Can there be any other opinion?

By Michelle Ann

Chapter One: Self Revelations

Posted on Sunday, 11 December 2005

"What think you of this sentence, my dear Lizzy?" said Jane as she finished it. "Is it not clear enough? Does it not expressly declare that Caroline neither expects nor wishes me to be her sister; that she is perfectly convinced of her brother's indifference; and that if she suspects the nature of my feelings for him, she means (most kindly!) to put me on my guard? Can there be any other opinion on the subject?"

"Yes, there can; for mine is totally different. Will you hear it?"
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

Jane sat in her Aunt's London home and contemplated the letter to Elizabeth she had just finished. She sat wondering how her dear sister's visit with their cousin Mr. Collins was going and whether she would read more into the letter than Jane hoped to express. Of course she would. Lizzy was always being analytical, often to her own detriment. The letter had been written just after Caroline Bingley's return visit. A full three weeks after social etiquette requested. After trying to rationalise her obvious distaste with her environment, and her not- so- friendly attitude towards herself, Jane finally concluded that a continued friendship was not likely.

What did that mean for herself and Mr. Bingley? Jane still glowed when she thought of that particular gentleman and how his behaviour, even she in all her modesty, had indicated his very particular regard for herself. Did he truly not wish to know her anymore? Could he be so callous? Perhaps he merely didn't know she was in Town, however unlikely that would be with his sisters knowing of her whereabouts.

For the first time in her life, Jane felt the beginnings of resentment stirring within her. She had hoped and had been deceived. Deceived in his regard for her, if indeed what Caroline hoped would occur- his union with Miss Darcy. Jane could not believe, even in her hardened state of mind, that Mr. Bingley would be the sort to marry without regard.

She reviewed Mr. Bingley's association with herself and could do nothing but conclude that he had liked her, preferred her to every other female in their circle. Why then, would he neglect her now? Perhaps he merely had been too busy to attend to their acquaintance? As much as it hurt, the kindliness of Jane decided to place her hopes in this thought.

"Jane," Mrs. Gardiner sat down beside her unusually quiet niece. "You seem troubled; would you like to talk about it with me?"

"Aunt," Jane turned her disturbed eyes to her, "I do believe Lizzy has finally rubbed off some of her critical nature onto me."

She attempted a smile, but it did not reach her eyes. Instead, they began to water as a new way of looking at the world presented itself to her.

Mrs. Gardiner watched with sadness as her sweet, loving niece, always ready to think the best of everyone and every situation suddenly had the veil moved from her eyes and the concept of cruelty and maliciousness entered into her mind.

It was the moment that Jane lost her innocent, beautiful outlook on life.

"Oh Aunt," she rested her heavy head onto the older woman, "Miss Bingley has been cruel to me, hasn't she? Why haven't I realised this before? All those times I thought we were becoming close friends, she was secretly laughing at my naiveté. How could I be so blind?"

"My dear Jane, I have to admit that Miss Bingley seemed to behave in a way that was most unpleasant, and nothing at all like what you would hope a close acquaintance would. Perhaps," she began tentatively, "she was just having a bad day, and other thoughts kept her preoccupied?"

Jane shook her head sadly, she could no longer accept such a paltry and obvious excuse for Miss Bingley's behaviour. Perhaps yesterday she would have been able to lead herself to believe such. But not today. Not now that she was aware.

"I'm surprised that Miss Bingley bothered to call at all. Perhaps she wished to gloat over my situation? Or dig the wound of her brother's loss to me deeper?"

"Oh Jane, it hurts me to have you think so."

"Can you deny that this is not what you think of our caller this morning? Aunt, please be honest with me. I know you have good judgement and that you are not easily deceived. What is your opinion of Caroline Bingley?"

Mrs. Gardiner paused to collect her thoughts. Jane had asked for honesty and as much as it would be tearing down her niece's last hope that the world was indeed always a lovely place, she could not deny the mute plea in her eyes.

"Very well Jane, I shall tell you my private opinion of Miss Bingley." She straightened on her chair and Jane sat up and folded her hands on her lap and looked directly at Mrs. Gardiner, prepared for the truth.

"We know that you sent two letters informing her of your stay in Town, and then you visited her as was proper and normal for an acquaintance such as yours. Reading between the lines of what you have told me of your visit with her, I believe that she snubbed you and was quite condescending. I imagine that she was not surprised by your visits, even though she, I believe, falsely said that your letters had not reached her. She seemed quite determined to wound you when speaking of Mr. Bingley's attachment with Miss Darcy and that he knew of your being in Town but was too busy to bother with visiting you."

Jane dropped her head.

"I do not think Miss Bingley is a sincere person, and that she does not wish to keep your acquaintance as evidence by the length of time she took returning your call and the brevity of her stay here this morning. Jane, I do not like Miss Bingley and think she would not be a nice companion for you."

Jane kept her head bowed, so Mrs. Gardiner ventured to reassure her.

"But Jane, you should not miss her company. You are far too good for her, and I know this will not comfort you now, but she is not worth your distress."

"I know you are right Aunt," Jane slowly raised her face to reveal a single tear streak. "I should not regret the friendship, and I believe in time, I will simply see it as an unfortunate event. But Aunt, she has made me think ill of the world. She has opened up a new outlook on life, which is quite horrible to me. I can see now why Lizzy told me that she loves so few people and was so disillusioned with society. Oh Aunt, it is awful!"

Mrs. Gardiner gathered her up in her arms and let Jane mourn her changed perspective.

As luck would have it, one of the Gardiner children needed his mother, and so Mrs. Gardiner was forced to leave her niece looking out sorrowfully of the window.

As the door clicked behind her Aunt, Jane drew her knees up underneath her as she used to as a little girl. People moved below her outside of the window and she marvelled that they would have no idea of the change within her from just an hour ago when she had looked out and spotted Miss Bingley descending from her carriage.

Pushing Miss Bingley from her mind, Jane confronted the problem that was Mr. Bingley. She knew from her own feelings that she still loved him, but she doubted his regard for her. Even if, as Lizzy tried to point out to her weeks ago, Mr. Bingley had been dissuaded by his sisters and possibly Mr. Darcy, what did that say about Mr. Bingley's nature? Could this lack of constancy be something she could admire? She could not believe that Mr. Bingley toyed with her affections. She truly believed that he had liked her, even loved her. If he were to enter the house this afternoon, could she love him again? Love him enough to join with him forever?

She was scared to admit that she did not know.

Miss Bingley was glad to be over the visit to dear Jane. That the morning's visit marked the end of the acquaintance with all of the Bennet's, she was certain. She felt weary. She truly had liked Jane for herself, and admired her implicit trust and optimism. It was very much like her brother's. Unfortunately, she knew what was required of herself and her brother in society and she squashed that momentary pity as ruthlessly as she had with every other aspect of her old self before entering Madame Le Pioux's finishing school. Before she had been more open with her feelings and had a happy childhood. After five years, she returned to her family much the same as her older sister had- calculating, cold and haughty.

She was all the better for it, she was certain. After all, once she had convinced Charles that he would be happy marrying Miss Georgiana Darcy, she could finish a project she had spent years planning. Mrs. Caroline Darcy would show the upper class of London how much of the perfect hostess and woman she was. Then they would pay for destroying her simple, girlish happiness.

The thought that she had become exactly what she previously despised entered her mind, but like everything else, she stomped on it. Smoothing her features, she assumed the correct attitude befitting her rank and fortune and turned her mind to tonight's party. She also tried to figure out an easy way to inform Mr. Darcy on their success with her brother and Jane. It was so distressing that he was out of her reach, but at least he was merely visiting his Aunt and sickly cousin. Miss Bingley had never heard the rumour that he was to marry his cousin.

Charles Bingley paced his room. He was fidgety and out of sorts. He had been acting more erratically in the last few weeks. He had returned from a meeting with his agent from Netherfield three weeks ago to feel the presence of Jane within his town house. Although knowing it was impossible, he was certain that he caught the scent of her when passing the entrance where visitor's cloaks, wraps and belongings were kept during their stay. Upon asking his sisters who had visited today and getting no satisfactory reply, he was prevented from asking the butler by his sisters needing him to accompany them on yet another shopping spree which lasted the rest of the day.

By the time he asked the butler the next morning, the butler clearly stated that no one had visited on the previous morning. If Bingley had been a more suspicious person, he would have noted how nervous the butler had looked. Of course Bingley did not think of asking any other staff, nor did he have much time to contemplate it. Darcy had been visiting every day for the past few weeks before his trip to Rosings Park and filling in his time with inquiring about new properties, visiting their club, fencing and an assortment of other activities that the gentlemen of the day were wont to do. When he wasn't off with Darcy, his sister felt that he simply must accompany them on their excursions shopping and visiting their acquaintances.

Finally, today was the first time he had had to himself. Caroline had finally decided that his presence was unnecessary for her morning calls today and Darcy of course would have arrived at his Aunt's estate for his annual visit to Rosings Park. So he paced his room, quite bored, but restless. He was of course, remembering pleasant conversations with Jane and reminding himself sternly why he would not be able to pursue the prettiest, the most angelic lady he had ever known. However today the reasons not to persist in his courtship, outlined so forcefully by Louisa, Caroline and Darcy, were having no effect on the memory of her beautiful eyes, the graceful curve of her neck and the warm smile she had directed at him so many times.

"Stop it man! You're only torturing yourself!" Bingley reminded his reflection sternly in the dressing glass.

He stopped. Why was he torturing himself? Was it because he could not forget her, or because he could not have her? He didn't want to forget her, no matter how unsuitable she was as a wife. Why could he not have her? If he had no money, no wealth, no station to uphold, what would he do?

And then it all clicked. Jane was what he would want, what he would spend his time pursuing. If she meant so much to him, why did he give her up for what others said? She was not really beneath him, no matter how much his sisters insisted on this, Darcy could not agree to it. She was poor, this was something they all agreed upon. This was true, she was poor, not very poor, but an alliance with him would raise her future standing. Bingley saw this only as a positive. His father had been successful in his trade, and had left enough money for Bingley to live comfortably without marrying a woman with a large dowry. Therefore, this point was not really a consideration. Of course, he was not denying the benefit of having a larger pool of money, especially if he were to sire many children, but could he not try to build up his own fortune and provide for his family as best he could as his father did? This challenged Bingley to think that he should become his own master, that he should learn the management of his estate, his money and investments. He felt resolved, and only hoped that this resolve would last longer than today. He was sure that to win Jane, to provide for her and their children, he could be determined enough for anything.

She does not love you Bingley Darcy's voice floated in his memory. I could see no especial regard for you in her looks. Did she give you any concrete indication that she felt for you more than anyone else in her acquaintance?

He remembered his tortured "no" to this question. After being pounded on all sides by the three of them, suddenly Jane's smiles and favours did not seem so particularly aimed at him. She was generous and gracious to all her dancing partners, she was kind and smiling to all her acquaintances. He doubted her affection and a new outlook was revealed. Although he highly doubted their veiled attempts to make him believe that she was mercenary, or at least complying with her mother's unconcealed attempts of marrying her daughters off, it added doubt to his mind and he became the unsure boy again, easily swayed and led by his friends and sisters, who after all, surely only had his best interests at heart.

Now he wondered if he was too trusting in their objective observations. His new formed resolve wavered, but he clung to it desperately. Perhaps he could try to become Master of his own matters and eventually his own destiny. When he gained some self confidence and judgement, then he could go back to Jane and see for himself how deeply she felt for him.

Would she wait for him though?

It was with that harrowing thought that Bingley stopped pacing and rang for his steward. He would push on regardless, and wish, from his heart, that Jane would always be kind, gentle and loving.

Chapter Two: Growth

Posted on Wednesday, 21 December 2005

That night, as Bingley greeted acquaintances and escorted his sister Caroline to the - Assembly, it reminded him forcefully of his entrance to the Meryton Assembly a few months ago. Although this room was grander and decorated more richly, the same types of people were present- those who came to dance and be merry, those who came out of obligation and were bored, the cynical, the daring and the mamas, all circled in the endless and timeless dance.

Bingley had never felt so old, so out of spirits.

After seeing Caroline to her usual circle of friends, Bingley hung around the walls. He was not inclined to dance, not without Jane, so he kept to the side and tried to avoid the mamas and belles who cleverly and clumsily tried to get him to escort them onto the dancing floor. He smiled briefly as he thought he was mimicking Darcy's movements. The smile attracted the notice of the gentleman standing near to him.

"Obligation?" the gentleman inquired.

Bingley turned his head, puzzled by the question.

The other man smiled, "Usually there are three reasons for men to be attending an Assembly- pleasure, boredom or obligation. I find myself usually trying to categorise the men around me into one of those three. I'm guessing that your appearance tonight is due more to obligation."

Bingley smiled naturally, intrigued. "And how did you come to that conclusion sir?"

"Well, you look too preoccupied to have turned up because you are merely bored and wanted some society. You have not danced with any of the multitudes of ladies yet, nor spoken above two words with any particular acquaintance, so I derive that you are not here for pleasure. Which leaves obligation."

"Quite accurate, I usually take pleasure in a ball, but had it been my choice, I would not have ventured out tonight. My sister insisted that she simply must come tonight, therefore it was left to me to escort her."

"Yes," the gentleman slyly grinned, "I must admit, I noticed you come in with a lady, and therefore my deduction was all the more easily reached. My name is Croydon, Alexander Croydon."

"Charles Bingley, how do you do?"

"In much the same state as you I fear, I have been forced by an anxious Mother to frequent the Balls during my stay in London in order that I might find the future companion of my life!" Alexander Croydon ruefully smiled.

"I hazard that you don't take much pleasure in this Assembly?"

"No, I am not particularly partial to London society and its intrigues and would rather not find my bride one of the simpering, social ladies of the Ton. I do enjoy dancing, I simply rather to be in the country attending one of the more simple dances there."

"Yes," Charles sighed. "I recently came from the country and enjoyed the Assemblies and Balls there immensely."

"Where were you staying?" Croydon inquired.

"In Hertfordshire, I recently rented an estate there, Netherfield, that I was considering purchasing."

"I have heard of Hertfordshire, it is supposed to have very pretty countryside. Dare I inquire what takes you from your country residence?"

"I had some business to take care of in London, and then my entire party removed themselves from Netherfield and followed me here to inform me of some distressing news." He again sighed, quite depressed.

Alexander Croydon noticed the dispirited man and wisely did not inquire into the nature of the distressing news. Croydon was two and seven and could hazard a guess that the distressing news was of the female variety.

They stood together for a while in silence.

"Where do you hail from?" Bingley asked, realising he didn't know the gentleman and had been just about to relate some very personal information about himself.

"Near Bath, I have a family estate in the countryside there called Ashfield. It has some very pretty woodland and not nearly so crowded as London!" he smiled as he was forced to step back to allow a party of giggling ladies past.

"No," Bingley smiled in response, "Has it been in your family long? I have the duty of trying to find myself and my sister, Caroline, an estate to settle into. My father unfortunately died before he could fulfill his last wish of becoming a landowner."

"It has been in my family for about three generations. I am the only son, indeed the only child and my Mother has been very strongly suggesting that she would enjoy some female companionship sometime soon."

Bingley nodded in sympathy. "Do you have a residence in Bath?"

"Yes, we do. I have been thinking about buying a place in London, but I'm not entirely sure that I would use it often enough to warrant the purchase."

"It seems we are quite the opposite, for I already have a Townhouse in London, in - street, but have yet to settle in the country."

Both men stood nodding and smiling at each other. Mr. Croydon reminded Bingley a little of Darcy- he had that same confidence, the same self-assuredness that Bingley was trying to achieve. He was however, not as ... imperious ... as Darcy about it. Admittedly, Croydon did not have such an impressive lineage as Darcy, or seemed to not, considering he had only been landed gentry for about one hundred years, and the Darcy's went back for quite some time.

Bingley found that he liked his new acquaintance very much indeed. Perhaps his new friend would be able to help him find an estate, or settle his affairs?

"Would you like to meet me for lunch tomorrow, Mr. Croydon? I usually eat at my club, --." Bingley asked.

"That sounds wonderful. Shall I meet you there at noon then?"

Bingley smiled and nodded. If nothing else, this Alexander Croydon may prove to be a very good friend indeed.

While Bingley was becoming further acquainted with his new friend over the next few days, Jane spent the time mainly in her room, and the small sitting room thinking about what she could do to become content again. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner watched their niece with growing alarm as she became more and more withdrawn. On the morning that they had just finished discussing whether they should send for Elizabeth, Jane came down to breakfast smiling bravely.

"Good morning Aunt and Uncle."

"Good morning my dear, how do you feel this morning?" Mr. Gardiner inquired gently.

Jane smiled at him and replied that she was feeling much better. They were both very glad, and soon Mr. Gardiner left for his business feeling that Jane was recovering from her depression.

Mrs. Gardiner was not quite so convinced. Although Jane entered into conversation and resumed looking after the children and helping Mrs. Gardiner about the house, Jane would often seem distracted and sometimes stop quite what she was doing and stare somberly about the room as if missing something important.

After a week of slowly improving spirits, Jane was still feeling restless and hollow inside. She was at a loss what to do to keep herself busy so as to not think about the Bingleys and her loss of optimism. After approaching her Aunt about her need for more employment, it was suggested that Jane come to the next meeting for the local Ladies Auxiliary and help with the upcoming Charity Fair that was being held in a few weeks' time.

Jane accepted with alacrity and the next day she started work on an intricate pillow cover.

Each day, in her spare time, Jane spent working on some form of needlework and by the time of the meeting, the pile of lovely embroidery Jane had completed astonished Mrs. Gardiner. Taking some samples with them, they made the short journey to the local Church and Jane was introduced to half a dozen older ladies and one younger lady slightly older than Jane.

"Jane, may I introduce our newest member, Miss Eugenia Kilpatrick. This is my niece Miss Jane Bennet."

The ladies curtseyed to each other and Mrs. Gardiner left Jane to learn more about her new acquaintance.

"Have you been working here long, Miss Kilpatrick?" Jane inquired softly.

"Not very long at all, Miss Bennet. I came to London to pick my trousseau with my Mother. I will be living here with my husband, but he is often away on business, so I decided to become a member of the local charity organisation and to meet new people."

Jane's smile grew forced, "How wonderful to be getting married! May I wish you joy and hope that you will have a very happy life together."

Miss Kilpatrick noted the look of sadness pass over Jane and thanked her sincerely. "I am sure my Frederick and I will have a very happy life together. Although it will be a struggle at first, as he is still making a name for himself in the world, but I am confident that he shall excel and I do not mind working beside him, as long as I am with him."

"It sounds lovely my dear. What sort of business is your fiancé in?"

"He imports and sells fine materials for clothing and linen." Eugenia was reassured by Jane's warm smile that the other lady did not think ill of her getting married to a man in trade. "Do you live in London, Miss Bennet?"

"No" Jane replied softly. "I am visiting my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner for a short time. I live in Hertfordshire, near Meryton."

"Have you enjoyed your stay in London so far?"

Jane lifted her chin bravely, "It has been life changing. Of course, I always enjoy visiting with my Aunt and Uncle and all their dear children."

Miss Kilpatrick, motioning to the samples Jane held in her hand, inquired if she could view them. Jane shyly showed her the embroidery that she had done, and blushed at the praise Miss Kilpatrick showered on her.

"They really are quite lovely my dear Miss Bennet! Exactly the sort of thing that we need to have at the Fair to attract some more consequential customers. You will have to show me how you get so fine a stitch. I myself, am quite hopeless at embroidery, but I do think I am quite good with rugs." She fetched a nearby quilted rug.

"Why this is wonderful!" Jane exclaimed, running her hands along the rug. "Such a lovely pattern, and the wool is so soft!"

"Yes, I treat it with a special liquid. Well," she paused laughing a little, "my fiancé treats his materials with a special liquid, and he has shown me how to. It softens the fibres and the end result is a much softer, smoother rug, or dress, or linen!" It was obvious that Miss Kilpatrick was very proud of her fiancé's skill.

Mrs. Gardiner walked back to hear the last part of the conversation and she urged Miss Kilpatrick to show Jane some of the other fabrics and dresses that she was contributing to the Fair. So Eugenia and Jane walked to the working tables and Jane was amazed at the colours and the designs, not to mention the feel of the fabrics that were resting there.

By the end of the day, not only were Jane and Eugenia calling each other by their Christian names, they were also showing each other their particular skills. By the end of the week, after calling back and forth to each other's houses and when they met for the Charity Fair, they were both growing in skill. Jane would often stitch some embroidery to the top of a bolt of fabric, or the corner of a kerchief that Eugenia had finished.

Jane was still troubled by her change and heartbreak, but she was learning to deal with it patiently and she found a new pleasure in her work that made her forget for a few hours that there was a gentleman by the name of Mr. Charles Bingley.

Bingley and Croydon in those first few weeks had become fast friends. Slowly, Bingley had confided more of his newfound desire to become self-sufficient and Croydon, unlike Darcy, supported Bingley in his endeavours, without doing them for him. Where Darcy would sit in for every meeting and often talk to the steward, advisor or other such official for Bingley, Croydon would explain terms, offer advice, but insist that Bingley do all the work himself. The first weeks were quite hard on Bingley, but the thought of Jane's smiling acceptance of his new and improved self kept him working. It also helped that Darcy was away and Bingley often found himself with a lot of time on his hands, without much to do.

Caroline was bemused at her brother's sudden activity, but relieved that she did not have to keep such a close eye on him. Miss Bingley had met Mr. Croydon a few times and found out that he had merely 3000 pounds a year- much too little for her. Besides, he was not as handsome as Darcy and actually retained ties with the trade that shot his family into the landed gentry! Terrible!

What Caroline did not know was that Croydon had been urging Bingley to take a more active interest in the trade that Mr. Bingley senior had made his money in, and Bingley soon found that he actually enjoyed it. Bingley started to appreciate the effort and skill his father had for creating a large fabric and linen trade. Quietly, he started appearing at board meetings, talking to workers in the factories and eventually suggesting better ways of improving the lives of the workers, as well as innovative ideas (sometimes Croydon's opinions) for increasing the profit margins.

With the additional capital, Bingley decided, after explaining the idea to his friend, to try opening up a new trade negotiation with Russia. He had also heard of a new way of making the fabrics, or treating the fabrics, that made them stronger and softer. He wanted very much to meet the man who had come up with this idea. It was while Bingley was pondering how he could approach the man and learn more about him, that Mr. Croydon was announced by his butler.

"Alex!" Bingley exclaimed getting quickly to his feet. "Exactly the person I was hoping to meet!"

"Hello Charles, I hope you are enjoying your morning." Alexander Croydon smiled in greeting.

"Yes, indeed I am." Motioning for Croydon to pull up a seat, he continued. "You know how I told you that a few of the workmen at my factory had heard of a new way of treating, or producing fabrics. Well, I was thinking this could precisely be the thing to give me that added advantage. Of course I need to find the man and see if it doesn't weaken the fabric or make them smelly or something like that. How would you like to track this man," Bingley fumbled with the pieces of paper on his desk, "a Mr. Tobs?"

Alex laughed at his friend's exuberance. "Unfortunately not for me, Charles. I came to tell you that my Mother is getting impatient for my return, or at least a visit! I am set to leave tomorrow morning and expect to be in the country at least a week."

"Oh," Charles' face fell.

"How would you like to come with me?" Alex asked.

Charles thought for a moment. "It's a generous offer, Alex, but I really think that I should try to find this young man and strike a deal with him. I will take you up on the offer some other time?"

Alex smiled and nodded. "I'm sure there will be many other opportunities. Well my friend, you certainly have gotten the knack of this whole business nonsense as you expressed it as all those weeks ago."

Bingley chuckled with him. "Yes, thanks to you."

They spent the rest of the morning going over a few options for Bingley to approach Mr. Tobs with. Bingley, to Mr. Croydon's pride, spoke the most, and had the most ideas to offer. Croydon felt that Bingley would cope very well on his own.

Half way through the next week, Caroline was pacing furiously in her brother's study.

"Caroline, I would like you to go." Bingley demanded firmly. "It is for charity and I know that Mr. Tobs, my new associate, has a few dresses, linens and cloths for sale."

"But Charles..."

"It would please me greatly," Bingley interrupted, "if you would go with some of your friends and be a kind of benefactress to the event." Bingley smiled wryly. That should please her vanity.

"You are not even coming Charles?" Caroline exclaimed. "I am certainly not going to some bazaar held in Cheapside of all places! I don't care three straws for your newfound business venture. The entire ordeal is too much to be born!"

"Caroline!" Bingley stated firmly. "You are going to go upstairs, change your clothes, call on a few of your insipid friends and buy some items from the Fair!"

"How dare you speak to me in such a manner! I will not..."

"I don't care!" Bingley again broke in, his anger starting to show through. "You will. I have already ordered the carriage. You have not objected to relying on my money for all these years. If you don't go, I shall cut off your allowance and see you flounder about drawing from your inheritance."

Caroline stared at her brother in amazement. He had never taken that tone of voice with her, and the anger on his face made her afraid for a moment. Afraid of Charles? Preposterous! she sniffed. Unfortunately, she could not dare lose her claim on his allowance. Her inheritance of 20,000 pounds she could not touch until she was 25, a silly stipulation her father put in his will, so she was completely at her brother's mercy. He had always been very tractable for allowing her and Louisa, before she married, and even now, after she was married, to spend as much as they wanted.

"Very well Charles. I don't see why you have to be so high handed all of a sudden. I've always been the most obliging sister you know."

"Just go Caroline." Charles sat wearily, disliking making ultimatums with his sister. Caroline tossed her head in annoyance, moving toward the door quite angry at him.

"Oh and Caroline," Charles began. "Don't even think of slamming the door."

Caroline's blood boiled at his infuriating manner. It was only a silly Fair anyway. So what if his precious new business friend and his fiancé were donating a lot of money and time for the Fair. Why did she have to tediously smile at the lower class all day? And drag some of her friends into it? She would soon have none left.

Feeling very hard done by, she went upstairs and scolded her maid for being slow at dressing her.

A few hours later Caroline with her friends Miss Tawly and Miss Patricks were strolling arm in arm, fluttering their fans in distaste at their surroundings. The Fair indeed was a very low bazaar where children scampered around undisciplined and men stood leering at her and her friends. Miss Tawly and Miss Patricks exchanged many long and snide glances at Caroline when she wasn't looking. They thought that Caroline's taste was excessively poor for asking them to come out and dirty their petticoats in the scum of London.

"This really is such a delightful place Caroline, darling." Miss Patricks snidely commented.

"Indeed, we are having ever so much fun. However did you find this gem of a spot?" Miss Tawly joined in.

Caroline smiled insincerely and fumed at Charles.

"Why thank you my dears" Caroline responded "I knew out of all my extensive acquaintances, you two would be the most appreciative of this sort of thing."

They both shot daggered looks at her insinuation.

Caroline desperately hoped that the next booth would hold this Mr. Tobs' goods so she could purchase one or two bolts of cloth as proof to Charles and then leave the horrid place.

Fortunately for her, it was.

"Ah, here we go ladies," Caroline cried. "This is the new material that will be such a success in London this season. My brother Charles is very much certain that the way the material is processed and dyed makes it so much more comfortable and durable."

The ladies simpered at Caroline, and rolled their eyes when she bent to examine some cloth.

"Oh my!" Caroline exclaimed as she stroked a particularly vibrant orange bolt. "It really is very soft!" She was surprised and amazed at the strength of colour.

Her friends looked suspiciously at Caroline thinking that it was a pretence to retain the upper hand, but seeing that she was really completely absorbed in stroking the material- so much so that she had taken one glove off- they too decided that it would not be too beneath them to touch it.

Soon all three ladies were running their hands along the flamboyant colours of cloth and envisaging the envy of the Ton when Miss Patricks would float in on a bright brown and green gown, Caroline with her signature orange and Miss Tawly in a rich puce.

They made a variety of purchases and even condescendingly chatted with the young woman behind the stall who handled their purchases.

"I understand that these cloths are the work of a Mr. Tobs?"

"Yes ma'am" the lady blushed, "he is my fiancé."

"Oh really? How nice for you." sniffed Caroline, while Miss Tawly smiled behind her handkerchief at Miss Patricks.

"Thank you." Eugenia smiled insincerely and wished them a pleasant day.

The embroidered handkerchiefs and linen in the next booth attracted Miss Tawly and she called both of her companions over to examine one very fine piece.

"It is lovely Sarah" Miss Patricks agreed "don't you think so Caroline?"

"Yes it is exquisite. A Lady must have done these- it cannot be the work of these peasants. No doubt some old maid took pity on the Fair and contributed some trifling pieces."

"I am going to buy this one. It would look absolutely charming on my nightstand." Miss Tawly stated.

"Oh, but I want that one, it really is the best piece and it would go ever so much better on the little cherry wood table in my drawing room." complained Miss Patricks "What do you think Caroline? I much rather buy it."

But Caroline was standing in shock for Miss Jane Bennet was the young woman inside the booth with the exquisite embroidery.

Following Caroline's line of sight, Miss Patricks demanded Jane's attention.

"Excuse me, dear," she addressed her condescendingly, "but you must tell me who did these wonderful pieces of work, for I must have some for myself!"

Jane coloured, "I embroidered most of the items on display here."

Miss Patricks and Miss Tawly looked at each other in amazement. This woman was a few years younger than they and could not be so accomplished in the stitching than they.

"Surely not!" Miss Tawly blurted out rudely.

"I assure you madam, they are." Jane lifted her chin proudly and defied them, especially Caroline whom she refused to acknowledge any further than a slight inclination of the head.

Miss Patricks looked at Jane critically. The young woman was quite genteel looking, and her address and deportment showed some breeding. She was quite pretty as well in a pale blue, simple dress.

"Well my dear," Miss Patricks said more civilly. "They really are lovely. Do you have anymore than what is on display?"

Jane, mollified by the change in tone of at least one of the ladies, nodded and smiling tentatively, showed Miss Patricks her more skilful works.

Miss Patricks and Miss Tawly competed in their "oohs" and "ahs" and purchased a few of the most expensive items.

Caroline stood in shock, still amazed that it was dear Jane who was standing before her. What surprised her more though was that Jane was doing her most to ignore her! She felt a slight pricking of conscience as she noticed that Jane, although still lovely (for Caroline could not deny that she was beautiful), was somewhat depressed of spirit. But Jane's high-handed way of believing herself too above Caroline to acknowledge their prior relationship irked her, and she sniffed at Jane when she had bent down to gather more of her items.

Miss Bingley's two companions continued to chat almost pleasantly with Jane about stitches and linens and Caroline turned her attention to the items themselves. They were quite beautiful. There was one handkerchief in particular that drew Caroline to examine it more closely. It was a very sheer piece of linen with a cluster of marigolds and lavender interwoven in each of the four corners. There was a delicate lavender scent and Caroline was enchanted. It perfectly matched the new fabric she had purchased, and she was determined to have it.

Jane looked slightly surprised when Caroline purchased the handkerchief. Jane remembered she had started stitching it for a certain kind gentleman when she was taken ill at Netherfield, and would have presented it to him when she had finished it. Alas, she had been caught up with Mr. Collins' visit and all the commotion with the officers that she had not finished it until after the Netherfield party had quit for London. She wrestled with the idea of not charging Caroline for it, since it had been intended for her brother, but she remembered the coldness of Caroline's visit and the need to purge him from her memory and hardened her heart. After all, this was a charity Fair, and Caroline had more than enough funds to pay for it.

Feeling increasingly uncomfortable, Caroline eventually managed to pry Miss Patricks and Miss Tawly away from the stall. Jane again nodded to the ladies and then turned to help another customer in choosing something suitable. Caroline left irritated, her triumph at showing her friends that this outing was not a complete waste of time (even if she herself had thought so) soured by Jane's snobbery.

After leaving her friends' houses, Caroline returned home. She was instantly summoned to Charles' study, where she impatiently showed him that she had indeed been to the Fair and bought some of his precious protégé's items. Charles looked with satisfaction on the material and managed to drag out grudging praise from Caroline.

Charles then noticed the dainty handkerchief, and asked to see it. Alarmed, but knowing that there was no way Charles could recognise the maker from the cloth, she allowed Charles to examine it. He held it gently, marvelling at how real the lavender and marigolds looked. For some reason, it reminded him of Netherfield in November and Jane. He knew it was a fancy, but the scent of lavender was so close to how he remembered his Jane smelling when he danced with her at the Ball. He lifted it to his nose and took a deep breath, closing his eyes and smiling.

Caroline watched her brother and for the third time in the last few weeks, she felt guilty. Somehow even though Charles did not know it was made by Jane, he still felt her presence. How she was not sure, but it was becoming increasingly obvious that his feelings for Jane were more than a passing fancy like so many times before. As much as that did not change her opinions on the unsuitableness of Jane as a sister-in-law, she did feel for her brother who had always been kind to her.

Charles was still lost in his memories of Jane, so Caroline slipped away with the new material and left her brother dreaming and holding the handkerchief.

Jane watched her old friend leave with a feeling of relief, mixed with triumph. She had braved the unexpected encounter with equanimity and dignity. Miss Bingley had made no move to acknowledge Jane, and so she was determined that nothing but a polite nod would be returned. Jane was not about to beg Caroline for her friendship, nor lower herself in the other's estimation by inquiring after her brother.

Still, she felt deflated and slightly dejected. Shaking her head and refusing to let herself become glum, she smiled in triumph at how many expensive items she had sold, at a slightly higher rate, because even Jane could not help being slightly spiteful after hearing the trio carry on in that snobbish tone. Miss Patricks and Miss Tawly had been nicer in the end, but Jane was not deceived by their interest in herself or her work.

This chance encounter with Miss Bingley did seal the end of their relationship and Jane lost a bit more hope of ever being happily ever after with Bingley. A fool's wish. She told herself yet again. I'm not even sure if you should want to wish for that anymore. Jane could not stop herself from wondering however, how things may have been different if Mr. Bingley had accompanied his sister. She also wondered what his reaction might be hearing of his sister's meeting with her at such a place. He probably wouldn't even remember my first name.

Luckily she was saved from slipping into melancholy by her friend Eugenia excitedly exclaiming at such good fortune as selling a lot of her more outrageous colours to three very distinguished ladies. "I also noticed that you did very well by them. I see half of your goods sold already." She clapped her hands "Frederick will be thrilled to have his materials making their way into more fashionable society."

Jane smiled at her friend, and Miss Kilpatrick, noticing that Jane did not seem quite herself inquired if anything was the matter.

"I knew one of the ladies, a Miss Bingley. She and her brother stayed at an estate Mr. Bingley was renting this winter."

"How strange!" Eugenia cried. "Miss Bingley you say? Why Frederick told me that a Mr. Bingley had approached him with an offer to incorporate his treatment into the business he ran, or sponsored, or something like that. Mr. Bingley called on my fiancé a few days ago and I joined them for the last part of their visit. Frederick was very impressed by Mr. Bingley and thrilled to have such a gentleman interested in his business. He said that his new materials might even be taken to Russia!"

Jane coloured at the mention of Mr. Bingley. To think that there was such a coincidental relationship happening to her close friend. To imagine that she could have been visiting with Eugenia and then happened to call with her on her fiancé and met Charles again! Jane tried not to dwell on the idea that perhaps they weren't meant to meet again. Then she tried to tell herself that she didn't want to meet with him again after all the pain he caused by trifling with her feelings. Still, she glowed at the praise Miss Kilpatrick spoke of Mr. Bingley.

They chatted together for a few more minutes, the topic settling on the safe subject of how much they had raised from selling their goods. They were soon interrupted by a young couple inspecting some of Jane's handiwork. Miss Kilpatrick did not mention Mr. Bingley again and Jane consoled herself with the thought that she did not wish to hear of him.

It was a long, but ultimately fruitful day. The charity fair raised a record amount and the older ladies gave the dues to Jane and Eugenia. Mrs. Gardiner smiled and was happy for her niece to be taking a more proactive role in her stay in London and thought that perhaps she could convince Mr. Gardiner to procure seats at one of the theatres.

Jane smiled and was content to be lead home after the few unsold items were stored for the next fair. She listened to Mrs. Gardiner speak of her day and the success of the fundraiser and of her plans for a night at the theatre. It was only until she retired after supper that Jane shed a few tears for herself and then resolved again to think no more on Mr. Bingley.

Darcy paced his room agonising over the thought of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He had struggled with his feelings for so long, he had used every possible reason not to marry her but still he was tortured by her face, her laughter, her scent. Every time he thought that he had conquered his desire, she would bump into her on one of his walks or meet her for dinner as the Hunsford party was invited to dine with them, or her name would come up in conversation with Fitzwilliam. He was now resigned to the fact that these chance encounters were meant to be. That they were meant to be. He listed the reasons again for not pursuing her, but they were nothing compared to the strong attachment he felt for her.

He knew she had not arrived with the rest of her party. He had been looking out of a window to watch her approach. He enjoyed seeing her unguarded, where he could be free to smile at her beauty and vivaciousness. He was often amused that she would approach the house gently teasing her unsuspecting cousin whilst sharing amused glances with her friend. She was natural, she was delightful and she would be his as soon as he claimed her.

He told his valet that he needed a walk around Rosings before joining the party for dinner. He knew from experience that Mr. Collins' speeches of gratitude would go for at least a half an hour, and then his Aunt would spend just as long remonstrating with him about some aspect of the morning's sermon and giving a dose of her officious advice for the next sermon as well as how Mrs. Collins should run her household.

He had plenty of time to dash off to the parsonage, claim Elizabeth as his own and then present her to their acquaintances as the future Mrs. Darcy. Or perhaps I should wait until I ask her father's blessing. Yes, that would be preferable, for then I should have Elizabeth to myself without ceremony for a little while. He thought a bit more about the merit of the idea. It may also require softening the blow for Aunt Catherine. I would much rather not expose Elizabeth to the full displeasure of my Aunt until I've had time to explain to my Aunt my resolve to marry despite her objections, and to explain to Elizabeth how she should handle the criticism without displeasing Lady Catherine more. He considered for a bit longer as he approached the parsonage door. Yes, that would be just the thing.

Opening the door, Darcy had not really thought beyond his own feelings to what the lady herself might say to his proposals, therefore it came as a complete shock when she simply and shortly refused him. After a short pause to digest the information, he tried to calmly and rationally explain why he liked her against his own better judgement and to hint at why it would be a good thing for her to accept him.

It did not end well. Instead of returning to Rosings assured that she would be his, he stormed into his rooms, brushing Colonel Fitzwilliam's and Lady Catherine's inquiries aside and fumed. He started pacing the room again. After a few turns, the reality of the situation was fully felt- he never had had Elizabeth to think of as his future wife and he probably never would. He stumbled into the nearest chair and buried his head in his arms.

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