The Glory of Love ~ Section I

By Kimmie

Section I, Next Section

Chapter 1

Posted on Saturday, 12 August 2000

The theme song is "glory of love" by Chicago (heh)...I know it wasn't around in the regency times, but i don't care! so there! *sticks out tongue*

Hello. I suppose, since you are reading this - that you want to hear of my life's story.

Or at least my life so far.

I never found that my life was anything special, but people sometimes say that my life was tragic, but blessed as I'm now in the position that I am in now.

I must say that parts of my life were tragic, and some parts were blessed, but not just the part that I am living now. Take my cousin Jane, or my good friend, Charlotte Lucas ------ (that last part will come later!), for example. Those two made the tragic parts of my life bearable and brought smiles to my face. Or my brother, Andrew, who at times would act as my protector, and at other times - my confidant and friend. And my husband - All people who blessed my whole life.

I should perhaps start at the beginning. I was born Lady Elizabeth Ann Wesley to my parents, Lord Richard Wesley, Earl of Windemere, and Lady Anne Wesley, nee Gardiner, on the nineteenth of May, 1791 at our estate in Derbyshire. Fifteen minutes after I was born, my brother, Lord Andrew Thomas Wesley was born. For that, I continually held, and do still hold, my "older sister" status above Andy's head.

Andy and I were born into a loving and cheerful household. My father was a good master, and my mother, a good mistress. But there was not only that; Andy and I were lucky enough to be born to parents who married for love, not lust or money.

From a very early age on, I admired my parents' relationship and loved hearing their story over and over. You see, my mother was not of noble birth, not even technically born to a gentleman.

Her family was in trade.

But my father didn't care. The story is, that one day my father and his friends stepped into Mama's family's shop one day while she was attending the store. Struck by her beauty, Papa struck up a conversation with her and found her more charming and intelligent than he thought. From there, her would visit the shop everyday if he could, and soon, they were engaged.

I wish to say his parents didn't mind the match, but I can't. Although he didn't mind that he was technically marrying below him, his parents did. They had their pride and wanted their heir to marry a lady of noble birth, or at least a lady born to a wealthy gentleman.

For more than a year, Papa waited for his parents' consent, never backing out of the engagement. Finally, they relented and Mama and Papa were married. My grandparents never had anything to fear; Mama's entrance into their "kind" went smoothly. Her beauty, with curly blonde hair and blue eyes, along with her wit and intelligent personality charmed all except for young ladies and their scheming mamas who were disappointed to see the young heir to Windemere get married. Along with that, Mama slipped into the role as mistress of a large estate easily. Her intelligence, coupled with the help of her husband and housekeeper, allowed her to soon learn everything there was needed to know about Windemere.

Andy and I came along five years after their marriage. The delay in our coming almost caused my parents to lose hope that they would ever have a child and others to believe that Mama was barren.

But alas, we arrived and hope was restored again, even though no more children were to follow.

For as long as I could remember, my family was great friends with the family of the bordering estate, Pemberley.

Mr. Darcy and his wife, Lady Anne had one child, Fitzwilliam, when Andy and I were born. Seven years older than us, Fitzwilliam took us under his wing, so to speak, as an elder brother type. When we got old enough, he would take Andy and me out playing; whether it be fishing, riding, or just running around.

Before I go on, maybe I should make something clear. Yes, before I said fishing, and I probably would have said hunting if I weren't so young. I may be a female, but I didn't have a girl my age to play with. I only had Andy and Will; at least until Will's younger sister was born, but by then, I had deviated from my boyish ways and settled down quite a bit.

My parents didn't exactly approve of this, but I was Papa's "little girl" and there wasn't anything he was going to deprive me of. And Mama? Well she was content that I always found an interest in stitching, and covering screens, and all those other things that make a lady "accomplished," even though I purposely would forget my bonnet and come back after an hour of play with the boys all tan and dusty.

Mama was also content at my love of music, particularly the pianoforte. Mama was very musical; she was accomplished at the pianoforte and had a beautiful voice, and she dearly loved to hear me play.

Consequently, the event that sparked my interest in the pianoforte was my first memory of Will. I was three years old at the time, and this day, I was particularly cranky. I was in no mood to stay in the company of my nurse, especially when the Darcys of Pemberley were visiting. So, as soon as Mrs. Jones's back was turned, I sneaked out of the nursery.

I made my way downstairs (slowly crawling backwards, as I remember) and made my way to the music room where I heard faint voices, the pianoforte playing, and what sounded like a young boy singing with the paying. I remember it was one of my mother's favorite songs, "The Glory of Love."

Tonight, it's very clear
and we're both standing here
There's so many things I want to say
I will always love you
I will never leave you alone

I carefully crept into the room without any of the adults knowing it and looked towards the pianoforte where Will sat playing and singing the song.

Sometimes I just forget
say things I might regret
It breaks my heart to see you crying
I don't want to lose you
I could never make it alone

I walked across the room to where Will played and climbed onto the bench, next to him. I remember him smiling at me, but without faltering in his song.

I am a man who would fight for your honor
I'll be the hero you're dreaming of
We'll live forever knowing together
that we did it all for the glory of love

You keep me standing tall
You help me though it all
I'm always strong when you're beside me
I have always needed you
I could never make it alone

I am a man who would fight for your honor
I'll be the hero you're dreaming of
We'll live forever knowing together
that we did it all for the glory of love

I just sat there, entranced while watching his fingers move across the keys. I never saw anyone as young as him play like that; Almost as good as Mama, I thought.

Just like a knight in shining armor
from a long time ago
Just in time I will save the day
take you to my castle far away

I am the man who will fight for your honor
I'll be the hero that you're dreaming of
We're gonna live forever knowing together
that we did it all for the glory of love

We live forever knowing together
that we did it all for the glory of love*

When the song concluded, he looked down at me and grinned, "Sneak away from your nurse again, Lady Lizzy?" Lady Lizzy was the name he gave me for teasing. Normally he called me Liz, because he wanted to call me something that nobody else does. Big brothers should have that advantage, he reasoned.

I made a face, wrinkling my nose. "Yes. It's boring up there."

"Where's Andy?"

I shrugged. "I guess still up there. He doesn't like disobeying the rules."

Will chuckled, "Apparently you do." He watched me as I tentatively pressed down one of the keys of the pianoforte. "Would you like me to teach you something?" Will offered.

My eyes brightened at the thought of learning how to play the instrument my mother loved. "Could you?"

"Sure," Will grinned. "I'll teach you the melody to that song if you'd like." I nodded my head, so William played the first few notes of the melody, and then I tried to imitate him. At my poor try, Will laughed. "No, no, no! Here! Let me show you!" He took my hand, and moved my fingers with his, getting me to play in the right position.

Soon, he taught me the whole melody and took his hand off of mine, allowing me to try it myself. I was so preoccupied with my activity that I didn't notice all the adults staring at us until Will started chuckling. Looking up, I blushed at all the staring adults, but was relieved to see that my parents weren't mad; in fact, they were smiling at us.

I don't remember much after that, except my parents allowing me to stay with them and that they even called Andy down to join us.

Often times, while with Will, I would be forced to associate with Pemberley's steward's son, George Wickham. I say forced because I didn't like him at all. He was pleasant to Will and Andy when he was younger, but he never liked me very much. He seemed to think that as a girl, I was in no place to play with boys, and he would often times pull my hair or introduce me to slimy animals as boys were apt to do to girls. Taking the role as elder brother, Will would often times try to get George to stop, but he still remained good friends with the steward's son. It wasn't until an older age that George started to become devilish to not only myself, but to Will and Andy. It was then, too, that Will finally tried to avoid his old friend, wishing to avoid getting into mischief worse than a normal boy's mischief.

Sometimes, the Fitzwilliams would visit Pemberley and Andy and I had two other playmates. Thomas Fitzwilliam had the same title as my brother; viscount. He was the heir to an Earl and the estate of Matlock. Even though he was five years older than Will, he would still often times play with us and entertain us. Richard Fitzwilliam was two years younger than his brother and was the more open of the two. A lively boy, he would lead us on "adventures" through the two bordering estates. The Fitzwilliam also had two younger daughters, one the same age as myself, but both were of a different disposition as me and liked to stay inside where they remained clean.

So the first five years of my life passed in this happy manner. But soon something was to happen that would ruin that happy existence.

*"Glory of Love" by Chicago

Chapter 2

Posted on Monday, 14 August 2000

Will was to go off to school.

At the tender age of five, I couldn't understand why my older friend had to go away to live with other boys and attend classes. To me, a tutor should have been enough. I couldn't see why an heir to a large estate needed anymore education, but I knew I couldn't stop this tragedy from happening.

So late one summer, in my fifth year, I said good-bye to my dear friend and turned to Andy to be my one playmate.

Which didn't work out too well.

Both being hot-tempered, an hour outdoors could erupt in arguing without the more reasonable Will to settle any disputes. So, I began to spend more and more days inside pursuing more "ladylike" activities. When I did go outside, I would still do my usual activities of fishing or riding, but I would wear my bonnet and take more care to stay clean (even though I still would come back all dusty, no matter how much care I took).

Something happened in the first fall without Will that caused these changes, besides the repeated arguments with my brother. I found a need to be distinguished from Andy, and the only way I saw fit was to learn how to become a lady. Also, in this time, I took an interest in learning from anybody who would teach me. I would have Papa or Mama read to me so much, that they finally decided that a governess was needed for my education.

January rolled around, and with it came a new addition to Pemberley. Georgiana was born, leaving Lady Anne weak and fragile. On good days, when the weather wasn't too cold or windy, I would go with Mama to Pemberley where a fascination for the tiny baby grew inside of me. I would stare at the tiny thing in disbelief that I was even that small once.

As the months passed by, I watched as Georgiana grew from a newborn to a healthy infant as her mother grew weaker. As I found out later, Lady Anne was always of small stature, and even Will's birth was hard on her; Georgiana was just too much for her.

Summer holiday came and with it, Will. He wasn't told of his mother's condition after his sister's birth until the journey home, when his father traveled to get him. Mr. Darcy decided he didn't want to bother his son with his mother's illness unless it came necessary for him to know.

I didn't see him for the first days of his holiday because my family and I stayed away to give the family space. But a few days into his vacation, an urgent message from Pemberley arrived at Windemere and my whole family took the short carriage ride to our neighboring estate.

When we arrived outside of the mistress's chamber, Will and his father was in with his mother, so we waited outside. Soon after we arrived, Mr. Darcy and his son appeared, both looking haggard and worn. Mr. Darcy quietly said, "Anne would like to see you, Grace, and the twins."

Before we entered the chamber, I watched Papa go over to Mr. Darcy and putting a supporting hand on his shoulder and his arm across Will's shoulders. I was nudged into the room, however, before I could watch the three leave the hall.

All that my mind can remember from that day were two things. I remember Lady Anne smiling at Andy and I, telling us that we were like her own niece and nephew, and that she loved us. Then I just remember looking around the chamber as Mama tearfully talked to her dearest friend for the last time. It was a beautiful chamber; elegant, yet comfortable. And as I looked around, it suddenly dawned upon me. It won't be used again for such a long time. Even my own little mind could comprehend that it wasn't likely that Mr. Darcy wouldn't marry again; not after having a marriage such as he and Lady Anne had. Well, at least until Will gets married. But that's not for a long, long time. (At that age, the time when Will was of marriageable age seemed an eternity away, never mind the time when I become of that age.)

But it was these thoughts that made me realize that Lady Anne was probably not to survive that day, and tears started to falling. Just like she thought of me as her niece, I thought of her as an aunt; somebody who would be there my whole life to be second to my mother.

"Don't cry, Lizzy," Lady Anne whispered, wiping a tear off of my cheek. "I'm going to a better place now, and from up there, I can watch over you. Don't ever forget that." She paused a little to get back breath for continuing, "Take care of my family, little Lizzy, for me. Especially my children. I have a feeling Fitzwilliam will need to grow up much faster than he would have without me there to mother him. Keep him a child for me. Just a little while longer. And Georgiana will need an older sister there for her. Promise me, Lizzy."

Tearfully, I replied, "I promise."

Everything after that was a blur. Late that night, back at Windemere, we got the message that Lady Anne passed away. A few days after, we attended the funeral.

Mr. Darcy with Georgiana in his arms were seeing us out after the funeral when I heard a melancholy melody coming from the music room. While my parents stood, talking to Mr. Darcy, I sneaked off to find Will, knowing it was he who was making the music.

When I got to the music room, the door was only opened a crack, allowing the sad music to float out. Hesitantly, I pushed open the door and entered to see Will playing the piano, but not in his usual way. His usual erect posture was slouched down, his face didn't portray pleasure in his playing, and I could see his cheeks were wet.

Running as fast as my little legs could carry me, I ran to where he sat, climbed on the bench, and hugged him around the neck, saying, "Don't cry, Will."

I didn't like him crying. Every since I knew him, I never saw him once shed a tear, and all of a sudden, my dependable friend was shown to me as a human; a human who had weaknesses, too. "I'll take care of you," I added.

I was rewarded with a laugh and him hugging me back. "My Lovely Lady Lizzy," he smiled. "Always having the power to make me laugh." He hugged me for another minute before pulling back and wiping his eyes. "You better go back. Your family's probably leaving."

I nodded but before climbing off the bench, I observed, "You need a handkerchief."

William laughed and replied, "I don't have one."

"I'll make you one!" I grinned.

The sound he made was almost like a snort. "Liz! I've seen your embroidery. I doubt you can make a reasonable looking one!" he teased.

I climbed off the bench and stood before him with my hands on my hips. Even at the age of six, I could still be rather impertinent. "Is that so? Well, you'll have a handkerchief made by me by time I turn ten!"

"Ten?" he scoffed. "You're giving yourself almost four years! That doesn't prove your ability to embroider now. But I doubt you'll be able to even embroider by time you're ten!"

Will was trying to sound arrogant, but I knew he was just teasing. "I'll show you, Fitzwilliam Jeffrey Darcy!" I stamped my foot.

"You're on!" William grinned. "Lady Elizabeth Ann Wesley." William jumped off the bench and offered me his hand. "Now let's go find your family."

Three years passed. During these years, I strayed more and more from my boyish habits and focused more on my "ladylike pursuits." As Georgiana, or Georgie, as I called her, grew, I took her under my wing as William did with Andy and I and became her older sister. I still spent my time with Andy, as he was my twin and I could never be separated from him for long, but I never played as rough with him as I used to when I was younger.

And in those three years, I perfected my embroidery. Well, as much as a nine-year-old could, anyway.

So when Will turned sixteen and was ready to go off to Cambridge, I had a handkerchief, with his initials, F.J.D., embroidered in it ready for a present.

Through his final years at Eton, I kept my promise as well as I could to Lady Anne. When he came home on break, I would make sure he laughed as much as I could make him laugh, and I would force him into playing with Andy and I even though he was almost getting too old to play like that.

And now the day came that he was to leave for Cambridge. While my family said their good-byes to him, I stood back with the handkerchief in my hand. When all the rest of the farewells were done, he turned to me and gave me a questioning look.

I stepped forward and grinned impertinently. "Sir, I have a present for you."

Will raised his eyebrow at the formality and questioned, "Oh?"

"Yes," I grinned. "A handkerchief." I pressed the piece of white cloth into his hand and watched his expression as he examined it. As he examined the embroidery, he chuckled.

"Well, what do you know? Lady Lizzy learned to embroider, and in less time than she said it would take." He fingered the piece of cloth and put it in his coat pocket. "Thank you, Liz. Whenever I miss my little sister, I'll take it out and remember you." Will stooped down to place a kiss at the top of my head. "Bye, Liz. I'll see you during Christmas."

As I stood watching the carriage carrying Will driving away, I didn't think twice about it. I knew he wouldn't go away permanently; it was just like his Eton days. He would go away to school, but come back on holidays.

Unfortunately, I didn't know my life was to take a tragic turn.

One night, in late October, my parents went to an assembly in Lambton, a small town that was a few miles away from Windemere. They never came back.

The news came the next morning to Andy and I from Mr. Darcy. All the adults thought it better that it would come from him since he was such an old family friend. He wouldn't tell us what happened though, so it left Andy and I in shock. Our parents. Gone? The two people that were always there to love us and care for us. Gone without even saying good-bye.

I couldn't even cry for the first few days. The shock was still so new, that I even refused to believe that the two people I loved most in the world were never coming back. At night, I would hear Andy crying in his room next to mine, and I would go in there and hold my brother until he fell asleep. But not once did a tear drop from my eye.

Mr. Darcy stayed with us quite a lot until my Aunt and Uncle Bennet arrived from the South, from Hertfordshire. Aunt Fanny was my mother's sister, but didn't act like her. Her appearance reminded me of Mama, but as soon as my aunt opened her mouth, it drove away that comparison. She was silly and loud and although I could tell she was sorry to lose her sister, she didn't help Andy and I very much.

I liked Uncle Bennet much more. I never met either of them before, but if he saw either Andy or I looking upset, he would lay a hand on our shoulder and smile at us. He didn't really say much at first, but I knew I was going to like him.

The reason why I mention Aunt and Uncle Bennet first was because those were whom I was going to live with. Papa didn't have any other siblings, and out of Mama's siblings, the Bennets were the most suitable for Andy and I to live with.

They owned a small estate, Longbourn, near the town, Meryton, in the shire mentioned before. From what I understood, they had four daughters; one that was older than Andy and I, and the rest were younger. I didn't want to move far away from my home; I was scared. But I had no other choice.

Aunt Philips was another sister of my mother. She was just like Aunt Fanny in manners, but different in looks. She was married to an attorney who lived in Meryton; that is the reason why Andy and I couldn't live with them. Everybody thought it best that we live on an estate like we were used to.

My favorite though, was my Uncle Gardiner. He was good-natured, and along with Uncle Bennet would try to console my brother and I without making us more upset. I adored his wife, too. But he was in trade, and he was also newly married. Something the adults thought it wasn't wise to intrude upon.

So, in a matter of days, all these strangers were forced into my acquaintance, but the one person I wanted most wasn't there. William wanted to come, but he couldn't leave school at the moment, so he wrote Andy and I a letter instead; a letter which I still keep.

The funeral went by, and still, I did not cry. It wasn't until the day after, the day before I was to leave for Longbourn that I cried. It was the day I found out how my parents died.

I was walking along in a hall when I heard voices of two maids talking in the drawing room. I would have normally passed by, but their topic caught my attention.

"...A shame really," I heard one maid say. "If Lord Wesley just stayed in the carriage, it probably never would have happened."

"Hmm. When the carriage stopped, he just should have stayed put. But the highwaymen got him. Stabbed in the stomach."

At this, I thought my stomach was going to lurch, but I continued listening. "Aye. And when the Lady went out to see what happened, she never saw what was coming to her," one of the maids sniffed. "They sure were the best master and mistress anyone could have."

"Aye," I heard the other agree.

But I didn't stay to hear any more. Without thinking, I ran up to my chamber, tears in my eyes. I never wanted to hear how they died the way I had to find out. It would have been better if Mr. Darcy just told us that highwaymen killed them. But I did have to hear it that way. And it finally brought my tears to the surface.

The rest of the day, I cried. Twice, I was called downstairs, but I refused to go and just fell asleep on my bed.

The next day, Andy and I left with Aunt and Uncle Bennet. Inside the carriage, it was quiet; for once, Aunt Fanny didn't say much. But all I remember from that trip, was Andy and I holding hands the whole way there, with tears falling down my face.

In two days, we arrived at Longbourn. The estate wasn't nearly as big as Windemere, but it was very pretty. Inside, we met our cousins. Jane was a year older than Andy and I, and from what I saw that first time I met her, I knew she was sweet tempered and kind. Mary was a little more than a year younger than us, and a little cold. She just looked up from a book she was trying to read long enough to nod at us. After Mary was Catherine, or Kitty. She would've have been better if she didn't follow her obnoxious younger sister, Lydia. Already, I could tell that Lydia was spoiled by her mother and got whatever she wanted.

In the years following, nothing of import happened. With help from Jane and Uncle Bennet, Andy and I slowly healed inside and were back to ourselves in a year or two. We quickly fit in with Meryton society, and it was almost as if we always lived there. While Uncle Bennet took care of Windermere's business until Andy came of age, people almost forgot that Andy was now an earl, and I was the daughter of one. We grew up in the same modest way as our cousins did, but we didn't complain. We were happy as we could be without our parents. After all, we had each other and a loving uncle and a caring elder cousin who was our dearest friend.

The only difference in our lives, well, only Andy's life, was that he was able to go off to school. My parents had set aside money already, in case something was to happen to them, for Andy to attend Eton, and then Oxford. So from age twelve, I was only to see my brother when he was home on holidays, with letters in between.

So the story picks up when I was in my twentieth year, and a saying that my aunt has lived by ever since her daughters became of marriageable age...

It is truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.

Chapter 3

Posted on Thursday, 17 August 2000

"Look over there, Andy." My brother and I were taking our daily walk one day in early Autumn when I spotted movement at the bottom of the hill we were standing upon.

Andy stopped and looked to where I was pointing. On a clearing near the neighboring estate of Netherfield, two men were galloping on horseback. "They're heading towards Netherfield," Andy commented.

I rolled my eyes at my brother. "Really. I didn't notice."

"I just wanted to make sure you did," Andy teased. "But my point was, that maybe one of them is going to rent Netherfield."

"Do you think?" my eyes brightened. "Rich gentlemen? Perhaps Jane will fall in love at last, and Aunt Fanny can stop bothering you about marrying into the family."

Andy groaned at my teasing and continued walking. That subject was a favorite of mine to tease Andy and Jane with. Ever since he was done with school, Aunt Fanny was determined to marry him off to Jane. The trouble was, neither Andy, nor Jane, had any romantic inclination towards each other.

In fact, I was more inclined to think Andy was thinking more romantically towards another friend of ours, Charlotte Lucas. Smiling mischievously, I ran to catch up to my twin and said, "And that way, you can make your intentions known to Charlotte instead."

For that, I got a sharp look towards me. "Is it that obvious?"

"Yes, Andy, to me, anyway. I'm your twin! I always know what you're thinking."

"Then what am I thinking now?" Andy grinned.

I laughed, "No! You won't beat me this time!" as I took off in a sprint towards Longbourn.

Unfortunately, as always, my skirts ended up being an impediment and soon, Andy overtook me. Gasping for breath, I slowed down when I reached the gate where my brother was waiting.

"Face it. You'll never be able to run faster than me," Andrew chuckled.

"Well, I would be able to if it weren't for the clothing I'm forced to wear!"

"And if you weren't a female!"

My eyes narrowed at him, although I was just playing. "Me being a lady has nothing to do with it!"

"You? A lady?" Andy teased. " I never said you were. I just said that you were a female."

"You're insufferable!"

"But I'm allowed to be! I'm your brother!"

"But I'm older!" I countered while walking past him to go back inside.

"By only fifteen minutes!" Andy ran to catch up with me again. Silently, we walked side by side, grinning, but the grins soon turned to groans as we heard the noise coming from the house. We could hear arguing between Kitty and Lydia about some bonnet, and Aunt Fanny, as always, taking Lydia's side of the disagreement.

As the years went by, Kitty and Lydia, along with their mother, only became worse in dispositions. Lydia was unrestrained in her habits of flirting and spending money, and Kitty always imitated whatever her younger sister did.

On the way to the front door, Andy and I passed the library window, where we noticed our uncle sitting, reading a book. The library became his haven since almost the time of his marriage to escape from his wife and three silly daughters. The only people he allowed in there was myself, Andy, and Jane.

As we walked by, Uncle Bennet looked up from his book and rolled his eyes while shifting his head towards the door to indicate the noise he was enduring. I rolled my eyes back before walking into the chaos.

The next day, Andy and I returned from our walk to enter upon chaos again. It seemed that we just missed a call from Mrs. Long who brought exciting news to our aunt. When we entered into the house, our aunt and uncle were finishing an argument.

"Depend upon it, my dear, that when there are twenty, I will visit them all," was the only thing we heard our uncle say before Aunt Fanny huffed and stalked out of the room.

"Twenty what, sir?" I asked once she left the sitting room.

"Twenty gentlemen. It seems as if a young man of five thousand a year has taken up residence at Netherfield, and your aunt is determined to marry off one of her daughters to him. Therefore, she seems it as a necessity that I visit him."

Andy chuckled, "And you refused?"

"Just to tease her. I have every intention of visiting him; just without your aunt knowing."

I smiled at his humor and then excused myself to go find Jane. Sighing, I thought of my cousin's and aunt's predicament. Having no heir, Loungbourn was to be entailed to a distant relation once Uncle Bennet passed away. If the Bennet girls weren't married before then, they, and their mother, would be forced to take charity from someone. That is one of the reasons my aunt keeps expressing her wishes for Jane and Andy to marry. It seems that a man worth fifteen thousand a year once he came of age living under her roof was too great of a temptation to leave alone; even if the lady was a year elder than the gentleman.

But I didn't think Jane would have any problems marrying. She was by far, the most beautiful of the Bennet girls. In looks, she took after her mother, which, in turn, reminded me of my own mother. Added to that, she had the sweetest temper I ever encountered in my life.

Sighing again, I thought of my fortunate position of having a brother to provide for me if I were never to marry, which I was starting to believe would be my fate. I was yet to meet with a gentleman that I could love. Perhaps where I lived posed a problem as there weren't many gentleman to "choose from." But I also knew that if I were to go to London and take part in the season, I would have many gentleman pursuing me only for my forty thousand pound dowry. And I would rather be a wealthy spinster than trapped in a loveless marriage.

I finally found Jane in the still room, serenely working with the dried flowers. I entered the room and raised an eyebrow, "So?"

"So what, Lizzy?"

"What do you make of the newest member of Meryton society?"

"I don't know what to think," Jane replied passively. "For we haven't seen him yet. But perhaps he will be at the assembly next week."

"Perhaps he will be, and he'll fall desperately in love with you and Aunt Fanny will finally leave you and Andy alone," I teased.

"Lizzy!"

I walked over to Jane's side of the table and linked our arms to guide her out of the room. "It's a possibility, though I don't think even a man of five thousand a year could be worthy for my dear, sweet, Jane."

"Well, perhaps he would take a fancy to you, Lizzy."

"I doubt that Jane, especially if I am standing next to you when he first lays his eyes on me." There could have been a possibility that I looked like Jane if chances were to have me take after my mother. But instead, both Andy and I took after our father. Both with our wavy brown hair and dark eyes. The looks took much better in Andy than myself. Being almost an exact replica of Papa, Andy was considered very handsome by all the ladies. I wouldn't call myself plain, but I was also far from beautiful. "Besides, I'm determined that I'll never marry."

"One day, you will, Lizzy," Jane slightly smiled.

I shrugged, "I don't know. But if I don't find that one man, I will end an old maid and teach your children to sing and play their instruments very ill."

Jane laughed at the image I created, but protested, "You couldn't do that! You the pianoforte beautifully! Certainly better than anybody else I know."

When she said this, my memory flashed back to my mother and to when I was three years old and learned my favorite song. A pained expression must have flashed through my eyes because Jane suddenly asked, "Is something wrong, Lizzy? I didn't mean to say anything to upset you."

"I know you didn't, Jane. It just brought back memories of my mother and of an old friend."

We walked back to the house in companionable silence, but I couldn't stop thinking about William. William. The last time I received a letter from him was a couple of years ago. When Andy and I first went to live with the Bennets, we exchanged letters quite often, but they soon became farther and farther apart until we stopped corresponding all together. How old is he now? Seven and twenty, I believe. I wonder if he is married. And I wonder what will happen when Andy and I finally settle back down in Windemere and William and I are neighbors again.

The evening of the assembly in Meryton finally arrived. The past week, Aunt Fanny found that my uncle did visit Mr. Bingley at Netherfield, and was taken in hysterics of delight. We also found that Mr. Bingley was very handsome, loved to dance, and was planning to attend the little ball that night, though with an unknown number of guests with him.

When Aunt Fanny, her daughters, and Andy and I (Uncle Bennet chose to stay comfortably at home that night) arrived at the hall, Mr. Bingley had not arrived yet, so my aunt allowed us free reign to converse with anyone we'd like until the infamous party arrived. As soon as possible, Jane, Andy, and I made our way to Charlotte Lucas.

First, Jane and I greeted her, and then I stood back to watch Andy greet her. At the blushes on both side, I made eye contact with Jane and raised my eyebrows. At her expression, I knew that she realized what was happening between my brother and friend.

Before we could have any more conversation with our friend besides greetings, a silence fell over the hall. Turning towards the doorway, I looked at the four people now assembled there one by one. The first, Charlotte told me to be Mr. Bingley. He was of average height and had a head of curly, light brown hair. At first sight, I perceived him to be a rather handsome man. With him, were two young ladies. One was tall, tolerable handsome, with raven black hair, and dressed from head to toe in orange.

"That lady there, is Miss Caroline Bingley," Charlotte offered. Nodding, I looked to the other lady. She was shorter and had lighter hair than Miss Bingley. "That is Mrs. Hurst," Charlotte told me. "The man standing behind her is her husband." Mr. Hurst was short and rather pudgy. There were no distinct features in his face.

"I thought there was supposed to be another guest," Charlotte pondered. Suddenly, a tall man appeared behind the group. "Ahh. There he is. That's Mister..."

"Fitzwilliam Darcy," I concluded for her.

"Good God, Lizzy," I heard Andy say behind me. "It really is him. Who would've thought he would show up here?"

Charlotte and Jane looked at us strangely, but only Jane questioned, "Is that the boy you were talked about when you first came to live with us?"

"Yes, Jane, it is," I answered, ready to break out in a smile. At last we met again, although he didn't notice Andy or I yet. I could know him anywhere. He looked exactly like his father did; incredibly handsome with the tall stature, dark, curly hair, and extremely dark eyes. In fact, if I didn't notice Will's youth at first, I would have thought it was his father.

"Well, if you know him, Lizzy," Charlotte smiled, "you know that he's the master to..."

"Pemberley," I finished quietly. "The master, Charlotte? Are you sure?" Charlotte nodded. "Then old Mr. Darcy has died."

"Lizzy, how do you know them?"

"I never told you about my youth?" Charlotte shook her head in the negative. "Pemberley is the bordering estate to Windemere, and I have known Will since I was born."

"Will?" Charlotte questioned with one eyebrow raised.

Before I had a chance to respond, I heard the screeching of Aunt Fanny calling Jane over to her side. Apparently, Mr. Bingley was approaching my aunt to be introduced to her and her daughters. Looking sideways at Charlotte and Andy, I muttered, "Of course she won't be introducing her niece to the wealthy gentleman. I may be too much of a rival," I smirked and was rewarded with muffled laughter from my brother and friend.

Standing by, I watched Will follow his friend, but standing far enough away for his friend not to introduce him. After a slight conversation between Aunt Fanny and Mr. Bingley, where I noticed many admiring glances between the latter and Jane. I was about to turn around to ask if Andy noticed the glances, but something stopped me.

I noticed a few short words being spoken between Will and my aunt, and then Will curtly bowing and walking away. I then noticed my aunt talking animatedly like she was upset while glaring at Will's back as he walked away. Normally, I would think Aunt Fanny was overreacting, but I didn't think so this time; I saw Will's stiff bow and his stern face as he walked away.

"Andy. That's not Will," I said quietly.

"What do you mean? That's definitely William; he looks exactly like his father. Unless it's some evil twin," he joked.

"But did you see the way he acted to our aunt?"

"He probably was just annoyed with her like every other reasonable person." As he turned back to talk to Charlotte, I wanted to believe that, but I saw him across the hall, standing stiffly and looking around the room at everybody with a disgusted look on his face. I continued staring, impolite as it is, until I caught his eye. He held the contact for a minute, and I saw a fleeting emotion flash across his face. But he shook his head slightly and went back to looking around the room. It was if he almost remembered me but not quite.

Later in the evening, I was lucky enough to be introduced to Mr. Bingley by Jane and my first impressions were proved correct. He was very amiable and was determined to have a good time at the assembly. I only hoped I wouldn't have to get introduced to his sisters whom I observed to be very haughty and to take great enjoyment in Will's company.

A dance later, I was sitting down for a lack of gentlemen when I saw Mr. Bingley approach Will who was standing not far from me. Close enough for me to hear what they were saying.

"Come, Darcy," said Mr. Bingley, "I must have you dance. I hate to see you standing about by yourself in this stupid manner. You have much better dance."

"I certainly shall not," I heard Will reply in an aggravated tone. "You know how I detest it, unless I am particularly acquainted with my partner. At such an assembly as this, it would be insupportable. Your sisters are engaged, and there is not another woman in the room, whom it would not be a punishment to me to stand up with."

I gasped at Will's speech. Never in all my life would I expect such words to come from Will's mouth. I don't know what happened in the eleven years we were parted from each other, but he turned proud and arrogant.

"I would not be so fastidious as you are," cried Bingley, "for a kingdom! Upon my honor, I never met with so many pleasant girls in my life, as I have this evening; and there are several of them you see uncommonly pretty."

"You are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room."

I smiled at the allusion to Jane. At least even the now arrogant Fitzwilliam Darcy could admit she was beautiful.

"Oh! she is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld! But there is her cousin sitting down just behind you, who is very pretty, and I dare say, very agreeable. Do let me ask my partner to introduce you."

"A cousin?" Turning around, he looked at me until I made eye contact with him. But a moment later he turned back to Mr. Bingley and coldly proclaimed, "She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in no humor at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me."

I almost felt offended. Almost. After a moment contemplation of what he said, I found it rather amusing. There was my good friend, who for part of my life was like my older brother, declaring I wasn't good enough to dance with him!

Slightly smiling, I got up off my chair and walked pass him, throwing him a look. I found Andy and Charlotte talking off to the side. Interrupting their conversation, I told them everything I heard between Mr. Bingley and Will. Charlotte found the amusement in it, but Andy was offended for me.

"How dare he say you're not tolerable enough! If this wasn't a public place, I would tell him what I think of him!"

I laid my hand on my brother's arm. "Andy, calm down. He changed. Now we know how he turned out, and now we can leave him be and not bother with him." Andy looked down at me, anger still showing in his eyes, so I grinned. "Forget about it. Go dance with Charlotte or something."

I smiled as Andy took my advice, but the smile quickly turned into a grimace as I saw Jane leading the Bingley sisters towards me. I looked around me for an escape, but I couldn't find one. Finally, they approached.

"Lizzy, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst have expressed their desire to become acquainted with you." I only nodded while Jane turned to her companions and introduced me. "Mrs. Hurst, Miss Bingley, I would like you to meet my cousin, Lady Elizabeth Wesley."

I held back my grimace as the two gave me sickly sweet smiles and expressed their pleasure in meeting me, which I'm sure was only because I was the daughter of an earl. The worst part was that I thought they would just have some small talk and then leave. But no. They linked arms with me and guided me around the hall talking about fashions and nonsense. When they started talking about the tedious company, my responses became shorter and more sharp, so that the sisters finally excused themselves from my presence to my relief.

And thankfully, that evening soon came to a close after that.

Chapter 4

Posted on Sunday, 20 August 2000

When we returned to Longbourn, we found Uncle Bennet reading in the sitting room, waiting for us. Right away, Aunt Fanny went into raptures about the attentions Jane received from Mr. Bingley (for I dare say that even five thousand pounds a year was enough to make my aunt happy) and the lace on Mrs. Hurst's and Miss Bingley's gowns. When my uncle told my aunt to stop talking of such nonsense as lace, her mood turned. With disgust she talked of William's pride and how he refused to dance with any lady except those of his party.

When she moved to this topic, I looked pointedly at Andy, and he shrugged his shoulders. We both couldn't figure out why Will changed from the friendly boy of his youth to the arrogant man he was now.

Finally, my aunt was done with her speeches about the evening and we all retired to our bedchambers. I got ready for bed and then sneaked out of my room to Jane's. As soon as I was settled in a chair in her room, I grinned, "So?"

"So what, Lizzy?" Jane laughed.

"So, now that you have met the famous Mr. Bingley, what do you think of him?"

Jane blushed as she thought of the gentleman. "He's everything a young man ought to be. He's amiable, sensible, and so easy in company."

"He's also handsome," I teased.

Jane looked down to hide her reddening face. "Yes, he is. And he took me by surprise in asking me for another dance."

"Really? I wasn't surprised at all!" I laughed. "I also thought he was very amiable. But I didn't like his sisters very much," I grimaced.

"Why not? I thought they were very friendly. Maybe not at first, but I enjoyed their company. And I thought you were having a good time talking to them."

I scrunched up my nose. "All they talked about was insignificant nonsense. When they got bored with those subjects, they talked about how they thought the company at the assembly was so tedious."

"Oh, Lizzy. Maybe they were nervous and couldn't think of what to say."

I gave Jane an uncertain look but than smiled, "Jane! How can you think good of everybody like that?"

"I'm just giving them a chance, Lizzy," Jane said quietly, but I knew was a light scolding on my part.

"I can take a hint," I grinned. "And I promise to try to get along with them."

"And make another promise, Lizzy."

"What?"

"Don't be too harsh on your Mr. Darcy, yet. Maybe he wasn't feeling well tonight."

I sighed and looked down at my clasped hands. "I want to believe that, Jane. I really do, because he was such a wonderful friend as a child."

Jane gave me a slight smile, "Maybe he still can be one."

"Maybe," I sighed, which quickly turned into a yawn. "I should go to sleep, Jane. Good night."

"Good night, Lizzy."

Later that week, Sir William Lucas, and his wife, the parents of Charlotte, gave a party at their home, Lucas Lodge. And Mr. Bingley with his party was to attend.

A regiment had also arrived at Meryton, and the Lucas's invited the officers to welcome them. I was talking to Colonel Forster when Mr. Bingley, his sisters, and Will arrived. It wasn't long after they arrived that I noticed Will was circling the group of people I was conversing with almost like a vulture. Then I realized that he was trying to listen on the conversation. Exactly why, I couldn't figure out.

Soon after a conversation with the Colonel about a suggested ball, I excused myself from the group to go talk to my brother who was standing all by himself. I raised my eyebrow at him in question, and he only smiled.

"Why aren't you talking to Charlotte?" I teased.

"Because she's still greeting guests."

"Did you notice Will listening in on the conversation I was in?"

"Maybe he admires you," Andy laughed.

"Ha! I doubt that after his comment about me."

"Maybe he's recognizing you."

"I doubt it." I bit my lip and then grinned, "Have you seen Jane and Mr. Bingley?"

"Yes," Andy smiled back at me. "She looks really happy."

"And I think she's in a fair way of falling in love with him."

"Same with Mr. Bingley, I believe."

Our conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Charlotte who immediately gave me a teasing smile. "My father has ordered me to open the pianoforte soon and you know what comes next."

"Charlotte! Why do you always insist on me playing and singing in front of everybody?"

"Because you play better than anywhere in here."

Under my breath, I muttered, "I highly doubt that," with a glance towards Will before continuing, "You know that's not true. Mary plays as well as me." My two companions gave me sharp looks. "Very well. If it must be so, it must," I sighed.

A half hour later, Charlotte kept her promise and I was called upon to play. As I was making my way to the pianoforte, Andy caught my arm and asked, "What are you going to play?"

Smiling mischievously, I replied, "You'll see."

As I began to play the introduction to the well-known song from our family, Andy shook his head at me, but grinned. But my favorite reaction was that of Will; the one where he snapped his head in surprise.

Through the song, I could see his face plainly, but his expression still wasn't one of recognition of me. Disbelief, maybe, but more of that a stranger would be singing that particular song.

I am a girl who would fight for your honor
I'll be the hero you're dreaming of
We'll live forever knowing together
that we did it all for the glory of love

I only played that one song; I never felt easy in performing in front of others, and would only sing and play one song. As soon as I left the instrument, Mary was entreated to play and I made my way to Andy and Charlotte.

"Well?" Andy asked.

"Well what?"

"Did you get any reaction out of William?"

I frowned, "Only one of disbelief that a stranger was playing that song."

"What is special about that song, Lizzy?" Charlotte asked.

"It was Mama's favorite song to play, and William was also known to play it. The first time I ever played a song on the pianoforte, it was that one, taught by Will."

"Oh, I see." Charlotte made a little smirk over my shoulder. "Well, you certainly caught his attention with the song, since he keeps glancing at you."

I glanced over my shoulder to see that my friend was right. Will was staring at me. Once again, I held his eyes, but this time, I was the one to pull away again. "I can't imagine why. Oh well. No use thinking about it."

Mary wasn't playing the pianoforte very long before Lydia told her to play dance music. Although Mary loudly objected to his, my aunt loudly told her to play a jig, and so Kitty and Lydia danced with two officers, while two of the young Lucas children joined in the dancing.

The dancing started out calm enough, but Lydia soon started acting up, so I excused myself to try to tame her. To get to her, I had to pass Will who was talking to Sir William Lucas, who grabbed my attention before I could talk to my young cousin.

"My dear, why are you not dancing? Mr. Darcy, you must allow me to present this young lady to you as a very desirable partner. You cannot refuse to dance, I am sure, when so much beauty is before you." While saying the speech, he took my hand and was ready to give it to Mr. Darcy before I pulled back.

"Indeed, Sir, I have not the least intention of dancing. I entreat you not to suppose that I moved this way in order to beg for a partner."

"I would be honored to dance with you," Will properly asked me.

"I thank you, but I must refuse."

"You excel so much in the dance that it is cruel to deny me the happiness of seeing you; and though this gentleman dislikes the amusement in general, he can have no objection, I am sure, to oblige us for one half hour."

"Mr. Darcy is all politeness," I smiled.

"He is indeed. But considering the inducement, my dear, we cannot wonder at his complaisance; for who would object to such a partner?"

I raised my eyebrows in an arch manner and then turned away, happy to be out of that situation.

Later, as I thought of the conversation, I suddenly remembered that not once, did Sir William mention my name, and neither had Will mention a name; whether it be the correct or an incorrect one, indicating that he knew who I was.

It was the next morning, when we had sat down to breakfast, that Jane and I received a note from Netherfield. Specifically from Miss Caroline Bingley. Right away, Aunt Fanny snatched the piece of paper from Jane and read it out loud to us. The exact contents of the note is not significant, but the Bingley sisters had invited us to dine with them as the gentlemen were to dine with the officers. I had already had plans to spend the day with Charlotte Lucas, so I was obliged to decline, but Jane was pleased with the invitation.

"Can I have the carriage?" asked Jane.

"No, my dear, you had better go on horseback, because it seems likely to rain; and then you must stay all night."

"Mama!"

But my aunt was not to be prevailed upon, and Jane was to go on horseback.

It wasn't five minutes after Jane left that it started to storm. Not just a little drizzle, but a downpour, and I knew for certain that poor Jane was getting drenched.

The next morning, just after breakfast, a servant came from Netherfield with a note from Jane for me. It appeared that Jane had caught a fever and her friends wouldn't let her come home until she was better. So I was determined to go to her.

"I suppose this is a hint, Lizzy, for me to send for the carriage," Mr. Bennet said.

"Oh no! I'd much rather walk; it's only three miles and I shall be back for dinner."

"Three miles in all that dirt? You will not be fit to be seen."

"I shall be very fit to see Jane, which is all I want."

Alas, I was given permission to go. Kitty and Lydia, who were going to visit the officers, walked me as far as Meryton, and then I made my rest of the journey by myself.

As expected, the fields were all muddy and wet from the previous day's rain, and by time I reached the house, I was all muddy. Immediately, I was shown into the breakfast-parlor, where all but Jane were assembled. Their surprise at seeing me in my condition was clearly written on their faces, but Mr. Bingley and his sister immediately recovered and welcomed me.

They informed me that Jane had not recovered yet as she was feverish and she had slept badly. After my inquiries, I was shown to Jane's room where I found her awake, but weak.

"How are you, Jane," I asked, concerned.

"I'm not that sick, Lizzy. Don't worry, I'll be better in a little while."

As I saw that Jane was in no condition to talk, I kept quiet and let her sleep as I attended to her. Later, after breakfast, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst joined me, and were so interested in Jane's condition, that I was made to think well of them.

In the afternoon, Jane drifted off into a comfortable sleep, so I made my way downstairs to find Mr. Bingley or his sisters. I found the latter in the drawing room, having some refreshments.

"Lady Elizabeth!" they exclaimed. "How is Jane?"

"She is doing a little better. She finally fell asleep into a more settled nap, but is still feverish."

"Well, you must stay here," offered Miss Bingley, "until she is better. We would love to have you."

"I couldn't impose on your hospitality."

"Oh, you wouldn't be!" Mrs. Hurst jumped in. "It would be no trouble at all. And I'm sure Jane would love you to have you here, as well."

"And neither would my brother," her sister agreed. "The gentlemen are out hunting, but they would love to have you here, I'm sure."

"Well, I thank you. I will have to go write my aunt..."

"Oh, stay here for a few minutes and keep us company!" Miss Bingley insisted. "We sisters can get tired of each other after a while. Tell us about yourself. Are you an only child?"

"I have a twin brother, Andrew."

"Oh! Is that the gentleman we saw you with at the assembly and the Lucas's party?"

"Yes, he is."

"Why do you not live at your estate?" Mrs. Hurst questioned.

"We are not yet one-and-twenty; the agreed age when Andy will become the true master of Windemere again. Right now, my uncle handles the estate's affairs."

"And do you have a house in town?" Miss Bingley joined in the questioning.

I sighed at all their nosy questions. I knew they just wanted to find out more about my status in life. "Yes, we do."

"And where is your estate?"

"It is in Derbyshire." I knew what was coming next. I could tell Miss Bingley clung to Will and was determined to marry him, so I was sure something about his estate in Derbyshire was to come up.

"Oh really? Mr. Darcy's estate, Pemberley, is in Derbyshire," Miss Bingley found it necessary to inform me, as I knew she was going to.

"Yes, I know. Pemberley is the bordering estate to Windemere."

The squeals given off by the two sisters almost made me cover my ears, but I kept my countenance. Luckily, the squeals were interrupted with somebody entering the drawing room. Unluckily, it was Will, back from his hunt, with a book in hand.

"Mr. Darcy!" Miss Bingley exclaimed. "You'll never guess what I just found out."

"I suppose I never will," Will replied stoically.

"My companion, here," Miss Bingley answered, indicating myself, "just informed me that, at the age of one-and-twenty, she will be moving back to her estate, Windemere, which borders your estate! I'm surprised you never knew her."

The only sound was a resounding "thud" as the book slipped out of Will's hands and onto his toes.

Chapter 5

Posted on Wednesday, 23 August 2000

"It is you!" was the only thing whispered out of Will's mouth once he recovered his senses.

"Hello Will. I was wondering when you would remember me," I answered coldly before getting up out of my seat. Turning to the sisters, I said, "I need to go write my aunt now, and see how Jane is doing. If you'll excuse me."

"Why, of course!" Miss Bingley replied.

To get out of the room, I had to go past Will. Without looking up at him, I managed to get out of the room, but I could feel his eyes following me.

For the remainder of the day and evening, I stayed with Jane in her room. I received dinner and supper in her room, but as Jane fell asleep, I was obliged to join the Bingley's and their guest in the drawing room.

After changing my dress, I made my way downstairs where a servant told me that everybody was in the drawing room, but I heard a sort of "clicking" down the hall, so I went to investigate. Turning the corner, I ended up in the billiard room with Will. He was in there in his shirtsleeves, playing billiards by himself.

I must have made some noise, because he looked up and was about to speak before I turned on my heel to walk away. But his voice stopped me.

"Liz, wait!"

I stopped, but didn't turn around. I just waited for Will to catch up to me. Eventually, he did, for he appeared in front of me, this time with his jacket back on.

"Yes, Mr. Darcy?" I asked, with one eyebrow raised. I almost took it back when I saw his hurt expression at how I addressed him so formally.

He opened his mouth to say something, but words weren't coming out. He looked uncertain, and eventually closed his mouth, so I began, "Why have you been so rude?"

"So rude?" he turned red. "What do you mean? I didn't know who you were!"

"How couldn't you know who I was? I knew you the second you walked in the assembly room's door!"

"Because I look exactly like my father! If you hadn't noticed, you don't look like your mother!" I looked down, because I knew it was true. And I took it as an insult that I wasn't as beautiful as my mother. Will must have saw my reaction because he sighed and continued, "I don't mean it as an insult. It's just a fact. You take after your father, but you're still very handsome," the last part was mumbled.

Angrily, I looked up and snapped, "You didn't think so the first night you saw me again."

Will looked confused. "What do you mean?" I was about to remind him of his comment, but he suddenly remembered what he said. "You're taking that comment seriously? I would think you would know me enough to realize that I didn't feel like dancing with anyone that night, and I was just trying to get Mr. Bingley to stop harassing me to dance."

"Well, I don't know you anymore. All of a sudden, you resurface in my life to be a proud and arrogant man. And I don't recall you neglecting to dance with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst."

Will looked at me in a mixture of hurt and anger. "You label me as proud and arrogant after meeting me in two public parties? I think you're just more offended that I didn't remember you."

"Partly, that is true. I'm beginning to think you some kind of idiot for not recognizing me. You even admitted that I take after my father. If you could recognize that, how could you not recognize me? And Andy looks exactly like Papa, too! Besides, haven't you noticed that Jane looks just like my mother? You could have figure out that she was a cousin of mine."

"That could have been a coincidence. And in case you haven't noticed, you're a lady; unable to look exactly like your father. What I meant was that you had the coloring of him. Also, may I remind you, you don't look exactly how you did when I left a girl of nine years to go to Cambridge." When I was silently acknowledging that he was right, he continued, "Now will you excuse me for being proud and arrogant as you said?"

Again, I sprang alive in anger. "No! Because you still were. I saw the way you treated everyone with disdain and was even rude to my aunt."

"What do they care? After Bingley's visit here, I'll probably never see them again."

I gasped at his answer. This definitely was not the Will I remembered. "That doesn't give you an excuse to be uncivil with them!"

"What do you care about the lot of this society? You deserved to be raised up better than in this society. My father would've gladly adopted you and Andy."

"And I wouldn't have minded having your father as my own father, but that is besides the point. Longbourn is my home for now, and the people who reside in the house are part of my family now. And the people they associate with are my friends now, which I have no cause to complain about. I have no wish to be in better society, as you would call it. This is all I need here."

"I bet you were never presented at court either."

"No, and I don't care! Will," I began, now in a dejected voice, "what happened to you that you care so little for people you think are below you?" I looked down at my hands that were twisting a handkerchief and felt hopeless when William didn't reply. I thought for sure that he was changed for sure.

But suddenly, his finger was on my chin, raising my head to look at him. At his touch, I gasped at the shock that went through me, but dismissed it as surprise. "I'm sorry, Liz. I didn't know it affected you so much. I promise to try to be more civil and friendly."

I managed a meager smile, and whispered, "Thank you."

Laughing, Will playfully flicked my nose. "There's the smile I know."

Laughing, I reached up and grabbed his hand away from my nose. It was amazing how we could be separated from each other for eleven years, have an argument, and then slip back to the way we were before we got separated. For a moment, we smiled at each other, but a small scream caused us to jump apart and realize we were still holding hands.

Turning around, I saw Miss Bingley standing at the door of the drawing room, face in shock. Poor Miss Bingley. She probably truly did think that we didn't know each other that well.

She was actually the first one to recover and said, "I was just coming out here to see if either of you were joining us."

"We were, Miss Bingley," I explained. "We were just talking about when we were younger."

"So you did know each other well?" Miss Bingley questioned, confused.

Will cleared his throat. "Yes, we did. I was just stupid enough not to recognize Lady Elizabeth."

At his statement, Miss Bingley looked shocked again. At first, I couldn't figure out why this would be so, but then I remembered that she probably never heard Will say he was stupid in her whole life.

"Oh," was all she could manage to say. "Well, are you going to join us in the drawing room? We're playing cards."

Never one for cards, I responded, "I'll join you, but I think I would rather read a book."

"There are some books in the room, but if you would like, I'll show you the library," Miss Bingley offered. "I'm sure there aren't as many books as the library at your own estate, but this library will give you more choices."

"Thank you, but I'm sure I can make myself content with the books in the drawing room."

"And you, Mr. Darcy? Will you play cards?"

"Thank you, I think I will."

We then joined Mr. Bingley, Mr. Hurst, and Mrs. Hurst in the drawing room. The evening passed as pleasantly as one could in the company of the sisters, as they would constantly interrupt my reading to converse with me. I was the first to retire, under pretense of seeing how my cousin was doing. Jane was still asleep, but instead of going to my own room, I decided to remain in her room in case she was to wake up and need something. So, I curled myself up on an armchair and quickly fell asleep.

The next morning at breakfast, I expressed my desire to have my aunt come and make a judgment for herself about Jane. They quickly consented, and as soon as breakfast was over, I dispatched the second note to Longbourn (the first being the note to tell them I was to stay there for the remainder of Jane's sickness), and went to Jane. She was sleeping well after a restless night, so I left her for a walk among Netherfield's grounds.

I hadn't been walking for a long time when I saw Will walking towards me. Stopping, I waited for him to reach me.

"Hello, Liz."

"Good morning, Mr. Darcy."

"Mr. Darcy? What's the need to be so formal?" Will frowned.

"Well, would it be proper for us to call each other by our Christian names?"

"Maybe not around company, but I don't see any harm with us using our old names like we did before while alone."

"Well, I don't think it's exactly proper for us to be alone together in the first place," I teased.

"Why wouldn't it be? After all, I am your older brother," he grinned.

Laughing, I said, "And who would exactly believe that two people who aren't related by blood in any way at all were brother and sister and think it was proper for us to be alone together? Especially since we're a lady and a gentleman out in society."

"Fine, I'll leave you alone now," Will pouted as he turned to walk away.

"I was only teasing!" I cried out to him while laughing. "You can come back now and accompany me around the grounds!"

Grinning, he turned around and waited for me to reach him and chuckled when I started skipping towards him.

"You never change, do you, Liz?"

"No, I don't," I grinned, but suddenly turned serious as we started walking. "But why are you so different in other situations?"

"What do you mean?"

"Like now. You're like you used to be as a boy, smiling and teasing, but when you're in the company of others, you're reserved," I frowned, "and serious."

Will shrugged, "I don't know. It's probably because I'm with an old friend now, and I'm more comfortable around you. In society, I feel as if I'm put on display and all the mothers are busy imagining me as a son-in-law. And then, I think it has to do with me growing up too quickly because of my parents' deaths."

"I promised your mother to keep you a child," I remembered quietly.

"You couldn't help it. Circumstances separated us so you couldn't keep your watchful eye on me," he teased. "And then my father died, and I was forced to raise Georgiana."

"I'm sorry to hear about Mr. Darcy. How long ago did he die?"

"It's going on five years now," he answered quietly.

"I'm sorry," I said, laying a hand on his arm for a moment. "How is Georgiana? The last time I saw her, she was barely out of her toddler years."

"She's good. It was hard for her after Papa's death, and now she's quiet and shy. But she's a good student to her governess and enjoys learning. She plays the pianoforte beautifully," William smiled slightly.

"Did you teach her as you taught me?"

"At first, I did, but she soon progressed to beyond my ability to teach her, as you probably have."

I made a face and disagreed, "Probably not. I haven't exactly been as devoted to the instrument as I once was."

"It didn't sound like that the other night."

I ignored the compliment and only asked, "Do you still play?"

"Yes, but not in public."

"Why ever not?"

"Because I leave that to the ladies," he teased.

Where we were walking, we had a perfect view of the road leading up to Netherfield, and at that moment, I saw the Bennet carriage, along with Andy on his horse driving up the road.

"Uh oh."

"What?"

"They have arrived."

"Who?"

"My aunt, my brother, and probably at least one of my cousins."

"Why isn't Andy riding in the carriage?"

"Probably because he couldn't stand being in the carriage with at least two of the Bennet women."

Will chuckled, but then asked, "Why did you scold me last night about being rude, when right now, you're making fun of them?"

"Because I still love them no matter how silly they are, and I'm not rude in public."

"Oh, I see." We were silent for a moment as we continued walking to where the carriage would eventually stop. "Well," Will finally sighed as he offered me his arm, "might as well go meet them."

"Might as well," I grinned as I took his arm. "Let's see what will come out of it."

Chapter Six

When we reached the carriage, I could see the look of surprise on Andy's face at me being on Will's arm. At once, Andy jumped off his horse and approached Will. "Mr. Darcy," he said stoically, probably remembering what Will said about me the first evening.

"Lord Wesley," Will said just as stoically. I thought they were going to stare each other down, but suddenly, Andy smiled broadly.

"William," he grinned while extending his hand. "It's good to see you again."

Will smiled just as broadly back at my brother as he shook Andy's hand. "Same here, Andy."

At that moment, a servant opened the carriage door, and to my surprise, Will reached in to hand out my aunt, Lydia, and Kitty. Their surprise at such a gallant act from William showed on their faces as well, especially Aunt Fanny's. However, at this act, I dare say my aunt thought Will would offer her daughters his arms as well, but instead, her jealousy for her daughters appeared as he offered his arm to me again. Only when he offered his arm to my aunt did she erase any irritability from her face.

Once inside the house, we were greeted by Mr. and Miss Bingley; the latter who showed my aunt and my cousins up to Jane's room, with myself following. As soon as Miss Bingley saw us comfortably in Jane's room, she left us alone.

Jane was awake, but I still could see she was weak as she spoke. "Hello Mama, Kitty, Lydia."

"Oh! My poor Jane!" cried my aunt. "So ill! But I dare say you'll be all right in a couple of days, because of course it'll take at least two more days."

I rolled my eyes at the hint my aunt was giving; that Jane should remain at Netherfield.

"Oh Mama," coughed Jane. "I shall be all right; in fact I think I'm well enough to be carried home, now."

"Carried home?!" Aunt Fanny exclaimed. "Who put such thoughts in your head? You shall remain where you are until you well again. But Lizzy should come home; she's been attracting too much attention from Mr. Darcy." My mouth opened in surprise and was about to object before my aunt continued, "Now I find the real reason why she wanted to come! To snare Mr. Darcy away from my daughters!"

"Aunt Fanny!" I exclaimed. "I had no such thought in my head! Mr. Darcy and I are only good friends; we have been from the day I learned to walk!"

Giving me a skeptical look, my aunt replied, "I don't care. I still would rather have you back at Longbourn."

"Oh no, Mama!" Jane objected. "I'd rather have Lizzy here with me. She's such a comfort to have around."

"Well, if she's a comfort, why not have Lydia or Kitty here? They'd do very well."

I was about to sigh in resignation when Aunt Fanny's suggestion was met with whining from the two girls. They exclaimed they didn't want to stay in such a boring place as Netherfield with such dreadful people. Most likely, they just didn't want to stay somewhere where they couldn't see any red coats. In the end, my aunt had to consent to let me stay.

Just as my cousins' whining and my aunt's exclaiming had quieted down, there was a knock at the door and the apothecary, Mr. Jones, entered. He checked up on Jane and when asked whether she should be carried home, he told us that although she was gradually getting better, she should stay where she was for the time being.

After the apothecary left, I left Jane's room with a headache to find Andy, Will, and Mr. Bingley, still in the foyer, laughing about something. When they saw me, they suddenly stopped, making me suspicious about what they were talking about.

Standing before them with my hands on my hips, I glared at them. Finally, Andy laughed, "Yes, before you ask, we were talking about you."

"What about?"

"About how you were just like a little boy when you were younger."

"Is that all?" I shrugged. "It could hardly be helped. I was around boys all the time."

"Yes, you were just like us until you decided to put an effort into embroidering, and you came out with this," William teased as he took a handkerchief out of his pocket.

"You still have that?" I questioned in disbelief.

"Of course. Right next to Georgiana's first attempt at embroidery."

I took the old piece of cloth out of his hands and looked at it, making a face. "Oh my. This is ghastly," I laughed.

"Yes, I know," Will smiled as he took it away from me and put it back in his pocket. "But I let you think you learned how to embroider before the age we set. Let's just hope you are better at it."

"She has, just not very much," Andy teased.

"Oh, thank you, Andy," I said sarcastically as I rolled my eyes.

Just then, Miss Bingley appeared from the breakfast parlor and approached us. "Look at all of you just standing around!" she exclaimed. "Why don't you all make yourselves comfortable in the parlor?" She turned to address my brother, "Especially you, Lord Wesley! After the ride over here, and my brother just letting you stand around here! Come," she urged as she took Andy's (un-offered) arm and led him to the parlor, "we'll get you some refreshment and let you sit down, my lord."

Behind them, Mr. Bingley followed, but Will and I stayed behind a moment; just long enough to give each other knowing looks and stifle our laughter. When we entered the parlor, I saw that Mr. and Mrs. Hurst were already there, sitting silently, and Miss Bingley fluttering around my brother, trying to make sure he was comfortable. At the sight of this, I almost burst out laughing again, but I was able to keep the laughter in check while taking a seat in a chair at the far end of the room. Will walked past my chair and stationed himself at the window; something I found he did often.

After a few moments of pointless chatter, my aunt and cousins noisily came into the parlor. At their entrance, Mr. Bingley immediately turned to Aunt Fanny, "I hope you did not find Miss Bennet worse than you have expected."

"Indeed I have, Sir. She is a great deal too ill to be moved. Mr. Jones says we must not think of moving her. We must trespass a little longer on your kindness."

The shocked look on my cousin's suitor's face was amusing to see. "Removed?! It must not be thought of. My sister, I am sure, will not hear of her removal."

"You may depend upon it Madam," said Miss Bingley with a feigned sweet voice (probably to impress my brother with her "kindness"), "that Miss Bennet shall receive every possible attention while she remains with us."

At this, my aunt started rambling about the kindness of Miss Bingley and how although Jane was sick, she never complained. From there, Aunt Fanny went on about how none of her other daughters could compare to Jane in either beauty or personality. Through all this, I wasn't listening too closely. I have heard that speech too many times to care. Turning around, I saw Will staring at my aunt with a trace of amusement on his face. When he noticed me trying to get his attention, I rolled my eyes. I noticed that outwardly, his face remained stoic, but I saw him smiling in his eyes. Turning back to face my aunt, I saw her giving me an angry look while talking. "...You have a sweet room here, Mr. Bingley, and a charming prospect over that gravel walk. I do not know a place in the country that is equal to Netherfield. You will not think of quitting it in a hurry I hope, though you have but a short lease."

"Whatever I do is done in a hurry," replied Mr. Bingley. "And therefore if I should resolve to quit Netherfield, I should probably be off in five minutes. But at present, I think I am content to remain my whole life in the country. Aren't you Darcy?"

"You are? Don't you find country neighborhoods a little too confined and unvarying for your tastes?" Will replied. I was about to give him angry glare when I noticed a slight smile on his lips; evidence of teasing. Unfortunately, even as a boy, strangers have a hard time reading William's expressions, and that included my aunt.

"Confined and unvarying?" cried my aunt. "Indeed it is not. We happen to dine with four and twenty families."

I had a hard time keeping my sigh of frustration in check. While growing up, my parents never took Andy and I to Town very much as it didn't hold our interest. But I remember the balls my parents went to and my parents' descriptions of them; and with those descriptions came the understanding of having a decidedly more families than four and twenty attending them. Unfortunately, Mr. Bingley's sisters couldn't keep their laughter in check.

"Aunt, you mistake Mr. Darcy's meaning..." I began.

"Do I? He seems to think the country nothing at all! And the country is a vast more pleasanter than Town, no matter what he has to say about it."

I took a deep breath and tried to change the topic. "Has Charlotte Lucas called since I've been away?" Before my aunt could answer, I notice a small smile grace Andy's lips, and I got my answer.

"Yes, she called yesterday with her father," Aunt Fanny answered. "What an agreeable man Sir William is, Mr. Bingley. Is he not? So much the man of fashion! So genteel and so easy! He has always something to say to everybody. That is my idea of good breeding; and those persons who fancy themselves very important and never open their mouths, quite mistake the matter."

Quietly, I let out a sigh, but didn't pursue the matter further. I thought that I might as well let my aunt ramble on. When I felt a light touch on my shoulder I turned around to see William standing behind me. When I looked up at his face, he almost imperceptibly shook his head; a signal for me to let it go, that it wasn't bothering him. Giving him a mirthless smile, I turned back around just to see my cousin, Lydia, speak up.

"Did you not promise to give a ball at Netherfield, Mr. Bingley? It would be a great scandal if you don't."

"I fully intend to give one," Mr. Bingley cheerfully said. "And you could name the day of the ball once your sister is recovered."

His offer was met with squeals from my aunt and Kitty and Lydia, and grimaces from his sisters. Thankfully, not long after that, my relatives left.

I remained in my cousin's room for most of the remainder of the day, keeping her company. I didn't tell her what happened earlier in the breakfast parlor in fear that it would vex her, so I kept her occupied by reading to her. I was in the middle of a chapter when she suddenly interrupted me.

"Lizzy, about what Mama said earlier; have you been spending time with Mr. Darcy?"

I smiled at her curiosity and answered, "Yes, he apologized and we are friends again."

"Well, I'm sorry about Mama and her accusations. Sometimes, she gets so worried about myself and my sisters marrying, that she can turn against any lady who she thinks is a threat to a possible suitor."

"You don't have to apologize, Jane; it is not your fault. Besides, you don't have to warn me about my aunt's attempts to get her children married," I laughed. "After all, I've lived with her for the past nine years."

Jane grinned, "And it is a wonder that you have survived that long."

I gasped, "Jane!" at her comment about her mother, but dissolved in laughter to match the weak mirth from my cousin. We spent the rest of the day in friendly conversation.

That evening, after supper, nobody was inclined to play at cards, so everybody was spread out in the drawing room, doing their own thing. Mr. Bingley was conversing with Mrs. Hurst; Mr. Hurst was sprawled out on the sofa, snoring; I was stitching; and William was writing a letter to Georgiana with Miss Bingley at his side, complimenting everything he did. With Miss Bingley, I was confused. This morning, she was clinging to my brother, but this evening she was clinging to William. At her actions, I decided that she didn't have a preference for either one of them; she just wanted the best that she could get.

As a result of my thoughts, I let out a tiny giggle, drawing attention from William and Miss Bingley. Unluckily for me, it was Miss Bingley that spoke first. "Lady Elizabeth! What do you find so amusing?"

"I was only thinking of an amusing story my uncle once told me. Nothing more."

Looking towards William, I noticed laughter sparkling in his eyes and thought, William has handsome eyes. When I realized what I just thought, I looked down at my stitching in contemplation. Since when have I noticed how handsome he is?

"Lady Elizabeth," Will's voice interrupted my musings. "Would you like for me to convey any message to my sister for you?"

"Oh yes! Can you write Miss Darcy that I miss my little sister and that I hope to see how she has grown soon?"

"Yes, I can, Lady Elizabeth," Will smiled.

Turning away from him again, I noticed a peculiar look on Miss Bingley's face. It looked as if she was jealous of my relationship with William, but didn't want to treat me with contempt because of my status. After a moment of silence, Miss Bingley spoke, "When is your twenty-first birthday, Lady Elizabeth? Aren't you moving back to your estate then?"

"I turn one-and-twenty in May, Miss Bingley, and my brother and I haven't discussed how soon after that we are going to occupy Windemere again."

"I suppose then you'll be able to see Mr. and Miss Darcy more often."

"I suppose so."

"Will you be presented at court or have a coming out ball in London society?"

"I highly doubt it. It doesn't really interest me."

Miss Bingley looked surprised at this. "How are you to find a husband, then?"

"Do I need to find a husband?"

"Well, don't all young ladies need husbands?"

"Certainly not. And I doubt while in London I would be able to find a gentleman who loves me more than my dowry."

"So, you're looking for love?"

I sighed at the necessity that Miss Bingley obviously had for learning as much as she could about my private life. "Well, why else should a lady marry?"

"Well, for connections and such."

"They don't impress me."

"Oh," was all Miss Bingley said before turning to admire William's letter again. But William wasn't concentration on that piece of paper; he was staring at me. I made eye contact with him, raised my eyebrows, and then turned back to my embroidery.

A couple of minutes later, William must have finished his letter to Georgiana because he asked me and Miss Bingley to perform at the pianoforte.

"Lady Elizabeth," Miss Bingley smiled. "Would you like to lead the way?"

"No, thank you, Miss Bingley," I declined. "I am not inclined to play tonight." I stopped as a thought crossed my mind. "But maybe Mr. Darcy would favor us with a performance."

Will's head jerked up and glared at me, but I only smiled at him, teasingly.

"Mr. Darcy!" Miss Bingley screeched. "You play? You sly thing! Never telling us!"

William cleared his throat and carefully said, "I don't play in the company of others other than my family."

"Won't you favor us with a song, though, Mr. Darcy? We'd all like to hear you."

"I don't think tonight, Miss Bingley."

"Lady Elizabeth!" Miss Bingley turned to me. "Is he any good? You must share!"

"He was very good when he was sixteen. Whether he improved or not, I cannot say." As William's glare bore into the side of my head, I changed tones. "Maybe he shouldn't play tonight, anyway. I doubt his performance would be good if he is so set against performing. Why don't you just play songs for us?"

"Okay, if you really insist," Miss Bingley tried to say modestly.

"I insist."

Soon, Miss Bingley was settled at the pianoforte, playing and singing an Italian song. After the first song, William made his way to me and sat next to me on the sofa.

"You are mean," he whispered.

"I am not," I teased.

William sighed dramatically, "Well, I guess I must thank you for getting Miss Bingley to forget about harassing me to play."

"What are friends for?" I grinned. "But I suppose if I were to play the part of a younger sister, I should not have rescued you, and let her keep persisting."

"That wouldn't be very nice of you, Liz," William teased.

"I know," I smirked.

The next song of Miss Bingley's was in a different tone; she suddenly changed to a reel. When she did, Will leaned over and asked, "Would you like to dance a reel with me, Lady Elizabeth?"

I smiled slightly and declined, "I don't thinks so, Mr. Darcy. I am not in a dancing mood tonight."

William chuckled, "Do you realize that is the second time you refused to dance with me?"

I grinned, "Is it? Well, then I will have to remember to never dance with you."

"Who says I will ask you again?"

"Well, just in case you go mad and do ask me to dance again, I will have to remember to decline."

Will only chuckled and shook his head.

Chapter Seven

Posted on Saturday, 9 September 2000

The next day, Jane was feeling better so it was decided that she would join us in the drawing room for a little while later that evening. Until then, I spent my day as I had the previous; sometimes in Jane's room, other times in the library, and other times on walks.

I was just heading out for an afternoon walk when Mrs. Hurst caught up with me and asked if she could join me. I reluctantly agreed, and we set out. Unfortunately, we had to keep to the garden walks as Mrs. Hurst thought it scandalous to walk across meadows without any paths. Absently, I listened to Mrs. Hurst's rambling about fashion and other nonsense of no import.

Fifteen minutes into our walk, we happened upon William and Miss Bingley walking on another path. Immediately, Mrs. Hurst disengaged my arm to take the free one of William, leaving me to walk by myself; not that I minded. I would rather have gone on a more exciting path.

Fitzwilliam must have felt their rudeness and said, "This walk is not wide enough for our party. We had better go into the avenue."

But I only laughed, "No, no; stay where you are. You are charmingly grouped, and appear to uncommon advantage. The picturesque would be spoilt by admitting a fourth. Good bye," before skipping off in another direction.

I rambled about for a while until I walked to the top of a hill. Facing towards Longbourn, I sat on the hill, enjoying the fresh air. I do not know how long I sat there, but my solitude was eventually disturbed when I felt, rather than saw, somebody sit next to me.

"Enjoy your walk?" I teased William as he silently sat by my side.

Looking sideways at him, I noticed him scowl before answering, "What do you think?"

Grinning, I replied, "Hmm. If I were forced to take a walk with both Bingley sisters, I wouldn't enjoy it very much. Even if I had to walk with just one sister," I added, scrunching up my face.

Will chuckled, but then we sat silently, enjoying each other's company. After about ten minutes, William suddenly said, "I feel like taking a ride. Do you ride horses anymore?"

"Of course!"

Jumping up, William held out his hand to help me up. "Do you want to take a ride? It'll get us away from Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst for a while."

I consented, and we made our way to the stables. I really should have changed into a riding dress, but I was too impatient to ride. Besides, I couldn't remember if I had packed a riding dress or not.

William picked out a horse he knew would be the best for me and had it saddled. I was about to mount outside of the stable, before quickly running back into the stable. Finding a corner where a stack of clean hay was, I took off my bonnet and threw it in the pile. When I walked back outside, William gave me a strange look. It wasn't until I mounted that he asked, "What did you do that for?"

"Take my bonnet off?" I questioned. "I hate riding with my bonnet. I rather feel the wind through my hair."

"Most ladies would be afraid of tanning their skin."

"I am not most ladies," I smiled cheekily before trotting off ahead of him. He soon caught up with me and we trotted side-by-side for a while in companionable silence. But all of a sudden, a playful urge hit me and I urged my horse into a gallop across a field. I got a little ahead of Will before he urged his horse to catch up to mine. I had the horse gallop a little farther before slowing him down and eventually stopping him.

I turned to William and grinned, "Care to race?"

"What makes you so sure you can win with a horse you've never ridden before?"

I feigned a sigh and replied, "Oh, Will. Don't you know anything about horses? It's not the horse that matters, it's the manner in how the master or mistress treats it."

"But you don't take care of it; he's Bingley's horse."

"Yes, but he will go faster if I urge him with my voice right."

"Do you really think so?" William teased.

"I do."

"Then we will race. To the tree line over there."

"Okay. Let's race."

And we did. At the beginning, William was ahead of me, but leaning over, I talked into my horse's ear, urging him to go faster; and slowly, he did. Little by little, I gained upon Fitzwilliam and his horse, and soon, I over-passed him.

I laughed at the sensation of moving so fast. I could feel my hair come undone and fly behind me as the wind blew through it; this, along with the galloping horse made it feel as if I were flying, and I loved the sensation.

As I drew closer to the trees, I started to slow my horse down until I was completely stopped. A couple of seconds later, William joined me. Breathless, I grinned at him, and he finally conceded, "You were right." I was about to comment on my victory until he continued, "For now. Who knows what will happen another time."

"I will win again, of course."

William only chuckled while taking off his hat and running his fingers through his hair. While he did this, I couldn't stop staring at him; and it was at this point that I realized that he was the handsomest man of my acquaintance. He looked exactly like his father; yet, there was something else about him that made him appear more attractive. No wonder why Miss Bingley had been chasing him. A lady would have been crazy to let him ago. But maybe that was the "long-time friend" part speaking.

Before he could catch me staring, something in the corner of my eye caught my attention. Looking across the field, I perceived a lone horseman that appeared to be my brother. I told William what I saw, and he agreed once he saw the horseman. Slowly, to allow the horses rest, we walked to where the horseman was trotting. As we came closer, it was clear that it was my brother. Bringing my horse to a trot, I soon caught up to him and greeted, "Andy!"

My presence earned a genuine smile from my twin. "Hello Lizzy," he smiled as he stopped his horse. "And hello William."

"Hello Andy."

Although Andy was smiling, I could trace lines of frustration along his face. "Andy, is there something wrong?"

My brother shrugged and replied, "Nothing more, really, than the typical frustrations at Longbourn."

"Is Aunt Fanny in the middle of another nervous attack?" I rolled my eyes.

"Yes, and this time, you're the cause of it."

"Why? What did I unintentionally do now?"

"Attract too much attention from William."

"Is that all?" I scowled. "I thought I put an end to that yesterday."

"Why, what happened?" asked Will.

"Aunt Fanny seems to think I came to Netherfield to trap you into marriage."

Will chuckled. "And what if you did?"

"I would never hear the end from my aunt. She seems to think that you would make a good husband for one of my younger cousins."

A trace of disgust flashed across Fitzwilliam's face, but he quickly changed it to a look of a repentance aimed at me. Laughing, I said, "Don't worry, Will. I'm not going to scold you for that look of horror. I think it would be horrific, too, if she trapped you into marrying one of them."

"And why would that be?" Andy gave me a teasing smile.

I glared at his implication, but responded, "Mary would lure poor William into a stupor with her Fordyce's Sermons; Kitty would be too afraid of his stern countenance to even speak in his presence without stuttering; and Lydia would drive him insane with orders to buy her every bonnet and dress from here to London."

My brother and friend chuckled at my description, and Andy commented, "A very accurate description. But speaking of our adoptive family, I better be back before supper. Come back soon, Lizzy; Uncle and I need a little sense put back into the household."

I chuckled, "I'll try to get back as soon as Jane is allowed to take the carriage ride home."

Andy gave us one last smile before turning his horse back towards Longbourn. He wasn't a long way off until he called back to me, "Don't forget to fix your hair, Lizzy! Knowing you, you will keep it down like that through supper."

"Don't worry, Andy! Your big sister can take care of herself." Turning to William, I asked, "Ready to get back to Netherfield?"

William nodded and started riding back to Mr. Bingley's estate. We rode together back to Netherfield silently, not needing to talk to fill up the gap. The stables had just come into view when I felt Will staring at me. Turning my head I saw him gazing at my profile. Amused, I grinned, "Will?"

He was startled out of his reverie by my voice and asked, a little bit delayed, "Yes?"

"What are you thinking?"

"Err. Um. You have really long hair."

I laughed at his comment and replied, "Yes, that is what happens when ladies just let their hair grow."

By then, we had arrived at the stables and I jumped off of my horse. A servant came out and took the reins of the horses to clean them and feed them. Quickly, I ran into the stables, grabbed my bonnet, and ran back out to find William waiting for me. When I reached his side again, we began walking towards the house.

"What time is it?" I asked.

"Not yet four, actually. I thought it was later."

"So did I." I paused to think before continuing, "I don't think I'll go inside just yet. I want to take one more walk around before dressing for supper."

We reached the front entrance to Netherfield, and William said, "Okay. I will see you at supper then." He quickly climbed the steps, but turned before entering the house. "What about your hair?"

"What about it?"

"Your brother told you to put it back up," he teased.

"I will have all my hair back in place before supper. You can count on it."

"It looks pretty down, though," he grinned. "You should keep it like that through supper."

I blushed but replied, "I highly doubt the superior sisters would approve of that. And thinking about it, I don't think I approve of myself doing that either!" I smiled cheekily.

William only chuckled as he entered the house.

It was about a half hour later when I decided to return to the house, but I was suddenly distracted by a rather large dog, barking for me to play with him. Laughing, I chased him around the house to where he stopped and picked up a stick a little bigger than a twig and walked over to me. Grabbing the stick, I started a tug-of-war with the dog until he let go. Throwing it as far as I could, I cried, "Fetch."

Laughing, I watched the dog turn around and run to find the stick when I felt someone staring at me. I turned around, trying to look for an intruder, but the only thing I saw was a curtain swaying in a second floor window, as if somebody was leaning against the curtain, looking out the window. Not knowing who occupied that room, I just shrugged and looked back towards the dog, ready to play another game of fetch.

The evening passed uneventfully, save for the fact that Jane joined us in the drawing room after supper. The next morning, she got up and dressed, and joined us for breakfast for the first time. Seeing that she was well, I consulted with her, and then wrote a note to Longbourn, asking for the carriage to be sent. A reply was sent, saying that carriage could not be sent until Tuesday, therefore completing my aunt's plan of Jane staying for a complete week.

Jane and I, both feeling that it was unnecessary to take advantage of the Bingleys' hospitality, decided to ask Mr. Bingley if he could spare the use of one of his carriages. At the question, we were met with objections; that Jane's health could not be risked so soon after recovering. Finally, Jane and I relented and allowed instead for us to return to Longbourn on the next day.

After that was settled, the Bingley sisters and their brother claimed Jane for the day and took her on a short walk. Not wishing to overcrowd Jane, I declined their offer to join them and instead sought out William's company.

I found him in the library, sitting in an armchair, reading a book. On a sofa next to his chair, snored Mr. Hurst during his afternoon nap. Clearing my throat to get Fitzwilliam's attention, I stood in the doorway waiting for him to acknowledge my presence. A moment later, (I assume after he finished a paragraph or a page), he looked up and raised his eyebrows in question.

"Mr. and Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, and my cousin are outside on a walk."

"So?"

"So now that the house is empty, save you, myself, and Mr. Hurst, who doesn't look like he will wake anytime soon, you can play the pianoforte for me without any fear that you will be heard."

"And why do you wish to hear me perform?"

"Because I have not heard you since before your going away to Cambridge."

William sighed and put down his book. "Very well, I will play a little. What do you wish for me to play?" he asked while getting out of his chair and walking towards me.

"What do you think?"

"Do I have to sing, too?"

"Of course!"

William had just reached me and put his hand on the base of my neck to propel me out the library door. When he touched me, a tingle went down the base of my spine, confusing me as to why I felt like that. But a second later, William himself was out of the library, and he removed his hand; with it, the sensation.

We made our way to the music room, and William sat down at the bench, playing a scale to warm up. I planted myself in a chair that faced the pianoforte, so I could watch, as well as hear, him perform. Growing up, I remembered that William's face would express the emotions of the song while he performed, and I used to love to watch his face change.

Hesitantly, William began to play. His playing had improved tremendously since twelve years ago, and his voice had deepened to a baritone that was pleasing to listen to. As the song progressed on, I left my chair and went to sit next to him on the bench, as I used to as a child, and began singing with him. When he heard my voice, he looked down and smiled at me, never faltering in his song.

I am a man who would fight for your honor
I'll be the hero you're dreaming of
We'll live forever knowing together
that we did it all for the glory of love

At the end of the song, an intruder made his presence known with a snort-like sound. "Caroline and Louisa should hear you two," Mr. Hurst said as he walked to the armchair that I previously occupied. "They should be humbled by how exceptionally you two play together, and how average they sound."

My jaw almost dropped open at hearing such a long comment escape from Mr. Hurst but I managed to say, "Thank you," along with William.

Glancing at my companion, I could tell he was embarrassed about being heard, but greatly relieved not to be heard by Miss Bingley.

The next day, Jane and I left Netherfield with many well wishes from the family, even including Mr. Hurst.

When we returned to Longbourn, we were met with disappointed cries from my aunt at how Jane should have stayed longer. Well, Jane received them anyway; my aunt just ignored my presence. However, even though I was ignored by my aunt, I was greatly welcomed home from my uncle and brother, glad to "have some sense back in the family," as Uncle Bennet put it. I was also relieved to be at home, away from the superior sisters. You can count on me not being impatient to see them again.

Chapter Eight

Posted on Saturday, 7 October 2000

The next morning, my uncle addressed his wife, "I hope, my dear, that you have ordered a good dinner today, because I have reason to expect an addition to our family party."

"Who do you mean, my dear? I know of nobody that is coming I am sure, unless Charlotte Lucas should happen to call in, and I hope my dinners are good enough for her. I do not believe she often sees such at home."

"The person of whom I speak, is a gentleman and a stranger."

Aunt Fanny's eyes lit up as she exclaimed, "A gentleman and a stranger! It is Mr. Bingley I am sure. Why, Jane, you never dropped a word of this; you sly thing! Well, I am sure I shall be extremely glad to see Mr. Bingley. But, good lord! How unlucky! There is not a bit of fish to be got today. Lydia, my love, ring the bell. I must speak to Hill, this moment."

"It is not Mr. Bingley," my uncle replied, "it is a person whom I never saw in the whole course of my life."

At this proclamation, there were exclamations from my two youngest cousins speculating at which officer was the guest. At their loud voices, my uncle gave them a stern look, and luckily, Lydia and Kitty both quieted down.

"About a month ago I received this letter, and about a fortnight ago I answered it, for I thought it a case of some delicacy, and requiring early attention. It is from my cousin, Mr. Collins, who, when I am dead, may turn you all out of this house as soon as he pleases."

"Oh!" cried my aunt, "I cannot bear to hear that mentioned. Pray do not talk of that odious man. I do think it is the hardest thing in the world, that your estate should be entailed away from your own children; and I am sure if I had been you, I should have tried long ago to do something or other about it."

Mr. Collins was the root of all problems for Aunt Fanny. When my uncle dies, Mr. Collins is to take possession of Longbourn, and if it were to please him, he could force my aunt (if she is still alive) and any other unmarried daughter out of the house.

"It certainly is a most iniquitous affair," answered Mr. Bennet, "and nothing can clear Mr. Collins from the guilt of inheriting Longbourn. But if you will listen to his letter, you may perhaps be a little softened by his manner in expressing himself."

"No, that I am sure I shall not; and I think it was very impertinent of him to write to you at all, and very hypocritical. I hate such false friends. Why could not he keep on quarreling with you, as his father did before him?"

My uncle answered by reading the letter from this Mr. Collins out loud. I wish I could say that the letter indicated him to be a sensible man, but it was quite the reverse. I will not bore you with repeating the letter, but I suppose I should tell you some things he wrote so you could get at least an idea of what kind of man he is.

The first thing he mentioned was the breach between my uncle and his father and how he wanted to heal it. Then he went on about his occupation. Mr. Collins was a clergyman, but his patroness's name struck me by surprise because it was one I had heard quite often while growing up; indeed, I actually met her and her daughter as a child. The patroness was Lady Catherine de Bourgh, widow of Sir Lewis de Bourgh, of Rosings Park. Lady Catherine was the sister of Lady Anne Darcy, and therefore, William's aunt. A number of summers, she visited Pemberley, and I had the "honor" to be in her company. The way Mr. Collins was talking about her, you would think she was a saint, but she was one of the proudest ladies I had ever met in my childhood. She was friendly to my family, of course, but she was condescending to servants, and even gentry who weren't rich enough for her standards.

Anyway, it seemed as if Mr. Collins adored her. After his explanation of his patronage, he went on to write how he had no wish to do my uncle's "amiable daughters" any harm and was to arrive at Longbourn by four o'clock that afternoon.

At the conclusion to the letter, I asked my uncle what he thought about his cousin, and we both agreed that he could not be sensible. My uncle even said that he had hopes to find Mr. Collins "quite the reverse."

Punctually at four, the heir of Longbourn arrived. He was tall, but was rather... how should I say this kindly? Plump is a good word. And his hair looked like he hadn't washed it in a long while.

He was quickly introduced to our aunt and uncle and their daughters. They were met with low bows and compliments from Mr. Collins. My aunt looked pleased at the attention her girls were getting, while Catherine and Lydia weren't trying hard to stifle their giggles.

Finally, which wasn't slow enough, Mr. Collins was introduced to my brother and I. Unfortunately, my uncle did not forget our titles.

I never thought anyone could bow so low.

Mr. Collins was practically kissing the ground at our feet. "My lord, my lady. It is a pleasurable experience just to be introduced to two fine people." The man addressed me, "Lady Catherine is the daughter of an earl, too."

"Yes, I know," I answered almost too shortly.

"You know? I did not think I mentioned it in my letter..."

"You didn't."

"What? Well... Oh! Of course two fine personages like yourself must have come into contact with another fine person like Lady Catherine."

"Yes, yes, of course." I turned my face towards my brother and rolled my eyes while Andy was trying to disguise his chuckles with a cough.

"My lord, are you all right? You shouldn't be standing out here in such a dusty walk! I do not deserve so much attention."

I've noticed.

"Mr. Collins, I assure you I am all right," my brother responded. "I am perfectly all right to be out of doors. I spend most of my time out here as it is."

Mr. Collins bowed to acknowledge him.

Luckily, my uncle thought it wise to lead us back into the house. The rest of the evening was spent with Mr. Collins dividing his attention amongst flattering my aunt, trying to seem intelligent to my uncle, admiring my cousins (especially Jane, which made my stomach turn), and fawning over my brother and me.

I breathed a sigh of relief when the time came to go to bed.

The next day, Lydia and Kitty wanted to take a walk to Meryton to see if Captain Denny, their current favorite officer of the militia, returned from Town. Jane and I also decided to go to step in to see our Aunt Phillips.

It wasn't until it was too late that we found that Mr. Collins was to make the trip with us to be an escort to Lydia. When I realized his sister of preference, I almost lost myself to its humor. My aunt must have told him about Jane and Mr. Bingley that he suddenly changed preferences. But I couldn't understand why he had chosen Lydia.

On the walk to Meryton, when Jane and I were not talking, I amused myself to see Mr. Collins try to keep up with Lydia's energetic pace while trying to hold on a conversation with her. He didn't get to say much as he was mostly huffing and puffing.

Eventually, we arrived in Meryton, but my two young cousins couldn't find any redcoats around so they kept busy by looking in the stores' windows. Eventually, their patience wore thin and they turned to face the street to look for any redcoats. Obviously, Lydia must have found who she was looking for because she shouted across the street, "Denny!"

She received a stern, "Lydia!" from Jane, but disregarded it, and instead spoke to Kitty about the stranger next to Mr. Denny. Kitty observed that the stranger was "fearful handsome," but Lydia claimed that unless he was in regimentals, he was nothing to a redcoat.

As I watched the two men walking towards us, I recognized something familiar about the stranger. I recognized his face from somewhere, but could not figure out where. It wasn't until he was only a little distance from us that I remembered him from my childhood. George Wickham.

I remembered how he used to make fun of me and instantly frowned. However, I didn't want to renew acquaintance on bad terms; he could have changed from when I last saw him.

The two gentlemen reached us and Lydia initiated the conversation by saying, "We had just come to see if you were back from town."

"There was nothing amusing enough to hold us there!" Mr. Denny exclaimed before introducing his friend, "This is Mr. George Wickham. I brought him from London when I found he wanted to join the regiment." This was met with excited whispers between Kitty and Lydia before Mr. Denny introduced my family. "Mr. Wickham, this is Miss Bennet, Miss Catherine Bennet, Miss Lydia Bennet, and their cousin..."

"Lady Elizabeth," Mr. Wickham finished before bowing slightly to me.

"Mr. Wickham. It certainly has been a long time since I have last seen you."

"Aye, it has. And you have certainly grown into quite the lady."

I only nodded at this compliment before turning my head. I wasn't too sure what he meant by it, for he had a look in his eyes that I didn't trust. When I looked back at my group, I found Jane introducing Mr. Collins to the two gentleman, and the former making his usual speech of flattery.

Bored, I looked around the town and down the road towards Netherfield, wondering what William was doing. The object of my reverie suddenly entered my field of vision as I saw him upon his horse, and Mr. Bingley right beside him, riding towards my little group. Immediately, I smiled, as I hadn't seen William since I had left Netherfield, and wanted to talk to him about the sudden appearance of Mr. Wickham.

Before too long, William and his friend reached us. Upon greeting us, Mr. Bingley exclaimed, "How very fortunate! We were just on our way to Longbourn to see how you were, Miss Bennet," before jumping off his horse and going to Jane's side. I smiled at his act before turning back towards William.

He looked as if he were about to jump off his horse too before I saw his attention get caught by Mr. Wickham. Instead of a greeting between the two, I observed Will go pale, and Mr. Wickham go red as he tipped his hat in salutation. Before I knew what was happening, Will rode away without saying anything. Frowning, I turned to watch him go before turning back to Mr. Wickham. Wordlessly, I raised my eyebrows in question, but he only shrugged. I guess I had to wait.

That evening, my cousins and I were at my Aunt Phillips's house for a small dinner party held for the officers. My aunt and uncle did not come, nor did my brother, saying "I have no wish to be at a dinner party with a bunch of women fawning over men in red coats."

I was sitting alone, watching my youngest cousins chase after officers when I observed Mr. Wickham sit in the chair next to me.

"Surviving my cousins?"

"They sure are lively, but they are pleasant girls."

"Hmm," I only responded while taking a sip of my tea.

"Did you notice how Mr. Darcy and I greeted each other earlier?"

My ears perked up at his question. This was the perfect opportunity to hear what went on between William and Mr. Wickham. By their looks, I knew something happened other than the pranks Mr. Wickham played as a child. Fitzwilliam was not one to hold grudges over that.

"Yes, I could not help but notice."

"Well, perhaps you should know what happened. His behavior to myself has been scandalous; but I verily believe I could forgive him any thing and everything, rather than his disappointing the hopes and disgracing the memory of his father."

"Disgracing his father? How so?"

"Perhaps you did not know, but his father intended me for the church. He sent me to Cambridge with Mr. Darcy and intended to give me a living at Kympton once it fell vacant, but it happened to do so after his death. Instead of given to me, the living was given elsewhere."

I did not know quite what to think yet, so I acted the part of the pitying party and cried, "Good heavens! But how could that be? How could his will be disregarded? Why did not you seek legal redress?"

"There was just such an informality in the terms of the bequest as to give me no hope from law. A man of honor could not have doubted the intention, but Mr. Darcy chose to doubt it or to treat it as a merely conditional recommendation, and to assert that I had forfeited all claim to it by extravagance, imprudence, in short any thing or nothing. Certain it is, that the living became vacant two years ago, exactly as I was of an age to hold it, and that it was given to another man; and no less certain is it, that I cannot accuse myself of having really done anything to deserve it. I have a warm, unguarded temper, and I may perhaps have sometimes spoken my opinion of him, and to him, too freely. I can recall nothing worse. But the fact is, that we are very different sort of men, and that he hates me."

"This is quite shocking! He deserves to be publicly disgraced."

"Some time or other he will be, but it shall not be by me. Till I can forget his father, I can never defy or expose him."

My whole conversation with Mr. Wickham confused me. I did not think William could do something as bad as this, but I also knew that some things about Mr. Wickham's story had to be true. Something must have happened to make Mr. Wickham resentful of William, even if William essentially did nothing wrong.

Besides the part of the conversation that I have revealed to the reader, Mr. Wickham also had claimed that Georgiana was as "proud as her brother," and was living in London with a lady who supervised her education. Mr. Wickham also revealed that William was betrothed to Anne de Bourgh, daughter of the infamous Lady Catherine. I didn't know why, but that was the most disturbing revelation of the evening; I couldn't bear to hear that William was to marry his cousin.

The next day, I was walking with Andy and Jane in the garden when I related the whole story to them to ask them their opinion. Both of them basically thought the same as me.

"They have both been deceived, I dare say, in some way or other, of which we can form no idea," began Jane. "Interested people have perhaps misrepresented each to the other. It is, in short, impossible for us to conjecture the causes or circumstances which may have alienated them, without actual blame on either side."

"That is what I think," I explained, "to a point. But I tend to think it's Mr. Wickham who is doing all the misunderstanding, or intentional misunderstanding, whichever it may be."

"I wouldn't be so harsh to say intentional, Lizzy. Perhaps Mr. Wickham is a better man than he was a boy."

"I doubt it, Jane," I sighed helplessly.

"I don't believe George either, Lizzy." Andy said. "William would never disgrace his father's name as George claimed."

We had arrived at the front door of Longbourn while we were walking, and while Jane and Andy proceeded inside, I decided to go for a longer walk outside of Longbourn's boundaries.

I was walking among a road that was more like a path for about ten minutes when I saw a horseman approaching me. As he came closer, I noticed he was William. As he approached, I smiled because I hadn't seen him in a couple of days. Besides, I wanted to know what happened between him and Mr. Wickham.

"Hello William!"

"Liz!" he declared while jumping from his horse. "How are you?"

"I am good. I have missed your company these past couple of days."

"Well, I am sorry I could not stay and keep you company yesterday," William replied with a look that told he was thinking of Mr. Wickham.

"Mr. Wickham filled me in on your past with him..." I began.

But before I continued, Fitzwilliam interrupted, "And you believe him?"

Seeing the hurt and angry look on his face, I quickly answered, "No, no. I do not. He told me some things, and I immediately knew that all he said could not be true. But I also know that something must have happened between you two to cause his resentment." I said this almost as a question, hoping that William would tell me what happened.

It seemed as if he did because he sighed and made his way to a fallen log and sat upon it, leaving enough room for me. "What did he tell you?"

"He only told me that you denied him a living at Kympton, despite your father's wishes."

"Well, my father did wish for George to have the living at Kympton if he were to take orders." Here, William stopped a moment, took a breath, and then continued, "My father also left him with a legacy of one thousand pounds. At the death of my father, George declared his resolution of never taking orders, but instead, he wanted to study law. Believing that a thousand pounds could not be enough to support him on his study, he asked for, and was granted, three thousand pounds. For three years, I heard nothing of him, but at the end of that time, he appealed to me again. It seems he spent those three years in idleness in which he spent all his money. He came back to me again to ask for the living my father meant for him. You can hardly blame me for not giving him the living; I knew he was not meant for the clergy since a boy."

Here, he stopped. I could tell by his face that he was leaving something out, something very disturbing to him, but I did not press him. I only said, "No one could blame you, William. Mr. Wickham brought his poverty onto himself, and I doubt anything can change him."

Suddenly, William stood up and faced me. "I had better escort you back to Longbourn before it grows dark."

I nodded and stood up, but my foot caught on a root of a tree, and I tripped forward. I was saved from falling on the ground when I felt William grab my arms to keep me steady. I looked up to his face to thank him with a smile, but stopped when I met his eyes.

It was then I realized I had fallen in love with him.

Chapter Nine

Posted on Wednesday, 20 December 2000

The realization hit me so suddenly, I could not say anything for a while as we walked back to Longbourn. William did not say anything either as it had always been comfortable for us just to be in each other's company. But the silence was not to stay. Soon, I heard William speak.

"While we were out walking, Bingley and his sisters have been visiting at Longbourn."

"Really?"

"Yes, there is to be a ball next Tuesday, on the twenty-sixth."

"No doubt there are more than two people very happy at home right now," I chuckled.

"And how about you?"

"Am I happy about the ball, do you mean?" William nodded. "I am always happy for a ball. It breaks the monotony of every day life. I also love to dance," I smiled.

"Then you are lucky. At least you can enjoy a ball."

"You don't?"

"No. I prefer a small party with only close acquaintances. During a dance, you are always forced to talk about inconsequential things with a partner you barely know."

"I suppose that is true, but all you have to do is practice once in a while and soon it will come with ease," I teased.

"Thank you very much for the advice, but I think I would much rather prefer to stalk around the crowd, intimidating everyone who comes near me into thinking I am the proudest of all men," he chuckled.

"You already established that! So why don't you turn around completely and be the friendliest of all gentleman?"

"That would require me to change overnight, and I doubt I can do that."

"True. I will just have to check up on you periodically to make sure you are not making too bad of an impression."

William laughed, "Please do. Maybe it will keep Miss Bingley away from me."

"She probably will anyway. She has founded a new gentleman to chase in my brother."

"Poor man."

"That didn't sound too sympathetic to me!"

"That is because it isn't. I think it's time that somebody else has a feel of misery!"

We both laughed and then quietly walked back to Longbourn.

That night I could not sleep. For an hour I tossed and turned until, finally, I got out of bed, grabbed a shawl, and went to sit in my window seat. Situating myself in a comfortable position, I gazed out the window at the expansive sky and all the stars. Overcome with a childish urge, I found the brightest star and did something I had not done since before my parents' deaths.

"Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight." Closing my eyes, I wished for love. Love for Jane and Mr. Bingley and love for Andy and Charlotte.

But most of all, I wished that William would return my love.

I had no reason to suppose he would; since being reunited with him, I hadn't been given any indication that he thought me more than a younger sister. I wished I could change that, but years of fraternal camaraderie and care could hardly be suddenly transformed into romantic love.

But did I really love him? I had only really "known" him as an adult for a couple of days. Yet I had a feeling I really did; after all, my father fell in love with my mother at first sight, and their love lasted until their deaths.

My thoughts turned to the upcoming ball. I was excited at the prospect of one; most of the balls we had were assemblies in Meryton or spontaneous dances at a party. I wondered if William would keep his "promise" and not ask me to dance. I hoped he would not. I wondered what it would be like to dance with him so many years after our parents made us dance together to learn the basic steps.

With all these thoughts going through my head, I eventually fell asleep there with the stars watching over me.

"My lady," I heard somebody whisper.

"Mmm."

"My lady." A pause. "My lady, you should get up. It is almost breakfast time and you've been sleeping here all night."

"Hmm?" I slowly opened my eyes and realized that the sun was shining on my face. Next came the realization that my head was resting against the cool window and my back hurt from sleeping in an awkward position all night.

Next, I turned my gaze to the maid. "Oh! Sarah! What must you think of me?" Quickly, I got to my feet and stretched. "Is the bath water ready?"

"Yes, ma'am. Everything is ready for you to wash up."

I quickly took a bath and got dressed. I was able to make it down to breakfast just a minute or two late. When I entered, I was greeted by the sight of Mr. Collins standing up only to bow so low his face almost went into a plate of bacon and sausage.

I made eye contact with Andy after observing this and it caused me to almost erupt in giggles, but I held back and calmly made my way to my seat. I had hardly sat down when Lydia addressed me.

"Lizzy, you aren't planning on hogging Wickham all night at the dance like the other night, are you?"

"Good heavens, no! You can have him all night if you would like."

"My fair cousin could not," Mr. Collins interrupted. "For she has promised the first two dances to me."

"Yes, but those are only the first two dances," Lydia pouted.

All of a sudden, my aunt snapped, "Why would Lizzy want Mr. Wickham, anyway, when she's been chasing after Mr. Darcy?"

"Aunt! -" Andy and I started to protest.

"Mama!" Jane exclaimed.

"Mrs. Bennet!" My uncle's voice rose above all of ours. "If I hear another word out of your mouth like that again, I will take it upon myself to die suddenly!"

If my uncle wasn't truly mad, I would have laughed at his comment. But I could see he was upset with his wife over all the comments she had been making over my apparent chase of Mr. Darcy.

After my uncle's censure, the dining room settled into silence that was eventually broken by Mr. Collins.

"Did I hear you say Mr. Darcy?"

"Yes, Mr. Collins," I muttered.

"The esteemed nephew of Lady Catherine DeBourgh?"

"Yes, Mr. Collins."

"He is in Hertfordshire?"

"Yes, Mr. Collins," I replied, but then muttered under my breath, "Why else would we be talking about him?" I tried to be polite. I really did. But there was something about him that tried my patience.

"Well, it sounds like you are quite familiar with him, my lady."

"Yes, I grew up with him, Mr. Collins," I said through my teeth.

Mr. Collins looked pleased at this. "Perhaps, if I may not be too bold to ask, you could introduce me to him."

"Perhaps." Not bloody likely. I would not put that much torture on poor William.

I was thanked by him with his normal sickening smile.

Later, I was walking in the garden by myself when my brother caught up with me. For a while, he just quietly walked by my side.

"What's wrong Lizzy?"

I looked up in shock but denied that something was wrong.

"I know you, Liz. There is something wrong."

"Nothing of importance," I shrugged.

"Yes, there is something wrong," he said again, this time knowingly. "You've been like this ever since you came back from your walk with Darcy."

I shrugged and continued to walk.

"You're in love with him."

I stopped right in my tracks.

"How can you tell?"

"Like I said, I'm your twin. How could you tell that I was in love with Charlotte?"

"Because I know."

"Exactly." Andy put a comforting arm around my shoulders. "Don't worry. If he doesn't love you, you always have me to comfort you."

I laughed, "Yes, I'll always have my Andy. And if I never marry, I'll just become an old maid and teach all your children to sing and play their instruments very ill."

Laughing, we made our way back to Longbourn.

Chapter Ten

Posted on Thursday, 1 March 2001

Time passed quickly until the day of the ball arrived. Everyone, excluding my brother and uncle, was anxious all day. You could even notice some anxiety in Jane's face, although she tried hard to disguise it.

The hour to depart for the ball finally arrived, and the whole family climbed into two carriages to take us to Netherfield.

"What are you thinking about?" I asked my brother when I saw a slight smile on his face.

"Hmm?" Andy turned to look at me. "Oh! Nothing in particular."

"Charlotte?" I smiled slyly.

Andy didn't have to answer, I saw enough of his blush to know I hit it on the head. "Did you already ask her for the first two dances."

"Maybe."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"I don't know. Why don't you tell me?"

"You're being mean!"

"No I'm not!"

"Yes you are!"

"Am not!"

"Am too!"

"Hmph. So are you engaged for the first two dances?" Andy asked me.

"No, I am not."

"You can have Mr. Collins!" Lydia offered.

"My dear cousin! I will certainly dance with your cousin, but only after I have had my first two dances with you. I would never go back on a promise," Mr. Collins leered.

"How did we end up with them?" I whispered in my brother's ear.

"I don't know," he whispered back. "I guess Jane wasn't quick enough to get into this carriage."

"Hmm. And she is too nice to ask them to move."

"So are you going to dance with William tonight?" Andy teased.

"He promised never to dance with me," I said in a dejected voice.

My brother chuckled before replying, "You know he was only teasing, Lizzy. He wouldn't say anything like that to an old friend."

"William doesn't break any promises."

Andy shook his head and smiled. "Lizzy, sometimes you are too sensitive."

"Well, I didn't ask for your opinion," I pouted.

The rest of the short ride was made in silence, except for Mr. Collins occasionally ramblings that nobody paid attention to, anyway. The carriage finally arrived. Andy left the carriage first to hand me out, but he left Lydia to Mr. Collins.

"Andy, that was mean!" I scolded as we waited by the foot of the front steps for the rest of our family to leave the carriages.

My brother only shrugged before replying, "He would have wanted to hand her out anyway, and she will have fun with him, don't worry."

"How?"

"By ridiculing him in her own way. Just let her be, eventually she'll grow up."

I was saved from responding by Jane walking up to us with a smile on her face. Together, the three of us climbed the steps and entered the receiving line. The Bingleys were how I expected them to be. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst fawned over my brother and me, Mr. Hurst seemed like he didn't care about the ball, and Mr. Bingley was enchanted with Jane.

As I walked towards the ballroom on Andy's arm I glanced back to see Mr. Bingley smiling down at Jane and my cousin blushing. I felt for sure that there was going to be a wedding between them soon.

The ballroom was already full of people. There was a small orchestra at the end of the room playing, and all the chandeliers and candles were lit, giving the room a pretty glow.

I immediately started looking for Will in the crowd, but my eyes caught site of Charlotte first. I was about to go to her, when I realized that Andy also saw her, and was already heading in her direction. Instead of following him, I decided to give them time alone. I was about to turn around to look for Jane again, when somebody reached from behind and pinched my nose.

Quickly turning around to scold whoever did it to me, I was pleased to see that it was William. I voiced my surprise at his action.

"Well, you were just standing here, doing nothing," he explained. "I had to get your attention somehow."

"There must have been a nicer way!" I teased.

"Not for you!"

I laughed, "You're just like my brother! Always being mean to me."

"You, like every other lady, are just sensitive," William grinned.

"I am not."

William only chuckled before changing the subject. "So, did Andy abandon you for Miss Lucas?"

"I'm afraid he did," I sighed. "He left me to fend for myself. That is, until you came along to entertain me."

"I'm glad I'm good for something."

"Yes, you are," I grinned just as the first dance song of the evening began. I looked over the couples, and I smiled when I saw Andy and Charlotte lined up to dance. I mentioned this to William.

"Andy's not serious about her, is he?"

I turned my head to look at William. "Yes, he is. Why?"

"Well, because he's an earl. And she doesn't come from that high of a birth."

I paused before answering. I was upset at what he said, but I knew he did not want to be too harsh. "Maybe her birth is not high," I began, "but she is one of the most sensible ladies I know and she certainly has more decorum then some ladies of high birth have."

Will nodded slowly and then sighed, "I guess that is my pride talking again. If Miss Lucas is really how you described her, then I wish Andy all the happiness in the world."

I smiled my thanks at my friend.

"Now that that's all settled," he said, while holding his arm out, "will you honor me with the next dance?"

"I thought you promised that you would never ask me to dance again," I teased.

"I lied."

"I see," I replied while taking his offered arm.

For some moments into the dance, we did not talk that much. I just observed the other couples and was amused to see Lydia stand up with Mr. Collins again. Down the line, I saw Jane and Mr. Bingley dancing, and smiled.

After absorbing the picture of the couples, I realized that William and I had not spoken a word since beginning the dance. Grinning mischievously, I began, "I believe we must have some conversation, Mr. Darcy. A very little will suffice." I observed a slight smile appear on my friend's face. "You may say something about the ball perhaps, and I could remark on the number of couples."

William grinned before replying, "Do you talk by rule then, while you are dancing?"

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

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

"Both," I replied archly, "for I have always seen a great similarity in the turn of our minds. We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to posterity with all the éclat of a proverb."

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

"I must not decide on my own performance."

At that moment, we had reached the end of the line, in which we were to stand still for a couple of bars. Sir William, on perceiving us there, came to speak a few words with William.

"I have been most highly gratified indeed, my dear Sir. Such very superior dancing is not often seen. It is evident that you belong to the first circles. Allow me to say, however, that your fair partner does not disgrace you, and that I must hope to have this pleasure often repeated, especially when a certain desirable event, my dear Lady Eliza," he glanced at my cousin and Mr. Bingley, "shall take place. What congratulations will then flow in! I appeal to Mr. Darcy: - but let me not interrupt you, Sir. You will not thank me for detaining you from the bewitching converse of that young lady, whose bright eyes are also upbraiding me."

William and I weren't too far up the dance again when I realized that we hadn't spoken since listening to Sir William.

"Will?"

"Hmm?"

"You're not saying anything!"

He turned his head to face me again. "I'm sorry," he paused, and then added, "Lovely Lady Lizzy."

I was surprised and a little embarrassed that he called me that again. "You haven't called me that since we were children."

"I know." The dance ended and he bowed and I curtsied before he continued, "I think it is the name that fits you the best."

"Do you always flirt like this with ladies?"

"No, but you are not a lady."

"But you just called me one."

"Correction, your birth calls you a lady, not your personality," William grinned.

"You big tease!"

"I know!"

I could only grin as I realized that even if he did not love me, it was good to be friends with him again.

Chapter Eleven

Posted on Sunday, 18 March 2001

Late that night, I was restlessly lying in my bed. The ball started out very well, but during dinner, my family decided to make fools of themselves. My mind began to relive the humiliation...

Dinner had just started when I was suddenly accosted by Mr. Collins.

"My dear Lady Elizabeth! I have discovered by accident exactly who Mr. Darcy, the nephew of my patroness is. I happened to overhear the gentleman himself mentioning to the young lady who does the honors of this house the names of his cousin Miss De Bourgh, and of her mother Lady Catherine. How wonderfully these sorts of things occur! I was beginning to think that the night was to pass without any opportunities for me to pay my respects to him, which I am now going to do, and trust he will excuse my not having done it before. My total ignorance of the connection must plead my apology."

"You are not going to introduce yourself to Mr. Darcy?" I asked.

"Indeed I am. I shall entreat his pardon for not having done it earlier. It will be in my power to assure him that Lady Catherine was quite well yesterday se'nnight."

I tried to talk him out of it, assuring him that Will would consider his addressing him without introduction as an impertinent freedom, rather than a compliment to his aunt, but he would hear none of it. I could only watch helplessly as Mr. Collins made his way to William.

William's surprise at being addressed in such a manner was plainly evident, but he stood there to listen to Mr. Collins's ramblings for longer than I thought was even possible. However, Will only spoke a few words at the end of Mr. Collins's speech, made a short bow, and left the heir to Longbourn standing in his place.

I could not blame William for leaving him like that. I would have tried to get away from Mr. Collins as soon as he approached me, but I still felt embarrassed.

But that was not the last of it. It was not a half an hour later when my aunt decided to speak loudly about her two precious daughters, Jane and Lydia, who were about to become the wives of the best men in England.

I was sitting next to my aunt, who was sitting next to Lady Lucas. At first, my aunt behaved but it wasn't long before she began talking in a loud voice about Mr. Bingley and Mr. Collins. And it was just my luck that William had sat down across from me when Aunt Fanny began her speech.

"Mr. Bingley is such a gentleman! And five thousand a year! I can hardly wait until Jane is settled down in Netherfield, just a mere three miles away!"

I quickly glanced at William to find him eating intently, but with a grim look on his face. It was obvious that he could hear my aunt, and did not think too highly of it.

"And Lydia will make a fine match with Mr. Collins. It will be such a relief to have her settled down with such a fine, young man, and my own future secured. At least I'll know that if Mr. Bennet were to die, I would not be kicked out of my own home."

I hid my eyes at my aunt's bluntness, and refused to look up to William. However, the sound of him clearing his throat caught my attention, and I slowly looked up. I was relieved to see him give me a small smile before standing up and leaving the table.

Those two incidents was enough humiliation for me to last a lifetime, but fate would have other plans. Even after that happened, Mary was determined to sing, exposing herself to ridicule at her weak voice. Then, my uncle decided to embarrass her by saying quite bluntly (and loudly) that she had better stop and give other ladies the chance to exhibit. As soon as Mary was out of the picture, Mr. Collins had to stand up and declare his love for music. I thought he would actually break out in song if it weren't for Mrs. Hurst getting up to perform a complex piano piece - with no need for singing.

By the end of the evening, I was glad to leave, but I did not get a chance to speak with William, so I was lying there, wondering what he thought of me. I always knew that he was critical of the Bennets, as he even expressed earlier that night, but I didn't know if he would think any less of me for how they acted that night.

Silly, I know, but people in love often think foolish things.

The next morning, I felt much better. I managed to forget my family's actions for the time being in concentration of the entertainment that was unfolding right before my eyes. Mr. Collins had managed to corner Lydia in the dining room and propose marriage to her. Lydia, obviously, had other plans.

"MAMA!!!!" could be heard around the house as Lydia came running out of the dining room to find her mother standing outside, anxiously waiting for the result of Mr. Collins's proposal. "I cannot marry him!" Lydia screeched.

"Of course you can, child! You will not find a better husband!"

"I will not marry him! He doesn't wear a red coat!"

"Oh Lydia!" my aunt yelled, "Your fancy for redcoats will wear off soon enough. Think, you will be mistress of Longbourn!"

"But I want a redcoat!" Lydia stamped her foot.

"What's all this?" my uncle asked as he stepped foot out of the library to find his wife and daughter at odds.

"Mr. Collins has made an offer to Lydia, and she won't have him."

"Lydia, you will marry Mr. Collins," Uncle Bennet commanded.

"No I won't!"

"Yes you will! That is final! Maybe being a wife will teach you to settle down." My uncle turned around to speak to Mr. Colllins. "You have my consent to marry my daughter, preferably as soon as possible." He turned around to address all of us who gathered around to watch the show, "Now, I will be in my library, not to be disturbed."

"I hate my life!" Lydia screamed before running up to her room.

"Well," I sighed, "I think she took that rather well."

The next day, Jane and I were discussing Lydia's engagement in the sitting room when Mrs. Hill entered with a note for Jane from Netherfield. At first, I expected it to be another invitation for Jane to spend the day with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, but I quickly saw that I was wrong as I watched Jane's face fall.

I moved over to sit next to her and took her hand. "Jane, what is it?"

When she spoke, Jane's voice was weak. "Miss Bingley writes that by now, she and her family have left for Netherfield for London." She swallowed. "Without any intention of ever returning."

"What? It cannot be true."

"It is, Lizzy," Jane whispered handing me the letter. "Read it for yourself."

I did, and I did not trust it all. It seemed as if Miss Bingley was trying to keep her brother in London, all the while telling Jane that he would have never returned to Netherfield anyway. There was also another part that bothered me. She inferred that an engagement between Mr. Bingley and Georgiana Darcy would be ventured upon in the near future.

When I was done reading, I looked up to see Jane staring at me pleadingly. "What think you of this, my dear Lizzy? 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?"

"Most willingly."

"You shall have it in a few words. Miss Bingley sees that her brother is in love with you, and wants him to marry Georgiana. She follows him to town in the hope of keeping him there, and tries to persuade you that he does not care about you."

Jane only shook her head.

"Indeed, Jane, you ought to believe me. No one who has ever seen you together, can doubt his affection. Do not doubt me. If Mr. Bingley is not back by your side in another fortnight, I will be very much surprised."

"Do you really believe that Lizzy?" Jane asked hopefully.

"I do."

But as Jane stood and left the room, I could only wish that I knew for certain that Mr. Bingley's love could overcome his sister's will.

Chapter Twelve

Posted on : Saturday, 2 June 2001

The days slowly passed away without any word from the Bingleys. Finally, a letter came from Miss Bingley for Jane telling my cousin that it was now quite certain the Bingleys would remain in town.

I did not know how to comfort Jane. I was so sure that Mr. Bingley would return to her, but it was obvious that I was mistaken. Furthermore, I did not want to deal with the guilt that was building up inside of me for producing hope in her. There was nothing I hate more than having hopes crash to the floor, which is what I thought I caused Jane's hopes to do.

Jane would try to hide her disappointment, but I knew that she was not showing her true feelings. One day, seeing her serenely work on her embroidery, I finally had to say something.

"Jane, I know you have not been yourself since Mr. Bingley left. Please don't hold it inside," I pleaded. "It cannot feel good when you don't tell anyone."

Jane got up and walked to sit next to me and take my hand. "Oh, Lizzy. Do not worry for me. I am perfectly all right. I just..." Jane began.

"You just what?"

"I just found Mr. Bingley to be the most amiable man of my acquaintance, and I thought that he thought likewise about me."

"He thought you an amiable man?" I teased, trying to lighten up the mood.

"Lizzy," Jane admonished, "you know that is not what I meant."

I immediately sobered and straightened my slight smile. "I know, Jane. I just do not like to see you so down. I feel as if it is my fault, that I had no right to get your hopes up."

"Oh Lizzy, you misunderstood Mr. Bingley, as it is clear that I have."

I did not believe that, however. I was positive that the Bingley sisters had something to do with Mr. Bingley's staying in London.

Christmas season passed by, along with Lydia's wedding (she was whining right up until she walked down the aisle), and my hopes that Mr. Bingley would ever return to Jane. Instead, I was going to make Jane go to Mr. Bingley. I persuaded my cousin to go with the Gardiners back to London, hoping that she would at least run into him or his sisters while there.

During this time, I also began to wonder why William did not even write to myself or Andy. I didn't think him as fickle as that to stop correspondence to us while he was in town.

Every day, I would ask Andy if he received a letter, but he would always respond, "No, Lizzy. He's probably busy with business in town."

On top of it all, I had to see Mr. Wickham at least a couple times a week, and every time I saw him, I would think of William.

I needed to get away.

A few days after the New Year, when Jane was already gone, my uncle called me into his library.

"How would you like to visit your cousin, Mrs. Collins?" he asked.

"Will Mr. Collins be there?" I asked, scrunching up my face.

My uncle laughed but answered, "Yes. However, I believe the visit will you do you good. You look as if you need a break. From what, I do not know, but I won't press you into answering me. And wouldn't you like to see the right honorable Lady Catherine de Bourgh?"

I chuckled, "That, I can do without. However, I rather would like to see Kent. But how come you don't let Kitty or Mary go?"

"I'm afraid Kitty would get herself into trouble with Lydia. Kitty has been improving, I dare say, without her younger sister's influence, and I'm afraid seeing her would undo the improvements of these past few weeks. And Mary just does not want to be bothered to travel. Perhaps, you can teach Lydia a little decorum if Lady Catherine hasn't done so already."

I sighed, "I still don't know. I'll only have Lydia and Mr. Collins to keep me company while in Kent."

"I'll tell you what," my uncle suggested, "why don't I let Andy go with you? I may be stuck in Longbourn with people of no sense, but if it makes you happy, I can spare you and your brother. Besides, maybe you'll tire quickly of your cousin and come home soon."

My face lit up at the thought of having my brother for company. "Thank you, Uncle Bennet. I greatly appreciate this."

"Well, my dear, I believe you also deserve some time away from your aunt once in a while. Hopefully then, you won't go insane before it's time for your twenty-first birthday."

I laughed, "I think Andy and I could survive until then."

"Yes, good. Good. Now go prepare for your trip before I change my mind."

A week later, Andy and I found ourselves in Kent. More specifically, Hunsford Parsonage. Lydia did not seem as if she had changed at all. The first words out of her mouth were about balls and parties, and possible future husbands for myself. Unfortunately, Mr. Collins did not change either. When he gave Andy and me the tour of the parsonage, he went on and on about how Lady Catherine had such a grand house, such a grand this, and such a grand that. When the tour was over, I breathed a sigh of relief as I made my way to my room to rest.

However, the rest was not to last. It wasn't a half hour after I lay down that Mr. Collins came yelling up the stairs.

"Lady Elizabeth! Lord Wesley! Come out here at once, please!"

Grudgingly, I opened the door to see Mr. Collins panting on top of the stairs. A moment later, my brother came out of his room. "Whatever is the matter, Collins?"

"Lady (pant) Catherine has (pant) invited us (pant) to dinner tonight (pant). We must leave here (pant) in a half hour."

"Thank you Mr. Collins, for informing us," I answered, "but don't you think that it was a little rude of her to ask us to dinner when we had just arrived?"

"Rude? Of Lady Catherine?" I thought Mr. Collins was going to faint at the thought of Lady Catherine being rude. Indeed, I though Mr. Collins thought she could never be so. "Indeed she is not!"

"Never mind, Mr. Collins. I did not mean it," I tried desperately to quiet him before he ran off with his tongue. "We will be down in twenty minutes."

"Thank you, my Lord, my Lady."

As soon as Mr. Collins made his way downstairs, I only rolled my eyes at Andy before stalking into my room.

It was going to be a long vacation.

True to my word, Andy and I were downstairs and ready to go in twenty minutes. However, we were kept waiting because of Lydia. No matter how many times he called his wife, Mr. Collins could not get Lydia out of her room.

"My dear Mrs. Collins!" he called, "We are already late! Now please come down!"

"No!" I heard from upstairs. "I can't find my rouge, and I look dreadfully pale without it!"

"You know Lady Catherine disapproves of that face paint! I forbid you to wear it at anyway!"

"You forbid me?" Finally, the voice was coming nearer, along with the thud of Lydia's footsteps. "Ha! You cannot forbid me to do anything! I don't care what you say!"

Watching this scene, I muttered to Andy, "Looks like marriage did not change her one bit. In fact, I think it made her more stubborn."

Andy smiled wickedly and answered, "Yes, she hasn't changed yet, but I doubt one year with Mr. Collins won't change her, whether it be turning her insane, or making her grow up."

I chuckled and then turned my attention back to my cousin and her husband. "My pet, we cannot argue about this now, we must go! Lady Catherine must be seriously displeased as it is!"

"No! I won't go!" Lydia stamped her foot.

"Yes you will!"

"No I won't!"

"Yes you will!"

I will not bore my readers with the rest of this conversation. All you need to know is that this went on for about another five minutes before Mr. Collins finally had his way and we set off on the lane to Rosings. Lydia pouted the whole way, while Mr. Collins pointed out useless landmarks to Andy and me, while neither my brother nor I paid much attention.

I had to admit Kent was a beautiful county. The lane to Rosings was marked with wildflowers and old, gorgeous trees. I had no doubt that my stay with Mr. and Mrs. Collins would be enjoyable as long as I could spend as much time outdoors as possible.

When Rosings came into sight, I gasped. It was a very beautiful building, built in the same time as Windemere, which made me remember my childhood home with melancholy. The surroundings were beautiful, too, except perhaps a little too severely cared for, for my tastes. I preferred more of the natural wilderness found in Longbourn or Windemere.

We were brought to the drawing room and introduced. My eyes immediately caught Lady Catherine, who looked like she hadn't changed a bit, except maybe a little older in years. She was sitting in the midst of a throne-like chair, appearing as if she was a reigning queen.

"Lord Wesley, Lady Elizabeth!" she greeted with a smile before turning to Mr. Collins and Lydia, greeting them with a condescending nod. After she invited us all to sit down, she turned back to my brother and me, and said, "I remember when you were young children. I am sorry to hear about your mother and father, such lovely and genteel people they were."

I had to hold back a Lydia-like snort. Obviously she never knew my mother's family was in trade, or else she would not say that.

"Such a shame they had to die so young, and that you had to be brought up in a poor family." Lady Catherine sighed in resignation. "At least the Bennets are genteel folk..." At this, Lydia snorted, and Lady Catherine glared at her before continuing, "... no matter how poor they are. You can see it in your clothing..."

I interrupted her, "But Lady Catherine, it is because we live near Meryton; there are no dressmakers like in London..."

"Yes, yes. It does not matter. You are here, now, and now I can make sure you get the care and service you deserve."

Oh dear. I gave Andy a look of horror.

It was going to be a long night.

Chapter Thirteen

Posted on Wednesday, 6 June 2001

The next day, I was walking on a particular beautiful path when I came across a lady I did not know. When she saw me, she froze in her spot, terrified and asked, "You won't tell my mother, will you?"

I didn't know what to say. Here was a woman who I have never seen before asking me if I won't tell her mother something. "Umm. I don't have the pleasure to know what you speak of."

"You're Lady Elizabeth, right? And you're staying with the Collins's over at Hunsford Parsonage?"

"Yes, but...?"

"I am Anne DeBourgh."

"Oh, Miss DeBourgh, forgive me. I did not recognize you from when we were children."

"Oh, do not worry about it. But, I must ask again, you won't tell Mother, will you?"

"Tell Lady Catherine what?" I asked, perplexed.

"That I'm out walking!"

"Why would she be upset? Because you are unescorted?"

Miss DeBourgh sighed and walked closer. "No, because she thinks the outside cannot be good for me."

"Why ever not?" I was surprised. My parents always persuaded me to spend as much time outside as possible, even if it was with boys.

"She feels that I am sickly."

"And obviously you are not."

"Exactly. Mrs. Jennings knows I am not, but my mother insists I am."

"Mrs. Jennings?"

"My caretaker. She's wonderful! She knows I am not sick and never gives me anything my mother tells her to. She's the one who helps me sneak out of the house."

"Oh I see." We both started walking in the direction I was originally going. "Forgive my impertinence, Miss DeBourgh..."

"Oh! Please call me Anne!"

"Very well, Anne, and you must call me Elizabeth, or Lizzy."

"Good," she smiled.

"But why weren't you at dinner last night?"

"Oh, I really was sick last night. I fear I caught a trifle of a cold, but a night's rest cured me."

"That is good to hear," I smiled.

"I hear that your brother is with you, too."

"Yes, he is. My uncle decided we needed a slight vacation from my aunt, so he offered to send us here to visit Lydia."

"Is your aunt so very bad?"

"Well..." I began. "Her intentions are good, I suppose, but her nerves always seem to be acting up. Lately, she has been taking out her nervous attacks on me because she seems to think I was trying to steal Mr. Darcy away from her daughters."

"Fitz wrote me from Hertfordshire, saying he found you and Lord Wesley there. How exciting! To be lost from each other for so long and then to meet up so unexpectedly!" Anne had a dreamy smile on her face.

"A romantic, I see."

"Oh yes, I love fairy tale endings too." She paused and then began, "Fitz and Richard are coming in a couple of days, you know."

My heart fluttered at the thought of William coming, but I stopped to ask, "Richard?"

"Oh, Richard Fitzwilliam. He's a colonel now."

"He was the second son, if I remember correctly."

"You do, and has grown up to be the most handsome of men," Anne sighed.

I laughed, "And how long have you been in love with him?"

She stopped in her tracks. "In love with Richard? I think you're mistaken, Lizzy. I just think he's handsome."

I chuckled, "Yes, and that is why you said he was so handsome with a sigh?"

"Well, how can I help it? There are no handsome men around here. They're all old... Or too much like Mr. Collins!"

I burst out laughing at her scrunched up face. "I think, Anne, I'm going to enjoy having you as a friend."

Anne smiled and linked her arm with mine, "Good! I think I'll enjoy being your friend also!"

With that, Anne walked with me back to the parsonage where we said our good-byes.

As soon as Anne left me, I ran inside the parsonage to find my brother. I found him in a sitting room, reading a book.

"Andy! You'll never guess who I just met!"

"The devil?" He asked sarcastically.

"No, silly! Anne DeBourgh!"

"Really. And is she really as sickly as Mr. Collins makes her out to be?"

"No. I ran into her while walking in the woods. She was all alone," I laughed, "She was afraid I would tell on her to her mother." Andy raised an eyebrow at me. "And you'll never guess what else she told me."

"Hmm. I don't know. That she's secretly married to one of Lady Catherine's footmen?"

I pouted, "Well, if you're just going to be sarcastic, I'll just leave you to yourself." I began to get up out of my chair, but Andy reached out and grabbed my arm.

"No, don't go, Elizabeth. I'm sorry, I just had a trying day with Mr. Collins."

I made a snort-like sound. "Really. Like that's hard to believe."

"No kidding. So what is it that you were so anxious to tell me?"

"William and his cousin, Richard Fitzwilliam ... You remember him, don't you? Well, anyway, they are coming in a few days. Now we finally get to ask William why he didn't write."

"William and Richard are coming? Finally! Some relief from this tedious company here."

"I know!" I sighed and collapsed in the chair. "I don't know how much more of Mr. And Mrs. Collins and Lady Catherine I could take without some relief!"

The next day, I took Andy on my walk with me, in hopes that he could meet Anne. I knew he would like her as much as I did, and I also knew that Anne would be as good relief as any for the time being, even for Andy.

"So this is where you go off to everyday."

"Yes, isn't it beautiful?"

"It is, but I'm afraid I prefer Derbyshire over everything else." I detected a hint of sadness in Andy's voice and I laid my hand upon his arm.

"Oh, Andy, I miss Windemere too." I sighed. "But, we will be back there soon; we turn one and twenty in about two months."

"But that is just the thing," Andy threw his hands up in frustration. "I'm afraid I won't be a good master of an estate. How do I know how to run one?"

"Andy!" I scoffed, "You have been helping Uncle Bennet run Longbourn since you were sixteen, I hardly doubt you don't know how to run an estate."

"Longbourn isn't as big as Windemere," Andy objected.

"Well, William will help you, I'm sure, as long as you're not too proud to ask for help."

Andy was about to answer when we were interrupted by huffing and puffing.

"Lord Wesley! (puff) Lady Elizabeth! (puff) You must come to the (puff) parsonage at once! (puff)" Mr. Collins yelled. "Mr. Darcy (puff) and Colonel Fitz(puff)william have arrived!"

I smiled, "We'll be along in a few moments, Mr. Collins. Tell them we'll be right there."

"Hurry, my lady, hurry," my cousin's husband only got out before running back to the parsonage.

"Well, Lizzy," Andy said, "Looks like you will meet your Will again at last."

Chapter Fourteen

Posted on Thursday, 21 June 2001

When at last I entered the room where William and Colonel Fitzwilliam were visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Collins, my eyes were instantly drawn to my old friend. When I caught sight of him quietly listening to Mr. Collins's ramblings, I smiled, although it was a few moments before Will realized that Andy and I were in the room. When he did, he grinned at me before standing up to greet us.

"Wesley!" He exclaimed while slapping my brother on the back. (My brother and Will turned from calling each other by their first names to their surnames like gentlemen friends tend to do.) "And Lady Elizabeth," William laughed while kissing my hand playfully.

"Why, Mr. Darcy, aren't you in a cheerful mood this morning," I teased.

"Yes, indeed," he answered, "It must be the beautiful weather." He then stepped closer and to the side so that the other guests couldn't hear what he was saying, "Actually, it is because I'm happy to see some intelligent people enter this room. Mr. Collins never gets tired of talking about my aunt's house."

I chuckled, but tried to hide it by coughing as we were drawing the attention of Lydia and her insipid husband. To ease my "coughing fit" Andy stepped up behind me and "brotherly" slapped me on the back, hard, to try to help me stop. When I glared at him, he only whispered, "Well, that is what you get for whispering with a grown gentleman in front of company."

If we had been alone, I would've hit him in the stomach, but as it was, I could not, so I only gave him another glare.

"Wesley, Lady Elizabeth," Will's voice started me, "do you remember Richard Fitzwilliam, now a colonel."

"Indeed we do, Darcy," my brother answered for both of us before turning to Colonel Fitzwilliam to extend his hand. "How have you been, Colonel?"

"Wonderful, and yourself, Lord Wesley?"

"As well as I could."

Colonel Fitzwilliam then turned his attentions to myself. Kissing my hand he said, "My, how lovely you have grown, Lady Elizabeth."

I laughed, "Same to you, too."

As the colonel chuckled, I observed him. He certainly was handsome with sandy blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes. I could immediately tell that he was just as pleasant as he was as a child; indeed I knew I would like him.

"I have heard a great deal about you, Lady Elizabeth."

"Oh really?" I raised my eyebrow and glanced to where my brother sat talking to William before turning my attention back to the colonel. "And were they good things or bad things, Colonel Fitzwilliam?"

"Nothing but the best," he smiled. "Indeed, Darcy was very excited that he saw you and your brother again. It was like he was a little boy again."

I chuckled, "Somehow I can imagine that."

"Well, you should. You and your brother probably knew him better than myself and all Darcy's cousins." I blushed, and he continued, "I also hear that you continue to play the pianoforte."

"I do, but very ill indeed."

"I would like to hear you while you're at Rosings," the colonel smiled.

"If I get a chance, I will play, but I'm sure William grossly exaggerated my ability."

"I'm sure he hasn't."

I took the opportunity of the lull in the conversation to glance back at William again. When I saw him, I frowned. He was almost glaring at Colonel Fitzwilliam and I. I gave him a questioning look, and his face immediately softened, but he still seemed angry.

I turned back to his cousin, "Do you know what is bothering William?"

He laughed, "Probably jealous that I get to spend time with you."

I burst out laughing, probably too loudly, "Jealous? Why would he be jealous? I'm just like his little sister."

"Well, because you are a lively, charming lady!"

"Colonel, you flatter me!"

"Indeed, I do not!" He answered, pretending to be offended.

I only smiled and shook my head. No doubt, with both William and Colonel Fitzwilliam at Rosings, my visit there wouldn't be as boring as I thought it would be.

That evening, we ate at Rosings. After dinner, I made a better introduction between Anne and my brother. Together, we had a lively conversation while Colonel Fitzwilliam (poor man) entertained Lydia, and William suffered through a conversation with his aunt and Mr. Collins.

After about a half hour, the colonel managed to extricate himself from my cousin and join my conversation. When I saw to it that the colonel and Anne were chatting more, I leaned in to whisper to my brother, "Come on, let's go talk to William."

"We can't just leave Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne!" He whispered back.

"Yes we can!"

"No we can't!"

"Yes. We. Can." I gave him a significant look, and then gestured towards the couple who were by then, in the midst of a conversation that involved only themselves.

A light of recognition passed through Andy's eyes and he quietly got up to go to William. I followed him, and we managed to seat ourselves in a way that William could turn around and leave the conversation he was listening in on between Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins without leaving his chair.

"Look at them, William," I said when he had turned around. "Don't they make quite a pair?"

"Anne and Richard?" He asked in surprised. "I don't know, I never really even thought of it."

"Well, I have, and I have decided they will marry," I answered proudly.

William and Andy just stared at me with their mouths open.

"Lizzy," my brother warned, "leave it to them. It was one thing of leaving them alone now, but don't try any matchmaking schemes."

"Relax! I'm just giving them a little shove."

"Lizzy..." My brother began.

"No more shoves!" Will finished.

"Fine," I pouted.

The three of us had just managed to find a safe topic of conversation when Lady Catherine interrupted, "Lady Elizabeth, if I remember correctly, you used to play the pianoforte."

"That is correct, Lady Catherine."

"Why don't you play us something now? I would dearly like to see how you got on with your lessons."

"I can assure you, ma'am, that I am not at all accomplished in that instrument."

"I'm sure you are being modest, my child." My child??? "Go on," Lady Catherine motioned towards the piano. "Play!"

"As you wish, Lady Catherine. However, I will need a page turner."

"I'll do it!" Colonel Fitzwilliam jumped and volunteered.

What? He's not supposed to do that! He's supposed to stay with Anne! "No, Colonel Fitzwilliam, I'm sure Andy will turn the pages for me."

"I don't see why," Andy smirked up from where he was still sitting, "after all, Colonel Fitzwilliam did volunteer."

I glared at my brother before turning back to the colonel with a smile, "Well, if you would like to help me, it would be most welcome."

When I sat down at the instrument, I asked my companion, "And what would you like me to play for you?"

"Anything at all, but I love Mozart."

"Then Mozart it is," I smiled.

I knew my performance wasn't my greatest, but yet Lady Catherine led the group in applause. I couldn't get over how generous she was to my brother and I, yet so condescending to my cousin and her husband.

"Lady Elizabeth, I must say you were overly modest before when talking of your abilities."

"Colonel Fitzwilliam, you must have seen how I fudged and slurred over the difficult passages. That definitely was not a stellar performance."

"Nonsense! And I have never seen anyone play with so much emotion before... Except maybe Darcy and his sister."

At the mention of William, I looked over at my old friend who was glaring at us again. I couldn't imagine what I did wrong; it wasn't like I was pushing the colonel and Anne together again. When our eyes met, he got up and walked to the instrument.

"I trust Lady Elizabeth is keeping you sufficiently entertained Fitzwilliam." The statement sounded lighthearted, but I could see the gravity in his face.

"Of course, Darcy," Fitzwilliam chuckled. "She really is a jewel, is she not?"

"Yes she is," William answered, looking at me intently. Unable to hold his gaze, I blushed and looked down at my lap. "Lady Elizabeth, if it would be no trouble, would you take a turn with me in the garden?"

I looked up, surprised at his request, "Why of course, Mr. Darcy."

Silently, I took his offered arm, wondering what he wanted to talk about. Well, I'm about to find out.

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