Had He Behaved In A More Gentlemanlike Manner -- Section I

By Kathryn S

Section I, Next Section

No Bingley, that is one thing I can not promise you. Is it not enough that I have agreed to this assembly at all?" Fitzwilliam Darcy said sternly to his friend.

"Come, come Darcy, you make it sound as though I was asking you to marry one of them. It is only four dances at an assembly ball. I'm sure you will be able to handle it. Please, I should very much like to know that you are enjoying your self while you stay as my guest."

"I will not be enjoying my self if I am being forced to dance with strangers," Darcy said, interrupting his friend. "What do you say to such people anyway? Surely we can have nothing in common. I'm sorry Bingley, but I refuse to dance with anyone other than your sisters."

"Oh no, you will not get out it that easily. You will have plenty to talk of, the surrounding country, for example, and even you can not go wrong with the weather Darcy," Bingley said with a smile. "And if that gets you no where, why not talk about Derbyshire, you lived there your whole life and talk about it for hours." Darcy saw that his friend was determined, so he agreed to dance at least four dances with the 'local beauties' at the ball they were about to attend.

"I knew you give in eventually," Bingley said, happy with his victory. "But what I will never understand is why you feel so uncomfortable around strangers. You are intelligent enough that you would be able to have a very good time, if you would only allow yourself too." Darcy knew his friend was right, but he could never find anything to say to people he didn't know, besides the common civilities. It was a problem he had always had and one he had lately wanted to fix.

As Bingley, Darcy, Bingley's two sisters, and his brother-in-law stepped out of the carriage they could hear the not unpleasant music of the Meryton Assembly Ball. Bingley was the only person in the party who planned on enjoying the party at all, for he was anxious to meet his new neighbors and he truly loved to dance. His sisters, on the other hand, felt themselves above their company before they even entered the room. The only thing Mr. Hurst, Bingley's brother-in-law was looking forward to was some good wine.

The party entered the ball at the very end of a dance, giving everyone there a good chance to survey them. After a moment the whole room was a buzz with remarks on the elegance of the ladies, and the height and good looks of the gentleman. The first person to approach them was Sir William Lucas. He wished them welcome, then introduced them to his wife and daughter. Bingley knew his duty and asked Miss Lucas to join him in the next dance. There was no second daughter present, so Mr. Darcy was free, for the time being.

After the dance Sir William introduced the two men to a Mrs. Bennet and her two eldest daughters. Miss Bennet was quite the prettiest young lady in the room and seemed to have a pleasing manner, so Bingley was very happy to dance the next with her.

"And what about you sir?" Mrs. Bennet asked, addressing Mr. Darcy. "Do you not like to dance?"

"No not particularly, madam," Darcy answered, but remembering his promise to Bingley and seeing that Miss Elizabeth Bennet had most extraordinary eyes he added, "But I would be most obliged if Miss Elizabeth would honor me with the next dance."

She would, and so Mrs. Bennet had the good fortune to see her two eldest daughters dancing with two handsomest, and richest men in the room. It was said that Mr. Bingley was worth 5,000 a year, and Mr. Darcy at least twice as much.

Darcy and Elizabeth had been dancing for some minutes without saying a word. Finally Mr. Darcy, not wishing to seem rude decided it was time for a little conversation.

"Miss Bennet, have you ever been to Derbyshire?" he asked, remembering the suggestion Bingley had given him earlier. Lizzy, who had been observing Jane and her partner, started at the sound of his voice.

"No I'm afraid sir that I have traveled very little beyond Hertfordshire," she said. He was surprised at her confidence in saying this. He had expected her to be like all the other money hungry young ladies he had been forced to dance with. Obviously, this was not the case, for had she been such she surely would have embellished on her travels, instead of understating them.

"I have lived my whole life there, and I believe there is not a more beautiful place in all of England. Pemberley, my estate, is indeed very well situated." Elizabeth was not sure what to make of this speech. He had said it with such little enthusiasm that she thought he surely could not mean it, and only said such things to impress her. Yet there was something barely audible in his voice, something that told he was, perhaps, in earnest.

"And what of London Mr. Darcy? Surely you must spend a great deal of time there," she said, hoping to extract from him some response that would show either his pride or his sincerity. His response, however, was completely indifferent. She sensed his disapproval of their surroundings and took it as a sign of his pride. She decided she would not speak to him the rest of dance, which was almost over. If he did not want her company she was certainly not one to force it upon him.

She had actually half hoped he would redeem himself by attempting to start another conversation with her, but he did not. They were each very deep in thought when the dance ended. Elizabeth felt as though she should be disgusted by Darcy's proud behavior, but at the same time something told her that she was wrong, and that he was really not so bad as she imagined him to be.

Darcy himself had been surprised by her sudden silence at the end of the dance. He thought that they had been starting a very nice conversation and had really wished to continue it. He had even been enjoying himself, until someone in the room had laughed so loudly and so coarsely, that he could not repress his disgust. He was so intrigued by this confident young lady with the sparkling eyes that he could not help but think of her throughout the entire evening. He was so frequently looking at her or thinking about her that several times, quite by accident, he stood right next to people for some minutes without uttering a word. He also found himself comparing his other dance partners Miss Jane Bennet, Miss Lucas, and Miss Bingley, to her, only to find them lacking something which Elizabeth had possessed.

As he danced with Miss Bingley she noticed that he seemed distracted. She contributed this to their rude companions and sought to revive him by making some very harsh observations of them.

"I can guess your thoughts at the moment," she said with a cunning he did not like.

"I should think not."

"You are thinking how insupportable it would be to spend many evenings in such tedious company. And I must say that I completely agree with you," she ended with what she thought to be a flattering smile. Mr. Darcy could not help but notice how disagreeable such a smile twisted her features, and once again picturing the smile of another young lady.

Darcy had long been aware that Miss Bingley had set her cap at him. And could never pass up an opportunity to show her how unwelcome her attentions were to him.

"Indeed, I assure you, my mind was more agreeably engaged," he said. "I have been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes and face of a pretty lady can bestow."

"And may one ask whose eyes have inspired such reflections?" she asked, assuming that she already knew the answer.

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet," he replied slyly. He knew what answer she had been expecting.

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet," she laughed, " I am all astonishment." She was very glad that the dance was soon over so that she could speak with her sister about the alarming things, which she had just heard.

The Netherfield party had decided to stay for just two more dances, and Mr. Darcy had to find a dance partner for at least one of them. He looked around the room for some young lady or another, the only one he could find who he had been introduced to was Elizabeth.

Lizzy was surprised and pleased when Mr. Darcy approached her and again asked her to dance. She had been busy all evening, yet she had often found herself thinking of this tall handsome man who had offended the whole room, besides her own family and the Lucases.

Again they danced without speaking until the gentleman remembered that they had been speaking of London.

"Have you spent much time in London, Miss Bennet?"

"A little, I have an aunt and uncle who live there."

"In what part of London do they live?"

"In Cheapside." Again he was surprised at her confidence while saying this. Ordinarily, he would have been put off by such information, but he was already beginning to see that Miss Elizabeth Bennet was no ordinary young lady. She too was surprised by his conduct. She had expected him to feign a headache or nausea, anything that would get him out of dancing with someone who had such low connections. Instead of excusing himself he merely asked in which street they lived.

They then began to speak of London. They talked of the plays they had seen and the concerts they had heard. They discussed everything there was to discuss about the place. They even discovered that once or twice they had seen the same play on the same night, and once they sat only two rows apart at a particularly good concert.

They each left this dance much more satisfied than the one before. Darcy had found Elizabeth to be very witty and amiable. She had good taste and was quite intelligent. Elizabeth was also very pleased with Darcy's manners. This second interview had proven him to be very agreeable and only as proud as his station in life required.

They were not the only happy couple that night though, Jane and Bingley had been quite enamoured of each other. He could speak of nothing but the angelic Miss Bennet the whole way back to Netherfield. And although Jane did not say anything, Elizabeth could tell by the sparkle of her eyes each time his name was mentioned that she thought very highly of the gentleman.

It rained steadily for the next two weeks. Their only hope of amusement was to be a small party at the Lucas Lodge. The whole family was looking forward to it, for the party from Netherfield was to be there, as well as the ----shire militia, who were lately stationed in Meryton. Even Mr. Bennet, who rarely enjoyed dinner engagements, was anxious to meet the famous Mr. Darcy, for his wife had scarcely spoken of anything else since she had made his acquaintance. When the day of the party arrived however, Lizzy found herself unable to attend. The day before the sky had started out bright and clear, and so she had gone for a walk, but as the day progressed storm clouds began to appear and being quite far from home when the rain started, she was caught in it for over a half-hour. She now had a very bad cold and did not feel at all equal to company.

She was very disappointed, because she had been eager to speak with Mr. Darcy again. After the ball she had been quite pleased with him, but since then she had heard such stories of his pride and rude behaviour that she wished to speak with him again and judge for herself. All the stories had been similar. Either a mother complaining that he should have danced with her daughter or that he had stood by some person or another for too many minutes without speaking to them. They were not so awful, but there were so many of them that Elizabeth felt she could have misjudged him. Then she thought that this was unlikely, for both her sister and her friend Charlotte had found him to be agreeable, perhaps not so gregarious as other men, but pleasing enough. Oh well, she thought, I will just have to wait and speak to him some other time.

The Bennets came home from the party very excited indeed. There had been a little dancing and the two youngest girls had never been wanting in partners. Miss Bennet had danced all but one with Mr. Bingley, for he had danced one with Miss Lucas. At first Mrs. Bennet had been very vexed by this, but Jane had supposed that it would have seemed quite rude if he had not danced a single dance with the daughter of his host, and her mother found this to be an acceptable explanation and was again happy. Another thing that had brought her much joy was that Darcy had not danced at all. This she rightly contributed to her second daughter's absence.

"Mr. Darcy inquired after you," Jane told her sister when they were finally alone. Elizabeth blushed slightly, but answered her sister's inquiring glance with complete composure.

"Well than I hope his concern will quiet the town's contempt for him, although it will most likely increase it for ourselves."

"What do you think of him Lizzy?" Miss Bennet asked.

"As I told you the other night, I found him to be a very good conversationalist, but really Jane, it is much too early to assume that my position as Mistress of Pemberley is secure," she said with a smile. "Unfortunately, however, it seems as though my mother does not think so. I am sure that she and all of Meryton have us married and in Derbyshire already." The two girls rolled their eyes and laughed.

"Now really Lizzy, do you think, perhaps you could possibly be in love with him?" Jane asked hesitantly.

"I think that it is possible I could, in time, fall in love with him, but I have only met him once. And what about you? How was your Mr. Bingley this evening?"

"He is not my Mr. Bingley Lizzy, but he was very well. I danced with him four times." Elizabeth was very pleased to see her sister so happy, and to hear that Mr. Darcy had asked about her. This was common courtesy, but she couldn't help but hope that maybe it was because of her.

Soon Lizzy was much better and wished that someone would send an invitation so that she could see Mr. Dray again. An invitation did come, but it was for Jane. Miss Bingley wrote asking her to come and dine with her and her sister while the gentleman ate with the officers.

"What is Lizzy not invited? Well what a shame, for she missed the party at the Lucases and this would have given her another opportunity to see Mr. Darcy, but perhaps they though her too ill to attend. Jane I'm afraid you must go alone. No, no Mr. Bennet do not send for the carriage. It looks like rain, and if Jane goes on horseback she will most likely be asked to stay the night," Mrs. Bennet had said all at once after reading the note. Jane and Lizzy were both embarrassed by their mother, but they saw that arguing with her would be of no use. So Jane rode off on Nelly and Elizabeth was left behind once more.

Everything went just as Mrs. Bennet had planned. Jane had not been gone five minutes when it began to pour down rain, and before long a note came saying that Miss Bennet was to stay the night at Netherfield. There was just one thing that she had not planned on, and that was Jane getting sick. At first she was a bit worried, but soon realised that if Jane was ill she would be forced to stay even longer and see Bingley often. Lizzy was truly worried about her sister and felt that she should go and be with her. To this her mother had no objection, for Mr. Darcy would be there, and they would spend much time together. It was decided on that in the morning she would walk to Netherfield and return home for dinner, unless she was invited to stay longer.

The fresh morning air was crisp and cool as Elizabeth walked the three miles to Netherfield. The paths were muddy, but that did not signify much to her. She had already obtained the good opinion of the two persons in that house whose consideration she valued, and she thought that if her being muddy lessened her in their opinion than it was not worth having.

She was right in believing that Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy were the only people at Netherfield who approved of her, in fact Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst had a very strong dislike for her. Ever since the Meryton Assembly Mr. Darcy had heard nothing but complaints about the one person in the town who he admired and respected. Miss Bingley's insults against Miss Elizabeth had become so strong on this particular morning that he could no longer stand it. After a particularly crude remark about her eyes, Darcy had stormed out of the house. He was now exploring the grounds immediately surrounding the house. For some time he had been walking and thinking of nothing in particular, when suddenly he heard someone approaching. He looked up to see those very eyes he had just heard insulted.

"Miss Bennet," he said, obviously very surprised to see her.

"Mr. Darcy, good morning. I am here to inquire after my sister," she replied with equal surprise.

"On foot?" he was a little surprised that she had walked so far, and alone.

"As you see," she said archly. She thought at first that he disapproved, but after she spoke she saw a smile spread across his face. She could not help but notice how very handsome he looked when he smiled.

"Is it not dangerous for a young lady to walk so far all alone?" he asked.

"No I'm afraid that this is a very peaceful neighbourhood. We so seldom have any gypsies or highway men that it has become quite common for young ladies to walk much farther than three miles without any chaperone at all." They both laughed.

"What no gypsies at all? Well, when I am next in Derbyshire, I will be sure to round some up and send them here," Darcy said playfully. He was surprised to hear himself talk in such an easy manner, for although he often thought of jokes, he rarely said them aloud.

"Oh thank you sir! We would all be greatly indebted to you. But now, would you be so kind as to lead me to my own dear sister?" Elizabeth asked.

Miss Bingley was very alarmed to see Mr. Darcy enter the house accompanied by the very lady who she had not long ago insulted so freely. And he was smiling, such a smile as she had never seen on him before in the whole course of her life, and her brother and he had been childhood friends. Caroline was glad that she was not yet forced to speak to Elizabeth, for she was immediately taken up to see Jane.

Lizzy found Jane to be much better than she had expected. It was only a small cold and was almost gone already. She believed that if the carriage could be sent for, they would both be able to return home that evening. Elizabeth sat with her sister for some time then went to ask Mr. Bingley to send a note to Longbourn asking for the carriage. She found the whole party in the drawing room. The two ladies were talking quietly while their brother read a book, Mr. Darcy wrote a letter, and Mr. Hurst slept in the corner. All but Mr. Hurst rose as Elizabeth entered the room.

"Miss Bennet, welcome to Netherfield. I trust you find your sister well," Bingley greeted her.

"Yes thank you Mr. Bingley. She is much better than I had expected, and if you will allow me to send a note to my father for the carriage, I believe she will be able to leave with me this evening."

"Really, is she that much better? I am quite glad to hear it, but I insist that you take my carriage if you must leave tonight. I would not want to bother your father when you can just as easily take mine," Bingley said with a smile. Lizzy could see that he was truly concerned about her sister's well being.

"You are very kind sir, thank you," she said. Miss Bingley decided that this would be a perfect opportunity to expose and humiliate their guest.

"Miss Eliza, I do not believe you were there when we had the pleasure of meeting the ----shire militia at Sir William's," she said.

"No I was very sorry to have missed them and look forward to meeting them soon," Elizabeth replied, wondering what Miss Bingley's comments were leading to. She soon found out.

"I am sure you will be as delighted with them as your two youngest sisters were. I'd say they were almost wild over them."

"Yes my sisters are always excited to make new acquaintances, as am I," Elizabeth said calmly.

"Male ones especially I see," Caroline said with a smirk.

"I have found that this is the case with most single young ladies," Lizzy said, maintaining her composure.

"Perhaps you have not had the advantage of meeting as many people as we have, for I'm sure that I have never seen this to be true amongst my own acquaintance, have you Louisa?" Mrs. Hurst could not say that she had. Elizabeth, still remarkably calm, only nodded her head slightly and soon she left to attend to her sister. Mr. Darcy left as well. He was proud of the way Elizabeth had held her own against Miss Bingley, for he had seen many a person break under that lady's cruelty. An hour later the two Miss Bennets returned to Longbourn.

My Dearest Jane,

I have written to inform you my brother has decided to leave Hertfordshire for the time being. I am sad to say that Louisa and I must leave as well. I had wished, most sincerely, to continue our friendship, but Louisa does not feel right staying at Charles's house while he is not present and she can not possibly do without me. The business, which calls my brother away, may be of long duration and so, my dear friend, it is quite possible that we will not return again until the spring.

Jane, I must tell you of my plans for London. I hope you will not think me rude for speaking so freely with you, but I believe that our friendship allows for such openness. It is my dearest wish that when we return to Netherfield I will have a new sister. To be honest, I believe that Charles and Georgiana Darcy formed an attachment the last time they were together, and as they will be much thrown together in town this winter, is it too much to ask that he shall make her an offer? There is nothing in the world that would make me happier. Well I must sign off now, for I have much packing to do. Until we meet again in the spring I am

Sincerely Yours,
Caroline Bingley

This was the letter that Jane received about a fortnight after her stay at Netherfield. Since that time she had met with the family once, at a party held by the Lucases. She had spent the chief of the evening conversing with Mr. and Miss Bingley. At that time Mr. Darcy had already left for London and there had been some talk of the rest of the party joining him in two or three months perhaps, but his sudden departure now surprised them all indeed.

Jane did not tell her mother what her friend had said about Miss Darcy, for she did not wish to give her more pain than necessary. Elizabeth did not believe a word of what Miss Bingley had said in regards to her brother and Miss Darcy.

"It is clear," Jane replied after hearing her sister's opinion on the matter, "that Caroline is aware of my regard for Mr. Bingley and wishes to warn me."

"I can only agree to one part of that. It is clear that she has noticed your feelings for her brother, but she has also seen what your modesty can not; he returns your feelings for him," cried Elizabeth compassionately.

"But if she can see that her brother could be happy with me, why would she not wish for him to have that happiness?" Jane asked.

"We do not have nearly enough money or importance to satisfy Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, and so they do not consider you good enough for their brother. Besides if Mr. Bingley were to marry Miss Darcy it would perhaps help his sister in her pursuit of Mr. Darcy," the last part was said with a sly smile.

"No, I can not believe that Caroline would try to deceive me on purpose. I can only hope that in this case she has deceived herself. But now, enough about my affairs. Has Mr. Darcy's absence affected you very much?" this time it was Jane's turn to smile slyly.

"If you mean to ask if my heart is broken in to a million pieces, then the answer is no. I can not deny that I do like him, but I do not think that I can go so far as to say that I love him. Indeed, if he were to make me an offer now, I could not immediately accept him, yet I can not help but to think of him as…" her voice trailed off, not knowing how to describe her feelings.

"As the most interesting and agreeable man you have ever met? Yes Lizzy I know exactly how you feel," Jane finished for her with a sigh.

A few days after this conversation, and after the initial shock of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy's departure had worn off, and Mrs. Bennet was finally reconciled to the idea that Miss Bingley had been mistaken and the whole party would be back shortly, Mr. Bennet made a very surprising announcement.

"My cousin Mr. Collins is to join us for dinner today my dear, so I hope that you have prepared a very good one," he said at the breakfast table.

"Mr. Collins? Why on earth would Mr. Collins come for dinner? We have not invited him and he is certainly not welcome. How could he expect us to welcome him into our home while knowing that it is entailed away to him? I declare I detest the man!" cried Mrs. Bennet after hearing this.

"Well my dear, I believe that once you have heard what he has to say you may forgive him a little." He then went on to read the letter he had received from his cousin.

Dear Sir,

The disagreement subsisting between yourself and my late honoured father always gave me much uneasiness, and since I have had the misfortune to loose him, I have frequently wished to heal the breach; but for some time I was kept back by my own doubts, fearing lest it might seem disrespectful to his memory for me to be on good terms with anyone 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 Easter, I have been so fortunate as to be distinguished by the patronage of the Right Honourable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, widow of Sir Lewis de Bourgh, whose beauty and beneficence has preferred me to the valuable rectory of this parish, where it shall be my earnest endeavour to demean myself with grateful respect towards her Ladyship, and be very 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 goodwill are highly commendable, and that the circumstances 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 but concerned at beings the means of injuring your fair 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, Monday, November 18th, by four o'clock, and shall trespass on your hospitality till the Saturday sennight following, which I can do without any inconvenience, as Lady Catherine 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 sir, with respectful compliments to your lady and daughters, your well wisher and friend,

William Collins

"So what do you think of him now my dear?" Mr. Bennet asked his wife with a smile.

"I think he must be a very foolish man," observed Lizzy quietly.

"Oh my dear Mr. Bennet, how lucky we are to have such a visitor! Perhaps I judged him harshly before, but that was before I knew him you know. Now, well now everything is extremely different. Mr. Collins, oh what a delightful man! And to have Lady Catherine de Bourgh as his patroness. Oh I am quite overcome by the excitement. Let me see whom shall he have? Jane and Lizzy are already spoken for, so that leaves Mary," at this Mary looked up in horror, for at the time she had little interest in men. "Yes, he will do very nicely for Mary. Do not look so alarmed my dear girl, he is a clergyman, so certainly he must be bookish. I am sure you will like him, he is a clergyman."

"I am more inclined to be of Lizzy's way of thinking," Mr. Bennet said after his wife had calmed down a bit. "If he is anything like his father, and by his letter that seems very likely, he will be as silly and ridiculous as they come. Yes, he will do quite well for Mary, for, excepting her two younger sisters, she is the silliest girl in all of England. There there my child, do not look so hurt, you know I am only teasing you. I wish you the best of luck with Mr. Collins," and with that he retired to the library to wait until his guest arrived.

Mr. William Collins was everything that Mr. Bennet, and Mary, had hoped for. As soon as he stepped from the carriage he began to thank the Bennets for their hospitality. He then praised the beauty of all the ladies of the house so much that Mr. Bennet half expected him to propose to all five of his daughters and his wife at once. At first it was obvious that Mr. Collins hoped to return to Hunsford with Jane as his wife, but after a few helpful hints from Mrs. Bennet he decided that Mary would be a better choice.

That evening before dinner he tried to impress his cousin by reading aloud to them all and letting her choose the book. At first he had been afraid that she would choose a work by Shakespeare or some other author entirely unknown to him, but he was relieved to see her get out a well worn copy of Fordyce's Sermons.

His reading was by no means great and he fumbled over several of the words, but it was evident that he had read the material many times before. Mary was the only one of the five girls who could sit through the reading with a straight face. Jane and Lizzy could not help but smile a little as the words became tangled in his mouth, but were so kind as to occasionally help him. Kitty and Lydia had become so bored after just five minutes that removed themselves to a corner to gossip and giggle not so quietly about the officers, the latest fashions, and so on. Mr. Collins was obviously annoyed by their behaviour, but as Mary seemed to be enjoying herself immensely he did not stop until they were called into dinner.

"So Mr. Collins, you enjoy reading," was Mr. Bennet's first comment at dinner. He had stopped Lizzy in the hall just before to see how the reading had gone and was more than satisfied.

"Indeed I do sir," Mr. Collins replied, once again trying to make a favourable impression on Miss Mary, who was seated beside him. "For, as my most honourable patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh once said, 'It is better to read than not to,'" he repeated this most enlightening quote under his breath several times until he was quite positive that each syllable had been recited correctly. He then nodded and grinned proudly at Mr. Bennet. The old gentleman almost laughed out loud, and could see that his favourite daughter was amused as well. Liz had tried to stop her laughter by putting a spoonful of soup in her mouth, but she ended up choking on it and almost had to excuse herself. Even Jane was forced to take a sip of water to keep from laughing.

"You are very fortunate to have such a kind and noble patroness as Lady Catherine," Mr. Bennet observed once they had all regained their composure.

"Oh yes sir, there is none better than she. She is so condescending as to invite me to dine with her at least twice a week," Mr. Collins replied, very self-satisfied.

"And I believe that Lady Catherine has a daughter, does she not?" asked Mrs. Bennet, anxious to know more of the people who she hoped would soon be the neighbour's of her own daughter.

"She does indeed Mrs. Bennet. Miss Anne de Bourgh, and although she is unfortunately of a sickly disposition she is a most intelligent and accomplished young woman. She would rather stay at home and read than go to a ball any day."

"She sounds a great deal like our Mary, perhaps some day we will come visit you in Hunsford and they will have a chance to meet."

"I would be honoured to receive you all as guests at my own humble abode, but to meet Miss de Bourgh you will have to go to Derbyshire, for she will soon be married to her cousin Mr. Darcy." The room fell silent for a moment before Mrs. Bennet made the necessary connection.

"Mr. Darcy? Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, surely not. Surely you are speaking of some other Darcy, for we have met Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, and I am sure he said nothing about being engaged. Nothing at all. Lizzy, did he ever mention anything to you, for I am sure I never heard anything mentioned about his being engaged," Mrs. Bennet cried hysterically. Lizzy was very embarrassed that her mother would show such emotion in front of their guest, and that she would single her out as being connected to Mr. Darcy in front of him.

"Do not be so alarmed mama, we do not even know for sure that we are speaking of the same Mr. Darcy," she said, trying to comfort her mother as best she could. Then she turned to Mr. Collins. "Please sir, do you know if Miss de Bourgh is engaged to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, of Pemberley?" and once again she began to eat her soup to help control her emotions, but when Mr. Collins answered in the affirmative, she began to choke once again and excused herself from the table.

After dinner Jane found Lizzy lying on her bed asleep. She walked over and patted her sister's head. Lizzy awoke and smiled up at her sister.

"Dear Lizzy, I am so sorry, but perhaps Mr. Collins is wrong. It is possible that Lady Catherine wishes for her daughter to marry Mr. Darcy, but he has yet to actually propose," Jane said comfortingly.

"Thank you Jane, but I am sure that Lady Catherine would not tell someone such as Mr. Collins if it were not true. This does not mean, however, that need lose any respect I have Mr. Darcy, for surely he was not already engaged when he came to Hertfordshire," replied Lizzy.

"Oh how I do hate to pain you, but Mr. Collins said that Lady Catherine has talked of the engagement since he first came to Hunsford a year ago, which would have been months before Mr. Darcy met you. Please do consider what I said before, for in the year that Mr. Collins has known the family Mr. Darcy has not visited once."

"Jane," her sister said teasingly, "I do believe that you are accusing Lady Catherine de Bourgh of willful deceit. I never would have suspected it from you, but," she added more seriously, "I am very glad you did, for it does give me some hope."

"Well, I am happy that I could be of some service to you, but willful deceit? I did not accuse her of any such thing. I was only thinking that perhaps she is a bit like mother, besides I would rather think that Lady Catherine had behaved badly than to see you hurt."

"Thank you so much Jane for you comforting words and theories, but I suppose that I will just have to get over my feelings for Mr. Darcy. That shouldn't take long, now should it? I have not known him long enough to form a serious attachment. Oh but Jane, that day at Netherfield he was so kind and agreeable I thought… Well it no longer matters what I thought, if he truly loves his cousin then I am genuinely happy for them both."

"Lizzy, you really oughtn't think that way. Mr. Darcy will be back, I am sure of it."

"Mr. Darcy may come back if he wishes, as long as his friend comes back with the intention of marrying. How are you bearing his absence Jane? I hope it has not been too hard on you," Lizzy asked, anxious to change the subject.

"I admit I am eager to have another letter from Caroline, but if in it she tells me that her brother is engaged I suppose that I will react the same way that you have."

"I do not think that you have too much to worry about, but if you do not mind Jane I am very tired. Please make my excuses downstairs to Mr. Collins and everyone." Lizzy lay for a long time and thought. She was less angry now than when she had first run up to her room. Had she been foolish to suppose that someone such as she could gain the affections of someone as illustrious as Mr. Darcy? She had seen him scowl and look down on the people of Hertfordshire, but hadn't she at times done the same? And when he was with her it had been different. He did not seem to feel superior to her, but she again remembered that he was engaged and decided to put him out of her mind. She soon fell into a restless sleep.

Lizzy was glad that Mr. Collins was there to distract her mother from her disappointment with Mr. Darcy. Over the next several days Mrs. Bennet did everything in her to power to leave Mary and Mr. Collins alone together. Everyday they walked in the garden together and read together. Mr. Collins was even so ignorant about music that he enjoyed listening to Mary practice her pianoforte. Although they spent the better part of each day together it took Mr. Collins over a week to propose. Mrs. Bennet was worried that indecision had caused the delay, but it was only that it took him that long to write and memorise the speech he gave to Mary, and even then he had a copy of it in his pocket just in case.

Mary was delighted with her engagement. She had finally found someone who appreciated her intelligence, even if he did not always understand her. She knew that she was not marrying the smartest of men, but he seemed as eager to learn as she was to teach. Mrs. Bennet was, needless to say, overjoyed by her daughter's upcoming nuptials, and even Mr. Bennet was pleased. He could not wait to visit his daughter and son in law in Hunsford and finally see the fireplace at Rosings, which he had been told was very large and very expensive.

One day soon after the engagement was announced Mr. Collins proposed a walk to Meryton. He had intended it to be for himself and his fiancée only, but Kitty and Lydia insisted on going as well. When they returned they were full of news.

"We had such a lovely walk with the officers and Lizzy you really should have come with us," Lydia squealed, "for we met a new officer, a friend of Denny's, and now that Mr. Darcy is engaged I would think that you would be as anxious as Kitty and I to see the officers. Anyway he is most handsome, even more so then Denny. Lord you should hear the stories he has to tell about Mr. Darcy. You'll be glad you didn't marry him when you hear them."

"Stories about Mr. Darcy? What kind of stories? Who is this man? What is his name?" Lizzy was adamant to know.

"Well you needn't be mad at me because you were deceived by Mr. Darcy. You really ought to hear the scandalous stories Mr. Wickham has to tell, for that is his name, Mr. George Wickham."

Well, I should like to meet this Mr. Wickham, or perhaps you yourself would be so kind as to tell me what he has to say," Lizzy forced herself to calm down, it would do no good to display her feelings for Mr. Darcy in front of her whole family.

"I shall tell if you really want to know. He has told the whole town of how ill he has been treated by Mr. Darcy. They grew up together; Wickham's father was old Mr. Darcy's steward. When Mr. Darcy died, he left poor Wickham a living in some village or another in Derbyshire, but your Mr. Darcy refused to honour his father's wishes and gave it to someone else. What do you think of him now, eh Lizzy?" Lydia was very proud to be the one to disappoint her sister, for she was tired of hearing her mother brag about Mr. Darcy's attachment to Lizzy.

"Surely there must be some mistake! I cannot believe that Mr. Darcy would behave in such an ungentlemanlike manner. When might I meet this Mr. Wickham and hear his stories for myself?" Lizzy asked.

"You may meet him this evening if you like, for Aunt Phillips has invited us and all the officers to dine with her. Come Kitty, you must help make my bonnet up new," and with that Kitty and Lydia flew up the stairs to their room.

Jane and Lizzy were left to wonder at what they had just heard. "Do not worry Lizzy, there must have been some misunderstanding. I am sure of it," Jane said comfortingly.

"Yes Jane, you must be right. There is something very wrong about this. Why would Mr. Wickham tell such things to people he had just met? Something is definitely wrong."

That evening at her aunt's house Lizzy had a chance to hear for herself Mr. Wickham's charges on Mr. Darcy. His story was exactly what Lydia had told her. She tried to question him and see if he would falter, but either he had told the story many times or it was the truth. Mr. Wickham sensed that she did not completely believe him and soon left to be in the company of some more sympathetic young ladies. Lizzy was not sure what to think. She did not want to believe him, but there had been truth in all his looks.

She looked over at her two sisters who were giggling and flirting with the officers. All the young ladies except herself and Jane seemed to be quite taken with Mr. Wickham, and from this viewpoint she could see what they could not. Although he too smiled and flirted with all the ladies around him, he seemed to take a particular interest in Miss Mary King. Miss King was not very pretty, but she did have one advantage over everyone else, she had just inherited 10, 000 pounds. He was a fortune hunter and Elizabeth was very glad to know it, for that made it easier to believe that what he had said about Mr. Darcy was not true.

All of Longbourn was busy with Mary's wedding. Mr. Collins had wanted to be wed very soon so that he could introduce his bride to Lady Catherine. For the wedding, Mrs. Bennet's brother, Edward Gardiner, and his wife came down from London. Mrs. Gardiner was a very kind and sensible lady, and was very close to her two eldest nieces.

"And what have the two of you been doing lately?" she asked them. "I hear from your mother that you both have prospective husbands. Come, tell me all the latest news from the lives of Miss Jane and Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

"Really aunt, there is not much to tell. The two "prospective" husbands mama has been talking about are a Mr. Bingley and a Mr. Darcy. Both very rich and very handsome and very far away in London or Derbyshire or where ever it is they went," Lizzy said, trying to answer her aunts question as calmly as possible.

"And dear Lizzy, which one do you find to be most handsome?"

A deep blush spread across Elizabeth's face as she answered her aunt. "Mr. Darcy maam, for he is much taller."

"I see, so that would leave Mr. Bingley for Jane now wouldn't it?" the colour of Jane's face now matched that of Lizzy's. "But you say that they have gone away, and without proposing. How very rude."

"Yes, but I sincerely doubt that Mr. Bingley will not be back soon to offer his hand."

"Now Lizzy, I'm sure that it is just as likely that Mr. Darcy will return as well," Jane felt truly sorry for her sister and took every opportunity to try and persuade her that Mr. Collins had been incorrect.

"That seems highly unlikely after what Mr. Collins said."

"And may one ask what Mr. Collins did say?" Mrs. Gardiner was very curious to know.

"Yes, he was so kind as to inform us that Mr. Darcy has for some time now been engaged to his cousin Miss Anne de Bourgh."

"Oh Lizzy, I am sorry. I wouldn't have asked if I had had the slightest idea," her aunt replied sympathetically.

"Please Aunt, don't apologise. It is not as though I was in love with him. I scarcely know him at all. So really do not be sorry ," Lizzy tried very hard to hide her disappointment and someone who did not know her as well as her two present companions would have believed her. After this conversation Lizzy became more resolved than ever to forget about Mr. Darcy, and it was the perfect time to do it too. With the wedding she had no time to think about anything else.

Throughout all this there was another wedding being planned, that of Mr. George Wickham to Miss Mary King. Any one who saw the happy couple could see that she was very much in love with him, and that he was doing a very good job of pretending that he loved her too.

The wedding of Miss Mary Bennet to Mr. William Collins went just as well as Mrs. Bennet could have wished. Mary looked lovelier than she ever had before in her wedding gown, although not quite so lovely as her elder sisters. Everyone agreed that the ceremony had been beautiful, and if Mr. Collins had not had quite so much trouble repeating what the vicar said as he recited his vows, it would have been perfect.

The new couple left for Hunsford immediately after the reception, so that they would arrive there in good time to dine with Lady Catherine. It was decided that if Mr. Bingley and his friend did not return to Hertfordshire within a month Lizzy and Jane would be sent to visit Mary, for Mrs. Bennet had found from Mr. Collins that this was the time when Mr. Darcy and his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam were to visit their aunt.

"Oh Mr. Bennet, I have never been so happy in all my life I am sure. Now if only Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy would return for Jane and Lizzy, I know I would be the happiest mother in all of England, if not the whole world," Mrs. Bennet cried as she watched Mr. and Mrs. Collins ride off to Hunsford.

"Well my dear, I certainly hope, for your sake, that the gentleman come soon, although I cannot say that I will be happy to see the girls go. My Lizzy especially," replied Mr. Bennet.

A week after the wedding, when Mrs. Bennet had finally calmed down, her sister Mrs. Philips came with news from Meryton that shocked the entire house.

"Sister, oh sister have you heard the news from Meryton? No of course you could not have, for I have just heard it myself. In truth I have two pieces of news that I am sure will interest you. One is about Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham and the other is about Mr. Bingley. Which would you like to hear first? Of course the one about Mr. Darcy, for it is the longest and most interesting," Mrs. Philips finally stopped to take a breath before she began her story. "Well now where shall I begin? Ah, as you know Mr. Wickham was to marry Miss King tomorrow, but Mr. King, the young ladies uncle, was not so sure about Mr. Wickham and decided to have one of those private investigators check up on him. And what do you think they found? It seems that Mr. Wickham did grow up with Mr. Darcy, but he is not half so honourable as he would like us to believe. He led all of us to think that Mr. Darcy had refused to give him the living, when in fact it was Mr. Wickham himself that refused to take it."

"Oh my, how wonderful! Now people can say nothing bad about our family when Lizzy and Mr. Darcy are wed. I always knew that Mr. Wickham was lying, for how could such a good, kind man as Mr. Darcy do something so awful. Really sister, I am not surprised at all," Mrs. Bennet could not help but interrupt her sister, for she was actually very surprised indeed.

"Oh but my dear Fanny, that is not all. Mr. Darcy has a young sister who is now in his care and about a year ago he sent her to Ramsgate. While there, she met with Mr. Wickham and was persuaded to elope with him. Fortunately, her brother got there in time to stop them, but Miss Darcy was heartbroken because she had loved the man very much, but he was only after her money, poor girl. And now that he has been exposed, at least twenty girls, merchant daughters mainly, have claimed that he has meddled with them and at least ten are with child," Mrs. Philips new that this last statement was completely untrue, but it added to her story and made the revelation of Mr. Wickham's true character more triumphant for herself.

"Well Mary King is certainly lucky that her uncle has found this out. He has saved her from a most imprudent marriage," replied Jane.

"Ah, my dear, sweet Jane, that is the worst of it. Miss King would not believe her uncle and now she and Mr. Wickham have eloped together," her aunt returned.

"Are you sure aunt? Has anything been done to find them? Poor miss King!" Jane asked.

"Yes it is quite certain that they have gone to Gretna Green. Mr. King has a relation there and he has seen the two already married and living together in Ireland. I suppose they will stay there until the money runs out and then beg her uncle for a reconciliation, for did I not tell you of his gaming debts? There is not a single tavern in Hertfordshire where he has not met with some man or another and now owes money." This shocked the ladies still more. Poor Mary King!

"I do feel for Mary King, but she knew of her husband's faults and chose to ignore them. It is her own fault if she is unhappy. But now sister you promised me news of Mr. Bingley as well as Mr. Darcy."

"Well this news will surely make you happy, for I know what great plans you have for him and Jane. Mr. Bingley is to return to Netherfield in a week's time. Now, what say you to that?" Mrs. Bennet was beside herself with excitement. She jumped out of her chair and ran over to her sister.

"Oh sister, sister! What happy news! I swear I have never been so happy in all my life. Mr. Bingley has surely come to marry Jane. I know he has, for why else would he come into Hertfordshire?" Jane was very embarrassed by her mother's outburst and turned bright red at her suggestions that he had come only to see her.

"Mother, Mr. Bingley does own a house here. There are many reasons why he would want to return to his own house and I am sure that I am not one of them," Lizzy could see in her sister's eyes that she believed what she was saying, but wished it to be untrue.

"Nonsense child. Of course he has come to see you. He loves you, and you love him too. It will a perfect match. Oh what a comfort it will be to have two daughters well married. Mary's husband may not be so rich as Jane's, but he will inherit Longbourn, which is as nice an estate as one could wish for. And soon Lizzy shall be married as well, for surely Mr. Bingley will bring his friend, and with all the matrimony taking place he will not want to miss out." Now it was Lizzy's turn to blush. Why must her mother always speak of Mr. Darcy as though they were already married? She had heard what Mr. Collins had said, but was choosing to ignore it. Elizabeth was happy for Jane, but worried about what her mother might say in Mr. Darcy's presence.

The next week was spent waiting for the arrival of the Netherfield party. During that week Mrs. Bennet had planned a ball. It would be held in two weeks. She expected that by that time it would be an engagement party or at least a time when an engagement would be formed. All the girls were excited about the ball. Jane and Lizzy hoped that it would give them a chance to become better acquainted with Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. Kitty and Lydia looked forward to it as another chance to flirt with the officers, Captain Denny especially. They had both been disappointed when Wickham married, but Denny had soon resumed his position as their favourite.

All of Meryton had assumed that Mr. Darcy would accompany his friend to Hertfordshire, although no one knew for sure. That is why they were all so surprised when only Mr. Bingley and his sister arrived at Netherfield.

"Who would have thought that Mr. Darcy would abandon us so? It is really quite shocking! How is he to marry Lizzy if he will not even come to see her?" Mrs. Bennet cried after hearing the news.

"Mama, have you forgotten all that Mr. Collins told us about Mr. Darcy's engagement to Miss de Bourgh?" Lizzy asked, although she too was very disappointed.

"Oh Mr. Collins, what does he know? Do you suppose that I cannot tell when a man loves a woman and wishes to marry her? Lizzy I am sure that Mr. Darcy loves you."

"I only wish that I could be so sure," Lizzy muttered as she left the room.

Mr. Bingley had been at Netherfield two days before he paid a visit on the Bennets. "I am very sorry, but Caroline is not feeling well this morning. A headache I think," his embarrassment was obvious as he made excuses for his sister. "Mr. Darcy wished for me to express his sincerest apologies, to this family in particular," he said with a notable look at Elizabeth, "that he could not be here. He is attending his cousin, Miss Anne de Bourgh's, wedding to her cousin, Sir Henry de Bourgh." Lizzy let out an involuntary gasp.

"Miss Anne de Bourgh? We were led to believe that she was engaged to Mr. Darcy himself," Mrs. Bennet said, very satisfied in knowing that she had been right. Before Mr. Bingley had a chance to explain Hill came to request her presence in the kitchen where the cook had not bought enough fish for that evening's dinner.

"Please sir, I would not have you think that I am interested in idle gossip, but we would be much obliged if you would relate to us how we were led to believe that Mr. Darcy was engaged to Miss de Bourgh, when she was engaged to her other cousin," Lizzy's curiosity had gotten the better of her.

"Of course Miss Elizabeth, I am sure my friend would wish you to know how this whole mess was created. His aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, has always wanted him to marry her daughter, but Darcy has never actually consented. She is always hounding him with the idea that, in order to preserve the family honour, he must marry Anne. While we were in London she pushed him to set a date and he told her once and for all that he would never marry Anne. She saw that he was serious and soon moved on to another wealthy cousin to marry her daughter. I do not know who told you of the engagement, but I am not surprised that they thought of it as being official, for she always spoke of it as so. The wedding is to take place in a week's time and then Darcy and his sister will join me here." Jane blushed furiously when she heard him mention Miss Darcy, for she still thought of her as a rival for his affections. Lizzy saw her sister's discomfort and suggested a walk about the garden. She had been made so happy by Mr. Bingley's information that she soon lagged behind and the other two were left to walk alone.

Posted on April 13, 1998

"Oh Jane, I'm so happy for you! Did I not tell you that it would all work out for the best."

"Lizzy, I fear I am too happy, but to know that Charles loves me and wishes to marry me, oh I cannot express the way I feel at this moment. He has gone to speak to Papa, and I must go now to speak with Mama, but I wanted you to be the first to know. I hope to someday see you this happy, dearest Lizzy, and perhaps I will not have to wait so very long, for Mr. Darcy shall be here soon," and with that Jane ran off to tell her mother the happy news. And so Miss Jane Bennet was to marry Mr. Charles Bingley. It had all worked out just as Mrs. Bennet had planned, except Lizzy was still single, but she was sure that would soon be remedied.

Lizzy sat down on the swing that hung from a tree near the house and sighed. She was very happy for Jane, but she would miss her immensely. Who would she go to with all her troubles, if Jane were not there? Elizabeth had always liked Kitty and knew that if separated from Lydia she could have been an agreeable companion, but they had never been close, and she knew no one could ever replace Jane. How silly I am being, she thought. She will only be three miles away at Netherfield. I will have ample opportunity to visit with her.

Her reverie was broken by the sound of her mother's voice. "Lizzy, Lizzy, come in here and talk with dear Jane and Mr. Bingley. They have some very good news that I dare say you will want to hear." Poor Jane, she will have to put up with all of Mama's flattery and vulgarities. Poor Mr. Bingley.

"Lizzy you will never guess their news, never. I am sure I have never been so surprised in my life, not that it was a bad surprise. No indeed, a very happy one. Now Mr. Bingley I will let you make your announcement." Mrs. Bennet had gathered the entire family together to hear Mr. Bingley's "announcement", although half of them already knew what he was about to say.

"I am very happy to announce that I have asked Miss Bennet for her hand and she has accepted me."

"La, is that what all this fuss is about? That is no surprise at all, for Mama has been talking about it since we first met Mr. Bingley at the assembly ball," cried Lydia to the great embarrassment of her two eldest sisters.

"Lydia my child, what a thing to say! Why should I speak of Mr. Bingley's marrying Jane, if he had not even made an offer to her? Sometimes you do say the queerest things." Lydia did not feel that this was a subject important enough to argue about, and the topic of conversation was soon changed.

That evening when Mr. Bingley left Longbourn, the entire house was in high spirits over Jane's upcoming marriage. Soon after he left they all went to bed, except for the two eldest Miss Bennets, who were up half the night discussing two men as sleepless as themselves.

Posted on Wednesday, 30 December 1998

Elizabeth waited impatiently for Mr. Darcy's arrival. She was busy with preparations for the ball, but she longed for someone to talk to. After breakfast Mr. Bingley arrived at Longbourn and for the rest of the day he and Jane sat together talking quietly or walking about the garden. When Lizzy was asked to join them, she felt like a fifth wheel and so she often declined. She did not blame Jane or Charles; of course they would want to be alone, she would wish to be alone with her fiancé, if she had one. She was certain that when Mr. Darcy came, he too would be asked to join the two lovers on their walks, and then she would have a chance to talk with him.

Finally the day came when Mr. and Miss Darcy were to arrive. They accompanied Mr. Bingley to the house in the morning.

"Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy, how good it is to see you," cooed Mrs. Bennet, "Mr. Darcy I am sure that you remember my daughters, but Miss Darcy, this the first time we have had the honour of making your acquaintance. Please allow me to introduce Jane, Elizabeth, Catherine, and Lydia. I believe that you and Lydia are of the same age, and so you shall have plenty to talk of. Girls, why don't you show Miss Darcy around outside. Perhaps, Mr. Darcy you would like to join Mr. Bingley, Jane, and Lizzy, who I believe had planned to walk to Meryton." Elizabeth and Jane blushed at their mother's obvious attempt to get the former alone with Mr. Darcy.

"Mama, we had planned no such thing. I am sure Miss Darcy would rather her brother remained with her than be so soon thrust amongst strangers. Besides, I would very much like to become better acquainted with you myself, Miss Darcy," Elizabeth said quickly.

"Thank you Miss Elizabeth, I would like that very much," replied Miss Darcy shyly. Mrs. Bennet was about to protest, but she thought that perhaps Mr. Darcy would be touched by Lizzy's show of affection for his sister. And so it was decided that they would all walk together around the grounds. As had been suspected, Bingley and Jane soon wandered off on their own, leaving the rest to talk amongst themselves.

Lizzy had been afraid the shy and quiet Miss Darcy would be offended by her younger sisters foolish behaviour, and although Lydia was as silly as ever, Kitty, for the first time in her life, realised how ridiculous she and Lydia had been. Her sister's loud volume and the comments she made about the officers visibly embarrassed her. She tried to make what intelligent conversation she could with Miss Darcy, and soon the two young ladies broke away from the rest of the group talking and laughing as if they had known each other all their lives. Lydia, unfazed by her sister's desertion, began to swing.

"Did you enjoy your stay in London sir?" Lizzy asked when they were alone.

"Yes, we saw a wonderful production of Much Ado about Nothing. Have you ever seen it?" Darcy replied.

"No, never, But I have often read it. It is one of my favourites."

"Really, mine too. Beatrice reminds me very much of you. Her wit and her spirit," he smiled broadly.

"If only I had a Benedick," she sighed, then realising what she had just said she coloured deeply and tried to cover her mistake. "I, I did not mean… what I meant was that there are so few people here who I may joke with. It would be nice to have someone to talk to the way Beatrice and Benedick have each other."

" 'What, my dear Lady Disdain! Are you yet living?'" he said with a smile, trying to ease her embarrassment, and show her that she could always talk to him.

" 'Is it possible disdain should die when she hath such meat to feed it as Sir Benedick? Courtesy itself must convert to disdain if you come in her presence.'"

" 'Then courtesy is a turncoat. But it is certain I am loved of all ladies, only you excepted; and I would I could find in my heart that I had not a hard heart, for, truly, I love none.'"

" 'A dear happiness for women; they would else been troubled with a pernicious suitor. I thank God and my cold blood, that I am of your humour for that. I had rather hear a dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me.'"

" 'God keep you ladyship still in that mind! So some gentleman or other shall scape a predestinate scratch'd face,'" Darcy was glad things were going so well with Elizabeth. He had regretted leaving so soon to see his sister in London and had thought about her often while there.

" 'Scratching could not make it worse, an 'twere such a face as yours were.'"

" 'Well, you are a rare parrot-teacher.'"

" 'A bird of my tongue is better than a beast of yours.'"

" 'I would my horse had the speed of your tongue, and so good a continuer. But keep your way I' Gods name; I have done." They both burst out laughing at the end of this little scene. Elizabeth collapsed onto the swing Lydia had just recently vacated.

"Shall I push you Miss Bennet?" he asked when they had stopped laughing.

"If it is no inconvenience to you, but please do not think that I sat here on purpose for you to swing me."

"Of course not, if it was an inconvenience I would not have offered," he gave her a slight push. "I hope you think a little more highly of men then Beatrice does."

"A little," she smiled as his strong hands pushed against her waist.

Posted on Thursday, 31 December 1998

"Well Lizzy, you certainly spent a great deal of time with Mr. Darcy today," remarked Mrs. Bennet after her visitors had left. "And still no proposal. I have never seen a man so slow in offering his hand, but perhaps tomorrow we shall have better luck."

"Mamma," Lizzy cried, quite embarrassed, "'Tis only the third time I have met with Mr. Darcy, I hardly know him."

"Hardly know him!" this statement from her second daughter completely amazed Mrs. Bennet, "Hardly know him! Three times is more than enough for a man to want to form an engagement. Your father and I had met only twice when he asked for my hand and you see how happy we are."

"A man may be able to make a woman an offer after three meetings, but could he have come to love her in so short a time?" but Mrs. Bennet had stopped listening to her daughter's arguments and was already ringing for Hill to bring in the tea. She had hoped that the Netherfield party would stay to supper, but they had had a previous engagement.

"Oh, Jane would you please take a turn in the gardens with me?" Lizzy asked her sister impatiently.

"Mother can be trying at times, I know, but we must remember that she only wants the best for us," Jane said once they were outside. "Now tell me all about your day with Mr. Darcy."

"I must admit that I enjoyed myself very much. We talked again of London and Shakespeare. He then apologised most sincerely for the confusion caused by Mr. Collins and his aunt. He is a very good man Jane."

"And one that you could spend the rest of your life with?"

"Yes, I believe so."

"How did you like the Bennets Miss Darcy?" Bingley asked as they rode towards Netherfield after their visit to Longbourn.

"Oh, I liked them very much! Miss Kitty especially," she answered quietly.

"Well good, very good. I'm glad you liked them. What say you Darcy?" Bingley's good mood was always heightened after seeing Miss Bennet.

"They all seemed very well to me, although I had little chance to speak with any but Miss Elizabeth," Which improved the visit considerably, he added to himself.

Later that evening, when they had returned from dinner, Georgiana approached her brother with the intent of speaking to him about Elizabeth Bennet, but very unsure as to how to introduce such a topic to the brother she looked up to almost as a father.

"Do you know the Bennets well?" she asked him.

"I have met with them four times including today, except for Miss Elizabeth, who was ill at one of the occasions at which I met the others."

"And yet, if you spent those times as you did this one, you must know her best of all," she added quickly, hoping her brother would not be angered by such an implication, but he seemed not even to notice.

"Yes, I suppose you are right. I have never met with anyone so few times, yet known them so well," he answered as if in a dream.

If Bingley could form an engagement after so short an acquaintance, why couldn't he? But his manners were not nearly so easy as Bingley's, and even though he had tried to show her all his best sides, he could not be sure that Elizabeth would consent. He knew that most young women would have felt honoured to be his wife, for his aunt had reminded him of that fact repeatedly, but he knew that the young woman he wanted for his bride would not be so easily persuaded. She was too strong willed and intelligent to marry him for his money alone. He decided to wait, the Longbourn ball was just three days away. There, in the company of other young men, he would be able to see how he fared in the heart of Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

Posted on Sunday, 3 January 1999

Unfortunately it rained all three days preceding the Longbourn ball. It would have been even more unfortunate still if it had prevented Mr. Bingley and his friends from visiting the Bennets, but they were there everyday helping with the preparations and keeping the ladies company. The rain however, did not allow much privacy, for they all spent the majority of their time together, in the drawing room. Jane and Bingley sometimes found occasion to slip out together alone, but it would hardly have been proper for Darcy and Elizabeth to do the same, although they both wished it was. Instead they had to sit through Mrs. Bennet's unending chatter and flattery.

Lizzy was of course very embarrassed by her mother, but was able to respect Darcy all the more for tolerating it. He could have spared himself by not coming, and if he insisted on coming he could have ignored her, but he sat and answered her questions very politely.

Mrs. Bennet tried more than once to leave Darcy alone with her daughter, but Lizzy would not let her. She did not want Mr. Darcy to think she was desperate, no matter how much her mother was. They were able to converse even with the others there.

Lizzy was glad to get to know Miss Darcy more intimately and found her to be a sweet girl, and very devoted to her brother. Through their conversations Lizzy found that Mr. Darcy was a wonderful master, very kind and attentive to his tenants. He also seemed to be as attached to his sister as she was to him. Lady Darcy had died when her daughter was very young and her husband had passed away when Georgiana was only ten. Since then Darcy had taken care of his only sister.

The day before the ball Mr. Darcy expressed a wish to see the library. This was usually off limits to visitors, as it was Mr. Bennet's domain, but due to a slight cold he had spent the day in bed.

"Why of course, I am sure Lizzy would be more that happy to show you around, for she spends more time there than anyone else, except for her father. She is very intelligent Mr. Darcy, not too bookish mind you, for she finds pleasure in many other things, but very clever," Mrs. Bennet was happy to say. "I have always thought that wit was even more important than looks, but of course Lizzy is also very beautiful."

"Yes, Miss Elizabeth has been blessed with understanding and beauty," he replied. Elizabeth blushed deeply and led him to the library.

Once inside she gave him the grand tour. The library was not a very large room, but the selection of books was wonderful. Mr. Bennet had spent what little money he could spare on books of every kind, and he had read them all.

"You and your father have very good taste in books, I believe you would both enjoy my library at Pemberley," Darcy said after she had shown him around.

"Perhaps some day we will be fortunate enough to see it," Lizzy replied.

"Yes, I hope some day you shall. I know that Bingley and your sister are to come at the end of the summer, would you do me the honour of accompanying them. My sister and I would be more than happy to have you as our guest," he had rather her come before that and as his wife instead of as a visitor.

"I am traveling with my aunt and uncle for part of the summer, but I believe something could be arranged," she was honoured and excited by his invitation, and was sure that her trip with the Gardiners would be over in time.

"Good I am glad. My cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, will be there as well. I had planned a trip with him, to visit my ant, but we are not on the best of terms with at present," there was an awkward pause as they each thought of how different things would be if he had married his cousin.

"I understand that your sister is now living at the Hunsford parsonage," he said, breaking the silence.

"Yes, she and Mr. Collins are very happy together I believe. He would not be the ideal husband for most, but Mary is always eager to give out her own little words of wisdom, and Mr. Collins is a very good listener," he seemed to understand her perfectly and they both laughed.

"And Mrs. Collins must enjoy being so close to her family."

"It is a perfect distance for her. She is neither so close that she must see us everyday, but if she is needed she can be here easily enough."

"I take it you would prefer to be at such a distance yourself, when you choose to marry," he said quietly, unable to look directly at her.

"I could stand to be a little further away. Any distance at all would be inconvenient to my father, so I would be as well in France as in Meryton, and I am very little needed by anyone else," she answered, colouring slightly.

"Surely Miss Bennet would not want you to be so far away."

"She would want me to be anywhere where I was happy and content."

"But could you be happy so far away?" he asked.

"So far away as where?" she laughed. "As no one has asked me to go anywhere, I have nothing to worry about at present. Well shall I leave you to the books?"

"Oh no, not unless you have other things you must attend to," he hoped he had not made her to uncomfortable with all of his questions.

"I believe we are almost ready for our company. You probably cannot understand our excitement. We so seldom have balls in this neighbourhood, and rarely ever at Longbourn. The house is not very big and it shall be more like a large dinner party with dancing."

"I am sure that it will be a most enjoyable evening," he paused before saying somewhat quickly, "and may I now take this opportunity of claiming the first two dances of you Miss Bennet?"

"Yes, I would be delighted," she was so happy, as was he, and there was so much more they both wished to say, but at that moment Jane entered the room and, very reluctantly asked her sister to help her with a flower arrangement. Elizabeth excused herself and left the room wishing away the hours before the first two dances.

Posted on Friday, 8 January 1999

The day of the Longbourn ball could not pass quickly enough for anyone attending, but it was particularly slow for Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet. All the necessary preparations had been made and there was nothing for anyone to do but wait.

Lizzy tried to read, but all she could think about was him. Why had he asked her all those questions the day before? Had he been wondering if she would be willing to go to Pemberley with him? She would have. She could think of nothing better than living the rest of her life with Mr. Darcy. He was very amiable, kind, intelligent, and very handsome, but most importantly, she loved him. She startled herself with that thought. Never had she been so sure. Since their first meeting she had thought that she could, in time, but now that time had passed and she knew that she loved him. She wanted to tell Jane, to tell Charlotte, to tell the world, but she couldn't, not until she knew for certain how he felt.

Mr. Darcy was in a similar state. He had laid out his best suit and cravat for that evening and was only awaiting the time when he could put them on. He could not get Elizabeth Bennet out of his mind. Her image was everywhere he looked, in every portrait and every young lady he saw, every young lady except for Caroline Bingley. She had been bothering him all morning about the ball.

"Well Mr. Darcy, I suppose we must go to this little party of the Bennets'," she had said after 'finding' him alone in the library. "For my part, I would rather spend the evening at home, and if Jane Bennet were not engaged to Charles I would."

"I am very much looking forward to it," he coldly replied.

"You cannot wait to witness Miss Eliza Bennet's 'fine eyes,'" she said sarcastically.

"Indeed, for I am dancing the first two with her," he said. At first Caroline seemed hurt by this, but she was soon able to rationalise the situation.

"Your kindness and condescension know no bounds Mr. Darcy. You really are too good, to lessen your own enjoyment in order to increase that of others," she said in a sickeningly sweet voice.

"I wish I deserved such praise Miss Bingley, but I should be adding to my enjoyment by dancing with Miss Bennet. Now, if you will excuse me, I must go and speak with my sister," he said, trying to repress his anger, and went to seek the much more pleasant company of Georgiana.

Finally it was time for the ball to begin. The Netherfield party was first, but as soon as they had been greeted the other guests began pouring in, and so there was little time for conversation. Lizzy and Jane felt as if they would be receiving guests forever and were beginning to wish they had not pressed their mother to invite so many people. Once the last guest had finally come the dancing began.

Mr. Bingley and Jane were to lead the first dance and Mr. Darcy and Lizzy stood right behind them. If there was anyone Meryton who had not already been gossiping about a second marriage at Longbourn, they were now, and it was very soon decided that the Bennets were without a doubt the luckiest family in the neighbourhood.

While they were dancing the two young couples were completely oblivious to what their friends were saying about them. The first was too happy to pay any attention and the second was too nervous and too full of questions and expectations.

"You are looking particularly lovely this evening miss Bennet," Darcy had said as soon as the dance had begun. Elizabeth's smile was all the thanks that he needed. "Your gown reminds me very much of one Georgiana has. It was always a favourite of mine. I believe she wore it to her first ball, but she has grown so much since then that she can no longer wear it."

"How old was she then? She must have been very young then to be so much taller now."

"Indeed she did come out rather soon, for she was not sixteen, but my aunts decide that since she did not have any older sisters, who would have to be married first, there was nothing improper in it."

"If my family had followed that rule of propriety, then you and I would be dancing for the first time, or perhaps not at all. You forget sir, that I am a younger sister and have three younger sisters who are all out, one of whom is married," she teasingly reminded him. Then more seriously continued, "Even if I was not a younger sister, I would still feel that it is unfair to make the younger sisters suffer only because their elder sisters do not have the means or inclination to marry."

"I did not say that it was fair, but it is a rule commonly followed by society," he said, a little taken aback, for he was not used to be spoken to in such away.

"Most of society would not look favourably on your friend's marriage to my sister because he has so much more to offer materially, but does that make it wrong? Should such petty motives as these prevent two people who love each other as they do from marrying?" she asked, becoming very animated and excited by this debate.

Georgiana, who was dancing with a young officer, heard this as she passed by. She was shocked to hear anyone challenge her brother in such a manner, but he was delighted. This spirit and independence only made him love her even more. She was not one to agree with him at all times just to impress him. She had her own thoughts and opinions and was not afraid to express them.

Caroline Bingley had also heard this exchange and could not wait to hear Darcy put his upstart, pretentious partner in her place.

"Well Miss Bennet," he replied, "this dance has been quite a learning experience for me. You seem to have very interesting opinions that, I am ashamed to say, have never really crossed my mind. I hope to hear many more of them in the future."

"Thank you Mr. Darcy, I am sure you have many of your own that I have never considered. Perhaps this acquaintance will be beneficial to us both." This angered Miss Bingley so much that she forgot the steps to the dance and ran right into her partner, a local man whom she had only accepted in hopes of making Mr. Darcy jealous.

They went on to speak of the happiness of Bingley and Jane and everyone connected with them, except for his sisters. They also spoke of the budding friendship between their own sisters. Lizzy had been very surprised to see Kitty behaving so well, but no one was more surprised than Lydia. She and Kitty had been close for as long as Lydia could remember, but ever since the day Georgiana had arrived they had hardly spoken. Although Georgiana and Kitty had tried to include Lydia in everything they did, Lydia would have nothing to do with them. She was angry at Kitty and jealous of Georgiana.

That evening Lydia was determined to keep Denny, Kitty's favourite officer, all to herself, but Kitty didn't even seem to mind. She danced with a few officers, but no longer found them anymore exciting than the other young men from the neighbourhood. In fact, she spent most of the evening sitting in a corner, laughing and talking with her new friend.

After the second dance Lizzy went to talk to Miss Lucas and Darcy was left standing by himself. Miss Bingley was not about to miss this opportunity to speak with him.

"I heard that your dances with Miss Bennet were not as pleasant as you had expected," she started, trying to point out to him the impertinence of that lady's behaviour, "but what can you expect from someone of such inferior breeding? They do not know when to speak and when to restrain themselves. And her opinions were so unrefined! I would not have born it as well as you did."

"Miss Bingley, why must you take every opportunity to insult Miss Elizabeth Bennet when it must be obvious to you that everyone here, myself included, find her to be one of the most handsome, kind, sincere, and intelligent young women of our acquaintance?" he snapped. He had heard enough of her insults and walked away directly. He decided to go to the library until he had calmed down a bit. He felt bad for being so harsh on Caroline, but it really was ridiculous the way she went on and on about others faults, never noticing those of her own.

Meanwhile, Miss Bingley stood stunned where Mr. Darcy had left her. He had never spoken to her that way before, but she knew what she must do. She walked over to where Elizabeth was standing and pulled her aside.

"So you have set your cap at Mr. Darcy, have you Miss Bennet. Well, do not be so sure that you have him. What would Mr. Darcy want with you? You can have nothing to offer him. Even if he did love you, you would be his ruin. Do you really think that his relations would allow it? They are real gentlemen and ladies," she paused a moment to catch her breath and think of more stinging comments to throw at her rival.

"Miss Bingley, I have 'set my cap' at no one, and you have no right to speak to me in this manner," Elizabeth fumed. "Mr. Darcy and I are merely friends, and if our friendship were to lead to anything else, it would absolutely none of your business. If your purpose in speaking with me was to dissuade me from spending time with Mr. Darcy so that you can have him, then it will not work. I beg of you never to approach me about this subject again," and with that Elizabeth left the room, heading in the direction of the library.

Elizabeth rushed into the library and slammed the door behind her.

"Oh, she is insufferable!" she cried, still facing the door. "As if she had some sort of claim on him. I do not see that Mr. Darcy gives her more attention than any other young lady."

"I see Miss Bingley has been bothering you as well." Lizzy spun around to face the man she had just been speaking of. She would rather have gone back out to face Miss Bingley again than face Mr. Darcy now. She turned to leave, but he called her back.

"Please stay Miss Bennet, I am afraid that I have been the cause of your discomfort this evening. You see, Miss Bingley has tried to gain my affections for many years now, without any encouragement from you understand, and she becomes easily jealous," he tried to remain calm as he spoke to her, but he knew this was it, the moment when he would find out if he was to spend the rest of his life with the woman he loved, or be forever miserable. "And this time she has every right to be. Miss Bennet, since the beginning of our acquaintance I have come to feel for you a most ardent love, and there is nothing in this world that would make me happier than if you would consent to be my wife."

Lizzy hardly knew what to say. She had gone from extreme anger, to extreme embarrassment, to extreme joy. He loved her. Those words kept running through her mind. He loved her and wanted to marry her. She could scarcely believe it.

After a few moments she was able to express her feeling for him in a manner which he could understand and after a few moments of awkward silence, they both began to laugh.

"Poor Miss Bingley! She came to me in an attempt to scare me away from you, but it seems as though she has driven me right to you instead," Elizabeth said with some real pity.

"And it was her harsh words about you that had me retreating to the library as well. Poor girl, I hope that she shall find another rich man to take my place."

"Oh Mr. Darcy, you do not really believe that she was only after your money! Surely not," she said in imitated shock. "No, but I really ought to thank her, for without her assistance this friendly acquaintance might have gone on for ages. I am sure she will be very happy in knowing that we shall owe all of our future happiness to her."

"And there will be much future happiness, my dearest, loveliest Elizabeth."

"Indeed there shall."

They could have gone on talking alone like this for hours, but Mr. Bennet soon entered the room. He had become very annoyed with his wife's assurances that once her two eldest daughters had become Mrs. Bingley and Mrs. Darcy, the lace on her own gowns would be twice as fine as Mrs. Hurst's. Lizzy left Mr. Darcy to make all the necessary disclosures to her father and returned to her company.

She wandered around the room speaking to no one in particular and thinking of nothing but him. When she could contain herself no longer she found Jane and Charlotte and pulled them into an empty corner. When they had heard all, they were very happy for Lizzy and sincerely congratulated her.

"I admit that Charles and I had hoped for such a union, but did not suspect it so soon. You both seemed somewhat unsure," Jane said.

"Well we did not expect it to happen so soon either, but we now owe Miss Bingley much thanks," Lizzy replied and they all laughed.

"But seriously Eliza, it is a great honour to be thus selected by Mr. Darcy. He is very rich and very important. You are extremely fortunate to have found such a husband," there was a hint of envy in Charlotte's voice as she spoke.

"Oh Charlotte, why must you always be so serious?" Lizzy teased. "It is rather lucky that he is so rich, but you know that it matters very little to me. You have always been the practical one, while I have been the romantic, but some day you will see. You will fall in love with someone wonderful, and the size of his pocketbook will never even cross your mind."

"At twenty seven I have almost given up, but we shall see. And now Lizzy, we shall leave you alone now, for here he comes."

"Thank you, but first promise me that you will not say anything, for I should like to at least be able to enjoy this evening without mother fawning all over him. She is so embarrassing." They both agreed most willingly and left her and Mr. Darcy to speak together alone.

"You have told them I see," Mr. Darcy said with mock disapproval.

"How could I not? They are my closest friends, and besides I became very impatient waiting for you. I began to think my father had refused his consent and the two of you were arguing over me," she laughed. "Now what did my father have to say? He has not actually refused has he, and forced us to elope?"

"No, he was very pleased and has given us one more dance before you are expected in the library to see him."

"Well he is most generous! Shall we dance sir?"

"Yes, but only if you will call me William," he insisted.

"I believe something can be arranged, William," she was very pleased with the way his name sounded when coming from her own mouth and he was equally pleased. They would have liked to continue that familiarity with which they had just been talking, but she again expressed her wish to keep their engagement from her mother, for the evening, and so they returned to being Miss Bennet and Mr. Darcy.

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