabeth, she was so surprised that she had to hold onto a chair to steady herself. "This means war, doesn't it?" she asked.

"I'm afraid it does, Elizabeth." He started to leave, then looked back. "I have to return to the Capitol. I came back to tell you to begin packing. You, your sisters and your mother are returning to Longbourn; you'll be safer there."

Elizabeth was left with the unenviable task of telling her mother this. Predictably, her mother went into hysterics. That, in turn, prevented Elizabeth from getting a chance to speak to Jane about her real worries until that night.

"They're still there, Jane," she explained as they prepared for bed. "Fitzwilliam and Mr. Bingley."

"Surely they will return," Jane replied. "After all, neither Virginia nor North Carolina has left the Union."

"Oh Jane," Elizabeth sighed. "I wish I had your confidence. But Fitzwilliam told me once that if it came to war, Virginia would probably secede."

"He, at least, will return, Elizabeth. He loves you."

"I know he does. But that doesn't mean he would not fight on the side of his state. I know him; he is loyal to a fault. No, I do not believe he will come back. Nor Mr. Bingley, for that matter."

Part 49

Posted on Wednesday, 14 July 1999

On April 15, President Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for seven hundred fifty thousand militiamen. On April 17, Virginia seceded.

If any hope had lingered in Elizabeth's heart that Darcy would return to her, that certainly ended it. And she had hoped. She would have denied it, of course, but part of her wished and hoped he'd come back.

Not so very far away in Virginia, Darcy felt much the same. He'd hoped, right up until the moment they announced their secession, that it would come out differently. But it didn't. So instead of returning to D.C., he instead found his way to Pemberley and his sister. He needed advice and love, and, when a fiancée is unavailable, a sister is the best thing.

Georgianna sat down with him and listened without saying a word as he talked about the secession, the war.... and Elizabeth. When he finished, she hesitantly asked, "That isn't all, is it?"

Darcy ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "No. I - I've been offered a commission in the Confederate Army. A captain of the Virginian forces."

"Do you plan to accept it?" Georgianna already knew the answer. She knew her brother better even than Elizabeth, and Elizabeth would not have needed to ask the question.

"I already have." At the look on Georgianna's face, he added, "I have to. I didn't want to secede, but this is my state, my home. I can't not defend and fight for it."

His sister sighed; she had known it. "I wish there were something I could say that would dissuade you, but your mind is already made up." For a moment, she paused. "Does Richard fight?"

"Richard?" Darcy gave her a blank look.

"Our cousin. Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, United States Army." It came out slightly exasperated.

"I don't know," Darcy stammered out. It hadn't occurred to him until that very moment that he would be on the opposite side as his cousin, unless Richard resigned. And since Richard was as stubborn as the rest of his family, that was unlikely.

Georgianna put a hand on Darcy's shoulder, silently assuring him of her love and support. She couldn't help but think of a passage from the Bible:

From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother.

Part 50

Posted on Thursday, 12 August 1999

From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother.

That passage from the Bible had never seemed so appropriate to Elizabeth. It didn't say, however, that a wife would be divided against her husband.

Her only comfort, such as it was, was Jane, who felt the pain of separation almost as keenly. Elizabeth didn't know what to do: tell her sister that Mr. Bingley loved her, but would probably not return, or remain completely silent and let Jane go on thinking she had misjudged his feelings for her. Her heart ached for her sister, but neither way would end the grief.

By April 21, most of the house was packed. They would be leaving in a few days for Longbourn.

Elizabeth was finishing her packing when a maid knocked on her bedroom door. "This letter just arrived for you, Miss Elizabeth."

She took the letter, and her heart almost stopped when she saw the seal. "Fitzwilliam," she breathed. Hastily, she broke the seal and opened the letter.

Dearest Elizabeth,

I hardly know how to begin this. You will know by now that Virginia has seceded. Though it breaks my heart to leave you, I must go with it. I realize that such a decision amounts to a betrayal of you, but please, I beg you, allow me to explain my reasoning.

I cannot abandon my state. As much as I disagree with the decisions made here, this is my place, my home, and these are my countrymen. I cannot stand against them. I hope you can understand this, even if you cannot forgive me for it. Somehow I know that you will, that you would be the same way in this place.

Elizabeth, as hard as this may be for you to believe, I will come back to you. No war lasts forever, and someday there will be peace between the North and the South, I know it. Then, if you're still willing, I'll bring you home to Pemberley as my love, my wife.

Until then, always know that I love you, with all that I am. And I will love you, forever. If you ever need me, all you have to do is call for me, and I'll come.

Yours eternally,
Fitzwilliam Darcy

Elizabeth set the letter down and cried a few more tears. Fitzwilliam knew her so well. She would do as he had already done. Then she put down the letter. She knew what she was going to do now.

Part 51

Posted on Sunday, 15 August 1999

April 22, 1861

The next morning, Elizabeth rose early. She had a plan in mind, something that she had to do, but she knew her family - notably her father - would forbid her if they found out about it. So she had to go before anyone else was up.

"Where are you going, Elizabeth?" Jane asked from the door of her room.

Elizabeth turned around. "Jane, I have something that I have to do. Please don't stop me."

Jane sat down on the edge of Elizabeth's bed. "Tell me." So Elizabeth sat down and explained what she meant to do. When she was finished, Jane shook her head. "I can't let you go like this. It's not right."

"Jane, I will do it, whether you let me or not." She took her sister's hand. "There is something I must tell you, in case." Softly, she told her sister what Darcy had told her, that Bingley did indeed love Jane very much and had intended to return and propose. "Do not stop believing in him, Jane. I think, when the war is over, that he will return to you as surely as Fitzwilliam will return to me." She stood. "Now I have to go, before Father wakes up."

"Elizabeth, wait." Their eyes met. "I'm going with you."

Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam was at his desk going over some requests that he couldn't hope to fulfill when someone knocked on his door. "Come in," he called distractedly.

His aide leaned in. "Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Miss Jane Bennet to see you, sir. Do you have a few minutes to spare them?"

"Of course. Send them in." The aide opened the door fully and let the two young women in. They were both as beautiful as the Colonel remembered them being, but there was a difference to their looks, as though they had matured completely since he had last seen them. "Ladies, how may I help you?"

The sisters exchanged a quick glance, then Elizabeth began. "It is we who would like to help you, Colonel."

"Miss Bennet, while I appreciate your offer, I really don't know how you could help me. Not that I don't need help, but you are ladies, and so ill-equipped to assist in military matters."

"Don't be so quick to judge us, Colonel," Elizabeth argued. "You have soldiers who will be wounded; they will need nurses. We do know at least a little about nursing. And how much knowledge does it take to bandage a gun shot wound or cool a fever?"

"No," the Colonel said. "No. You are ladies, and a battlefield is no place for women. I cannot allow this."

"Colonel," Jane said softly, speaking for the first time. "Please, think of us. We are women, we cannot go to war. But the men we care about can and do and have. We can't sit at home and wait patiently for their return, when they might never return."

"You mean my cousin and Charles Bingley." Jane nodded, and Colonel Fitzwilliam looked from one sister to the other. "I cannot argue with two Bennet women, especially not when they are completely right. Very well, ladies."

Part 52

Posted on Monday, 16 August 1999

When Jane and Elizabeth returned to their home later, their father was on his way out. "Where have you been?" he demanded. "I was just going to look for you."

"Father, we have something to tell you. Why don't you come inside and sit down, while Jane gets Mama," Elizabeth said, taking her father's arm.

Mr. Bennet let himself get pulled inside and shown to a seat while Jane went to fetch her mother. "What is this all about, Jane?" Mrs. Bennet began. "Oh, my nerves! You don't know how it upset me to discover you were gone this morning! And Elizabeth too, though she has always done as she pleased!"

"Mama," Elizabeth said. "We'll explain it all to you if you give us the chance." She exchanged a look with Jane, then began in a low voice. "We aren't going back to Trenton with you. We're staying here for the time being, then we're going South to work as nurses with the Army."

"Oh my poor girls! It isn't right for two girls like you to work like that!" Mrs. Bennet wailed.

"Much though it pains me to agree with you, Mrs. Bennet, you are entirely right. My daughters are not going to risk their lives tending soldiers all over the South. No, I forbid it," Mr. Bennet said.

"No, Father," Jane interrupted. "You can't forbid us to do this anymore. Our loves, our future husbands, are there, risking their lives for what they believe in. We can't and won't do less."

For a moment, everyone stared at Jane. She had always been the quiet one, letting Elizabeth be the spirited daughter. Everyone had underestimated her, though; just because she was quiet didn't mean that she didn't have any spirit, only that she preferred a more subtle way.

"Whether you forbid us or not," Elizabeth added in a softer voice, "we are going to stay and help. We've already spoken to Colonel Fitzwilliam about it."

Mr. Bennet sighed and shook his head. "I never thought -- It seems as though our daughters have grown up, Mrs. Bennet."

The next morning, Elizabeth and Jane saw their family off. Then they finished the chores needed to close up the house and waited for Colonel Fitzwilliam's summons.

February 1865

Elizabeth rocked back on her feet, struggling to contain all her emotions. The days that had followed had been difficult and painful, and she didn't like remembering them, or the beginning of the war. Beneath her foot, a twig cracked, the sound loud in the silence of the night. The officer's head snapped around.

"Who's there?" he challenged.

She stepped forward out of the shadows. "It is I, Mr. Darcy."

Part 53

Posted on Wednesday, 18 August 1999

"Elizabeth," he said. "No, you cannot truly be here. This is a dream, like all the others. "

"No, Fitzwilliam. It is Elizabeth." She crossed to the bed and sat down beside him. "I cannot believe I did not recognize you sooner. You have changed."

"As have you," Darcy said, reaching up one hand to caress her hair. "When I saw you this afternoon, I thought it was you, but you were gone so quickly, before my head was clear. I couldn't be sure."

Elizabeth touched his face gently, tracing a scar along his cheek. "What happened?" she asked.

"Too close of a call," Darcy replied casually. Elizabeth would never know just how close that had been. He caught her hand as he noticed something. "You still wear my ring. Does that mean I am forgiven?"

"I was wrong to accuse you that way," Elizabeth replied. She was trying to come to terms with the man before her. He was not the same man she had loved four years ago, and she wasn't sure yet whether she still loved the man he had become. Just the knowledge that the people she had tended for four years had been the ones he had wounded was difficult for her to adjust to. She knew, too, that she wasn't the same woman, and he would have to learn to love her as she had become.

Darcy looked into her eyes. His thoughts paralled hers exactly. Fours years was a very long time, and war had changed them both in deeper ways than time alone could have done.

Elizabeth didn't know what to think as she met Darcy's eyes. She had hoped, all the time they were apart, that she would find him, and everything would be right again. But this wasn't how she had ever imagined their reunion taking place, and she did not know how she felt about it.

He held her hand. "Elizabeth, these four years, I - "

"Hush," she interrupted. "Don't say anything tonight. There is time enough for all the words to be said when we have had a chance to think through all that has happened. For now, it's enough just to be together."

"Yes," Darcy replied. "Yes, it is."

She looked at him thoughtfully. She hoped he couldn't hear how her heart was beating. He was the only man who had ever made her heart pound that way. "You should sleep. You were hurt and need a chance to recover."

In a moment of boldness, Darcy tugged Elizabeth's hand and pulled her against him. Resisting the urge to cover her face with kisses, he settled her so that she could rest her head against his shoulder. "Only if you will stay with me until I fall asleep."

Elizabeth was glad he couldn't see the blush on her face. "If that is what it takes, I will stay."

They sat in silence for some time, until the rhythm of Elizabeth's breathing convinced Darcy that she was asleep. Then he too feel asleep.

Part 54

Posted on Friday, 3 September 1999

If the others in the camp were surprised to find Elizabeth Bennet asleep next to a Confederate soldier, no one said anything. A few of them knew of her romance, so it was easy to presume this was her Virginian love.

But no one speculated or made any comment where Elizabeth could hear. They would not do anything to give her pain.

Elizabeth herself had been somewhat surprised when she had woken up next to Darcy. But it was a pleasant surprise, so that made it right.

That was, however, the last time she saw him that morning. She had other patients who needed her attention. She did come back to sit with him in the afternoon, though. With her, she brought a half-finished letter to Jane.

"You won't mind if I write to Jane while I am with you, will you?" she asked.

"Not at all. How is she?"

"She was well, last time I heard from her. The war is very hard on her though. She, who always believed the best of anyone, is trying to face the fact that people aren't always good. I worry about her."

"Why are you so far from her, then?" Darcy asked softly.

"Fortunes of war," Elizabeth said with half a smile. "I was trying to find you; she is trying to find Charles."

"She has not found him then?"

"Not that I have heard. But the mail here is not always quick. Letters go missing not infrequently. But I had hoped you might have more word of him than I."

"The last time I knew anything, he was in General Robert Hoke's command. I know that they were supposed to be involved in an attack on Fort Fisher in December."

Elizabeth froze. Then she began again to write, and said in a forcedly cheerful voice, "I'll mention that to Jane. Maybe that will help her."

But Darcy had already noted her pause. "What is wrong, Elizabeth?"

She tried to stammer that nothing was wrong, but the look in his eyes stopped her. "Fitzwilliam, that attack did take place, and was successful. A month later, the fort was again attacked; this time by Union soldiers. It... The Confederates lost, and the casualties were very high." Her voice broke.

Darcy bit his lip and looked down. "Are you saying that Charles is..." He couldn't bring himself to finish.

"No! No... But it wasn't good, my love. The surviving Confederates surrendered, so that is probably where he is now, if indeed he was even there. Perhaps he was not even there." She was frowning as she tried to soothe him.

"Yes, Elizabeth. You are right." He took her hand in his. "There is nothing I could do now, in any case. We will just have to wait and see."

Part 55

When Elizabeth went to bed that night, her mind was full. Jane and Charles. Fitzwilliam. Richard.

She laid her head down on her pillow. The thoughts of Fitzwilliam and Richard kept her awake for a long time.

Richard, Colonel Fitzwilliam, had been very good to her. For four years, he had taken care of her as she had needed it. He had been, in fact, a devoted suitor, though he had never used those words.

Elizabeth was not a complete innocent. She knew that Richard would have courted her if it weren't for her engagement to Fitzwilliam. She knew that if she were to break that engagement, Richard would offer her his hand so quickly.

What was she going to tell Richard?

The next morning, she gave two letters to Richard's messenger. One was, of course, the letter to Jane. Richard always made sure the letters were delivered; how she didn't know. She suspected, from something he had once said, that they "accidentally" got mixed in with military correspondences. The other letter was to Richard himself, saying that Darcy was in the camp.

The second letter she had sent without telling Fitzwilliam. She wasn't sure if he would want Richard to know or not. There were a lot of things she didn't know, all of a sudden.

The messenger had also brought a short note to her from Richard, which she read quickly. The war wouldn't last much longer; the Confederates didn't have the resources to hold out, especially since Sherman had burned Atlanta.

To Elizabeth, this was good news. This war had gone on too long, and too many lives had been lost already. But an end to the war.... What would that mean for their country? What would it mean for her... and Fitzwilliam?

If there had once been a small separation between them because of where they lived, how much worse would it be now? If the South lost - and it seemed likely they would - could Fitzwilliam still want to marry her? Or would the gap between North and South be too great even for them?

Lost in these sad and oppressive thoughts, Elizabeth failed to notice the person coming over to her until he sat down beside her.

Part 56

Posted on Wednesday, 8 September 1999, at 8 : 28 p.m.

"Elizabeth," Darcy said softly. "Elizabeth, is something wrong?" She shook her head soundlessly. "You can't fool me; your face gives you away."

"Another time, Fitzwilliam." She looked up at him. "What are you doing out here? You should be in bed."

"I talked to one of the other nurses -- Anne, I think her name is -- and she said it would be all right if I came out here to sit with you. As she observed, it is my arm that is hurt, not my legs."

Elizabeth smiled to herself. She dearly loved Anne and would thank her for this at some point. "Did you wish to sit with me, or was that merely Anne's stipulation?"

Darcy shook his head at her. "I love you, Elizabeth. I feel as though I need to spend every possible moment with you, to help me get through the times when we can not be together."

She handed him Colonel Fitzwilliam's note. "I think any separations from here on will be of our own choices." She could tell he wasn't pleased with what he read from the way his muscles tensed, and so she moved to head that off before he became truly angry. "Fitzwilliam, why does this make you angry? Because you believe what you were fighting for? Or because of your pride?"

He looked up, startled. Elizabeth had stated the case quite correctly, and he was surprised at her astute understanding. They both knew that he hadn't believed in the South's cause. "You know me a little too well, I think, dearest Elizabeth. Better than I know myself, perhaps." He sighed and shook his head. "It is hard to believe the South has lost; it will be an ending of more than a war." But he chose not to elaborate, and Elizabeth didn't ask, knowing that he would tell her in his own time what he meant.

It was strange, she thought. Nothing was as she had imagined it. If someone had told her four years earlier that she would be in a field hospital caring for her fiancé, who was fighting on the opposite side as her, she would have said they were crazy. But here she was. And there was Fitzwilliam. And he was her fiancé, and she loved him.

Silently she slid her fingers through his and sat there, holding his hand, until Anne came to get them.

Part 57

Posted on Monday, 13 September 1999, at 8 : 23 p.m.

Anne and Elizabeth talked that night before they went to bed. It was important to both of them, for Elizabeth missed Jane, and Anne had never had a true confidant.

"Anne, what should I do? I love him, as much as I ever did. But there are barriers between us. And the war has changed everyone, and I know I haven't seen the depth of that change in Fitzwilliam."

Anne looked at her friend with that mixture of sweetness and seriousness that was so much a part of her. In that characteristic alone did she resemble Jane. "I can't tell you what to do, Elizabeth. It is your life, and his. I can't even give you any good advice, because I threw away my own chance at happiness." She paused for a moment, then added, "I will say this: if you truly love him, and he you, there is nothing that can prevent your happiness but yourselves."

Elizabeth was silent for several minutes as she pondered this wisdom. "What happened?"

"Hmm?" Anne had begun to fall asleep while waiting for Elizabeth.

"You said you gave up you chance of happiness. What happened?"

"Oh." Anne waved her hand while she yawned. "I fell in love with someone, and I believe he loved me, so we became engaged. My father refused his consent, saying that he wasn't good enough for me, an Elliot of Kellynch; I couldn't marry just any Northern soldier who came along. So, we ended our engagement, and I haven't seen him since." Though this was a sad tale, Anne showed neither bitterness nor excessive sorrow.

"How long ago was that?"

"Oh, about five years." Anne's studied indifference convinced Elizabeth that her friend cared more than she wanted to let on. She was sure that, if asked properly, Anne would be able to tell her the exact number of years, months, and days since then.

"But you've been a nurse since the war began. Why, if you're from the South?"

"Because the South is wrong. I won't defend something that I don't believe in." Anne yawned again. "Besides, it's not as though I don't have any ties to the North. My mother's family is from New York, dating back to the Revolution." After a third yawn, Anne added, "Can we finish this in the morning, Elizabeth? I really am tired, and we'll have plenty of work tomorrow."

"Of course, Anne. Sleep well." For several minutes they were silent. "Anne, what was his name?"

"Frederick. Frederick Wentworth." Anne's voice faded off the words as though she were drifting off to sleep, and when Elizabeth looked over, Anne was indeed asleep.

Much as she wanted to follow her friend's example, Elizabeth lay awake for some time, thinking over Anne's story. She didn't want to lose Fitzwilliam the way Anne had lost her Frederick.

She knew what she would tell Richard now. With that thought uppermost in her mind, she fell asleep.

Part 58

Posted on Sunday, 19 September 1999

March 9, 1865

It was another week before Elizabeth could talk to Colonel Fitzwilliam. And through that week, she was frequently so busy that she didn't even think about it. Darcy helped as much as he could, worrying about the shadows under Elizabeth's eyes. He didn't know, but he suspected, that she was very concerned about Jane. He hadn't heard her use her sister's name more than a few times in the last week.

"It's been a long time, Fitzwilliam," she conceded when he pressed her for an answer. "Too long, maybe."

He wrapped his arms around her. "Oh, love," he murmured into her hair. "I'm sure Jane is fine. She just hasn't had time to write, or the letter hasn't come yet."

"But what if something did happen? I would never forgive myself; I was the one who decided to volunteer first."

Darcy just held her, letting her relax at her own speed. He marveled again at his love, who felt so deeply, yet never let anyone know; he doubted he could have that kind of restraint.

It was there that Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam found them. For a moment, he just stood there, watching them. If there had been someone to watch and if that person had seen the Colonel's face, they might have said that he realized then that Elizabeth belonged completely and utterly to his cousin. They would have been right.

Fitzwilliam was about to say something to get their attention when Elizabeth stepped back from Darcy and wiped her eyes. In doing so, she caught sight of the Colonel.

"Colonel," she said, "how are you?"

"Well enough, Miss Bennet, and very grateful for your letter a week ago." He placed an envelope into her hands. "This came today for you."

She turned to Darcy. "It is from Jane!"

Darcy touched her face gently. "Go read it. Richard and I can entertain ourselves for this time."

She smiled and excused herself hurriedly. Finding a spot to sit, she opened the letter.

Dearest Elizabeth,

You must forgive me for not writing sooner; I know you will have been worried. Let me assure you that I am well, physically and emotionally.

I am so pleased that you and Mr. Darcy are reunited. I know better than any how you have felt without him these four years. You do not mention, though, how things stand between you. Do you still intend to marry him? Note I don't ask if you still love him; I know that you do, your letter fairly breathes it.

In answer to your question, yes, I have finally found Charles. He was in the attack on Fort Fisher, and was among the wounded when the Union soldiers regained the fort. We -- the nurses here -- have done the best we could, but he may never walk without a limp again. Charles has changed, though. He is not the same light-hearted young man I knew four years ago. Instead, he has grown cynical and bitter, and although I want nothing more than to know that he is well, he pushes me away from him. Perhaps Mr. Darcy can help, based on his knowledge of Charles and the South. Otherwise, I don't know what to do.

Please write to me soon. I miss my sister and my confidant, and I look forward to the day when we can be together again.

Always,
Jane

Part 59

Posted on Friday, 4 February 2000, at 12 : 26 a.m.

Elizabeth read her letter, and sat for some time in silent meditation, thinking on what Jane had said. Charles.... grown bitter and cynical... pushes me away... Charles Bingley was the absolute last person that Elizabeth would ever have thought to grow either cynical or bitter. Her own words came back to her: the war has changed everyone. Some more than others, she saw now.

Could her Fitzwilliam help him? Only Charles could answer that. But if he couldn't, than there was perhaps no one who could. Fitzwilliam and Charles had been friends for years; they knew each other better than anyone else. She would show him the letter and see what he said.

While she was so occupied, Darcy and the Colonel were talking. If someone, a stranger, were to listen to them, he would never suspect that they were involved in a war, for opposite sides. They talked about many things, though conspicuously not politics... or Elizabeth. To someone who knew them well, like Georgianna, an underlying tension would be apparent, as though the two men cared as much for each other as they ever had, but hesitated to express it for fear of the other's rejection.

Elizabeth paused to observe them as she returned to where they were. So like and yet so unlike at the same time. She cared very much for them both, in such different ways. Someday, she hoped, things would be well between them. Maybe when the war was over...

She took her seat beside Darcy and handed him the letter. He took it in one hand, and with the other, took her hand in his. He read it while Elizabeth waited, squeezing his hand at irregular intervals, whenever she thought he needed it. When he finished, he set the letter down. "It seems that Charles is another casualty of this war," was his simple comment, and Elizabeth knew he didn't refer to Charles' physical injuries. "I'll do what I can, but he may be beyond even my help."

Looking into Darcy's eyes, she saw a weariness that she had never seen, as though he had lost whatever shred of hope had held him up through this war. But she understood this, without knowing how. It was the same way she'd feel if Jane ever seemed disillusioned. Charles was Darcy's reassurance that there was something good and worth fighting for in the world. If Charles had stopped believing that, though, then what did Darcy have to believe in?

She touched his cheek gently. "You always have me," she whispered, trying to put all her love into that phrase.

"I know," he replied equally softly. "I know."

Part 60

Posted on Friday, 26 May 2000

For the next few days, Darcy was preoccupied. Elizabeth was the only one who could bring him out of it, and she often had her hands too full to try. With the end of the war in sight, the military commanders were increasing the movement of injured personnel North. Not just the injured either; nurses and doctors were being pulled out as well. Since their camp was fairly well-established and not near any new combat, it was being used as one of the main stops on the way north. And Elizabeth, being one of the first nurses at the camp, often had the task of finding places for everyone to sleep.

She always gave up her bed, and, while Darcy would give her his bed or at least share it with her, he began to wonder if she weren't stretching herself too far. She was still worrying about Jane and Charles, and she insisted on taking care of all her patients, as well as helping with whatever men were staying with them. He also knew that despite his best attempts to make her see otherwise, she still worried about what would happen to them when the war was over.

Finally, Darcy came completely out of his meditative study and put his foot down. He himself was all healed except for his arm which was still in a sling. So, one morning, as the latest group of people was getting ready to leave, he came up behind Elizabeth and told her to go back to bed.

"But - " Elizabeth began.

"But nothing," he replied firmly. "You're not doing anything that I can't do for you. You, however, didn't sleep much last night. Or, if you can't sleep, finish your letter to Jane; I've finished mine to Charles." He held the letter out to her.

With a faint smile, she took it. "Call me if you need me." He nodded and gave her a push in.

The others n the camp hid faint smiles of their own. It seemed that Elizabeth Bennet had met her match at last.

Once the group was finally off, Darcy went looking for his lady. He found her fast asleep on his bed, a finished letter beside her. With a smile, he pulled the covers over her and kissed her forehead. "Sleep well, dearest Elizabeth."

When Elizabeth woke, she found her letter gone, and where she couldn't say for sure, though she suspected Fitzwilliam had taken it. She looked outside and saw with some shock that the sun was setting. She'd slept the day away.

She sat up, and, as if the movement had been a summons, Anne stopped beside her bed and set down a bowl of soup. "You missed lunch. This should keep you until dinner though."

"Anne, why did you let me sleep so long?" Elizabeth asked, even as she reached for the soup. "Surely there was work to be done."

"Not so much today," Anne replied calmly. It took a lot to ruffle Anne's calm. "No one new came through, and you were tired. You've been doing your share and then some. Besides, Captain Darcy wouldn't let anyone wake you."

Elizabeth laughed a little, well able to imagine her love doing that, especially with his air of Southern gentility.

Anne smiled fondly at her friend. "Now I know you're feeling better; I haven't heard you laugh like that in days. One full night's sleep with no interr - " At Elizabeth's attempted protest, she added, "Don't argue with you nurse," until Elizabeth subsided. "As I was saying, with no interruptions and in your own bed for a change, and you'll be almost well again."

Elizabeth nodded and Anne went on her way. Later that evening, when Elizabeth finally got a chance to see Fitzwilliam, she just watched him for several

Part 61

Posted on Wednesday, 13 December 2000

March 14, 1865

A messenger from Richard had come by early in the morning to collect the letters to Jane and Charles. That evening, Richard himself came by.

After dinner, when he finally sat down with Elizabeth, Darcy, and Michael Gerald, the doctor in charge of the camp, he didn't seem to know where to begin. "This camp is breaking up," he said finally, with no preamble. "We've moved almost everyone through who can be moved, and it's time for you all to go too." He fixed Elizabeth with a look. "And no, Nurse Bennet, you may not move to another camp."

Elizabeth shook her head. "I wasn't going to ask that. What I was going to ask is, what will happen to our patients, the Confederate ones?" She carefully did not look at Darcy as she said this. For the sake of formality, they all needed to pretend like their was nothing going on between them for the moment.

Colonel Fitzwilliam did look directly at Darcy, though. "Captain Darcy, you are the ranking Confederate officer here. Technically, I have to put you and all the men here under arrest, but, if you'll give me your word as an officer and a gentleman that no one will attempt anything, you'll travel as free men until we reach Pennsylvania."

Darcy didn't hesitate. "You have my word."

"Good. Now, you need to be ready to move out in three days." Fitzwilliam looked around at them. "I have to go see to some other tasks, but I will be back in a day or two to help move you all."

Dr. Gerald and Darcy quickly fell into a discussion about the best way to move the men as Fitzwilliam left. Elizabeth followed after him. "Richard!" she called.

He turned around. "Elizabeth."

"You're leaving already?" she asked.

"I have to. I... have things to see to."

"That isn't all, is it?" Elizabeth said, was more a statement than a question.

"No." Richard took Elizabeth's hand in his. "Elizabeth, you know how I feel about you. And I know how you feel for my cousin. But if anything ever happens, if you ever need me, all you have to do is let me know. I will do anything for you."

"Richard --"

"No, don't say anything. There isn't anything to say. You love Darcy, and that's the way it should be. Just remember this." He didn't give her a chance to say anything, just strode to his horse, mounted and rode away.

Elizabeth stood there, watching him leave. She knew she belonged with Darcy, and she knew there was someone else for Richard. She just wasn't exactly sure who yet.

minutes., Finally, he quirked an eyebrow at her. "Yes?"

"Nothing," she said. "I love you."

Part 62

Posted on Monday, 4 March 2002

March 17, 1865

The camp moved out that day. Everything had been packed up as best they could and put into the wagons that they had. They didn't have enough wagons for everyone, so the worst wounded were put in them, and everyone else walked.

Colonel Fitzwilliam had sent some men to guide them and to guard them. He was not coming with them, and Elizabeth was very sorry for it. She had come to depend on the Colonel, on his friendship as well as his help. But at the same time, she understood why he wasn't coming. It hurt him, to see her with Darcy, for all that they were cousins and friends.

Darcy walked along beside her. They never touched, except when she stumbled and he reached out to steady her. They didn't speak either. They had fought again as they were leaving. Elizabeth was determined to walk, because she was perfectly healthy, and others were not. Darcy wanted to put her in a wagon for no better, though no worse, a reason that that she was a woman. At least, on the surface, that was what they had argued about.

Beneath that surface layer, though, their argument had been about something far more important. Elizabeth knew that. Darcy wanted to protect her, which she understood, but she was only exerting her own strong sense of independence and self-reliance that she had learned in the four years.

Darcy, for his part, wanted to apologize. He knew Elizabeth was capable of taking care of herself. But at the same time, he couldn't help but feel that if he didn't hold on to her and keep her safe, he would lose her. He had lost so much already.

Spring was coming back to the South, and Darcy looked for the signs more now than he had ever before. Maybe the new growth would cover some of the terrible remnants of this war.

Part 63

Posted on Sunday, 8 June 2003

That night, as the whole group sat around their fire, the men told stories of the war. Some were humorous, some much less so.

Elizabeth, sitting on the edge of the group, saw in this the beginning of healing, not only for these men, but for the country she loved so much. If men who had faced each other across a battlefield could come together this way, surely their leaders could do the same.

Darcy came and sat next to her. For a time, they sat in silence, neither knowing exactly what to say.

"Fitzwilliam, I --" "Elizabeth, you --"

Elizabeth laughed a little. "Go ahead, Fitzwilliam."

He touched her cheek gently. "You were right to be angry with me. I shouldn't have tried to coddle you. I know you don't need me that way, and I. . . I'm sorry."

"I was wrong to snap back. I love you." She settled her head on his shoulder. "Sometimes, it's the people we love who can frustrate us the most. I'll try and do better."

"So will I. We have a long way to go yet, you and I."

"We'll get there. I know we will."

The group made slow progress north. With so many injured, they covered barely fifteen miles a day. Darcy brooded often, especially as he began to recognize the countryside through which they traveled.

One day, he awoke out of his brown study when he realized he knew this land intimately, almost as well as he knew his own self. But the ruined buildings hardly matched the thriving town of his memory.

"Fitzwilliam!" he called, forgetting in his horror their unspoken agreement to treat each other as strangers.

The Colonel rode back to him. "What is it, Darcy?"

Darcy gestured to the town around them. "Do you recognize it?"

For a moment, the Colonel's face reflected his confusion. Then his face paled. "Lambton," he breathed. The cousins had, in better days, spent many happy days in the small town, which owed much of its prosperity to Pemberley.

"Pemberley," Darcy said grimly. "I have to go, Richard. I have to find Georgiana."

"Take my horse. We'll follow as quickly as we can."

Without another word, Darcy swung up into the saddle Fitzwilliam had just vacated and urged the startled horse into a gallop.

Elizabeth walked over to the Colonel. "Where is he going?"

"Pemberley. We're less than five miles from the main house. I hope to God there's still something standing and that Georgiana is all right." He turned away before she could reply and called to the men to change direction.

Darcy never noticed the distance to Pemberley. He knew the road from Lambton and could have guided a horse along it in his sleep. Every new step showed him some new sign of the devastation, and he prayed that his sister was still alive.

He pulled up in front of what had been the main building. One of the side wings was gone altogether, the rest was gray-tinged with smoke and showed less care than it should. Darcy could only stare in horror. Despite everything he had seen, he had always kept Pemberley safe and untouched in his mind.

The front door opened and Georgiana stood framed in the doorway.

Darcy dismounted and walked over to her. "Do you know me, Georgiana?"

"William," she replied. "I've dreamt of you coming home so often, I thought I was dreaming again."

He pulled her into an embrace. "I am no dream, little sister."

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