Friends and lovers

When Darcy entered the bookshop that late August morning he stopped abruptly, staring at the young man standing a few feet from him. For a moment, he doubted his senses. Though they corresponded regularly, he hadn't seen Guy Waltham in an age. He waited patiently for his old friend to sense his presence.

When Waltham finally closed the book he's been perusing and looked up and saw Darcy standing there his surprise and delight matched Darcy's. "Good grief," he cried, "how long has it been?"

"Not since the ball at Matlock" replied Darcy, vigorously shaking Waltham's hand. At least a year. How are you? I'm still waiting for a reply to my last letter. I began to think you'd stepped off the earth."

Waltham laughed, "Old friend, there have been times in the past year when I rather hoped I could step off the earth. I thought Cambridge was rough. Learning to run an estate without going bankrupt presents an entirely different set of problems."

"It might have been easier if you'd started learning sooner," Darcy said, with a smile.

"No doubt, but not nearly so much fun."

The two old friends grinned knowingly at each other easily falling into the old comradery of their school days. Together they left the shop and headed for a near-by coffeehouse.

Moments later they were seated comfortably at a table still eying each other with affection. They'd been introduced three years earlier by Darcy's cousin Richard Fitzwilliam who had roomed with Waltham for three years. When Richard graduated he naturally recommended Darcy as his replacement for Waltham's final year. Darcy had never been to a formal school; his education had been solely with master tutors, the finest England could provide. Darcy proved to be a most diligent student wanting to please his father as well as himself.

The experience had mixed results. He had become one of the smartest and cleverest young men in England. Unfortunately, being deprived of the company of other young men had left Darcy with few social skills. He knew all the rules that society demanded of a polite young man and applied them assiduously but with little heart. He realized that his demeanor appeared cold and aloof but could do nothing about it. At the age of eighteen he had become painfully shy and introverted, and with the exception of his cousin Richard had no close friends. All that changed when he met the man sitting across the table from him.

"So, Waltham, I'm here in London picking up supplies to send up to Cambridge. What's your excuse? The season is long over."

"That's a long story and I'll get to it in a minute. But first, tell me how you are, Darce. You certainly look great and I swear you've grown another foot in the last year."

Darcy laughed, "I think I've finally stopped growing; at least my tailor hasn't had to let the sleeves out lately."

Darcy ordered a torte and coffee and watched with amusement as Waltham struggled with a menu which contained a large and varied assortments of rich desserts. Finally, Waltham chose coffee and a tart with extra creamthen turned his attention to his companion.

"So, Darce", Guy said, "You'll be starting your final year in a couple of weeks. Looking forward to it?"

"In some ways."

"Oh dear. Melancholia setting in so soon? Most students don't become depressed until final exams are over. You start before class has even begun."

Darcy laughed at his friend's exaggeration. "I am not depressed, Waltham. Far from it. And don't tell me you didn't feel some nostalgia during your last year."

"I still miss the old place, admitted Waltham. "Still go to the QR on Fridays?"

"Does the sun still rise in the east?"

Waltham sighed. "We did have fun, didn't we? Strange, but as the years go by the more I remember the good times and forget the bad times when we struggled to cram all that information into our thick skulls. Sometimes I think it was all a waste of time. None of my tenants are philosophers; and if any of them speak Latin or Classical Greek I haven't heard it."

Darcy smiled. "But you are an educated Englishman, a gentleman, our country's future."

Waltham rolled his eyes, "speaking of gentlemen and our country's future, how fares Wickham? According to Richard, George Wickham has grown to be as morally reprehensible as any blackguard in England.

Darcy shrugged, "Wickham no longer concerns me. He won't be sharing my rooms this year."

"Good Grief, Darce! You finally kicked him out?"

With a wry smile Darcy shook his head. "No, as a matter of fact it was all his brilliant idea. During last week's ceremony of breaking bread together he announced to my father and me that he had engaged other lodgings for the coming year. How he plans to pay for this added expense is anyone's guess. During the two years I endured his company he never paid me a penny. And as you know, though father has paid his tuition, his allowance comes from his own father, our steward. I know for a fact that this allowance has never been sufficient. He's into me for nearly two hundred pounds, and of course, I look upon these debts as lost money."

"So, Darce, what did you say once you picked yourself off the floor?"

"I maintained my demeanor of cool indifference and boredom."

"Not even an Irish jig around the dining room table?"

Darcy suppressed a smile. "You know how I dislike the amusement."

Waltham shook his head in amazement. "Surely you showed some reaction at this defection by your father's favorite. Perhaps the famous and feared glare of disapproval? A supercilious raise of the brow?"

"What I did, Waltham," Darcy replied, "was to wait for my father to offer Wickham the money to pay for his lodging. But it never came. Moments later my father stood up and wished us good evening then went to his library." What Darcy didn't say was that lately, this practice had become the norm; but it was the first time he'd left the table while still entertaining a guest.

"What was Wickham's reaction?"

"He was shocked and for a moment I thought he would follow him. But he changed his mind. If he hadn't, I would have stopped him and I think he knew it. I was eying him with the famous and feared Darcy glare."

Waltham laughed and signaled for more coffee. "so, you're without a roommate. Is that right?"

Darcy studied his friend for a moment. "And I plan to keep it that way," he said.

"Well," Waltham responded, "I can see that my appeal to your better nature would fall on deaf ears"

Darcy groaned, "Out with it, Waltham!

"I need a favor, Darce. Or to be more precise, my father needs a favor."

"I'm listening."

"Well, Waltham began, "several years ago my father became acquainted with a tradesman in Shrewsbury. He thought so highly of his business acumen that he made a small investment in the man's business and made a handsome profit. The man's name was Harold Bingley."

"Was?"

"He died last year. Just dropped dead over his Christmas pudding."

"Good grief!"

Waltham shrugged, "It happens.

"How did your father take it?"

"Well, of course he was shocked. But Darcy, don't misunderstand...they were never close personal friends. They lunched together two or three times a year when father ventured into Shrewsbury. Father admired the man for his strong work principles and he found him to be an affable luncheon companion. And, on several occasions he met Mr. Bingley's son Charles."

Here, Waltham stopped his recital and simply looked at Darcy.

Darcy looked back in silence. There was little that Darcy would not do for GuyWaltham. He'd treated Darcy so kindly during his first year away from home; he'd got him through admission's week, showed him the best shops and cafes, advised him of the best clubs to join and introduced him to his friends. As the first weeks passed Darcy's confidence began to grow and he soon realized that he was actually enjoying the experience. He knew that he owed a debt of gratitude he could never repay. Or maybe not. He suspected that it was payback time.

Darcy sighed. "So tell me about Charles Bingley."

Waltham appeared to choose his words carefully. At last he said, "I've only met him twice. The first time he was about fifteen years of age and I was a grown-up one and twenty attending Cambridge. We had little to say to each other. I do remember him as a pleasant sort, his manners above reproach. The second time was at his father's funeral and we had even less to say to each other. After the internment I made myself scarce while father and young Bingley spoke for about twenty minutes. When I returned father was just shaking Bingley's hand and wishing him well. We were invited back to the Bingley home to partake of refreshments and to meet his two elder sisters but father refused , citing the long ride ahead of us."

Waltham took a last sip of coffee then pushed the cup away and leaned back in his chair. "On the ride back to our estate father gave me a few more facts. It seems that before his untimely death Mr. Bingley sold his business and had made a fortune. In the weeks before his death he had looked at several estates with the intention of purchasing one. Upon his death his two daughters were each left a dowry of twenty thousand pounds and his son a clear five thousand pounds a year. It was also his fervent wish that Charles would be the first in his family to attend and graduate from Cambridge.

Darcy was impressed. "He must have been quite a man."

"My father thought so."

"What about the mother?"

"Carriage accident years ago."

"So how did my name come up?"

Waltham shrugged, "It didn't," he said. "A couple of months ago father received a letter from Bingley announcing that he had been admitted to King's College and asked if he could recommend lodgings he might apply to. Father then applied to me for help. You and Joshua Smith are the only ones I know who are still at school so I came to London hoping you were in town, but I honestly thought you were probably still in Derbyshire. I planned to ride up to Cambridge in the morning and see if I could catch Joshua. You can imagine how startled I was to look up and see you standing there. And then to hear you say that you had some rooms to rent...spooky!"

"For someone you don't know, you're going to a lot of trouble," Darcy said.

"I'm doing it mostly for my father. But truth be told, I feel sorry for the kid. He was so damned brave during the burial of his father. His face was chalk white and he was shaking with the cold and the shock of what was taking place but he held himself upright and behaved with great dignity. He's barely eighteen, has lost both his parents and he's determined to honor the memory of his father by graduating from Cambridge and then purchasing an estate. I admire him, Darcy, and it seems a small thing to do for him. Besides," he added with a grin, "it gave me an excuse to leave my duties for a week."

Darcy remembered the internment in the Pemberley mausoleum of his mother. Her death was not unexpected but when it happened he was in a state of disbelief for weeks. His father still mourned her and in recent months it had gotten worse.

Darcy reached into his vest pocket and removed a card. On the back of it he printed out his address at Cambridge. He pushed the card across the table. "Tell him to arrive on the thirteenth of next month. That will give him nine days to get squared away. And the next time I see you I'll duck into the nearest doorway til you pass."

Waltham threw back his head and laughed hardily.

The sound was so infectious that Darcy joined him with a more subdued laughter. Guy Waltham was the best of men and Darcy felt privileged to count him as a friend.

Fitzwilliam Darcy stepped down from the coach and spared a moment to gaze up at the old building. His eyes focused on the second floor where the windows were opened wide, cleansing the air that had been imprisoned for the past two months. This was where he would spend the next ten months and he planned to make the most of his final year at Cambridge. He was determined to savor every last moment of his last year of formal study.

He raised his arms high above his head and stretched and twisted his tall lithe body then reached back into the coach and retrieved a small valise and a book which had kept him company on the ride from London. With a final instruction to his driver he waved him off and entered the building.

He greeted the old porter with a smile. “Good day, Roger, ready for another year of tomfoolery by ignorant young men?”

“Good day, Mr. Darcy. Good to see you again. And nothing escapes my eagle eye though many a lad has tried to outwit me. And on that subject Mr. Darcy I hope I didn't overstep my place when I refused Mr. Wickham's request for the keys to your room.”

Darcy frowned. “When was this?”

“Last night shortly before I went off duty. Fortunately I received your letter saying that Mr. Wickham would no longer be sharing your rooms.”

“Did he say what he wanted? I believe he removed all his belongings when he left in June.”

“I'm sure he did, Mr. Darcy,” the old man replied.

“I see,” Darcy replied. Indeed nothing much got past Roger's eagle eye. “Did you receive my second letter?”

“Yes sir. Mr. Bingley's valet is upstairs unpacking his master's trunks as we speak.”

“Has Mr. Bingley arrived yet?”

“Apparently there was some sort of problem which delayed Mr. Bingley's departure from London but his manservant expects him to be here before dark. He's ordered hot water to be brought to him as soon as he arrives.”

Darcy was gratified to hear that Bingley's manservant seemed to be responsible. There was every hope that Bingley would prove to be a sensible and studious young man. If not, Darcy would have Guy Waltham's head on a pike.

In any case, he could not prove to be a worse roommate than George Wickham. Was it possible that Wickham had been born evil? Or was it as his cousin Richard suggested, nothing but envy and jealousy? On more than one occasion Richard had warned Darcy that Wickham no longer thought of himself as the son of a steward; that he was beginning to act more like the son and heir of Pemberley.

At first Darcy had laughed at Richard, accusing him of being delusional, but as they entered their teens and Wickham's habits grew more undisciplined Darcy grew more wary of his old playmate. He began to notice the disdain with which he treated the servants and tenants of Pemberley. The same was true with the tradesmen of Lambton, the little village a short distance from the estate. Darcy grew uncomfortable and embarrassed to be in his company but knew not what to do about it. He censured Wickham but to no avail. He brought the subject up with his father but the master of Pemberley just laughed and called it “high spirits”.

The summer of their fifteenth year Darcy was given more responsibility in the running of their estate and so it seemed natural that he and Wickham no longer kept close company. Wickham was still invited to dinner regularly where he continued to ingratiate himself to Darcy's father. The sounds of their laughter began to grate on Darcy's ears. When their interaction became too unbearable Darcy would station himself at a window and stare out at nothing, making his mind go blank.

By their seventeenth year he felt nothing but contempt for George Wickham and Darcy's habit of staring out the window when he was upset had become ingrained.

When his father learned that Guy Waltham had graduated, he arranged for Wickham to share his son's quarters at Cambridge.
Darcy was furious and distraught but could or would do nothing. He lacked the heart to spell out exactly what his father's favorite had become.

In any case, would his father even believe him? Darcy wasn't sure and would not take the chance.

Darcy shrugged off his momentary anger and hurried up the stairs and entered his rooms. He glanced around sighing with pleasure. Everything was as he had left it. There was nothing of opulence only old, sturdy and comfortable furniture which he had added to during his three years of tenure. He noticed with a smile that his manservant had already set up the bar with the various liquors that Darcy had purchased in London and made a mental note to pick up a small bottle of gin for the porter.

He called to his valet who immediately appeared. Darcy spoke quietly “I understand Mr. Bingley's manservant is here.”

Thomas, who had been tending to Darcy's needs for nearly sixteen years heard the unspoken question. “Mr. Bingley's valet is about my age, sir, and seems quick and diligent. His name is James and he's wasted no time in unpacking his master's trunks and setting his room to rights.”

“Then he seems responsible?”

“I have great hopes,” Thomas replied slowly, “that his Mr. Bingley will not be cut from the same cloth as your previous roommate.”

Darcy smiled, “that would be a pleasant change."

"Since James and I will be sharing our own rooms, we've engaged to sup together once our duties here are done. Hopefully I'll learn more about Mr. Bingley.

"Good man. Well, I'm heading down to the square. I shouldn't be more than an hour. I'll take a quick bath when I return."

“Sir, I've taken the liberty of laying out more appropriate clothing in case you plan to visit the Queen's Rook tonight.”

Darcy laughed. “You've read my mind, as usual."

A very short walk down the narrow, cobbled streets of Cambridge brought him to one of the oldest squares in town. Here were the many small shops that supplied the students with their basic needs. He nodded to several acquaintances and briefly stopped to chat with old friends and assured them that he would meet up with them later that evening.

In one ancient shop he allowed himself the luxury of browsing through the old and tattered tomes of long ago students which once read had been discarded. Darcy found it difficult to dispose of any book; he looked upon them as friends and teachers; a portal to far-off places that offered wondrous adventures. He was always delighted to add to the vast Pemberley library. He was pleased to find a slim volume of plays written in classical Greek and purchased it.

In the next shop he bought paper, quill pens, inks and notebooks. On the way to the open market he bought a large wicker basket and eventually filled it with fruit, nuts and sweetmeats.

His last purchase was some bread and cheese, several slabs of gingerbread which would be perfect with coffee in the morning, and a bottle of gin for the porter.

Thomas was still at work when Darcy returned. The fire had been lit; the beeswax candles set in their holders. He filled colorful bowls with Darcy's purchases and placed them and the candles around the room. He stood back and surveyed the room.”

Darcy smiled at Thomas. “Just like home.”

Thomas returned his master's smile. “It's good to be back, sir.

Darcy sank gratefully into a warm bath and leaned back and closed his eyes.

This would be his last year of relative freedom . He had one year left of his youth; in less than a year he would be two and twenty years of age and would be given complete control of the vast Darcy properties as per his father's wish.

He allowed his mind to drift back to his beloved Pemberley. His young sister Georgiana was at their London townhouse busy with her studies but his father had not left Pemberley for more than a year. He could see in his mind's eye his father sitting in the library staring listlessly at the fire which no longer warmed him, a forgotten book lying on his lap, drinking brandy until sleep took him.
His father was dying. He knew his father was dying despite all the finest doctors in England could do for him. At the rate he was wasting away it would be a miracle if he could last long enough to see his son graduate with honors from Cambridge.

And all for the love of a woman! Darcy had never been in love and knew not what the emotion could do to the soul but he was quite sure he would never want to know. Not for the first time since his mother's death eight years previously, Darcy felt a flash of anger at the injustice of it all. First his sweet mother's spirit being snuffed out before the age of three and thirty; now his father determined to follow her before he could celebrate his fiftieth birthday. The weakness of his father was intolerable.

All his life Darcy had been instilled with the three rules of life: duty to family; honor your name and station in life; be responsible for Pemberley and it's servants and tenants who relied on the master for their well-being. It seemed to Darcy that his own father had abandoned his own principles to indulge in self-pity. Where was his duty to family? Letting go of life while he still had a nine year old daughter who had lost her mother as a babe and needed and adored her father; a son barely one and twenty; a son who in his darkest moments was frightened of the responsibility which would be his all too soon.

Guilt at his uncharitable thoughts washed over him and he uttered a mild oath angry at his weakness. His father had taught him well and was confident of his abilities. He would take over the running of Pemberley and excel all who had come before him. As for his sister whom he adored, he would have his cousin who was four years his senior to aid him in rearing Georgiana to become the loveliest of women.

Thomas entered his room and assisted Darcy from his bath wrapping him in a thick plush towel. He spoke quietly as he rubbed his master dry. “Mr. Bingley has arrived and is now having a quick wash-up. As soon as he's dressed, he will join you."

“What sort of a man does he seem?”

“At the moment, sir, he seems to be a very worn and frazzled young man.”

“Do you know why?”

Thomas shook his head and chuckled softly. “I heard something about his sister Caroline; damn Mr. Hurst; and James, my family is driving me crazy.” Thomas covered his mouth to suppress a louder laugh. “Sir, the poor man was really distressed but through all this he was whispering so as not to disturb you in case you were sleeping. He was almost creeping past your door. It was really comical to watch.”

Darcy laughed, “I'm sorry I missed it.”

He dressed quickly in black trousers and linen shirt. He handed several large coins to his valet, “thanks, Thomas and you're done for the night. And I won't want to be disturbed until noon. And Thomas," he added with a smile, “be gentle with the ladies.”

Thomas returned his smile, “always, sir, always.”

The shadows had deepened when Darcy was once more in the common room. Through one of the tall windows that faced the town Darcy watched the slow growth of flickering candles bring evening to the town. Evening meant dinner and he suddenly realized how hungry he was. A few drinks with friends and a hardy meal was just the thing. With this happy thought he caught a reflection in the glass and realized he was no longer alone.

The young man regarding him with a somewhat awkward mixture of curiosity and apprehension was slim, of medium height with a shock of blond curly hair still damp from his bath. He was dressed much like Darcy; linen shirt topping fawn-colored trousers.

He bowed, "Charles Bingley," he said.

Darcy returned the bow. "Fitzwilliam Darcy."

"Yes, I know," Bingley replied. "That is to say I've seen you around London. At the theatre mostly and once in a book shop."

"I see."

Bingley's eyes darted around the room. "Are you sure this isn't a mistake? I expected to be ushered into a monk's cell."

"I believe there's still a cell down in the basement. We can arrange the move in the morning if you like."

A look of horror crossed Bingley's face as he stared at Darcy. Then he laughed. "Thank you, but no. I'll be just fine here.

"Good," Darcy replied. He went to the bar and poured two glasses of wine. "Take a seat, Bingley. You look exhausted.

Bingley obeyed and dropped into one of the leather armchairs near the fireplace. He accepted the glass that Darcy offered and sighed. "It's just that I'm rather overwhelmed at the way things have turned out. Honestly, I didn't expect to get admitted to King's college. Then when I did, I dashed off a nonsensical letter to Mr. Waltham asking for advice. Next thing I get a letter from Guy Waltham saying he'd secured lodgings for me. Then I get here and find these rooms almost palatial." He took a deep breath "I suppose I'm in shock."

Darcy sat across from him. "I understand that you've had a tiresome day."

Bingley rolled his eyes and a wry smile crossed his pleasant features. "tiresome doesn't describe it. It was a complete disaster. But I would prefer not to talk about it. At least not for another ten years. I should have recovered by then."

Darcy laughed in genuine amusement. Bingley was proving to be a likable chap and he began to relax.

They sat in a comfortable silence for several minutes until Bingley broke the silence. "Mr. Darcy, I can't tell you how grateful I am for allowing me to share these rooms. The letter I posted to Mr. Waltham was in truth nothing more than an act of desperation which I regretted the minute the deed was done. I was at a low-point and needed some guidance. I was floored when I received a reply from his son. I can't imagine what they must think of me imposing myself on them like that."

"I can assure you that they felt no imposition. They were happy to be of assistance. Did you know that Guy Waltham and I were roommates during my first year?"

Bingley was surprised. "No, I did not," he said.

"Well, we bumped into each other last month and I happened to mention that I needed a new roommate and he suggested you and it was a done deal. As easy as that, so don't be uneasy."

Bingley seemed relieved at the lie.

The next hour passed swiftly. Bingley took advantage of Darcy's knowledge and asked question after question which Darcy attempted to answer as best he could. His curiosity seemed insatiable. In essence, he wanted no surprises; he wanted to be fully prepared for everything. His questions were probing and intelligent and he digested every fact.

Darcy was impressed. Bingley was proving that he was articulate, amusing and eager to learn. His self-confidence however needed some serious work.

"I don't suppose," Bingley asked "whether you know what percentage of new students fail in the first year?"

Darcy suppressed a smile and shook his head. "That's information that mercifully I cannot help you with."

"Do you think it might be a good idea to hire a tutor?"

"Good heavens, Bingley, try to relax. You're going to do just fine. You passed your entrance exams so you know how to study and apply yourself. You'll meet other students facing the same problems and you'll band together into study groups and learn despite yourself. And you only hire a tutor if you're failing a subject not before you even attend one class.

Bingley rubbed his forehead. "I've been having nightmares for the past month

"What sort of nightmares?"

Bingley shrugged, "Mostly about hungry sharks wanting me for supper."

Darcy laughed out loud. "I can top that!" he said. "Two days before my first class I dreamed I was standing in a huge room surrounded by hundreds of students all dressed in their black robes and mortarboards. On the stage in front of me was this apparition draped in a monk's cowl which completely covered his face. I could hear the echo of his voice reverberating all about me. I knew that he was our instructor. Trouble was, he wasn't speaking English. I looked around and saw that all the students were nodding sagely. Their tassels kept bobbing up and down and I couldn't tear my eyes away from those damned tassels. Mentally I ran though all the possible languages he could be speaking and eventually settled on Mandarin. I woke up in a sweat wondering how I was supposed to learn Mandarin in two days and why hadn't someone warned me that all the classes at Cambridge were taught in Chinese."

Bingley was laughing convulsively trying to catch his breath. Darcy laughed with him. "When I woke the next morning," Darcy continued, "I had forgotten the whole nightmare. But at breakfast, I took a sip of coffee and the dream suddenly flashed through my mind and I was frozen in fear. I started to choke and Waltham jumped up and slapped me on the back assuming I had choked on a piece of bread. Then I started to sneeze. By now, my eyes and nose were running and I was desperately wiping at them trying to retain some modicum of decorum. According to Waltham, my face was aflame and he was terrified that I was having some kind of fit. I started to laugh and this didn't help to assuage his fears. I was on the brink of asking him if it was true that all the classes were taught in Chinese but thought better of it."

It wasn't until the campanile began to ring out the seventh hour that both Darcy and Bingley were able to control their mirth.

When the tolling of the bells ceased, Darcy stood up and stretched. "Do you play chess?"

"Yes, " Bingley replied. "I spent many an hour playing with my father. I thought I might even join a club here."

Darcy nodded. "Grab your jacket, Bingley. I'll introduce you to the Queen's Rook better known as the QR."

As they left their quarters, they were joined by other students from the upper floor. Darcy introduced Bingley around and together their small group left the building for a night of fun. It had grown dark by now but there was a full moon and there were dozens of torches affixed to posts which afforded them with ample light. Occasionally as they made their way, they were joined by other students, some strangers to Darcy and others well known. They were all glad to see each other and a feeling of excitement pervaded the air. By the time they reached the square where Darcy had shopped earlier, their group had turned into a small crowd but quickly began to disburse as most of the students broke awayand headed towards their favorite haunts.

Darcy and Bingley lingered only a few moments longer as Darcy pointed out the various shops and cafes. It was getting late and they picked up the pace and hurried across the square.

They heard the roar of voices before they rounded the corner and came upon the massive two story structure. The building was made of brick and block and had stood mighty and awesome for more than fifty years. A wide veranda encircled it's majesty allowing it's patrons to look down at the river Cam. There were signs posted that swimming was absolutely forbidden. Unfortunately, these instructions were regularly ignored. At least once a year a drunken merrymaker fell or jumped into the swift waters and either drowned or hopefully learned his lesson.

Darcy and Bingley entered the building and were immediately assailed with the noise and a delicious aroma that stopped Bingley in his tracks. "Good heavens," he shouted to be heard, "what is that smell? It makes my mouth water."

"Best food in town, Darcy shouted back.

There were two bars, one on either side of the room, each twenty feet long. The bar on the right served nothing but drinks while the one on the left had baskets of sausage rolls, meat pies and fruit tarts. Dozens of young men crowded around both bars jockeying for a better position, shouting their orders.

With Bingley following close behind, Darcy pushed through the rowdy crowd, steered past the scores of small tables and finally reached the steep staircase which led to the upper landing. They climbed quickly and opened the door at the top. A short walk down the hall and they reached their destination at last.

The room held six long tables and benches. Upon their lengths were baskets of crusty bread, plates of creamy butter and short stacks of colorful bowls. Each table could manage sixteen students comfortably and most tables were already full. Waiters were wheeling in large serving carts loaded with steaming tureens of a hardy beef stew.

Darcy heard his name called and acknowledged it with a wave. He and Bingley headed for a one of the riverside tables.

Darcy was greeted with jovial enthusiasm and Bingley was welcomed cordially. Several students made room for the newcomers and Darcy found himself sitting across the table from Bingley. They reached for the bowls and filled them with the rich stew. Baskets of bread were emptied quickly and refilled several times. Tankards of ale were never allowed to run dry. Except for the clinking and clanking of the spoons and knives silence had descended the room as the students ate and drank their fill.

Slowly, repletion set in and several sighs of satisfaction could be heard. Soon conversation began again.

Joshua Smith, a fourth year student and valued friend of Darcy leaned over and spoke softly, "I ran into dear Wickham last night."

Darcy threw him a look, "where?"

"Near the bridge. He and a rough-looking bloke were coming from the direction of your building. Naturally I thought he was still rooming with you. But he said he had found quarters on the other side of the river."

"He apparently tried to get into my rooms last night but Roger stopped him."

"Well done, Roger! He was properly rewarded I trust."

"One bottle of gin."

Smith smiled cheekily. "With Wickham on the loose, you'd better buy a case of gin."

Smith turned his attention to Bingley asking several polite questions about where his home was, what classes he would take, which clubs he was interested in, and finally, whether he played chess?" When Bingley answered in the affirmative to his last inquiry, Smith turned to his fellows and shouted "fresh meat!"

Bingley suddenly found himself the center of attention. He looked to Darcy for some guidance.

"My friends are always eager to meet devotees of the game." Darcy said. "I also believe they might be interested in how well you play." Darcy fixed his eyes on Bingley, waiting.

Bingley thought for a moment, then said, "I know the rudiments of the game. It's a board game with sixty four squares."

Darcy nodded, and turned to his friends. "Perhaps you can give him a few lessons, boys," he said. "I'm sure that Bingley will prove to be an excellent student."

"Since it's getting late and I suspect we are all rather weary," Smith addressed Bingley," what say we just play one or two lightening rounds. Say, ten minute rounds? Do you think you can keep up?"

Bingley laughed, "I'll try if you promise to revive me when I faint."

They all laughed at Bingley's response and as one they stood and stretched before leading Bingley through one of the side doors where a dozen or so tables were set up for the games.

Darcy and Smith remained behind for a few moments.

Smith eyed his friend. "A board game with sixty-four squares?"

Darcy threw his head back and laughed. "He has a well developed sense of humor."

"How did he come to be your roommate?

"I ran into Guy Waltham last month and he recommended him."

"How is Guy?"

"Very well. In good health and working hard. He's promised me a visit in London during the Christmas holidays and hopes you'll be able to join us."

Smith smiled broadly, "sounds wonderful. It's a date."

The two friends talked for a while before Smith left to see how things were progressing in the chess room.

Darcy strolled around the room stopping for brief chats with students who didn't play chess. They exchanged news and gossip about old friends who had graduated. There were questions about Wickham which Darcy shrugged off with few details. At length he sauntered into the chess room. He wandered around the room stopping occasionally to view a match but soon grew weary. He ended up at Bingley's table just as his opponent turned his king on it's side and slid a shilling across the table.

Smith, who had been observing the match looked at Darcy, "your Mr. Bingley seems to know his way around the sixty-four squares. Of course it didn't help that his opponent insisted on a fourth tankard of ale."

Bingley thanked his opponent, John Mills, for the match and shook his hand. Mills responded with a smile, "I hope you'll join our chess club, Bingley. It's been a pleasure."

Darcy and Bingley bid everyone good night soon after and followed several students down the stairs. The tables which earlier had been full of happy patrons were now mostly empty though there were still some die-hards lounging and drinking. The waiters were clearing tables of tankards, others were sweeping up the dust and crumbs left behind from the evening's revels. There was a sense of urgency at the drinks bar as the clock moved inexorably towards the twelfth hour when the the doors of the Queen's Rook would lock the doors for the next eleven hours.

Outside, Darcy hired two burly torch bearers to lead them home in safety. They passed several students who were having trouble keeping their balance to their own amusement. At the square a few students milled around chatting happily but the mood was now less exuberant; bowls and plates of rich food washed down by several tankards of ale had taken it's toll. Exhaustion had set in and at least for the students on this side of the river Cam, the evening was quickly coming to a close.

Back in their rooms Darcy offered Bingley a brandy but it was declined. "I'm dead on my feet," he said. "I've got to get some sleep."

"Bed sounds good. I'll bid you good night, Bingley, and sleep well."

The inhabitants of Cambridge were so used to the Campanile ringing out the time every fifteen minutes that most everyone slept right through it. To Darcy the tolling of time passing was in some ways comforting; soon the sun would rise and another day would begin and he would get on with his life.

He climbed out of bed around ten o'clock and threw on his robe and headed downstairs for some coffee. He was met by Bingley coming up the stairs carrying two large mugs of Coffee.

"I'll trade you some gingerbread for one of those mugs," Darcy said.

Bingley laughed, handing Darcy a mug. "I'm afraid I've already had a couple of bites. The smell was too much for me."

They sat at the table sipping and eating and chatting amiably.

"Did the bells disturb your sleep?"

Bingley laughed, "what bells? The last thing I remember is throwing my clothes off and sitting on the edge of the bed. Next thing I know, the sun is up and I'm starving."

Slyly, Darcy asked, "and did you dream?"

Bingley shook his head with a smile. "If I did dream it was probably about crusty bread and beef stew. I wonder if I can get the recipe?"

"I doubt there is a recipe. They've been serving that dish for decades and it's passed on from one chef to the next. "So Bingley, did you enjoy last night?"

Bingley thought for a long moment. At last he said, "I honestly can't remember when I've had so much fun. It's a pleasant experience to dine with people who are determined to enjoy themselves. Damned pleasant."

Darcy wasn't sure how he should reply so he remained silent and took a sip of his coffee. He suspected that Bingley had some problems at home but he would never pry.

"Most of the people you met last night are excellent men and I'm glad you enjoyed their company. They have varied backgrounds much like you and me. The one thing they have in common is their desire to take advantage of these four years of study which is precisely what drew me to them.

My friend Guy is working hard at his estate and isn't having much fun at the moment but he is the heir and he has no choice. Smith is a middle son so it will probably be the military for him. I will be taking responsibility for my own estate come next summer. I don't know what you plan to do with your life, Bingley, but you have four years to think about it and prepare yourself. So make the most of the next four years."

"I plan to, Bingley replied. "It was what my father wanted for me and I would never be able to sleep well if I failed him."

Darcy nodded. "We do have a debt to pay those who came before us."

At length, they separated to take their baths. Bingley was anxious to familiarize himself with the town and Darcy wanted nothing more than to relax with a book. They engaged to dine together that evening down at the square.

"So, Thomas," Darcy said, lowering himself into the tub, "did you enjoy your evening?"

"I did, sir...and James is a pleasant companion and a fountain of information."

Darcy frowned, "I trust he is not indiscreet."

"He was very open about Mr. Bingley. He admires his young master and is quite fond of him; he's been looking after him for the past twelve years. When it came to describing Mr. Bingley's two sisters and his brother-in-law he grew quite reticent."

"And how did you wheedle yourself past this reticence?"

"I explained just who you are."

Darcy eyed his manservant, "and who am I?"

"Why, sir, you have ten thousand a year and own all of Derbyshire and half of London."

"Thomas! you didn't." Darcy sat up and laughed so hard the water began to splash over the sides of the tub.

Thomas threw a couple of towels on the floor quickly and began wiping up the overflow. "Well, sir, perhaps I have exaggerated in the retelling of our conversation. But I did impress upon him that it would not do if you were embroiled in any scandal resulting from your taking Mr. Bingley in as a roommate. You had to fully trust him and his family. That did the trick."

"So, what did you learn?"

"The main characters are his eldest sister, Louise, who is married to a Mr. Hurst. The next eldest is a sister by the name of Caroline. Then there is the baby in the family, Mr. Bingley. There is also an aunt who lives on a small estate in Shropshire. She is the eldest sister of the late Mr. Bingley who purchased the estate for her and which will come to Mr. Bingley upon her death.

"Who is Mr. Hurst?"

There's nothing much to say about that man beyond the fact that he brought to the marriage some twenty thousand pounds which together with the twenty thousand that Miss Louisa inherited gives them quite a comfortable life. He owns a townhouse in London. His fondness for food and drink are legend. And when he isn't eating or drinking, he plays cards."

"And his wife, Louisa?"

"Mrs. Hurst likes to wear a lot of bracelets and enjoys clinking and tinkling them."

"Good grief."

"Yes, sir.

Thomas handed Darcy a towel as he stepped from the tub, then helped him on with his robe.

"And what of the youngest daughter? Darcy asked. "Miss Caroline."

"According to James, Miss Caroline is autocratic and at times, despotic. She and Mr. Bingley live with the Hursts until Mr. Bingley purchases a townhouse. The servants pray daily for the time when Caroline will leave the Hurst home. Louisa is a kind mistress, but like her brother, she doesn't like to cross her sister, and Mr. Hurst prefers to concentrate on food, drink and cards, so he isn't any help."

"So, Darcy said,"we have a lamb, a silly goose, a sloth and a boa constrictor. Quite a menagerie. But what happened yesterday that frazzled the lamb? I suspect it had something to do with the snake."

"Mr. Bingley had all his trunks loaded on his carriage the night before ready to leave for Cambridge early yesterday morning. Unfortunately, during the night, Mr. Hurst went out on the town and after drinking for several hours and over the strenuous objections of his driver, decided that he would drive the carriage home. He lost a wheel taking a corner too sharply and overturned the carriage causing some serious damage. It's a wonder he didn't kill someone."

"Thomas, before you conclude this preposterous story, would you get us some coffee? My brain is spinning."

Darcy followed his valet out to the tiny kitchen and retrieved the cheese from the small pantry and cut some bread and cheese and placed it on a plate which he brought to the table. As he waited forThomas to return, he mulled over what he had heard so far. With a family like this was it any wonder that Bingley lacked self-assurance? And how did this sister Caroline come to be so domineering...she sounded more like his aunt Catherine than the daughter of a tradesman.

Darcy wondered what this Miss Caroline Bingley looked like? She had to be beautiful to be so full of herself...then again there was Aunt Catherine...

WhenThomas returned with the coffee Darcy waved him to a chair and pushed the plate of bread and cheese towards his valet. He allowed him a few bites before demanding he finish the story.

Thomas took a swallow of coffee before continuing. "Well, you can just imagine the turmoil this news provoked. According to James, Caroline was in a rage. The Hursts only have one carriage and she was not about to hire a hack to carry her about town. She wouldn't be caught dead riding in a cheap hack! What would people think? No, she wasn't having any part of it. There was only one answer to this dilemma. Charles must hire a hack and leave his carriage behind for her use."

"Incredible!" Darcy was fascinated. He had never heard such a tale. That a woman would treat the head of her family with such disrespect was beyond the pale. "Does Mr. Bingley give her an allowance?"

"Yes, and a generous one."

"Incredible. Did Mr. Bingley argue with her?"

"He tried to reason with her, but to no avail. Finally he gave up and gave orders to unload the carriage. He sent two drivers to rent a couple of hacks, one for the luggage and one for himself. A mile outside of London the hack he was riding in broke a wheel. He sent the luggage on to Cambridge and he and the other driver walked back to London and hired another hack."

"And Mr. Bingley arrives as a worn and frazzled man. I think I would not like to meet this woman. She sounds terrifying."

"Oh sir, I'm sure there's no woman in all of England you couldn't tame if you put your mind to it."

Darcy laughed, "I rather hope I'm never put to the test. I don't suppose James told you what this Miss Caroline looks like."

"I asked that very same thing, Sir, imagining her to be a tall Grecian goddess. According to James, she's tall and bony with jet black hair which she wears in tiny curls that frame her bony face. She also holds her head high with her nose pointed towards the ceiling while looking down at her victim."

"Thomas! Stop this." Darcy was laughing so hard he could hardly speak. "I don't believe a word of it."

Thomas grinned broadly "James also said that Miss Bingley holds her head so high she can't see the floor and is constantly tripping over her bony feet."

"Enough!" Darcy gasped. "Get out of here this minute."

"Yes, Sir. But are you sure you don't want a description of Mr. Hurst?"

"Out!"

He spent the next few hours wrapped in a biography of Benedict Arnold. He was so engrossed in his reading that he hardly acknowledged Bingley when he returned carrying several packages. He was followed by his valet who carried a wicker basket full of treats, wine and brandy. James placed the liquor behind the bar and added some treats to the baskets. The rest of the foodstuffs he put into the pantry where it would stay cool for two or three days.

That night Darcy and Bingley dined at a small cafe on the square. "I understand you're in the market for a townhouse in London."

"Yes. I've looked at several...but none of them has been deemed suitable."

"Exactly what are you looking for?"

Bingley shrugged. "I thought I knew, but now I'm not sure."

"I understand that you live with your eldest sister and her husband."

"Yes, but it's really not the best arrangement. Louise and Hurst don't entertain much...they prefer to be entertained. And my sister Caroline wants to be mistress of my home. She likes to entertain...she wants to take her place in society."

"I see," Darcy said. Indeed, he did. Caroline Bingley was a nobody who wanted to be somebody. And there was only one way a tradesman's daughter could rise in society and that was to marry well. Very well. Darcy made a mental note to avoid this lady like the plague.

Bingley leaned over and almost whispered, "she wants to join Almack's. Can you believe that?"

Darcy smiled at his young friend, "no, I can't, and I suggest you dissuade her from even trying. If she failed her interview with the patroness's of Almack's she would be blackballed. They're tyrants and despots. I wouldn't put it past them to bar the King of England if he showed up in trousers instead of knee breeches.

Bingley sighed, "I've heard the stories. She wouldn't have a chance, but she won't listen to reason."

"Well, first things first. I have an agent in London who could help you out in the purchase of a townhouse, if you'd like, I can contact him."

"I'd like that very much!"

"Then let's plan on it. During the holidays we'll scout around and I'm sure we'll find exactly what you want. And Bingley, here's a thought. Why not make it a surprise for Caroline. It would make an ideal Christmas present, don't you think?"

Bingley stared at Darcy for a long moment, then smiled broadly. "You're a very clever man, Mr. Darcy."

"Thank you, Mr. Bingley," Darcy replied.

Monday broke clear and crisp promising a beautiful day. Darcy arose shortly after ten o'clock and strolled out to the front room. He stopped short when he saw that Bingley was fully dressed and pacing the length of the room.

"What's wrong, Bingley?"

"I'm a nervous wreck! That's what."

Darcy rolled his eyes. "Sit down," he growled, "and drink your coffee."

Bingley obeyed but was not happy about it.

"I will go over this one more time." Darcy spoke patiently. "There is absolutely nothing to worry about. Everything will move speedily and efficiently. At half past eleven we will take a leisurely stroll to King's College. Once we gain entrance you will see a dozen signs which if you are not half-witted will lead you to a bulletin board upon which you will find your name. You will then take your pencil out and very carefully write down everything you see in your notebook. You will write down your counselor's name, the building and the room number. And most important, the date and time you are to appear before said counselor. After that you can come back here and pace all you want as long as it's outside and not in here."

Through this recital, Bingley had fixed his eyes on Darcy seemingly with intense concentration. Once Darcy had ceased talking, Bingley said, "sarcasm does not become you, Mr. Darcy."

"I've heard that before, Mr. Bingley." Darcy took a bite of his bread and jam and chewed slowly, finally taking a swallow of coffee. "The best part of this morning's adventure will be your meeting of other pacers. If you didn't get lost, you will find yourself in the company of other first year students. There is nothing quite like a hundred students with terrified eyes and chattering teeth. You are sure to make many friends there."

"You're too kind."

Darcy couldn't go on. He began to laugh and Bingley joined him. "There's a new cafe on the square", Darcy said. It's German and the smells emanating from it are wonderful. What say we try it out when we're finished with business."

At Bingley's nod, Darcy headed back to his room for a bath and shave.

As Darcy had predicted, the day went as smoothly as expected. Bingley didn't get lost; he found his name and copied it in his notebook, triple checking the information. The process took approximately fifteen minutes. Bingley met Darcy back in the lobby wearing a broad grin, "I didn't get lost once," he said.

Once Bingley got his curriculum set he began to visibly relax. He made it a point to walk through the halls of the college and took copious notes of where he would hear the lectures and when. He ran into other students who were doing the same and he began to make friends.

Darcy was exceedingly pleased with how his young friend was getting on. He had done for Bingley what Guy Waltham had done for him and he was satisfied with the result. Darcy was confident that Bingley would do what he had come for, and would make his father proud.

Once classes began Bingley followed Darcy's pattern of study. After class two or three hours of study was followed by a leisurely supper down at the square. Back in their rooms another two hours of study. At nine o'clock they enjoyed their brandy and an hour of conversation before the fire, then retired for the night.

On Friday nights they threw off all thoughts of Latin and Greek. Not a word concerning modern or ancient history passed their lips, and political science and civil law was under no circumstances to be discussed.

During the first few weeks Bingley accompanied Darcy to the QR on Friday nights but as the weeks passed by, Bingley occasionally joined other friends for his nights on the town, which was as it should be. Making other friends would give Bingley more confidence and some of them would prove to be friends for life.

On the Friday nights when they didn't party together, the first to arrive back at their rooms would pour the brandy and await for the other to return so they could enjoy another hour of conversation. During the many hours they spent in this leisurely fashion their discussions ranged far and wide but mostly it centered on their hopes and dreams for the future. As might be guessed, their desires were not dissimilar. They wanted to live lives of fulfillment; to eventually raise a family and be happy.

"And what sort of wife do you envision, Bingley?" Darcy inquired one night adding, dryly, "I suspect she will be short or tall, slim or fat as long as she is blond."

"She must have a sweet, placid disposition," Bingley replied, "and sincerely believe that the sun and moon rise upon my command."

"Seems reasonable," Darcy drawled. "And what will you do if you never find this paragon? Will you be willing to settle for less in order to be fruitful and multiply?"

Bingley frowned, "I've never even considered not finding the perfect wife for me."

"Brave but naive words, my friend."

"Are you telling me that it might be impossible to find the woman that's just right for me? That's a daunting thought."

"There are a lot of women out there, Charles, and you must choose with great care a companion who will be attached to you for the next fifty years. Only think of the misery you will endure if you choose unwisely."

"Now that you've thoroughly depressed me I shall pour another drink."

Darcy handed him his glass. "I'll have another."

"And what sort of a wife do you want ?" Bingley asked, returning to his chair.

"I have determined that only the deepest love could induce me into matrimony which means that I will probably end up as a wizened and embittered and very lonely old man."

Bingley stared at Darcy in shock unable to decide whether his friend was serious or teasing him. "Why on earth would you say such a thing? You have everything going for you. Wealth, property...and I've seen the way the women in town stare at you. Women must flock to you in droves."

"For my wealth and property, yes they do," Darcy sighed. "Bingley, the women of the ton are taught at a very early age how to snare a man, and it has nothing to do with love or even affection. They simper and smirk at every man they meet as long as he has money and it will raise them to a higher class. It doesn't seem to matter whether the man is simple-minded and has the looks of a toad. They will marry him."

Bingley was appalled. "That's terrible!"

Darcy laughed. "You're getting more of an education than you bargained for, it seems."

"But Darcy, they can't all be like that. I refuse to believe that."

"No," Darcy allowed, "not all marriages are arranged for the love of money. My own parents married for love, and Richard's parents are as much in love as they were the day they married. But what sort of man did your eldest sister marry? And is she content with her choice? And what about your sister Caroline? What kind of man is she looking for? Is she looking for love, or she looking for a way to gain entrance to Almacks?"

Bingley sighed but otherwise, remained silent.

"Now, Bingley, allow me to tell you about my Aunt Catherine who lives in Kent. She is a remarkable woman who is renown for her ability to answer her own questions. She loves the sound of her own voice and can sustain a dialogue with herself through an entire meal of six courses. In an authoritative voice she will tell you that there are few people in England who have better naturaltaste in music. She will tell you that she would have been proficient at the pianoforte if she had ever learned. Are you getting the picture, Bingley?"

Bingley nodded in amusement. "She sounds...interesting."

"If you think that, Bingley, you do not have the picture. But on the assumption that you are simply being diplomatic, I shall continue." Darcy paused for a sip of brandy. "Now, my Aunt insists that I marry her daughter, Anne. According to her it was my Mother's dearest wish. No one else in the family has ever heard of this and since my mother has been gone for eight years, there's no one who could verify this fallacious hope."

"Surely you won't marry her, Darcy."

"My cousin Anne is a gentle soul and of a sickly nature. I can't remember the last time I heard her speak. All her needs are anticipated by her companion and her mother invariably speaks for her. For all I know, Anne no longer has the power of speech. I seriously doubt if she knows anything about the marriage bed. I fear she would faint if she ever saw me in my nightshirt." Darcy drained his glass. "If I ever attempted to consummate such a marriage she'd have a heart attack. I probably wouldn't even notice as I'd be blind drunk."

Bingley laughed at the picture Darcy was painting.

"The point of this story is that my Aunt cares not for the suffering it would bring to both Anne and myself if we believed this monstrous fabrication and married. All she cares about is uniting our two estates. It sickens me just thinking about it, but this is the way the ton operates and most men and women bend to it."

"But you will not, I think."

"Indeed, I will not. But if I deign to marry someone my family feels is beneath me, the shades of Pemberley will be polluted and my esteemed Aunt Catherine will have a conniption fit."

"Do you care what your family thinks?"

"On a matter of such importance to my mental and physicalwell-being I might say that, no, I don't care a fig, but I'd be lying. I didn't choose my family but I owe everything I am to them and I would not wish to disappoint them. In any case, I don't have to worry about it for at least two years. After I graduate, I'll head back to my estate and spend at least a year there. Our steward of the past fifteen years, Mr. Wickham, is not in the best of health and his assistant will take over the management of Pemberley once I return. I won't want to leave until I'm sure I can trust him fully."

"How large is your estate, Darcy?"

"Ten miles around."

"Good grief! How can you manage such an estate?"

"You hire the best men you can find. You treat them with respect and pay them a good wage. If you buy an estate keep that in mind and you'll do very well."

"The question is, do I want such a responsibility?"

"Of course you do. Own your own land and raise your family on it. Start your own dynasty."

Bingley smiled. Start my own dynasty. How well that sounds."

The weeks passed swiftly with a sameness that bordered on monotony at times. They were assiduous with their routine and both felt an enormous feeling of satisfaction with every test taken and passed but they looked forward to the holidays which were fast approaching.

Darcy had not forgotten his promise to help Bingley purchase a townhouse. He wrote his agent asking him to line up a few townhouses that would be suitable and they would look at them during the holidays. He received a letter back a week later saying that an exceptional home had just come on the market. The owners were immigrating to Canada and wanted a quick sale. Darcy wrote a letter back saying that he very interested and would be in touch as soon as he reached London.

Bingley could not contain his excitement. He went into his pacing mode tossing his hands about, "I know it will be perfect! I can feel it. And fully furnished, you say? Perfect! Wait until Caroline sees it. She will be thrilled!"

Darcy doubted that. Taking his valet's description with a cup of salt, Miss Caroline Bingley still came out as an ogress. A sinking feeling had settled in the pit of his stomach. If Bingley found the home to his liking and bought it without consulting the gorgon, the gorgon would be displeased. Poor Bingley would need a buffer.

Darcy had grown rather fond of Bingley. It had been his own idea that a townhouse be purchased without the knowledge of Caroline. Now, Bingley would have to face her wrath alone unless Darcy interceded on his behalf.

The following Saturday Darcy and Bingley along with their two valets climbed into the carriage and began the fifty mile trip to London. Travelers coming into Cambridge had warned of the worsening state of the road leading to Town so Darcy opted to share the carriage with the menservants. He didn't want to worry about two carriages on the treacherous roads. They left shortly after sun-up and hoped to arrive at their destination by mid-afternoon but it became clear quite soon that this was wishful thinking.

Once they left the environs of Cambridge the roads began to deteriorate sharply. A lesser carriage would not have been able to withstand the punishment meted out by the deep ruts crisscrossing the muddy highway. Darcy's carriage was the finest that money could buy; it was well sprung but nothing could keep it's occupants from being jostled against each other and thrown against the sides of the coach. Their bones were aching and they felt bruised. It was becoming clear that they'd never even make it by nightfall. Then the skies darkened and it began to rain hard.

Darcy rapped on the panel with his cane and ordered his driver to prepare to stop for the night at the next inn.

He turned to Bingley, "We'd never make it by nightfall. And this storm is liable to spook the horses."

This storm is spooking me," replied Bingley. "and I swear my back teeth have come loose."

The storm increased in intensity and the next ten minutes were terrifying. Darcy sighed heavily when the lights appeared a quarter of a mile down the road. He glanced at Bingley who had his feet braced against the the facing seat. "What the hell do we pay a toll for? Darcy snapped. "They know this road will be heavily traveled for the holidays. I've never seen them in such shape. If one of my horses is hurt I'll raise holy particular hell!"

Bingley glanced at Darcy and thought he would not want to ever get on the wrong side of this man.

When the coach finally pulled to a stop Darcy commanded Thomas to get out and run into the inn and order a bottle of whiskey to be sent to the stable for his men. To Bingley and James he advised that that run into the inn and warm themselves before they caught a chill. He jumped down and gave exact instructions to the drivers, and asked to be notified if any of the horses had gone lame.

When he finally entered the inn and rejoined Bingley he dropped into a chair and took a long drink from the tankard of ale Bingley had ordered for him. "Well, at least we're half way home," he said. "But if it's like this tomorrow, I don't know, Bingley."

"Relax, Darcy. We have shelter for the night. That's all that matters right now."

"You're right, of course. I just really wanted to get back to London tonight. But I have the drivers and footmen to think about, not to mention the four horses. We were lucky we were so close to the inn when the storm began. So, the first day of our vacation has ended rather badly. What do you suggest we do tonight?"

Bingley thought for a moment then said, "How about getting drunk and turning in early?"

Darcy signaled to a barmaid. "Two more," he said.

In the morning Darcy consulted his driver and decided to continue on to London though it wouldn't be the smoothest of rides. He could only hope that they could get as far as the next inn. Darcy decided to chance it. The first ten miles were almost as rough as the the previous day but as they changed horses at the next inn they were assured that the condition of the roads vastly improved as they neared Town. They continued their journey with great optimism. When they at last pulled to a halt in front of the Darcy residence the occupants of the cab heaved a collective sigh of relief.

Upon entering his home Darcy headed straight to his study and penned a short note which was sent to the Bakewell residence.

Darcy had known the Bakewells most of his life. They were an elderly couple who'd had their only child late in life. Their child had grown to be a lovely woman who last summer had married a Canadian. She was now living with her husband in Canada. Her parents missed her terribly and had decided to immigrate to be near her when she gave birth to their first grandchild. Darcy had dined at the Bakewell residence on many occasions and had the pleasure of attending the engagement ball. He knew the Bakewell residence very well and thought it perfect for Bingley.

After long leisurely baths the two men met in the dining room and enjoyed an excellent meal then retired early to recover from the ordeal of travel in England.

In the morning feeling much refreshed, Darcy announced, "Bingley, we have an appointment to view the Bakewell residence at eleven o'clock. Does that suit you?"

As expected, Bingley started pacing which invariably made Darcy smile. He sipped his coffee, watching his young friend. Had he ever been that young and inexperienced? Sometimes Darcy thought he had been born old. So many responsibilities and so little fun. There were times when he would sit alone in his study and remember the joy of his youth and the adventures he'd shared with his cousin and even with George Wickham. Fishing, hunting, swimming. Racing into to Lampton for the horse chestnuts. Stealing a bottle of brandy and getting drunk under the oak tree. Flying kites. And then his mother died and nothing was ever the same.

Darcy had not told Bingley that the Bakewell residence was a short distance away from his own. When they left the house a short time later Bingley was puzzled when there was no carriage awaiting them.

"It's such a nice day," Darcy said, "I thought we might take a short walk before we view the house."

Bingley glanced around at the gray drizzly day and frowned. "But Darcy, it's almost eleven o'clock! And it's not a pleasant day. It's wet and gray. Have you lost your mind?"

They turned the corner and walked past two houses. Suddenly, Darcy stopped and looked up at a handsome building in many ways similar to the Darcy townhouse. It was fronted by a small, colorful garden. On the wall next to the door was a plainly etched brass plaque revealing the name of the occupants.

"So what do you think, Bingley?"

Impatiently, Bingley snapped "about what?"

Darcy laughed. "Oh my" he said. "Are you out of sorts?" He raised his hand and pointed at the Bakewell residence. "What do you think, Bingley?"

Bingley's eyes followed the direction of Darcy's finger and focused on the brass plaque. His mouth dropped open. He looked at the house for several moments. "I'll buy it," he said.

For the next hour they were ushered through every room in the house. Darcy doubted if Bingley heard a word of description by the housekeeper. He kept a silly grin on his face and nodded when he thought it appropriate. By the time they returned to Darcy's townhouse, Bingley was calm, quiet and in a state of stupor. Darcy left him in the drawing room and went to his study to pen a letter to his agent telling him to start the process of purchase. He begged that this could be accomplished by Christmas.

After lunch Darcy took Bingley across town to a small shop he'd discovered a couple of years ago. It was a small but quaint shop that sold a wide variety of items that were uniquely appealing to Darcy. His sister Georgianna would be celebrating her tenth birthday in February and Darcy wanted to find something special for her.

They entered the shop and were greeted pleasantly by the shopkeeper. Their eyes were drawn to the glass counter which presented some stunning jewelry on a plush emerald green velvet cloth. Bingley reached immediately for a gold charm bracelet. The shopkeeper pulled out a tray and showed Bingley at least two dozen charms. Bingley was entranced and pored over the tiny ornaments selecting several for purchase.

Darcy had moved further down to the back of the shop. He had yet to see exactly what he wanted. A lady stepped from a doorway and smiled pleasantly. "May I help you?"

Darcy returned her smile. "I hope so. My sister turns ten in February and I'm looking for something with an amythyst which wouldn't be too old for her."

The lady stooped behind the counter pulling various trays out and sorting through them. Finally she pulled a tray out and set it on the counter and reached for a ring which she presented to Darcy. "We have rings for every month of the year. My daughter's ring is turquoise for December. She loves it."

Darcy was sure Georgianna would love the ring too. It was a wide gold band with the tiniest amethyst stone embedded in the gold. Simple and elegant.

"It's perfect. I'll take it."

"I'm sure Miss Georgianna will love it. Will there be anything else, Mr. Darcy?"

Darcy looked sharply at the woman. "I'm afraid, Madam, that you have me at a disadvantage."

"You don't know me, Mr. Darcy. I was born in Lampton. I've seen your family many times."

"And your name is?"

"Mrs. Gardner, sir. She nodded at the shopkeeper. "My husband and I own this shop."

"You are to be commended, Mrs. Gardner. I find everything here an utter delight."

Mrs. Gardner nodded her thanks and placed the ring in a small box and handed it to Darcy.

Darcy wandered back to Bingley who was happily chatting with Mr. Gardner. He was telling Mr. Gardner about the house he was about to purchase. His enthusiasm was so infectious that Mr. Gardner was grinning broadly at him.

Bingley turned to Darcy, "Did you find something for your sister?" he asked.

Darcy nodded, "and I can see that you've done well for yourself. Are they all for your sister?"

"Yes. But now what do I get Hurst?"

"Champagne? Brandy?"

"Perhaps," Mr. Gardner said, "I might be able to procure a bottle or two of Amagnac Cames."

"What's Armagnac Cames?" Bingley asked.

"It's one of the finest brandies in the world." Darcy replied.

Bingley laughed, "I think it would be wasted on Hurst."

Darcy stared intently at Mr. Gardner. "Would a case be possible?"

Mr. Gardner replied, "It's not out of the question."

Darcy handed his card to the man. "It's been a pleasure, Mr. Gardner."

When they returned to the townhouse, Darcy's favorite cousin Richard Fitzwilliam was waiting for him in the library. He had already helped himself to a glass of wine and was puffing on a cigar with a contented smile on his agreeable face. He jumped up and greeted Darcy with a hardy handshake. "Where the devil have you been? I've been cooling my heels for the past three hours."

"Richard, I think I've found a goldmine and if you behave yourself, I just might share it with you."

"Hmmm. Interesting. Not illegal, I trust?"

"Would that bother you?"

"Certainly not. It would make it more fun. Is it contraband, I hope? Something to sip?"

"Allow me to introduce Mr. Charles Bingley to you, Richard. Bingley, this is my reprobate of a cousin, Captain Richard Fitzwilliam."

Richard grabbed Bingley hand "Delighted to meet you, young sir." He turned to Darcy, "When are Guy and Josh coming in?"

"In two days."

"Oh dear, that means we have to start the party without them. Tres tragique!"

Darcy rolled his eyes and Bingley stood grinning at this bear of a man who was the polar opposite of Darcy but in his own way was as charming. This was going be fun.

Four days after Darcy's visit a case of Armagnac Cames was delivered to the Darcy townhouse. Darcy had the presence of mind to warn his butler that he would be receiving a very valuable box and it was to be immediately placed in the massive safe in the cellar. Knowing his friends, if they got one whiff of the contraband French Brandy, it wouldn't last a week.

Since the box was extremely expensive, and Mr. Gardner no doubt had laid out the cash for such a hard to come by item Darcy decided to return to the shop and pay his debt so Mr. Gardner could realize his profit immediately. He invited his friends to join him which they did with alacrity.

The five men descended on the tiny shop in a jovial mood having had an excellent lunch washed down by several glasses of champagne. They were all delighted to find such a shop in Cheapside and bought several items. Darcy picked up a onyx pinky ring for himself and slipped an envelope to Mr. Gardner. "I hope we'll meet again," he said.

"It would be my pleasure," Mr. Gardner responded.

During the next five days the friendship between the five men deepened. They ate fine food and drank fine wines. They played chess, shot pool, and threw darts. At night they attended a play and three nights in a row attended the musical theatre. The night before they would part company they enjoyed an exceptional meal at Darcy's home. Darcy's cook dug deep into his repertoire to assemble six full courses which he was sure would delight the King of England. It certainly pleased the five young men who insisted that the creator of this sumptuous feast come take a bow which he did. They handed the cook a glass of wine which he himself had chosen and toasted him. He accepted with good grace the excessive compliments of the slightly tipsy guests.

After the meal they retired to the library. Once they were comfortably seated, the butler brought in a tray holding five crystal snifters each holding a generous serving of the oldest spirit in France. "Gentlemen, "Darcy said, raising his glass high, "I give you Armagnac Cames."

There was a dead silence until it was broken by a groan from Richard. "If this is a joke, Darcy, I'll skin you alive."

Guy Waltham gazed at the liquid in awe. "How on earth did you get your hands on this, Darcy?"

Josh Smith spoke up. "It must have cost a fortune."

Bingley looked on in confusion.

Darcy said, "Bingley, just swirl the liquid around gently then wait a couple of seconds, then put your nose to the rim and smell it. Then take a tiny sip and swirl it around in your mouth. There is such a variety of flavors to smell and taste. It's absolute ambrosia."

Bingley did as he was told and a look of utter surprise crossed his face. "Vanilla, Apricot?"

Richard took a sip and pronounced, "Butterscotch?"

Josh was sure it had the taste of baked apples.

Guy could smell violets.

Whatever, they decided that one glass would not be enough of a sample to determine just what Armagnac Cames tasted like.

When they finally called it a night, they were in great spirits and pronounced they they had never had so much fun. It would be a week to remember.

The next afternoon, Richard left for Newcastle, while Guy headed back to Shropshire. Josh was planning one quick visit to York, then a return to Cambridge. Unknown to each, their luggage contained a bottle of Armagnac with a short note from Darcy wishing them a happy Christmas.

With Guy and Josh and especially his cousin Richard gone, the house seemed like a tomb, it was so quite. "What a week," Bingley groaned. "I'm exhausted. I'm almost glad it's over. I'm going to need a week to recover."

"You won't have that luxury, Bingley. You haven't forgotten what tomorrow is, have you?"

"You mean my birthday?"

Darcy was shocked. "I didn't know. Well, this will be a memorable birthday for you. You sign the papers tomorrow."

Bingley slapped his head, then groaned in pain. "How could I have forgotten that?"

Darcy laughed, "It's a wonder you didn't forget your name with all the alcohol we consumed. We had fun but now it's time to get back to real life. Tomorrow you become nineteen years of age and the owner of a beautiful London townhouse. Then, you will work up the courage to present the keys to your sister, Miss Caroline. I will be your second, carrying a sharpened sword to defend you in your hour of need."

Despite his hangover, Bingley laughed at the picture Darcy presented.

Three days later the two men stood on the doorstep of the Hurst townhouse, one in trepidation, the other in resignation. "Just remember, Charles, you are now the head of your family. You will brook no disrespect from your sister. You have the right to cut off her allowance. You also have the right to bar her from your house."

Bingley nodded.

"Are you listening to me, Charles?"

"I'm going to faint."

"You are not going to faint. I Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley who owns all of Derbyshire and half of London will not permit it."

Bingley took a deep breath and with trembling hand reached out and rang the bell.

They were announced and ushered into a nice sized drawing room and Darcy got his first look at Bingley's family.

Mr. Hurst was lying in lopsided fashion on a settee. A woman of plain features sat on a sofa absently playing with her bracelets. On the far side of the room a tall angular woman had turned from the window to fasten her eyes on her brother. That she was annoyed was patently clear but as her eyes moved to her brother's companion her eyes widened in shock and confusion.

Darcy watched in growing amusement as her eyes darted back to her brother trying to make sense of what she was seeing. Darcy saw the moment she pulled herself together and stood straighter and advanced towards them with a smile of welcome. "My dearest brother, how good to see you again." She immediately turned to Darcy and held out her hand which Darcy took and bowed over before releasing it quickly.

Caroline turned and spat at her sister, "Louisa!"

Louisa Hurst jumped and prodded her husband awake. Hurst woke up muttering something unintelligible.

After a moment, Bingley made his feet move and he advanced towards his eldest sister and handed her a small box containing the charm bracelet. She opened it quickly and was genuinely delighted with the gift. She stood and kissed her brother's cheek. "Thank you so much, Charles. It's delightful. I love it."

Bingley smiled with affection, then handed Hurst a fine bottle of Cognac. "Merry Christmas, Humphrey, and try not to drink it all at once."

"Delightful, Charles, thank you."

Bingley turned and faced Caroline. "I...I have saved the best for last." He stepped towards her and fumbled in his vest pocket and retrieved a set of keys. He handed them to her, "Merry Christmas, Caroline."

"What's this?" she asked with narrowed eyes.

Bingley attempted a smile, "those are the keys to... to my home. I'm asking you to live there with me and assume the duties of hostess. That is...if you want to."

Caroline's face had turned white and her lips had tightened into a thin line. Darcy took a step towards the brother and sister "and a lovely house it is," he said.

Caroline tore her eyes from her brother's face and stared at Darcy.

"It was formerly owned by some dear friends of mine," Darcy continued, with a pleasant smile, "and just around the corner from my own home."

Caroline's eyes widened as she grasped the significance of what Fitzwilliam Darcy was saying. She blinked and turned to her brother. "Oh Charles," she cried. "What a wonderful brother you are." She allowed Bingley to kiss her cheek before turning back to Darcy. "Oh, Mr. Darcy, how can I ever repay you for the kindness you have bestowed upon my brother. But how came you to offer him assistance in such an important manner? My brother isn't known for making friends with gentlemen. He will chat with the lowest sorts of people though I've tried to improve his manners, truly I have." She adopted a coy smile and actually fluttered her eyelashes in the ton's acceptable form of flirtation.

"Well," Darcy responded showing his dimples, "he also chats with gentlemen. My cousin Fitzwilliam, the son of the Earl of Matlock, thinks your brother the best of men and is very grateful that he allows me to share rooms with him at Cambridge."

Caroline gasped and Darcy heard Hurst chuckle. Darcy stifled the urge to laugh out loud at the absurdity of this whole scene, though he had to admit he was actually enjoying this charade.

"Well, Bingley," he said at last, "I'll leave you safe in the bosom of your family. I'm sure you'll be busy moving your things into the master bedroom at the Bakewell residence, or should I say, the Bingley residence. My carriage will pick you up at eight in the morning three days hence for our trip back to Cambridge. And of course if you need any help in the meantime, I am at your disposal."

"Oh Mr. Darcy," cried Caroline, "what must you think of our manners? Of course, you must stay for tea."

"Thank you, Miss Bingley, but I have several appointments I must keep."

With these final words, he bowed to the Hursts who were eying him with some amusement. He bowed to Miss Caroline who didn't attempt to hide her disappointment.

He dared a wink in Bingley's direction then turned on his heel and left the room grinning broadly.

To Darcy's surprise Bingley arrived at his townhouse early on Friday morning. "I slept in my new home last night. This way you won't have to stop at the Hurst's."

Darcy smiled knowingly. Translation: Now you won't run into Caroline. "Thank you. This will save considerable time."

"By the way, if you ever go bankrupt, you can always go on the stage."

Darcy grinned. "Thank you. I must say that I enjoyed the experience."

"And I must say that I was surprised at Hurst's reaction. He told me later that the minute I handed the keys to Caroline he expected her to go into a rage for not consulting her on such an important decision. He was making to leave the room when he saw you take two steps towards us. He sat down again to watch the show. He was quite impressed. It was actually his idea that you go on the stage."

"And what was Mrs. Hurst's reaction?"

"Louisa seemed to be more interested in the view outside. I must say, I've never seen her smile so brightly at the flowers in the garden."

The ride to Cambridge went without incident; three weeks of good weather had dried the roads and workers had smoothed out most of the ruts that could be so painful and dangerous to the traveler.

Back at school they fell into the tried and proved rhythm of study and the weeks began to fly by.

In April Darcy received a letter from his father saying that their steward, Mr. Wickham, had died quietly in his sleep. Darcy was saddened by the news. Old Mr. Wickham had been a kindly and trustworthy man who had been respected by both the master of Pemberley and his son. Darcy knew that no apothecary had been able to dull his pain and for his sake was glad that the ordeal was over. Darcy immediately went to the church and lit a candle for the repose of his soul. He hoped fervently that the old man was again at peace.

Six short weeks later Darcy graduated with high honors and Bingley finished his first year studies in the top twenty percent of his class. They spent a quiet evening supping down at the square and finished with their usual ritual of brandy and conversation.

"So what are your plans for the summer, Bingley? I suppose you'll follow every blond beauty and fall in love every other week."

"That sounds like a plan, Darcy."

Darcy shook his head. "Incorrigible!"

The following night they spent a couple of hours at the QR saying goodbye to old friends. With Darcy leaving, Joshua happily anticipated rooming with Bingley during his final year and Darcy was pleased that Bingley would have such an amiable roommate for his second year of study.

In the morning Darcy took one long last look at the rooms which had been his home away from home these past four years then briskly left the room and descended the stairs never looking back.

Darcy and Bingley arrived safely in London that afternoon. Bingley had his trunks delivered to his home and entered Darcy's townhouse for a final goodbye. The butler handed Darcy a letter which had arrived a few minutes before.

Darcy directed Bingley to the library while he opened and read the letter. Moments later he joined Bingley and poured them both a small glass of wine. Darcy raised his glass, "I wish you God speed in all your endeavors, Charles. And don't forget to take that penmanship class. If you get Donne for English Literature next year he'll dock you a full grade if he can't read your coded blots."

"I promise." Bingley drained his glass and set it on the table. "Well, I'd better get going before Caroline comes looking for me."

Darcy saw Bingley to the front steps where he wished his good friend all the best. He watched Bingley until he was out of sight then hurried back into the house calling loudly for his valet. "Pack my bags, Thomas,"he cried, "we leave at first light."

Darcy hurried back to the library and locked the door behind him. He poured a stiff drink of scotch and dropped into his chair. There was no need to re-read the letter from Richard. It was short and succinct. 'Your father passed away last night. Hurry home. Georgianna needs you'.

It took almost three days to reach Pemberley. Three excruciating days and two nights of relentless driving from sun-up to sundown, with an uneasy sleep to mark day from night. When they reached the perimeter of Pemberley, Darcy felt his pulse quicken as it always did.

Darcy's driver knew enough of his master's habits that he didn't need to be told to stop at the top of the rise; he did so automatically.

Darcy stepped down from the coach and gazed down at his property. The sun was at it's highest zenith blazing down at the lake that was such an integral part of the estate; it's brilliance lit it's facade with hundreds of flaming mirrors, dazzling the beholder. Darcy felt his soul glow as his eyes moved over the forests and gardens that made Pemberley so beloved by everyone who was fortunate to visit this great estate. Pemberley had stood here for several centuries mastered by many rulers, some nondescript and some heroic. It had endured through plague, famine and many wars.

It had been almost three days since he had first read Richard's letter and for the last three nights he had wept for his father. For the past three days, tears were never far away. But now his mourning had to end. He was now the master of this beautiful land and of all those who nourished it. And he must put aside his own grief so he could comfort his sister Georgianna. That was paramount for now. He climbed back into the coach and slammed the door. Gently, the carriage began it's descent as it slowly circled the lake and approached Pemberley House.

Georgianna flew down the hall and threw herself at her brother. "Wills," she sobbed, "oh, Wills."

Darcy clasped his sister tightly in his arms, murmuring words of comfort and love. "hush, dear girl, I'm here now. All will be well. I promise."

"It was so terrible. Father fell and then he couldn't stand up. His arm and leg wouldn't work. Richard had to carry him to his room. I was so afraid."

"I know, Georgie, I know." He looked closely at his sister, seeing the red rimmed eyes and the dark circles marring her youth. "When did you sleep last?"

The girl shrugged, "I sleep a little. I just wanted you to be here."

"Well, I'm here now, Georgie, and you must take care of yourself. You wouldn't have me worrying about you too, would you?"

Georgianna shook her head, "Of course not, Wills."

"Will you try to get some sleep, dearest? I'd feel so much better if I know you're well. And I must talk to Richard."

She nodded. "I really am tired. But you won't leave again, will you? I couldn't bear it if you were gone when I woke up."

"I promise you, dearest, that I won't be leaving home for a long, long time."

In the library Richard handed Darcy a glass of wine. "How are you holding up?"

Darcy shrugged, "like I've been pole-axed" he said. "I take it that a stroke felled him?"

Richard nodded. "I'd been at Matlock visiting my parents. Heading back to Town, I stopped here to spend the night. Uncle looked fine, or at least as well as he's looked in the past two years. But then at dinner I noticed his hand was shaking so hard he could hardly hold his fork. I asked him about it but he just shrugged. Then in the middle of a sentence, he stood, walked a few steps, then down he went. I carried him to his room and called for a doctor. It took nearly an hour before the doctor came. Naturally, Georgianna was hysterical, and truth to say, I wasn't much better."

Was he able to speak?"

Richard shook his head. "Not until some hours had passed after the doctor had left, promising to return in the morning. Mrs. Worthing, Georgianna's companion, immediately took charge of Georgianna , while I never left my Uncle's side. Suddenly he woke up and looked at me and said my name. He spoke clearly and asked if you were here? When I told him you were still at Cambridge, he said, 'oh, of course. But he'll be back soon. Such a good boy. I've missed him.' Then he was gone. I couldn't believe it.!"

Darcy's eyes welled up with tears. "I'm glad you were with him, Richard. If I could not be with him, I'm glad it was you. He was very fond of you."

The cousins lapsed into silence sipping their wine. Finally Richard broke the silence. "Darcy, I hate to tell you this, but now that you're here, I'm going to have to leave in the morning. I've got to get back to Newcastle."

"Of course, Richard. I understand. Georgianna and I will be fine. But you will keep in touch?"

"You know I will. And if I'm not sent to France, I'll probably be able to get back here at the end of August."

Once Richard had departed, Darcy allowed himself the pleasure of his sister's company for the next several days. They walked the grounds every day talking and even laughing as they reestablished the friendship that had always been an integral part of their relationship despite the age difference of almost twelve years. At the age of ten, Georgianna played the pianoforte beautifully and enjoyed playing for her brother no more than he enjoyed listening to her.

They went daily to the mausoleum where their parents were interred and said a prayer which gave them both comfort. Georgianna wanted to know if they were together now? Darcy could only reply that loves lasts an eternity. " Like my love for you " he said, hugging her. "No matter what mischief you get into, I'll always love you, little Georgie."

"I would rather die than make you unhappy, Wills."

His little sister was so serious, Darcy laughed out loud. "Everyone gets into mischief at least once in a while, Georgie. Richard and I were always up to something when we were young."

"Like what?"

"Well, there was the time when we stole a bottle of father's best brandy and got sick as dogs."

Georgianna was shocked. "Were you caught?"

We didn't think so at the time, but father knew, alright. He never said a word, but at dinner he kept asking minute questions of how we had spent the morning and insisted that we answer fully. At one point, he told me I was slurring my words and I must learn to enuciate more clearly. About that time,Richard fell off his chair but father didn't seem to notice as he kepttelling me to speak up. Once Richard managed to crawl back into his chair, father insisted that he needed more mint sauce for his lamp chop and I needed more gravy on my potatoes."

Georgianna was laughing hardily at the thought of her cousin Richard falling off his chair at dinner and their father pretending not to notice andDarcy laughed with her.

A week after his return to Pemberley, Darcy began the serious work of managing Pemberley but always allowing time for his sister.

Darcy worked at creating a routine much as he had arranged his study routine at Cambridge. Mornings were devoted to bookkeeping and consultations with his new steward, John Hoskins; then he finished up with his correspondence. As the weeks slipped by he noticed that the letters he was receiving had increased to include invitations to dinners and parties in Town and in Derbyshire. Word had spread that the new master of Pemberley had graduated from Cambridge and would now be considered to be a most eligible bachelor.

Most days he managed a long ride looking for trouble spots on the property. He began to learn the names of all his tenants and whether they were taking full advantage of the land they were renting. He read books on rotation farming and the best way to cope with drainage problems. Nothing escaped his attention and always he never forgot to spend time with Georgianna. They were the best part of his day. He loved sitting in the music room listening to her music.

One day late in August, Captain Richard Fitzwilliam arrived much to the delight of Georgianna who rushed to greet him. He grabbed her and swung her around. "how's my little lady?" he cried. "Are you behaving yourself?"

"Always," she laughed. " My brother would not have it any other way"

Her brother stood at the top of the steps watching the two most beloved figures in his life. "How are you Richard?" he asked as the cousins ascended the steps arm in arm.

"Thirsty, Darcy. Thanks for asking. "

Brother and sister glanced at each other and laughed.

Richard had a way about him that was impossible not to love. He was like a naughty, incorrigible child who was always plotting some intrigue and rubbing his hands together in happy anticipation. He entertained Darcy and Georgianna with his outlandish description of his general and that man's idiosyncrasies. Of course, Georgianna believed everything her darling cousin said, while Darcy viewed it all with a jaundiced eye.

After dinner, Georgianna played for them for about an hour before retiring to her rooms. The cousins sat for a while in a comfortable silence deep in their own thoughts.

"Will you be coming into Town at Christmas?" Richard asked.

"No, I don't believe I will. We'll spend the holidays quietly at home this year."

"Will you be bring Georgianna to Kent at Easter?"

"No, I think it's time she have a new music master. I'll be bringing her into Town."

"Speaking of Town, I had the pleasure of dining with Bingley at his new home."

"How is he?

"Very well. So is his sister Caroline."

Darcy choked on his wine. "What?"

Richard smiled. "A Venus fly trap if I ever saw one. Utterly charming."

"Richard! What are you up to?"

Richard laughed softly. "Nothing at all. Once she realized that I was only the younger son, I was dismissed. However, she was most interested in you. She wanted to know everything about you including your favorite foods and drink. That her questions were impertinent and invasive didn't seem to cross her mind. She wanted to know everything about Georgianna and especially she wanted to know everything about Pemberley. Naturally I laid it on rather thick. I believe I even intimated that you were lonely and would soon be actively seeking a wife."

"Richard!"

Richard laughed, "I suppose that was a bit unkind, but I wanted to see her reaction."

"What was her reaction?"

"I swear she licked her chops."

Darcy laughed despite his annoyance. "I can handle her. At least I can if you stay out of it."

"Have you had any practice? Have you ever been with a woman?"

Darcy reddened, "now who's being impertinent?"

"You're two and twenty, Darce, it's time you gain some experience."

"And how do you propose I gain experience? Can you see me entering a brothel? Is that what you have in mind?" Darcy shuddered. "I don't think so."

"You've just proved my point, Darce," Richard responded. "I've never been to a brothel in my life and never will. But there are many other ways to satisfy your curiosity."

"Courtesans?"

Richard nodded, "The ton is full of women just itching to get their hands on an important man like you. They're always beautiful and always delighted to instruct. You ease your loneliness and satisfy your desires. In exchange, you pay their rent and buy them little trinkets."

"And exactly where does love fit into this scenario?"

"It doesn't! It will simply keep you out of trouble. Meeting with Miss Caroline Bingley reminded me of just what you'll be up against when you begin to take your place in society. There will be countless invitations to dinners and balls, and the mothers will be relentless in their attempts to lure you into marriage with their daughters. It can be very dangerous for a man of your age to be in a ballroom surrounded by dozens of beautiful women. The décolletage on some of the gowns can be downright alarming. Little is left to the imagination. It is sometimes imperative that you have an outlet to relieve your tension. And," Richard added with a leer, "It's more fun with a woman."

Darcy rolled his eyes and sighed. "I suppose I might think about it."

"That's all I ask."

Richard left Pemberley a week later and headed back to Newcastle. He had lightened Darcy's and Georgianna's spirit significantly as he always did. Their consolation for his loss was the knowledge that they would see him again in April when he and Darcy were to travel to Kent and visit their Aunt Catherine.

In the months that followed Richard's departure for Newcastle Darcy worked unceasingly. He became a well-known figure as he rode every day examining every square acre of his property. One day he came upon a small, useless piece of land. It's only saving grace was the setting; it sat nearby a wide bend in the large creek. He kept in mind the parcel of land hoping that one day he might find a use for it.

In December Darcy and Georgianna passed out the parcels of food and sweets to their tenants. He supplied several kegs of ale for the servant's ball which was to be held on the last day of the month. There were no decorations in the main rooms as brother and sister were not in a festive mood; it was their first Christmas without their father and their loss was still keenly felt. The holidays came and went and life went on.

By the time March came he began to prepare for their removal to Town. He now felt confident that Pemberley was in good hands and if any problems arose he would be able to handle it by post.

The ride back to London was long and tedious as all travel in England was. Darcy was so used to the scenery he invariably buried himself in a book. It was one thing to travel alone or with other men but traveling with women was twice the trouble. There were drivers and footmen, servants and masses of trunks all loaded on at least three carriages. They had to stop and change horses more frequently. Sometimes the logistics of such a large group stretched the resources of the carriage inns. Moving a large group of people in safety was very expensive for the average family and an overnight journey was rarely taken unless they could stay with friends on the way.

It took four grueling days to complete their journey and another two days to recover.

He had already contacted his old tutor and enlisted him to tutor his sister. He was also pleased to hire a music master who's credentials were impeccable. Georgianna would be nicely settled and she was looking forward to the changes in her life.

Richard arrived two days before they were to leave for Kent and after dinner that night mentioned that he had seen Caroline Bingley.

"Where?"

Richard hesitated, then said, "outside your door."

"What?"

"I came over here last week to drop off my trunks so they could be packed on the carriage along with yours. I figured to save time. As I jumped down I almost ran into her. She was taking a stroll along the street dressed in her finest and carrying a parasol. She was so shocked and surprised to see me."

"Richard," Darcy replied with a touch of annoyance, "you went too far when you told her I would be actively seeking a wife."

"You're absolutely right, Darce, I did go too far." Richard was thoroughly ashamed of himself and showed it. "I underestimated her."

" I'm afraid I did too. I just wanted to smooth the way for Bingley so I deliberately charmed her and amused myself in the bargain. I was always teasing Bingley about his unworldliness and now I seemed to have proved that I'm just as naive as he is."

"Well,", Richard responded, "I must take some of the blame for encouraging her. I knew what kind of woman she was the minute I laid eyes on her. Some women will stop at nothing to gain what they desire, but usually their parents will not allow such obvious ploys as stalking the man's home. Generally such a stratagem could destroy their own reputation. But Caroline Bingley has no one to curb her ...enthusiasm...certainly not her brother. I might add that she tried desperately to gain entrance to your home on the pretext that she needed ideas about how she wanted to decorate her own townhouse. She seems to think that because you and Bingley had roomed together, you are now considered to be a close family friend. I had to use all my guile to discourage her.

Darcy groaned. "I think I may have made a serious mistake in urging Bingley to buy the Bakewell residence. I knew she browbeat Bingley, but I didn't think she was predatory."

"She wanted to know when you'd be coming back to Town. I lied and told her that you wouldn't return until next Christmas. It was really comical to see her reaction. I thought she was going to stamp her foot, she was so put out. The woman is utterly transparent. To be predatory and stupid as well is a combination hard to beat for comical relief."

"I believe, Richard that you would find it less amusing if you were the prey."

Darcy advised his London housekeeper not to admit Miss Caroline Bingley into his home on any pretext; that Miss Georgianna would never be at home for Miss Bingley He also advised Georgianna and her companion, Mrs. Worthing, that despite what Miss Bingley might say, he had only briefly met with her and they were not good friends.

Two days later Darcy and Richard left for Kent. It had been five years since Darcy had seen his Aunt; three years since Richard's last visit. Neither cousin was looking forward to the visit, but family was family and they were duty-bound to pay their Aunt their deference.

The trip to Kent took a day and a half. The roads were reasonably smooth and the company as always, excellent. Darcy and Richard had come armed with books to stave off boredom. Richard was studying a manual of map reading and field sketching while Darcy had his head buried in a biography of Benjamin Franklin.

Darcy closed his book. "Richard," he said. "I find it ironic that I'm reading a book about a man who invented so many things that will improve our lives while you are studying how to destroy life."

Richard closed his book and shrugged, "what's ironic is that the world needs both. There's a lot of evil in the world, Darce. "

"Has the military life turned you into a cynic, Richard?"

"A walk across a battlefield after the noise and smoke has died is not a pretty sight, cousin." He tossed his book aside and stretched his legs out and rested them on the opposite seat. "But of course," he continued, "there are many levels of evil, Darce. There are the George Wickhams of the world. Did you know that he didn't acknowledge his father's death? Of course it was not expected that he would return to Derbyshire in April with only two months left at Cambridge. But not a word from him? It was unconscionable! His own father, poor man.

"But I sought him out and offered him my condolences. He knew that his father had died. I wrote father and told him so."

Richard nodded, "yes, I know. Your father spoke of it the night before he died. He told me he couldn't decide who he was more disgusted with; George Wickham, or himself for not seeing the man that Wickham had become. Did you know Mr. Wickham was paying off almost one thousand pounds of debt that his son had run up in Lambton?

Darcy was shocked. "A thousand pounds? How do you come by this information, Richard?"

"By your father, Darce. He learned of it after Mr. Wickham died. That might be why Wickham didn't return to Derbyshire. He probably feared debtor's prison. Owing such a sum would probably keep him locked away for life."

"So father knew what kind of man Wickham had become. It must have saddened him terribly."

"I know it did. He told me that you had tried to tell him about Wickham but he just laughed it off. I think that's what most saddened him...that he had not listened to you; that he had forced you to spend three years at Cambridge with George as a roommate."

"Does Georgianna know any of this? I know she was always partial to him. He was always bringing her pretty boxes of sweets."

"I don't know how much she knows of his perfidy, though servants will talk. As for her crush on George, that's over. When I visited you last August, she mentioned that he had never come to visit after your father's death. She knew what your family had done for him and she was saddened on behalf of her father and for you.

Darcy frowned at this news. "She never mentioned his name in all this time. Why wouldn't she confide in me?"

"She only spoke briefly of Wickham because I asked her if he had ever showed up. She really didn't want to talk about it. She thought you were still friends and didn't want to hurt you by bringing up the subject. I'm afraid our darling little girl was disillusioned."

They stopped for a hardy lunch and dawdled over coffee and dessert. Their comfortable silence was broken by Richard. "Darce, speaking of evil..."

Darcy groaned, "now what?"

"Did you know that Anne and Georgianna exchange letters and have been doing so since Georgianna learned to read?"

"Of course. As a matter of fact, Georgianna showed me a letter that Anne wrote her after our father died. It was articulate and very moving. I must admit that I felt positively ashamed of myself for ignoring Anne all these years. I wrote to her irregularly for the past five years telling her about my own problems and scarcely asking her how life was treating her."

Richard nodded in understanding. "Same here. I last saw her three years ago and I did notice that she seemed to be more subdued, but I thought it was simply maturity. Then my parents came home from a short visit and said that Anne had become frail and sickly. Word began to spread throughout the family that Anne was dying.

Darcy remembered a night when he'd had too much to drink and amused Bingley with what his wedding night would be like if he married his sickly cousin Anne. He could hardly look at Richard he was so embarrassed by the memory. "Perhaps I should invite her to Pemberley this summer."

"Darcy, do you remember a game we played as boys when we came to visit Aunt Catherine?"

Darcy shook his head. "I remember toy soldiers and playing around with our wooden swords, but that's about all."

"Remember the ruins of that old church about a mile out of town?"

"Vaguely. Something about saving Anne from the wicked enchantress who had locked her in the tower."

"Yes, that's it. She was Rapunzel and we had to rescue her."

"Ah, yes, now I remember." Darcy smiled at the memory. I also remember the day she decided that you would play the part of Rapunzel and made you put on that silly wig and climb the tower. We were hysterical when you adopted that terrible falsetto and screamed for someone to come and save you." Darcy's smile faded as he remembered what followed. "She was so beautiful and young and so full of life that I kissed her."

"Good grief."

Darcy laughed at his cousin's reaction. "We were eleven years old, Richard. It's not as if I seduced her."

"What was her reaction?" Richard asked curiously.

"She wiped her mouth and looked at me in disgust. She said something like 'yuck', then ran off. I had to rescue you all by myself."

Richard laughed, "I hope your technique has improved since then."

"Never mind my technique, Richard." Why have you led me down memory lane?"

"I received a letter from Anne saying how happy she was to hear that we would be visiting. She signed it 'Rapunzel'"

As their coach approached Rosing's Park they noticed a strange apparition on the side of the road. It was dressed in black and so bowed over that it's hands could easily touch the ground.

"What on earth is that, and what is it doing?

"I think it's lost something," said Darcy. "Perhaps some coins."

"It looks ridiculous."

Suddenly Darcy threw his head back and laughed loudly. "I know what it is."

"Enlighten me."

"If I'm not mistaken, that's Aunt Catherine's new clergyman."

The cousins stepped down, adjusted their vests and took a deep breath. They entered the domain of Lady Catherine De Bourgh.

Lady Catherine was seated in her raised, throne like chair waiting impatiently for her nephews. "There you are," she spoke with asperity, "I began to think you had lost your way. Are you both well? You look well. And how is Georgianna? I must say, Darcy, that I am most put out that your sister chose not to accompany you. I am almost the closest relative she has. She is much too young to make her own decisions. I would never allow Anne to have such freedom."

Darcy glanced at his cousin Anne who steadfastly stared at her lap, twisting and shredding her handkerchief while her companion Mrs. Jenkinson patted her arm offering comfort. He'd heard the stories about how frail and sickly she'd become and had steeled himself to see how altered she'd become from the laughing young girl who he had once kissed with youthful exuberance. He felt uneasy with what he saw. Indeed she did seem frail but the twisting and shredding of her handkerchief made her look almost unstable. Signing her name as Rapunzel, and now sitting in bleak silence. She hadn't looked up once. Darcy didn't know what to make of it.

"Aunt," Darcy said when Lady Catherine took a breath, "I made the decision, not Georgianna. I've hired new masters for her as well as a new tutor. I wanted her to settle down with them for a while before I took her anywhere."

"We will discuss what is best for Georgianna at a later time, but for now I must say that I'm disappointed that neither you nor Richard did not see fit to notify me immediately upon the demise of my brother-in-law. It showed a distinct lack of respect. And you haven't greeted your cousin, Anne, yet."

Darcy sighed and wondered how soon he could curtail this trip and what kind of an excuse he could he come up with.

He approached his cousin and took her hand, "It's been too long, Anne. How are you?"

Anne rolled her eyes, "how do I look?" she spoke so softly Darcy had to lean closer to hear her words.
Darcy nodded, "I'm sorry you've been so ill" he replied quietly.

"It's hopeless," Anne responded listlessly. "I'm losing my mind. And nothing can change that."

"Don't say that, Anne, nothing is ever hopeless."

"Will you rescue me?"

Darcy was at a loss for words. He feared the worst. Could she actually be contemplating marriage with him as a means of escape from her mother's tyranny? Mercifully he had no time to formulate an answer before a new visitor was announced.

Lady Catherine's new clergyman walked in with a mincing pace and appeared to be walking on tiptoe.

All eyes turned to the newcomer. He looked like a short fat crow. His greasy hair was combed forward ostensibly to hide his balding pate. He sidled towards the throne in a crab-like movement with slightly bent knees already bowing deeply to his esteemed patroness. Despite his looks, Darcy judged him to be no more than one or two and twenty years of age. Where Aunt Catherine had dug up such a specimen was anyone's guess. Darcy assumed whichever of the many seminaries in England he had graduated from, they were glad to rid themselves of him. He was odious in the extreme.

Darcy remembered the letter Aunt Catherine had sent him describing her new curate as the best of men, both intelligent and humbly aware of the great honor she had bestowed upon him by allowing him to attend to the spiritual needs of her flock. He visited her every day presenting his sermons for her perusal and took copious notes as Lady Catherine dictated the changes to be made so the lower classes would have a better understanding. Once Darcy read that last statement he knew what to expect from Mr. William Collins and he wasn't disappointed.

Mr. Collins bowed low to his patroness, then to Anne who ignored him. As he was introduced to her esteemed guests he bowed solemnly to first Darcy, then to Richard though the two men were standing within inches of each other. He was rambling on in an unctuous voice about the honor it was to be introduced to the nephews of his esteemed patroness and how humbled he was to be in their esteemed presence.

The man was a buffoon of the first order. Darcy thought he had seen it all, but this was a new one on him. He'd never seen such a combination of avowed humility and blatant pride as the squat clergyman glanced about the room taking in all the riches which surrounded him. He had obviously fallen into a situation that had raised him to an exalted position so early in his profession that it had gone to his empty head. Later, Darcy would swear he saw Mr. Collins actually lick his chops when the butler handed him a small sherry in a delicate glass of crystal.

"Tell me, Mr. Collins, did you find what you were looking for?" Darcy asked.

Mr. Collins stopped his inane and obsequious prattle and stared at Darcy in confusion.

Darcy continued. " I noticed as our carriage passed, you were bent over in what appeared to be a most painful position. I thought perhaps you had lost something."

"Oh, Mr. Darcy," Collins replied, "I was simply showing my humble deference."

"To my carriage? How very unusual, but very kind of you, I'm sure."

Beside him he heard Richard snort and Anne went into a spasm of coughing, holding her handkerchief to her mouth. Darcy poured a large brandy and handed it to her. "Sip this, Anne. It will help." His body hid her from her mother's eyes and she took a large gulp of the fiery liquid. Darcy's eyes widened as she took another gulp of the liquor draining the glass.

Anne threw her cousin a wry smile, "This should get me through dinner," she said softly. "Thanks, Darce."

This was the first glimpse of his old childhood friend since he'd entered the room and she was no nervous nelly ready to faint at the drop of a hat. It crossed his mind for just an instant that she might not faint if she saw him in his nightshirt. He smiled at the thought then noticed his aunt's smug smile and Richard's look of alarm.

Dinner followed in the same vein. Lady Catherine held court while Mr. Collins stuffed his mouth and nodded at everything she said. Anne looked bored and picked at her food. Mrs. Jenkinson patted her arm. To Darcy and Richard the meal seemed interminable and the thought of the next six weeks enduring such dinners lowered their spirits further. Darcy concentrated on his food and saw little of what was transpiring in the room. He was deep in thought. Anne was one and twenty years old and surely had been given the inheritance her father had left her upon his death. Twenty thousand pounds was a substantial sum which could give Anne a comfortable situation in London. If she was so miserable, why didn't she simply leave?

"Anne," came Lady Catherine's voice, "stop playing with your food."

Darcy looked up in shock. He could hardly believe his ears. That Lady Catherine would address her daughter in such a fashion and in the company of servants and that oily clergyman was beyond the pale.

Things went from bad to worse as Mr. Collins simpered , "a sumptuous feast like this should never be wasted. That would be irreligious."

Anne's face went scarlet as she held her handkerchief to her mouth.

"Anne," Darcy heard himself say, "I hope you can join Georgianna and me at Pemberley this summer. It's time we become reacquainted, don't you think?"

The look of hope that washed over his cousin's face shamed Darcy.

Richard added, "what a wonderful idea, Darcy. I'll be there in August and it will be a great reunion." He winked at Anne and added, "Georgianna can be Rapunzel and we can save her. Say you'll come."

Lady Catherine spoke for her daughter, "that is not feasible. I need Anne here."

"Indeed," Mr. Collins joined in, "a daughter belongs at her mother's side."

Very gently Darcy laid his eating utensils on his plate, "are you a practitioner of celibacy, Mr. Collins, or do you plan to live with your mother-in-law if ever you marry?"

He heard Richard whisper, "Steady."

Darcy was desperately trying to contain his fury. What he really wanted to do is reach across the table and throttle the greasy little toad eater. He reached for his glass of wine and realized his hand was shaking. His mouth tightened into a white line as he listened to the clergyman who puffed himself up to be addressed by such a personage and on such on such an important subject. Sarcasm was obviously not his long suit.

Not surprisingly, his reasoning was so much convoluted drivel. If this was how his Sunday sermons sounded, his parishioners must get an extra hour of sleep on the sabbath. In Darcy's mind the curate had started out as a moron and quickly descended to imbecile. He was now certain that Mr. Collins was a complete idiot. He wondered vaguely if there was any mental deficiency that was lower than an idiot.

Richard whispered to Darcy during his monologue, "I don't suppose you have any Amagnac Cames with you?"

Darcy whispered back, "two bottles."

"That won't be enough."

Once Mr. Collins had slithered out the door and Anne and Lady Catherine had retired to their rooms, Darcy and Richard made a beeline to the library where Darcy's valet, Thomas, had laid out the brandy snifters and a bottle of Armagnac Cames.

Darcy handed his jacket to his valet. "Thomas," he said, "if you have nothing better to do I want you to spend some time in the public houses and garner as much gossip as you can about Rosing's Park. I want to know everything about this house and the piece of slime who inhabits the parsonage. No piece of gossip you hear is insignificant. I want to hear it all. Got it?"

Thomas nodded, "got it."

Darcy handed over several large coins. "Do your best, Thomas."

Richard poured two drinks and handed Darcy a glass as they sat down facing each other. "Exactly what do you expect to find, Darcy?"

"I have no idea, but something doesn't smell right. There may be nothing at all but if there is, I want to know about it. "Richard, I've never been as enraged in my life as I was tonight. I felt like strangling that toad . Is he Aunt Catherine's Rasputin?

Richard sighed, "I wouldn't be surprised if he was conceited enough to think he could marry her."

"Who? Lady Catherine? That's ridiculous."

"For heaven's sake, Darcy, pay attention. I'm talking about Anne."

"Anne? He wouldn't dare aspire to that. Lady Catherine would have his head on a pike if she even suspected he aimed so high."

"Darcy, sometimes I think you're as naive as your friend, Bingley. Didn't you see him at dinner? His greedy pig eyes kept stealing looks at Anne. I wouldn't put it past him to try to compromise her in some way."

"Richard I swear you have compromising on the brain. First Caroline Bingley compromising me, now Mr. Collins compromising Anne. It's utter hogwash.

Besides, he surely knows that Anne is destined to be my wife, according to Aunt Catherine."

"Maybe he hasn't heard of her delusion." Richard added with a broad grin, "maybe he doesn't see you as serious competition."

"I'm a little confused, Richard. If Aunt Catherine wants me to marry Anne, why did she refuse her permission to visit Pemberley. I would have thought she'd be delighted."

"Is it possible that she doesn't want to let Anne out of her sight for fear she might meet someone else? It's common knowledge in the family that she's alway coveted Pemberley. Perhaps she wants to see some real affection from you before letting Anne out of her sight. Don't forget that this is the first time you've seen Anne since she was a young girl and you were still wet behind the ears.

"You could be right. Tonight I caught a glimpse of the girl we once knew and had such great fun with. I think I will start to court her."

Stood up and began pacing. "You can't be serious, Darcy! You can't marry her! I forbid it!"

Darcy leaned back in his chair in utter shock. He stared at his cousin for a long moment. "Forbid me?" he finally managed. "To my certain knowledge, no one can forbid me anything."

"Darcy, you're scaring the hell out of me. "You're only two and twenty, barely out of school. You haven't begun to live. And if you tie yourself to Anne, Aunt Catherine comes with the package. Think of what you're doing. You haven't seen Anne for five years. I have. She's changed from the laughing girl of our childhood. Once her father died, things changed. The dragon began to keep her close, hardly letting her out of her sight. I think that's when she hatched her plot to marry you off to Anne. Before that, no one in the family had ever heard of such a thing. The poor girl is miserable, I grant you, but you can't seriously entertain the thought of marrying her."

"Don't be daft, Richard, and do sit down. Your pacing is making me dizzy. Of course, I'm not planning to marry her. I'm planning to rescue her. That's what she wants from both of us. She wants to be rescued from the enchantress who's locked her in the tower."

"Richard dropped into his chair relief washing over him. "oh, is that all. You had me scared spitless."

"What on earth made you think I would marry Anne, Richard? You know my feelings about marriage."

Yes, yes. You've said it often enough but men can and do silly things all the time. I was afraid this was one of the times. So, what's the plan, and how do I fit in? he asked rubbing his hands together.

Darcy laughed at Richard's eagerness. He was reminded of their childhood when Richard was always eager to get into trouble, then wiggle out of it using his charm. If things went wrong this time it might take more than his charm to wiggle out of the scheme they were about to hatch.

"Let's not rush into anything without a lot of thought, Richard. We've got to use some subtlety. You will have to razzle-dazzle Aunt Catherine with your innate charm and a few half-baked lies. You cannot make any promises, only intimations,"

"Understood. If she thinks she's been duped, I wouldn't put it past her to compromise her own daughter."

"There's that word again. Richard, you really have become a cynic. Just remember, no promises. And I will plead innocence when it all comes to naught."

"Agreed. And she shouldn't object to Anne getting more acquainted with Georgianna...it's imperative that your sister like her future stepmother."

Darcy poured them another drink. "And if you happen to mention to Miss Caroline that whilst we were still in our cradles, Anne and I were betrothed, she'll stop strolling in front of my house with her parasol."

"So what gossip do you have to report, Thomas?" Darcy asked while soaking in his morning bath.

"Nothing much,sir," Thomas replied.

"What of Mr. Collins?"

"After the previous curate's death, Lady Catherine sent a letter to St. Luke's Seminary and asked them to send three of their best candidates as a possible replacement. About ten days later three men showed up at her door. She interviewed each one, then chose Mr. Collins and that was that."

"As easy as that?"

Thomas shrugged, "as near as I can tell, Mr. Darcy. The only thing I can add is that I couldn't find one soul who is pleased with her choice. They despise him and want him gone."

"And their reason?"

Thomas laughed. "They think he's ungodly."

"In what way?"

"Well, they've been brought up to believe that god speaks to them through their clergyman, but they know that Lady Catherine writes his sermons and they know she isn't god despite what she may think of herself. These are their words, not mine, sir"

"Understood."

"They also find him arrogant and pompous. Apparently it took all of two days before the entire village knew that he was the heir of an estate in Hartfordshire, which will give him a clear two thousand pounds a year upon the demise of the present owner. He also boasted that he was a frequent dinner guest at Rosing's Park. Their previous curate was a sweet and kindly old man who usually joined the villagers for a pint or two down at the local on a Friday night. Mr. Collins doesn't mingle with them nor do they want him to."

"And what do they say about my cousin Anne?"

"They feel sorry for her. They remembered her as a bright and happy child, sweet and polite. What they remember most about her is that she was always cheerful and loved to laugh. After her father died, something inside her seemed to die. One of the villagers said it was like the light in her went out."

The morning had dawned on what promised to be a beautiful day. Fortunately, Lady Catherine was a late riser so Darcy, Richard and Anne had the breakfast table to themselves. Unlike Lady Catherine who thought servants couldn't hear, the three cousins knew the opposite was true and were always prudent in their remarks though Anne sat in silence sipping her coffee.

It was the first time Darcy had gotten a close look at Anne in the bright light of day in almost five years. She was not at all what he had expected. He'd heard from all his relatives how sickly she was. Her face was pale and there were dark circles under her eyes but Darcy supposed that if she was as unhappy as he began to suspect she was, sleep would be hard to come by.

Beside him, he heard Richard take a deep breath and address Anne, "cousin, do you still take your chaise out and ride around the countryside? If you do, you couldn't pick a finer day for your amusement."

Anne looked at Richard, then at Darcy who was busy eating and seemed lost in his own thoughts. "It's about my only amusement, cousin," she replied.

"Do you ever visit the old oak tree? It's still standing I hope."

"It was last month and as you well know, Richard,if anything happened to the tree it would be a matter of some importance. It might be discussed for the next seven months or until the next tree died. And in answer to your first question, unless I'm feeling particularly masochistic, I seldom visit the old oak tree. I never remove my boots and stockings and splash around in the creek either. It's been several years since I put childish things behind me."

Darcy heard the bitterness in Anne's voice and his heart went out to her. He imagined his own dear sister being deprived of all the happiness she deserved. It was hard to fathom how or why a mother would allow her child to descend into such misery and bitterness.

"Well," Darcy said, "I think I'll take a ride around the countryside. Maybe I'll run into old friends. Care to join me, Richard?"

"No, I don't believe so. I think I'll stick around here and visit with our Aunt. There's something I want to talk to her about."

An hour later Darcy stood on a rise overlooking the village. He watched the small chaise turn expertly onto the old creek road. The trees blocked his sight for a few moments then the chaise reappeared pulling into the shade of the ancient oak tree. Anne stepped down gracefully and removed her bonnet and tossed it into the chaise. She turned and walked slowly towards her cousin.

Darcy reached out and embraced her tightly. "It's so good to see you again, Anne. But I can see you're not happy and I'm sorry for it. Truly I am."

"According to Mr. Collins, it's a woman's lot in life to suffer for bringing about the downfall of Adam and for causing such agony to her mother during the birthing process. He's so dense he doesn't realize that this would apply to his patroness as well. And she's so dense she thinks this reasoning makes perfect sense."

"Tell me how all this came about, Anne. Richard and I are at a loss to understand how things changed so drastically since we last saw you."

"Things happen to the best of us, Darce. And I can take some blame for what I've become."

"And what has become of you, Anne?"

"I've become old and angry, and embittered. I hate my mother and that fat slob of a clergyman who looks at me the way he looks at a leg of lamb."

"Anne, you're only one and twenty. You have your whole life ahead of you."

"I wouldn't wish my life on my worst enemy."

They sat down near the creek enjoying the gentle sounds of the water rushing across the rocks. Darcy took her hand in his.

"How did it come to this, Anne, tell me everything."

Anne took a moment to gather her thoughts, then began to explain how the lives of the three best friends had diverged in the past five years.

"Do you remember how you and Richard used to spend hours talking about your futures? You made it so exciting and I couldn't wait until I could go to Cambridge and study Latin and Greek. I dreamed of walking the halls where some of England's greatest minds had studied. I remember how you laughed and told me that girls didn't go to Cambridge. I thought you were just teasing me. It never once occurred to me that I wouldn't one day attend college with you. Even when I brought the subject up to my father, he laughed and patted my head. But I was still determined that one day I would attend Cambridge with my best friends."

"But Anne," Darcy said, "you were so young. I think Richard and I just assumed that it was just a phase you were going through. We knew your life would never be like ours. You were, after all, a woman and woman are not allowed to study at Cambridge or any other college.

"After all, I was just a woman," Anne sighed. Once father died, I learned what it meant to be just a woman. My education would consist of learning to stand straight with shoulders back. I would learn to modulate my voice into dulcet tones that would entice men. In other words I would learn to be a wife. Specifically, your wife."

"That's when she began to spread the rumors that we were engaged to be married?"

"Probably. I don't really remember. What I did know was that I didn't want to marry my playmate." She laughed softly. "I suppose you were about seventeen years old when I last saw you, but memory being what it is, I thought of you as a little boy who played with wooden swords and who one day had stolen a kiss beneath the old church tower."

Darcy laughed, "I'd prefer you forget that incident, Anne."

"How could I? It was my first and last kiss."

"Surely she hired tutors for you."

"I tried to get her to hire me tutors so I could keep up with you and Richard but she would have nothing to do with it. She said that men despised bluestockings, and you in particular would never want an educated woman as a wife. Everything I wanted was always weighed against whether it would be suitable for a wife of the heir to Pemberley."

"Why didn't you tell someone. You could have spoken to my father or Richard's parents. They would have done something."

"By that time Richard was off to Cambridge and Pemberley was taking up all of your time. You and Richard were getting on with yours lives and I was left behind. I was lonely and in despair. I missed you both so much but I had no right to make demands on you. In any case, there wasn't much either of you could do. You were both still young and you had your own worries."

Darcy was horrified at these revelations. "Anne, why didn't you leave once you became of age? You had the money."

"She told me that I could only have ten thousand pounds. The other ten would only be released upon my marriage and then only at her discretion. She told me that if I left, she would offer no help in establishing a residence in London or in any other town. By then my spirit was so broken that I was afraid to make any decisions. Oh, Darce, you don't know what it's like to be a woman who depends on the goodness of another human being. Georgianna doesn't know how lucky she is to have you as a brother.

Tears slid silently down her face and she wiped at them angrily. "Sorry, she said, "I don't usually allow myself the relief of tears. It tends to make things worse."

"Anne, Richard and I are going to work something out. We're going to try to get you to Pemberley. But for now, you had better return to Rosing's Park before your mother sends out the hounds."

After Anne left, Darcy removed his boots and stockings and walked into the shallow creek enjoying the feel of the cleansing waters. He stood there oblivious to the world around him while he thought about the life he'd led so far. He was a man born into a man's world. His wealth was beyond the imagination of most men and he was the lord and master of one of the most beautiful estates in England. His name gave him entrance to most any of the great homes in England. There was little or nothing that he could not possess if he so desired. He was the chosen one.

His cousin Anne was born into the same family and though her wealth was only half of what his was, it was still substantial. She was born to lead a good and comfortable life. She was intelligent and beautiful or would be as soon as she was free again. She was a chosen one. The difference was that she was a woman.

He had never thought of what a vast chasm divided the sexes. The women in his world had money and family which would always protect them. He didn't think he'd ever look at another woman without taking into consideration the reasons she acted the way she did. It was not only money she sought, but protection in an unfair world. He could even feel a bit of sympathy for Caroline Bingley; a little, but not more than that.

There was no reason to doubt Anne's story, but still parts of it seemed incredible. He remembered Anne's father as a kindly man who loved his daughter, even doted on her. That he would leave his only child unprotected and subject to the whims of a woman not known for her warmth, was beyond his comprehension. As Richard would say, it was time for the heavy artillery.

Darcy sat in a chair watching his manservant laying out his clothes for the evening meal. He could hardly remember a time when Thomas hadn't been by his side seeing to his needs. The story went that Darcy at the age of five had for a short time escaped his nanny and had fled onto the grounds of Pemberley. Thomas at the age of sixteen had been visiting with his father, an under-gardener. Thomas had spotted the young boy and grabbed him and in one fluid motion had swung him up to perch on his shoulders. Holding Darcy's pudgy little hands, Thomas galloped across the grounds to the delight of the young master.

Unseen, the mistress had watched the entire scene and never forgot the incident. She found him a place on an adjacent estate as an apprentice valet and a year later, hired him as her son's manservant. Thomas proved to be an honest and faithful companion to Darcy and was allowed perquisites not usually afforded servants; he sat in on Darcy's tutoring. His thirst for learning was never quenched and he could now pass for a gentleman though he was clever enough never to appear uppity to the other servants. He made an excellent companion but Darcy knew a day would come when Thomas would leave. He was a handsome man of five and thirty and must be in want of a wife and children.

"Thomas, would you consider yourself a happy man?"

Thomas was surprised at the question, "why, yes I do. And why not? I live on a beautiful estate, have a good and interesting position and I'm able to put money in the bank for my old age. I've also had the privilege of much travel. I've seen almost every shire in the land." He smiled, "I've even studied at Cambridge."

"But surely that isn't enough. Don't you want a wife and children?"

No sir. I love the ladies but I don't want to own one. A wife brings children which brings debt and eventual misery. Begging your pardon, sir, but the class system is firmly in place. If I were to marry she would have to be a servant like myself. And what future would our children have? The girls would go into service once they reached the age of ten. The boys would be apprenticed out and slave away for the rest of their lives. A life of drudgery would be all I could give them. No sir. A single life for me.

"You have three sisters, have you not?"

"Yes sir. They entered service when they reached the age of ten. They have a hard life as most women have if they are of low birth."

"Women don't fare very well in our society," Darcy allowed.

"My two brothers have fared a little better. They joined the navy and have done well so far though the work is grueling and dangerous. As you know, I was a cabin boy at the age of seven and had been working on ships for eight years when I came to visit my father at Pemberley. But you're right, sir. A woman of low birth will never rise above her fate."

Richard rapped on his door and entered. "You two gossiping as usual? Better get him dressed before Lady Catherine comes looking for him, Thomas. Lady Catherine can be formidable if kept waiting for her dinner."

"Pour us a drink, Richard," Darcy said, handing him his empty glass.

"Are you sure you want another? I want you in good shape tonight."

"I need some Dutch courage tonight. My day was emotionally draining. We let our cousin down, Richard, and I'm thoroughly ashamed of myself. And you should be too. The whole family should be ashamed, for that matter. What good is family if we can't protect one of our own? Anne has been left to fend for herself, with no male protection and at the mercy of an unfeeling tyrant."

Richard handed him his drink, "surely, it's not that bad, Darce."

"It's worse!" He spat. "And all because Lady Catherine wants her daughter to marry a Darcy of Pemberley! Tomorrow I want you to write to your father. I want to know exactly what Lewis De Bourgh's will says. I want to know how much money Anne can get her hands on right now."

Once Darcy was dressed and had finished his second brandy he felt a little lightheaded and it was then that he remembered he'd had very little to eat that day. He felt Richard's eyes on him, "Richard," he mumbled, "stop staring at me. I'm perfectly fine."

"I can see that", Richard retorted.

Once more the cunning Mr. Collins was in attendance, licking his fat lips as he sipped his sherry. Darcy was running out of adjectives to describe the loathsome man. Cackling cleric? No. Mr Collins never laughed; he smirked. Porky parson? Yes, that would do. Rancid rector? Rancid described perfectly the smell that emanated from his hair oil. Venomous vicar? Probably preached fire and brimstone to his hapless victims as if their lives weren't miserable enough.

Darcy was so enthralled with his silly musings that he was unaware of the silence that had descended the room. It took him a moment to realize that he had been laughing out loud. He glanced at Richard who was shaking his head and rolling his eyes. Anne was holding her handkerchief hard to her mouth, her body shaking. Lady Catherine was eying him with suspicion and Mr. Collins was busy counting the bricks in the fireplace.

It reminded Darcy of a French farce. He had to pull himself together or their scheme would never work.

"Darcy!", said Lady Catherine. "Escort your cousin into the dining room."

Absently, Darcy approached Richard whose eyes widened. "she means Anne," he hissed.

He hurried to Anne and offered his arm. She took it and whispered, "what set you off?"

"The putrid parson," he replied.

Anne giggled, "go easy on the wine, cousin. I have it on good authority that Sunday's sermon is about the evils of drink."

The charade began immediately. Darcy stared intently at Anne until she looked up, then he looked quickly away trying his best to look shy without giggling. Once she looked down, Darcy lifted his eyes to stare at her again. He hadn't yet mastered the penetrating stare of the lovelorn suitor but he was doing his best. Only once did he miss his cue. At one point, Mr. Collins had the audacity to speak to Anne. Anne looked up and Darcy glared at the cleric until Richard elbowed him. He glared at Lady Catherine. Then he glared at Richard. Finally he glared at his plate. Six courses were eaten and time slid past at a snail's pace. All Darcy wanted was to retire to the library and pour a stiff drink then go to bed and hope that he felt better in the morning.

"A fine spectacle you made of yourself, " Richard shouted. He poured three drinks and handed one to Thomas and and one to Darcy then flopped into a chair. I've never been subjected to such a mortifying sight except when my general drinks six or seven drinks too many. Lady Catherine will certainly not want such a giggling numskull for a son-in-law. All is lost," he finished melodramatically, draining half his drink

Darcy groaned, "poor Anne." She'll never forgive me."

Thomas spoke up, "begging your pardon sir, but I disagree. I never took my eyes off Lady Catherine, as per your instructions, sir. I'm convinced she thinks you're jealous of Mr. Collins."

Darcy groaned, "now I'm jealous of the malodorous minister?

Richard perked up. "Do you really think so, Thomas?"

"I'm sure I caught a glimmer of a smile and you know Lady Catherine never smiles."

Richard nodded, "Yes. The last time I saw her smile was at her husband's funeral. Well, maybe things aren't as bad as I thought."

The following morning Darcy related to Richard everything Anne had told him the day before. Richard was appalled as Darcy assumed he would be. He began to pen a letter to his father the Earl of Matlock who was the elder brother of Lady Catherine and a formidable figure in his own right. The letter he wrote was straightforward with no fanciful additions. The bare truth was dramatic enough. Richard had no doubt that his father and mother would act immediately. If not, Richard would suffer a grievous humiliation and vowed to Darcy that if his parents did nothing to ease Anne's situation, they would.

Eight days later Richard received a reply to his letter. His father assured his son that he would consult with the family lawyer and get to the truth.

A further ten days followed and Darcy, Richard and Anne continued the charade hoping that Lady Catherine would change her mind about letting Anne visit Pemberley. Richard had told his aunt that the two cousins had to share time together at Darcy's home. He tried to convince her that there was a good chance that all her dreams would come to fruition if only she would let Anne go.

They spent several days picnicking at the creek and getting reacquainted but in the evening they continued playing the game. Darcy was hard-pressed to even look at Lady Catherine his loathing of her was that intense. He couldn't help thinking of his Georgianna enduring such suffering at the hands of someone who was supposed to love and nurture her.

On a beautiful day in May, they sent Anne back to the house first. Darcy and Richard dawdled at the creek for an additional ten minutes then mounted and rode back at a leisurely pace. As they ascended the steps of Rosing's park they heard the uproar. They stopped for a moment, listening. Then Richard said, "father has arrived. All will be well."

The shouting in the study went on for several hours. Anne stayed in her room while Darcy and Richard stayed upstairs talking to Thomas.

"I saw Lord Matlock's carriage just as it entered the grounds of Rosing's Park. I ran and warned Mrs. Jenkinson to be alert to Miss Anne's return and told her to whisk her mistress to her rooms as soon as she arrived. Then I hurried downstairs just as Lord Matlock entered. Mr. Richard, your father looked thunderous. He had a thick set of papers in his hand and he waved off the butler with them then stalked into the drawing room. Lady Catherine started to greet him but he interrupted her and demanded that she follow him to the study. Out he came followed by a white-faced Lady Catherine. Into the study they went and then I heard the door slam and that's when the shouting began.

The door suddenly flew open and the formidable Lord Matlock strode into the room. "Whatever you're drinking I'll have a double."

Darcy pointed to the bottle of Armagnac and Thomas moved swiftly filling three glasses then took his place behind Darcy's chair.

"Lewis De Burgh," Lord Matlock said after taking a large swallow of brandy and nodding his approval, "left the London townhouse to Anne. She could have taken possession of the townhouse almost three years ago. He also left her twenty thousand pounds which she was entitled to when she turned eighteen. Upon my sister's death Rosing's park and all other property and monies will belong to Anne. The will is irrevocable.

"Three years," Darcy whispered more to himself then to the others. "Lost years she'll never get back. It's monstrous!."

Lord Matlock agreed. "I'm hardily ashamed for letting this happen. But there's nothing we can do about it now except to help Anne in the transition."

No one in the room was to see Lady Catherine again for the next two years. She retired to her rooms and refused admittance to her brother and her daughter; neither Darcy or Richard even tried to see her.

Anne was stunned at the news that she was now a wealthy heiress and free to live her life as she chose. She opted not to take possession of her townhouse until she felt strong enough to run her own household. She wanted to see Pemberley where it's beauty could restore her spirits. So to Pemberley they would go.

At Pemberley Darcy and Georgianna had agreed to make no demands of Anne. Her circumstances had changed so drastically that she could hardly comprehend her new freedom and found it difficult to even speak. At first she spent hours in the library reading and poring over Darcy's extensive map collection. Most days she had her meals served in her rooms and then took long naps. The servants reported that Miss Anne often wept silently while standing at the window staring out at the grounds of Pemberley.

Eventually she began to walk the grounds staying close to the house but at length she ventured further out to the extensive gardens and finally through the forest and onto the farmlands to watch the men at work. She spent her first month at Pemberley in this fashion, only returning late in the afternoon to once more retire to her rooms to dine alone.

Then one day she arrived in the breakfast room and greeted her cousins cheerfully. The dark circles on her lovely face had faded and her color spoke of health.

Darcy breathed a sigh of relief. All would be well.

After that morning Georgianna quite frequently accompanied Anne on her walks and though there was ten years difference in age their conversations were lively and they grew to be more like sisters than cousins. Anne spent hours in the music room listening to Georgianna playing, her eyes closed in pleasure, feeling her strength return. Looking in the mirror was no longer a torment as she could see that her eyes had brightened. Her days were filled with peace and her nights were dreamless. Pemberley had performed a miracle and Anne could see the day when she would return to London and take up the business of life.

Darcy had found the perfect solution to the useless piece of land he had discovered a year before. He had consulted his architect and the plans had been drawn and were now being implemented.

The work on his project was coming along very nicely and he could feel the curiosity and excitement of his servants and tenants growing with each passing week as the building began to take shape. There were many guesses as to what the master of Pemberley could possibly be creating but none of them came close. Even the small village of Lambton was talking about it. The tradesmen of the village were delighted to supply the materials and the laborers were enjoying the extra wages they were earning.

Darcy wasn't sure what his father would think of his project. Though his father had always been respectful of his tenants, Darcy doubted his father would approve of his undertaking. In the past year and a half Darcy had become more aware of the lives of quiet desperation that so many of his tenants suffered. They worked hard to feed their children and soon those very children would themselves be working hard.

The building was completed shortly before the Christmas holidays began and Darcy was well pleased with the result. He'd made a duplicate of the QR, only on a smaller scale. It was solely for the entertainment of his tenants. It would only be opened on Friday and Saturday nights and he hoped that having a place for social intercourse would bring ease and pleasure to their hard lives. There would be dancing for the adults and upstairs there were tables and sets of chess, checkers for the children and the old men who found no pleasure in the amusement of dancing.

Darcy supplied two kegs of ale and several dozen sausage rolls and pies each week which further helped the economy of Lambton village. He hoped his experiment would not prove to be a fiasco.

As Christmas neared, Anne and Georgianna prepared the sacks of foodstuffs that they would deliver to the tenants. There was a ham, flour and sugar, raisins and nuts and a very small bottle of brandy for the Christmas pudding. There were also large sacks of hard candy for the children. Always there was a bottle of wine for the parents on that very special day.

Darcy handed out the bonuses to the servants and he was always generous.

For the first time in ten years the house was decorated with boughs of holly and pine and the smell of the cookies, pies and cakes permeated the entire house and everyone on the estate made merry.

The servant's ball drew the year to a satisfactory close and the holidays were pronounced to be the best they'd ever had.

The weather had been moderate until the end of January and then they suffered through several storms one after another. Darcy was feeling claustrophobic. Except for the brief month at Kent he had spent the better part of the last year and a half at Pemberley.

During February Darcy taught Anne and Georgianna the game of billiards which they both took to and enjoyed. They played chess and shot darts, read books and listened to Georgianna play.

By the end of March the entire family was feeling claustrophobic. Darcy was also feeling a gnawing restlessness which he assured himself would dissipate as soon as the weather calmed down. Anne too, was feeling restless and determined that it was time to take up residence in Town.

One day in mid-April they awoke to a glorious day and all three prayed that it boded well for the coming seasons.

Darcy sent out invitations to his friends to join him at Pemberley for a few weeks in July. That left him three months to get the estate ready after such an inclement winter.

Blessedly, the next three months slipped by quickly with work and picnics by the lake. The Pemberley QR proved to be a boon to his tenants and it was never abused as some of the older men appointed themselves as guardian of good manners; drunkenness would not be tolerated.

All was right in their paradise and they were all looking forward to the arrival of their guests. Anne in particular was looking forward to meeting some young men who would be the first eligible young men that she had ever known. She began to take extra care with her hair and dress and Darcy and Georgianna were quick to comment on her beauty which she responded to with blushes and gentle laughter. Darcy remembered the promise of her youth and more and more she began to resemble the young beautiful woman she was meant to be.

It was now approaching July and there was less than a month before Guy, Josh, Charles and Richard would descend on Pemberley. Darcy was anxious to see all his friends but most particularly his friend Bingley. It had been two years since he had seen him and he looked forward to renewing their friendship.

There was only one fly in the ointment and Darcy rather thought he would be the fly. Ten days before his guests were due to arrive, he received a reply to the letter he'd sent to Charles Bingley verifying the date of their arrival. The letter he received back was not from Charles, but from Caroline Bingley. According to Miss Bingley, Charles was in Shropshire visiting his aunt but he would be back momentarily. She assured Darcy that they would all arrive on time and she in particular was looking forward to seeing the great estate she'd heard so much of.

Darcy's heart sank. Was it possible that the woman would defy all the conventions of society and foist herself uninvited on an unwilling host? And who exactly was 'they'? Were the Hursts coming too?

He went directly to the music room and found Anne curled up with a book and Georgianna playing softly. He handed the letter to Anne. "What do you make of this letter?"

Both Richard and Darcy had explained Caroline Bingley to Anne while she was still living in Kent. She read the letter quickly. "I think you should have a very serious talk with her brother."

"How can I without embarrassing Bingley. I won't do anything which might destroy our friendship."

"Well," Anne said after a moment's consideration, "it seems to me that Richard's inappropriate suggestion to Miss Bingley gave her some inappropriate ideas. Why don't you let Richard take care of Miss Bingley? Watching him pursue Miss Bingley whilst she tries to pursue you while discouraging him, should add merriment to your party. And it might teach Richard not to seek amusement at the expense of another."

"What about cousin Richard?" piped up Georgianna.

Anne looked at Darcy who nodded in agreement . "Georgie, a lady is coming here to try to persuade your brother that she is the women who could make him the happiest of men."

"She's coming to marry Wills?" Georgianna looked horrified.

"She may try," Darcy spoke quickly, "but she will fail. "Anne, I think you must explain Miss Bingley to Georgie. I'm sure words would fail me."

Anne laughed and laid her book aside. "What say we take a long walk, Georgie. We shall discuss how we can save your brother from a fate worse than death."

Richard and Joshua arrived the evening before they were expected which surprised and delighted their hosts. It was the first time Darcy had seen Joshua in his regimentals. The two soldiers stood side by side, tall and handsome grinning broadly, stretching out the cramps caused by three days in a carriage.

"I swear, Darcy," Richard groaned, "I'm getting too old for this. Every bone in my body aches."

Joshua gripped Darcy's hand. "Great to see you again Darce. You look well."

"As do you, Josh. Army life seems to suit you. Darcy turned to Georgianna and Anne. Allow me to introduce you to your hostesses."

Joshua took Anne's hand and bowed "delighted Miss Anne." He bowed to Georgianna and winked, which made Georgianna blush.

Seeing the wink and the resulting blush, "I think you have been too long in Richard's company," Darcy drawled.

Richard, after greeting his two cousins boisterously offered them each an arm as they ascended the stairs and entered the house.

Fortunately, the two guests had arrived in time to dine with their hosts and dinner was an extremely pleasant affair. Richard entertained with more tales of his irascible general which Darcy was sure were highly imaginative though hilarious. It was a joy to see both ladies of the party laughing with no restraint. It was also interesting to see Anne and Joshua exchanging surreptitious glances.

Joshua was probably the first eligible young man she'd ever laid eyes on and if the gentle smile on her face was any indication, she liked what she saw. Darcy was well pleased. Anne was on the way to full recovery or soon would be. And tomorrow would bring two more eligible bachelors. He smiled thinking she just might have her hands full with three young men vying for her attention. His smile faded almost immediately when he remembered who else would be arriving on the morrow.

Once the ladies had retired to their rooms, Darcy approached Richard. "I would speak to you, cousin."

Richard sighed, "I know."

"What do you know?"

"Josh and I stopped in London for some lunch at my club. Bingley was there looking like death warmed over. He told me that his sister was determined to join him as you had personally invited her."

"She actually told him that?" Darcy was appalled.

"She told him that the Hursts were invited too."

"So, I have three uninvited guest about to descend on me."

"No. The Hursts were planning to come also but when they realized that Caroline had lied to them and they hadn't been invited, they backed out. Hurst and Louisa did their best to reason with Miss Caroline but to no avail."

"Well, at least the Hursts have a semblance of common sense."

Bingley is mortified and asked me to make his excuses to you. He was prepared to forgo the pleasure of seeing you again in order not to cause you any embarrassment."

"I hope you convinced him that he would be welcome no matter who accompanied him?"

"I had my work cut out for me but I finally convinced him that you hadn't seen him in two years and were looking forward to renewing your friendship. I could tell he was looking forward to seeing you also." Richard sighed heavily. "I'm beginning to think that Caroline Bingley is deranged."

"And by your information she thinks I'm actively seeking a wife. You outdid yourself this time, Richard, and you're going to have to do something about it."

"What do you propose? Richard responded warily.

"That you make a pest of yourself. That shouldn't be too difficult for a man who has such a glib tongue. And I want you to enlist Joshua in keeping Caroline Bingley away from me."

"That might be rather difficult. He couldn't keep his eyes off Anne."

"Anne and Georgianna have both been apprised of the problem and they will help. And when Guy gets here you can tell him about the problem. I want to have a pleasant time with everyone. It might be another year before we can all get together again. Is that understood?"

"Perfectly."

"I assume Joshua knows about Miss Bingley?"

Richard nodded, "he thinks Miss Bingley must be a very scary female. He's anxious to meet her."

"Darcy frowned. "why on earth would he want to meet such a woman?"

"He thinks it might be good practice if ever he runs into Napoleon.

Late the following day the Bingley carriage pulled in front of Pemberley house and Darcy accompanied by his sister and cousin happily greetedhis invited guest. Darcy gripped Bingley's hand and shoulder grinning broadly. "Bingley, I can't tell you how I've missed your company. Welcome to Pemberley."

Darcy hadn't seen his friends in two years. Bingley was no longer a scrawny young fellow. He had filled out and presaged the man he would become in the next couple of years. "I hardly recognize you," he said. "You look great. Cambridge obviously agrees with you."

Bingley responded with an embarrassed grin. "It's been so long Darce. It's wonderful to see you again."

"And will you introduce me to your companion?"

Bingley's eyes widened then with a suppressed smile, introduced his sister.

"How do you do, Miss Bingley, delighted to meet you."

Miss Bingley blinked. "But Mr. Darcy, we met last year in London."

"Did we? I'm afraid I don't remember. In any case, you're here now and allow me to introduce my sister Georgianna and my cousin Anne. As the cousins were introduced they each stepped forward and curtsied to Miss Bingley briefly then took one of Darcy's offered arms. "Do come in and rest yourselves. I know how tiresome the trip must have been for you Bingley, but I promise to make it up to you," Darcy said.

Inside, Mrs. Reynolds escorted Miss Bingley to her room. Mr. Darcy's instructions had been precise. Since it would be impolite to pitch a tent on the grounds for Miss Bingley he would allow her a room as long as it was as far away from his rooms as possible and still be in the house. Mrs. Reynolds had chosen a room at the far end of the corridor in the east wing.

Bingley lingered for a moment. "I'm so embarrassed, Darce. I just don't know what to say."

"Bingley," Darcy replied, "Richard and I have had to deal with a relative last year that makes your sister look like a saint. I beg you, Charles, don't make yourself uneasy. We're all going to have some fun and if I'm not mistaken, Guy is arriving as we speak. Darcy called out to Richard and Josh announcing Guy's arrival. The four friends hastened down the steps and greeted their oldest friend with jovial good will. "Welcome to Pemberley," they shouted.

The seating arrangement at dinner was as perfect as Anne could make it. Darcy was at the head of the table and had Bingley and Guy on either side of him. At the opposite end sat Anne with Josh and Richard on either side of her. Sandwiched between Richard and Guy, Caroline sat facing Georgianna. Darcy engaged Bingley and Guy in serious conversation catching up on all the latest news. Anne concentrated on making Josh feel comfortable. Georgianna was too shy to speak, leaving Richard as Caroline's only dinner companion.

Richard was in rare form, recounting the myriad details of army life. Once he got to the part he'd played in several battles, he really warmed to his subject. His lengthy description of where one should place the artillery to protect the flank was masterful and Georgianna couldn't help herself. She burst into giggles. The look Miss Bingley threw her was sour in the extreme which made Georgianna break out in childish laughter which drew the attention of the entire table.

Darcy smiled at his sister. "what is so amusing little sister?"

Georgianna blushed, being the center of attention. "one of cousin Richard's army stories."

"Not about his long suffering General, I hope."

"No, brother. This one was where to place the big guns to protect your flanks."

"Ah, yes. But Richard save some of your stories. I wouldn't want you to run out of anecdotes."

Richard grinned. "No problem, Darce. I've got a million of them."

Darcy was happy to discover that Miss Bingley never arose before noon so breakfast was a pleasant affair and Bingley and Guy made the most of it. They were obviously enchanted with Miss Anne and she was enchanted with them. Josh seemed a bit put out by it but accepted it in good humor. She had promised to play a game of chess with him that afternoon and he planned to make the most of it. He could stretch the game out for two or even three hours. He might even let her win.

The five men spent the morning fishing and exchanging thoughts about school, the war, and the ladies. School and war was quickly dispensed with and they soon got to the more interesting subject of the ladies.

Guy thought he had fallen in love a year before but the lady wasn't really interested so he lost interest. His friends hooted at this story. They seemed to think that if she had been interested he still would have lost interest. Guy's power of concentration when it came to the ladies was imperfect. He had disappointed the hopes of several mothers.

Bingley tried to describe the charms of the beautiful redhead he'd met in June. They laughed at him. "Everyone knows your preference for blonds, Bingley."

Bingley was insulted. "I don't care what color their hair is."

"If you don't care what color their hair is," Richard chimed in, "that's a good thing. That way you'll never be unpleasantly surprised."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Bingley frowned in confusion.

Richard shook his head in amusement, "one day" he said, "when you grow up, I'll tell you"

Darcy glared at Richard. "Bingley," he said, " it's a known fact that redheads have bad tempers. That's what Richard meant."

Guy laughed, "there's the famous Darcy glare of disapproval."

"What kind of woman will you marry, Darcy?" Joshua asked.

"Well, it won't depend on the color of her hair," he responded with a wry smile. "I'd like to think that she'd have wit, intelligence and be well read."

"It's a well kept secret in the family," Richard gibed, "that my cousin plans to marry himself."

This remark produced gales of laughter.

"Oh, do be quiet, Richard," Darcy said, laughing despite himself. He stood up. "This scintillating conversation has made me hungry. Let's go see what the ladies are up to."

The seating arrangement for lunch was exactly the same as the previous evening. The moment he walked into the dining room Caroline Bingley addressed him. "Oh, Mr. Darcy, how was your morning? Did you catch many fish? Will we have the pleasure of dining on your catch this evening?"

"I'm afraid not, Miss Bingley. But Guy did very well. I'm sure that Guy would love to regale you with some of his best fishing stories, wouldn't you, Guy?"

"Indeed I would, Darcy. Nothing gives me more pleasure than sharing my fishing stories." He turned to Miss Bingley, "what is your favorite fish, Miss Bingley? Did you know that fish are wily creatures and you need a special technique for each kind of fish? Let me tell you how I go about outwitting the carp."

"How's your roommate?" Darcy asked Bingley.

"Mr. Baldwin? Oh, he's fine. Very quiet and studious. Doesn't say much."

"No brandy and conversation to close the evening.?

Bingley smiled, "I really missed our evenings together. I still do. No suppers on the square. No Friday nights at the QR." Bingley sighed, "I miss you, Darce. Studying isn't nearly so difficult if you can look forward to some fun. My last year at Cambridge will be a rather gloomy affair. Mr. Baldwin does not believe in fun. I don't think I've ever heard him laugh."

"Surely you've made other friends?

"Oh sure, but they don't live with me. I guess I got spoiled by having you and then Joshua as roommates. It gets kind of lonely, that's all I'm saying."

Darcy's attention was suddenly drawn to Caroline Bingley. Guy had drawn a breath between his description of how to catch a tench and how to fly cast for trout. It had allowed Caroline a chance to interrogate Georgianna.

She began by praising his sister on her expertise at the pianoforte, asking her who her favorite composers were, if she drew, what were her favorite shops in Town and when did she expect to return to London? When Darcy heard her ask if Georgianna would like to join her for a drive to that adorable little village of Lambton, he decided it was time to rescue his sister.

"Georgianna, will you come to the study with me dearest. I have something to show you."

"Miss Bingley smiled broadly at Darcy. "Your sister is absolutely adorable, Mr. Darcy. Absolutely charming."

"Thank you, Miss Bingley. I think so."

Taking care that Miss Bingley wouldn't follow them Darcy locked the door behind him. "Sorry, Georgie. I saw she had you trapped."

"Her perfume is so heavy I could hardly breathe. I don't understand, Wills, if she's after you, why is she bothering with me?"

"She thinks that if you like her, then I'll like her too."

"Would that work?"

Darcy laughed, "no, dearest. It would not. I have no idea who the real Caroline Bingley is. She's the type of woman who thinks the way to a man's heart is to be the kind of woman she thinks he wants. If he falls for her guile and marries her, then he will discover her true nature."

"And then it will be too late?"

"Exactly."

"She's very different from Anne."

"Anne is a lady and I fear that Miss Caroline Bingley is not. I listened to your responses to her inquisition and I'm proud of you Georgie. You played her like a fish."

Georgianna giggled. "You should have seen the the look on her face when Mr. Waltham described how to skin and gut a fish. I thought she was going to faint. I really felt sorry for her. First cousin Richard and his army stories and now Mr. Waltham and his fishing stories. I wouldn't be surprised if she wishes she were back in London.

Darcy grinned. "Perhaps this experience will teach her a lesson. If so, then it was worth enduring her presence.

Darcy alerted Anne and Georgianna that the men wouldn't be joining the ladies after dinner; that as soon as Georgie, Anne and Miss Bingley left the the dining room, the men would be quietly leaving the house. He instructed them not to mention this to Miss Bingley unless she became insistent. He knew this was cruel treatment of his guest, but she was, after all, an uninvited guest and hopefully this disdain he had been showing her since her arrival would teach her a valuable lesson. He hoped for Bingley's sake that this would be the case.

It was one of those magical evenings that all too infrequently visited the hills of Derbyshire. There was still warmth in the air though the sun was moving to the west and would soon leave all of England in darkness. By the time they returned, there would be a full moon high in the sky lighting their way safely home.

Once they had passed through the forest that separated the grounds of Pemberley from the farmlands of the estate they began to hear the distant sounds of music. They followed the sounds up over a steep rise then came to a halt staring down at a small vale which ended at the arc of a creek.

"Good grief," Richard murmured," what have you done?"

Darcy grinned at his friends, "what does it look like?"

Bingley stood in awe. "It looks like the QR's baby," he said.

Guy and Joshua were speechless at the vision below them.

Darcy laughed at their expression. He was rather proud of the building. He had built it as a replica of the QR only on a much smaller scale. There was even a veranda around the sides and back. There would be no drownings here as the creek was no river Cam, but he thought it the crowning touch.

His friends bombarded him with questions, mostly asking what it's purpose was. "It's for the tenants," he said. "It will serve as a meeting place, but mostly it's a place of entertainment for them. He turned to Bingley, "at lunch this afternoon you said that studying wasn't nearly so difficult if you can look forward to a little fun. That's the reason I had this built. My people work hard and I want them to have a little fun."

Richard wanted a closer look but Darcy shook his head. "No, it's their place and five gentlemen invading their space would be obtrusive. Besides, I've set up the bar at the gazebo and you all look like you need a drink."

Naturally Richard, Guy and Joshua poured the Armagnac and settled down to enjoy the brandy. Both Darcy and Bingley opted for the port and a walk out on the grounds. They finally settled near a large tree and relaxed.

"Hard to believe two years have gone bye," Darcy said. "It seems the older I get, the faster time moves."

"Don't you ever get bored living out here? The society seems rather limited."

Darcy nodded. "Not so much boredom as restlessness. I work to exhaustion and fall into bed half -dead. Then I can't sleep. I toss and turn so much that the sheets twist around me like a shroud."

"At Cambridge," Bingley remarked in obvious amusement, "they have a word for that and it isn't restlessness."

The friends shared a knowing smile. "Well," Darcy said, "I'm heading for Town next month. Anne is ready to take her place in society. Georgie is becoming a young lady and it's time I start the the business of being a debonair man about town."

"Aren't there any women out here?"

"None that I'm interested in. They're all too young or too old. I'll have to start searching in Town." Darcy sighed heavily, I don't look forward to it. It means I'll have to dance and make small talk and try not to look bored. But I have to do it for Georgie's sake. One day she will make her debut and if I'm too reclusive it will not be to her advantage."

Bingley laughed, "Darcy, if you're serious about finding a wife, perhaps you ought to practice looking interested."

"You are naturally interested in everyone, Bingley, but I'm not. The sameness of all the dinners and balls drives me to distraction."

Bingley laughed at Darcy's gloomy expression. "With a face like that, you'll scare all the ladies away."

"It's never the ladies that frighten me, Charles. It's their mothers."

Towards the end of their sojourn at Pemberley Darcy found it hard to mask the growing sorrow he felt. Though Richard appeared to be his usual fun-loving self, Darcy had seen unguarded moments of introspection cross his cousin's face. They seemed to come with frequency as their days together shortened. Finally Darcy got the courage to question his cousin though he knew the answer before he asked. Richard and Joshua were bound for France in a few weeks time. He hastened to add that he would be with his general and well behind the lines but this did little to assuage Darcy's fear for Richard's safety.

During the final week he was hard-pressed to keep his spirits up before Anne and Georgianna knowing how distraught they would feel when the time came for them to know their beloved cousin would be leaving the safely of England to face the danger of war.

As for how Anne would take the news of Josh leaving for France, he doubted she'd feel anything but a natural concern for a friend in peril. They had indulged in a light flirtation but Darcy was sure that their regard for each other wasn't of a romantic nature. Too often Anne had left Joshua's company to retire early to her rooms to read, leaving Josh with a kind smile and a brief curtsy. Never once did Josh look like a disappointed and forlorn suitor.

Usually Georgianna and Anne retired early so as not to interfere with the pleasure of the men. They were both rapacious readers and though Georgianna was only thirteen years old she knew what ribaldry meant and she suspected that under the influence of brandy and cigars there was a lot of that going on in the game room.

Once Anne and Georgianna retired to their rooms for the night it was expected that Miss Bingley would follow suit. Unfortunately, Miss Bingley broke all the rules of propriety by remaining behind as the sole female in a roomful of young men. She always took quick advantage of these moments and invariably approached Darcy and any of the men he was conversing with. Wasting little time she engaged him in her own conversation waxing ecstatic about Pemberley, the grounds, the furniture, his sister and her musical gifts. All this Darcy bore with good grace while Bingley looked on with increasing embarrassment while the other three men looked on with increasing amusement.

Richard said on one of these occasions, "you must have been bored to tears, Miss Bingley, to have to endure a stag party. I know my sister would never dream of attending a reunion of five old school boys. My cousins knew what to expect since they are family and were resigned to an all man party" and here Richard laughed hardily, "you must have noticed how early they retire. They can take just so much of our stories about the good old days when we attended Cambridge. I'm sure the next time you hear of an upcoming reunion you'll make yourself scarce. I know we can be a tiresome lot."

If Richard thought this speech would disconcert Miss Bingley, he was seriously mistaken. She responded with a coquettish smile and replied, "not at all," Captain Fitzwilliam. I just love hearing stories about Cambridge. There is nothing like a higher education. It's why I insisted that my brother attend Cambridge."

The woman was incorrigible and dense.

Bingley sighed, "and all this time I thought the idea was father's and mine."

Miss Bingley ignored the interruption, "what I always say is that neither looks nor wealth could ever induce me into matrimony . The only men I truly admire are those who are well read and treasure books above all things."

The remark was so patently ridiculous that the men were embarrassed for her but especially for Bingley who stood in mortified silence.

"Well, Bingley," Darcy said "the chess board awaits us. I'm two games down but I will have my revenge tonight." Richard, taking Darcy's cue said, "to the game room, Guy. And you too, Josh. There's nothing like a game of billiards while sipping my cousin's best brandy."

They bid Miss Bingley a brief good night and left the room quickly.

Once in the library, Darcy poured a generous amount of brandy into two snifters and handed one to Bingley. They sat down and several minutes passed in silence.

"So, Bingley, how's your love life? Anything on the horizon?"

"My love life?" Bingley said in mild confusion. "Since I see you haven't set up the chessboard I rather thought you brought me in here to demand my departure on the morn. And not to forget to take my sister with me."

Darcy laughed in genuine amusement, "not at all," he said. I want to know about your love life."

"On the assumption that you have an ulterior motive for asking," Bingley replied, "I'll play along by reminding you of what you've obviously forgotten about attending Cambridge. Just when would I find the time to search for my lady love? But never fear, come next year I'll attend every dinner and every ball that Caroline can procure. I will be finished with school and at my leisure to pursue the ladies."

"And what will you do when you find your lady love?"

"I'll marry her and we'll have a dozen kids and live happily ever after."

Darcy laughed at his friend. "Oh, Bingley," he said, "if only life were that simple."

"Darcy, you think too much. It is that simple. See what you want and go for it. You're the one who said that the chances of finding the perfect woman for you is like a million to one. So if you find her you'd be a fool not to grab on to her. Well," Bingley grinned, "maybe not grab her until you've been introduced."

"Alright, suppose you are lucky enough to find the perfect woman And what if she were flawed in some way."

Bingley sat up and frowned. "flawed?"

Darcy hesitated for a moment. "suppose she didn't belong to the ton?"

Bingley laughed, "once I'm married that will be of little importance. Don't forget I'm planning to buy an estate. Chances are we'd live in the country."

"Suppose she had no dowry?"

Bingley waved the suggestion away. "I have enough for both of us to live happily ever after."

"Suppose Miss Caroline disapproved of her?"

Bingley stared at his friend. "She wouldn't dare."

Darcy stared back, "and if she did dare?"

Bingley took a large gulp of brandy and leaned back with closed eyes. "I can't remember a time when she didn't dominate me," he said quietly. "Even as small children she browbeat me. Louisa says it's because when I came along and usurped her place as the baby she was resentful especially since I was a boy and the heir. I try never to upset her for fear she'll go into one of her rages. It's become a habit to just let her have her way."

Darcy nodded sympathetically "she's a younger version of my Aunt Catherine, my cousin Anne's mother. She's always been autocratic but her husband kept a tight rein on her. After his death she became controlling and abusive towards her daughter. She was willing to do anything to force a marriage between us. She almost destroyed her daughter in the process. She broke Anne's spirit and the poor girl was so shattered emotionally she was incapable of reaching out for help. Now the family feels guilty for not coming to her rescue sooner. It's the main reason I've stayed here in Derbyshire. She needed the time to heal herself."

"But Darcy, surely my sister isn't that bad."

"Remember your first day at Cambridge when she insisted on having use of your carriage despite the fact that it was already packed and ready to go? Remember how frazzled you were when you arrived? You were nervous enough about attending school. Did you need the added vexation? And do you remember how terrified you were when you had the temerity to buy your own home with your own money? And look how close you came to missing this past month with our friends?

"Bingley, you're one and twenty years of age. You are the head of your family. You must take her in hand or you will eventually come to regret it. It may seem far-fetched now, but there could come a time when your sister's actions could bring you heartache. What woman would want a man whose sister dominates him so. An intelligent woman would see the trouble ahead and would dismiss you out of hand.But suppose this same woman married you despite her reservations. Your sister's interference could and very likely would destroy the respect that a husband deserves from his wife. That's when love dies, Charles. I would not like to see you in a loveless marriage. You deserve much more."

"You're right, of course. I've been away too long and I still have a year to go. Once I take up permanent residence in Town there will have to be some changes. If I hadn't run into Richard I wouldn't have come here and enjoyed myself so much. It's been like a balm to my soul. I can face my final year at school more easily now. I would never have been able to forgive my sister if I'd been denied this pleasure."

Darcy refilled their glasses. "Lecture is over, Charles. So let's make plans for Christmas."

With a heavy heart Darcy wished Richard and Joshua farewell then stood watching as their carriage pulled away from Pemberley house. His eyes followed the coach until he heard the Bingley carriage making it's approach then turned and began his slow ascent up the steps. He hadn't gotten halfway up when he was met by an obviously distraught Bingley.

"Darcy," Bingley cried, "Caroline isn't in the house! Mrs. Reynold says that she decided for a last walk in the gardens before our departure and that was over an hour ago. She knows we have to get an early start in order to reach the inn before dark. What could she be thinking?"

Darcy tried to calm his friend and sent his men out to track her down. Nearly another hour passed before they saw her walking at a leisurely pace across the lawn towards the house. Caroline had for the first time in the past month chosen that morning to venture out to examine the beauty of the Pemberley woods and according to her story had completely lost track of time.

If they left now, they would have to stop at an inn that catered to a more rowdy crowd and Darcy had warned Bingley that it would be unsuitable for a lady to stay the night there.

Bingley was mortified and furious. They would have to stay another day.

Darcy was embarrassed for his friend and couldn't find the words to comfort him. "I'll be in the library for the rest of the afternoon," he told Bingley. "Feel free to join me anytime you want." He didn't see Bingley until that evening when brother and sister joined Darcy, Anne and Georgianna in the dining room.

Anne addressed Bingley in her gentle voice, "I hope Mr. Bingley, that this delay won't interfere with your return to Cambridge."

"Not at all, Miss Anne," Bingley replied softly, "I hope this delay won't delay your trip to Town."

"Not at all, Mr. Bingley. We're not planning to leave for several more days."

Miss Bingley spoke up, "how wonderful you and darling Georgianna will be gracing London again, Mr. Darcy. And you too, Miss De Bourgh, I assure you. I look forward to hosting a dinner for you all."

"I'm afraid, " Anne said, "that I won't be accepting or extending any invitations for some time, Miss Bingley. I have much to do. But thank you anyway,"

"And," Darcy added, "my plans are all made, Miss Bingley. Your brother and I plan to attend the theatre and a few private dinners with some mutual friends of ours. Our time is solidly booked."

"But surely," Miss Bingley replied, "you can spare time for at least one dinner. And I've already made plans for a ball."

"Caroline," Bingley said, "you have forgotten that during the holidays, I will be occupying my home. I will be having my own guests to entertain. I suggest you join the Hursts for the holidays."

Miss Bingley's eyes flared wide as she stared at her brother. "Don't be preposterous, Charles, she said. "You need a hostess to properly entertain."

"Perhaps, but not this Christmas. The guests I will receive during the holidays will not require a hostess. You would just be in the way. You will go to the Hursts. I insist." This was all said in a quiet but steely voice that no one at the table had ever heard from Charles Bingley.

Caroline's mouth had tightened, but aware of her audience she attempted a smile. "We'll talk about this later Charles."

"Yes, Caroline. We'll talk about it tomorrow. Our journey will take the best part of three days and during that time we shall have time to talk of many things and I assure you, we will."

The Darcys and Anne bid a fond farewell to Bingley. Their farewell to Miss Bingley was cool but proper. All three heaved a sigh of relief as the coach pulled away from Pemberley.

In the aftermath of their journey from Pemberley, Bingley became estranged from his sister Caroline. They were barely out of sight of Pemberley House before Bingley let loose with a barrage of accusations aimed at his sister. He leveled one charge after another at Caroline. That she would force herself on his best friend by pretense of an invitation was unconscionable. She countered by swearing it was a misunderstanding. He charged that her outrageous flirting was humiliating. She denied that she had flirted. He sneered at her by reminding her of her statement that only a well-read man could induce her into matrimony...she had never stepped foot in Darcy's library and the only thing Darcy had ever seen her read was a fashion gazette. But the final insult was when she deliberately delayed their departure from Pemberley so she could spend another day in Darcy's company. She excused it by saying it was an accident. Locked in the carriage for nearly three days he accused and she denied. He hissed that she was devoid of all decorum. She waved it off with a smirk.

By the time they reached the outskirts of London his frustration had made him physically ill. She would allow him not one point in his argument. When they reached his home he flew from the coach slamming the door behind him. Upon entering his home he directed the servants to pack up his sister's belongings and send them to the Hursts. Caroline was in disbelief. She had never seen this side of her brother so didn't realize that there was still time to salvage the situation. A simple apology and Bingley would have relented. Instead, more arguing ensued until Bingley's temper snapped and he forcibly ejected her from his home. They would not see each other again until the following June nearly a year later.

Joshua returned to Newcastle with Richard and they prepared for their journey to France. On the eve of his departure, Joshua received a letter from his father telling him that his brother always a reckless rider had been thrown and had died instantly. Joshua was released from the army immediately and returned to York to take up the reins as heir apparent to the small family estate.

When Bingley returned to Town for the Christmas holidays he took up residence at his townhouse but spent most of his days with Darcy. One day they ventured over to cheapside to visit the Gardner shop. Upon entering the shop Darcy was confused looking around the room. The shop had seemed larger and neater two years before but now seemed almost cluttered with unopened boxes stacked in the corners and three of the walls. With the heavy traffic of customers it was almost stifling.

Mr Gardner greeted Darcy with an embarrassed smile. "I'm afraid my shop has outgrown itself. Once the holidays are over it will look better."

Darcy laughed, "never apologize for prosperity, Mr. Gardner. But seriously, you do need a larger shop."

"I know that but the banks don't care. I've tried to get a loan but the interest they want to charge is usury and I refuse to take on that kind of debt."

Bingley entered the discussion. "There are other ways to expand, Mr. Gardner," he said. "If you can procure a loan from a private party in exchange for a percentage of your business, that would be another option. That's what my father did and he was able to expand much faster." He turned to Darcy, "Guy's father invested with our company and was delighted with the outcome."

Darcy nodded. "Yes, I remember Guy telling me how you met the Walthams."

Other customers sought Mr. Gardner's attention and the two men moved away searching the wares for that perfect gift. They bought several items and Darcy ordered several cases of the contraband brandy. He also promised Mr. Gardner that he would mention the expansion to his friends. He might find someone who would be willing to make a small investment.

Darcy and Bingley spent a quite evening at Darcy's home discussing the possibilities of investing in Mr. Gardner's business. Since Bingley was the son of a tradesman and had worked along his father's side for many years, Darcy deferred to Bingley's opinion.

Bingley laid out the pros and cons of such an undertaking in a concise manner, adding that of course they would have to consult Darcy's solicitor and Mr. Gardner's books would have to be studied carefully. But, he concluded, that if both shared the investment, the risk would be small and the profit could be high.

Darcy couldn't hide his smile at Bingley's enthusiasm for the subject. "Perhaps," he said, "you aren't cut out to be a country gentleman after all, Bingley."

"There's a downside to owning a business, Darce. You end up working fourteen hours a day and neglect your family. When I was a young child there was a real affection between my parents but by the time I reached my teens, I realized that my mother had turned into a very lonely woman. Father had become obsessive about succeeding and becoming wealthy. He was never around to discipline Caroline or Louisa and mother grew not to care. That isn't the life for me."

"Besides marrying a Norse goddess and having a dozen children, what else do you expect from life?"

"Just to be happy, Darcy. I want to have what my father didn't have. I want to be a good companion to my wife and see my children grow. I would also like to reconcile with Caroline."

"Has she made no overtures?"

"None. I would have thought that by now I'd have gotten at least an insincere apology, but nothing so far."

"She's playing a dangerous game, Bingley," Darcy said. "Word has already spread that we are good friends. As eligible bachelors we will be invited to dinners and balls. Once the ton learns of your estrangement from your sister she will be a persona non grata."

"Well, maybe once I'm in permanent residence she'll come around. I can't back down now. If I did, everything would go back to the way it was and that would be intolerable."

Once Bingley returned to Cambridge Darcy continued on occasionally attending dinners. He showed up once with his cousin Anne at a ball. He managed to dance once with Anne and once with his hostess, a woman in her sixties. He proclaimed the evening a success which sent Anne into gales of laughter at his expense. "Darcy, how can you find a bride if you insist on standing in a corner twisting your pinkie ring? When did you become such a snob?"

Darcy was appalled. "I'm not a snob. How can you say that?"

"I know you're not a snob," Anne replied, "but you come off looking so disdainful of the feelings of others. Beautiful women are presented to you and you don't even try to look interested. You never ask them to dance. You never show your dimples."

"My dimples? What on earth are you talking about, Anne? I do not have dimples!"

Anne rolled her eyes and sighed. "If you say so, Wills."

In April when the London season commenced he opted to ride to Cambridge to procure Bingley's signature on the papers that made them silent partners in the Gardner Enterprise. They spent the evening at the square and Bingley was overjoyed when Darcy produced a list of invitations to dinner and balls which they could enjoy at the end of the season in June.

The day Bingley returned from Cambridge as an educated Englishman, he and Darcy accepted an invitation to dine at the Hursts. The overture had finally come. His reunion with Caroline was stilted but amicable. Sipping port after dinner, Bingley told Hurst that Caroline could come back and play hostess for him if she so desired. Hurst was delighted at this news and promised to relay this invitation to his sister-in-law. A week later she took up residence with him and by silent agreement never discussed their estrangement.

Richard had now been in France for almost a year and a half. His letters were always cheerful, always allaying his cousin's fears. He had been promoted to Major just before his departure for France and he assured them that the higher the rank, the less danger he would have to face. All went well until he was hit by his own artillery crew. The crew had been practicing firing the howitzers then repositioning them, reloading and re-firing. Unfortunately, they forgot the middle step. They were supposed to wait for the smoke and haze to dissipate before re-firing. They fired blindly not realizing that their repositioning of the guns were off by two feet. Those two feet caused an errant musket ball to tear through the fabric of Richard's tent and slam into his shoulder.

For his pains, Richard was made a Colonel and sent back to England to recover. Movement of his shoulder would never be the same and the gnawing pain would be his constant companion for the rest of his life, but he would never go to war again.

By now Darcy had spent almost a year and a half in London and there were times when he thought he'd go mad with the sameness of the dinners and balls. He despised the women and their mothers who vied for his affection with inane prattle and coy flirtation. He entertained the thought of returning to Pemberley but he knew that isolating himself in Derbyshire would not answer his restlessness. He was in no mood to gather his friends at Pemberley. The idea of playing games and drinking too much didn't appeal to him.

Life for Darcy didn't improve when he and Bingley accepted an invitation to visit Guy in Shropshire. It was more of the same thing with a couple of assembly balls thrown in. From there they traveled to York and visited Joshua for a month. After a week Darcy grew restless and only his affection for Joshua kept him smiling and affable when he really wanted to leave. The trouble was, he didn't know where he wanted to leave to.

When their visit ended they boarded their carriage and began their journey back to London. Bingley appeared bored and listless matching Darcy's spirit exactly.

"Perhaps, Bingley, it's time to think seriously about buying, or better still, leasing an estate.

"I suppose," Bingley responded.

"It should be a small estate, one that you can manage easily."

Bingley sighed, "what's happening to us, Darcy? Two years ago I couldn't wait to finish school and start having fun. Now I'm bored stiff and feeling stupid and useless. At Cambridge I had a purpose in life. Now there is no purpose. And you're not much better. You looked like you were in agony these past three months. If our friends weren't so understanding, they would have kicked us out."

In alarm, Darcy asked, "did they say anything? Did I give offense?"

"Guy was sympathetic since he feels the same way. He's in want of a wife and he thinks that's your problem too."

"Did you tell him that I've been looking for the past five years?"

Bingley laughed, "I didn't have to. Don't forget he's almost thirty years old and his father wants a grandson. And Joshua's feeling the pressure too. At least I don't have that problem. I want a wife for companionship."

Darcy smiled slyly, does she still have to be blond?"

Bingley grinned back, "I'll settle for bald if she's affable."

"Alright. I'll contact my agent. It might take a couple of months before he can come up with a list that fills your needs, but he is reliable and discreet. In the meantime, I thinks it's best if we return to Pemberley while we wait. I'll teach you the basics of managing an estate. Then if you find a property to your liking, I'll come with you and help until you settle in. Does that suit you?"

Bingley rubbed his hands together his spirits rising. "Sounds like a plan, Darce. I'm feeling better already."

Darcy was warned by his agent that it would be difficult to find an estate that fulfilled all of Mr. Bingley's requirements especially it's proximity to London. At the moment he had four estates that he could offer but Bingley declined all of them. Lancashire was too far north, Herefordshire, too far west. Dorset was too far south and Suffolk was out of the question.

In March Darcy received another letter from Mr. Albert with what he considered the perfect estate. It was just twenty five miles from Town; it's manor house boasted twelve bedrooms and a large ballroom. There was a small village nearby that offered an assortment of shops and a large inn. There were close to twenty smaller estates within ten miles of the village. Mr. Albert himself had taken the trouble of visiting the village and pronounced the residents very friendly.

On a beautiful day in April Darcy and Bingley rode into the village of Meryton and were pleased with what they saw. It was just as Mr. Albert had described. As they rode across the meadow the Netherfield estate came into view and both men admitted it was a thing of beauty. Bingley's excitement grew as they approached the manor house. Darcy cautioned his friend to look carefully at each room, to listen to all the terms and check the condition of the furniture.

They were met by Mr. Phillips the local solicitor who showed them through the rooms affably answering all Darcy's questions.

Bingley wandered blindly through all the rooms while Darcy looked carefully at the rooms, listened to the terms of leasing, and admired the well-kept furniture. Finally satisfied with everything he saw and heard, Darcy instructed Mr. Phillips to send all the necessary papers to his own London Solicitor. If they met with his approval they had a deal.

Charles Bingley was not the greatest horseman in the country so Darcy had to admonish him not to flail his arms in his excitement as this undoubtedly would send confusing signals to his horse which could be catastrophic.

"I was thinking, Darcy, if everything goes well we should invite Guy and Joshua to join us when I take up residence at Netherfield. And if Richard has recovered his health he would certainly be a welcome sight. What do you think?"

"I think Richard would welcome the diversion. He's been out of spirits since his accident. This might be the very thing for him. And I'm sure Guy and Josh would love to see Richard again."

Bingley made a face, "I suppose it's best if I have a hostess."

"If you invite Caroline, you might as well invite the Hursts. And I think Anne might enjoy a sojourn in the country."

"Yes, so we're agreed. If things go well, a large party of nine will descend upon the residents of Hertfordshire on the first of June."

"They'll never know what hit them," Darcy replied with a wry smile.

The parade began shortly after two in the afternoon. Ten large carriages made their slow way through the village of Meryton. There were crowds amassed on both sides of the street. Obviously word had reached the inhabitants that the new resident of Netherfield was arriving today and they had come out in droves to get a good look at him. The crowds seem to go into shock seeing ten carriages rumbling through their tiny village. Darcy was in shock looking at all the spectators.

Darcy pulled the shade down unwilling to be the recipient of so many open-mouthed stares. "And so it begins," he said to Anne, "we'll all be on display for the duration of our visit. By tomorrow at this time I expect that Bingley will be inundated with at least two dozen invitations to dinners and balls."

"That is part of the reason he leased Netherfield, is it not?"

"The secondary reason. The primary reason is learning how to run an estate. Once he has control of Netherfield then he'll have time to interact with the natives."

Anne laughed, "honestly, Wills, you make the residents of Hertfordshire sound like savages."

"Look out the window, Anne. The natives are gawking at us like we were apes in a zoo."

"They're just curious. You will be an affable guest, will you not, Wills?"

"I suppose," Darcy responded. This was going to be worse than a season in Town. What on earth was he thinking to be a part of this party. Five eligible bachelors descending on a backwater little village? His head was beginning to ache. "What have I done," he groaned.

"Good heavens, Wills, stop being so negative. Take a page out of Mr. Bingley's book and expect to have some fun.

The following day he secreted himself in the library listening to the coaches arriving and departing throughout most of the morning. It would seem that every owner of every estate had come to welcome Bingley to the neighborhood. This meant that Bingley would be spending the next couple of days returning the visits and would have little time to attend to estate matters which was the purpose of Darcy's accompanying him in the first place. He was annoyed at the situation but mostly he was annoyed with himself. He felt like a petulant child and he had to snap out of it.

He knew he was being churlish and it had nothing to do with Hertfordshire. He was suffering from ennui and he could see no end to it. He had to pull himself together for the sake of his friendship with Bingley. Though disguise of every sort was abhorrence to him, it was time to adopt some semblance of pleasure in being a guest at Netherfield. He decided he would even try to be amicable with his hostess though his stomach lurched every time she clutched his arm on some pretense or another. The smell of her heavy perfume was so intoxicating that he was sure he was going to pass out some night and never recover his senses.

Darcy begged off accompanying his friends for a walk into Meryton. He knew the purpose of their walk was to scout out the female population. They returned in high spirits. Apparently there was an ample supply of the fairer sex in the environs. They had even been accosted by two young ladies, the Misses Lydia and Kitty Bennett who personally welcomed the four men to Hertfordshire with giggling coquetry.

When Darcy heard this account he rolled his eyes and determined that he would ignore the Bennett family. That two young ladies would be so outrageous as to introduce themselves to four male strangers on the street of a town went beyond the pale. He could not imagine what kind of family they came from. They had also mentioned the fact that on Saturday evening there would be an assembly ball in Meryton and insisted that the Netherfield guests just had to attend.

Of course Bingley acquiesced gladly to their request for he loved nothing better than a country dance.

The night of the assembly Darcy dressed slowly. He glared at the dancing slippers Thomas had laid out for him. "Thomas, can't I wear my riding boots to the assembly?"

Thomas smiled, "now sir, didn't we decide that you would behave yourself tonight?"

"Not even a pebble in my shoe?"

I placed the pebble in your vest in case it comes to that, sir, but maybe you won't need it tonight."

Darcy sighed. "So what can I expect tonight?"

"Well, there's Sir William Lucas who once was in trade in Meryton and also the Mayor. He made a lot of money and was knighted by the King and presented at St. James Court and never tires of the tale. He is determined to be civil to all. He heads a large brood, the eldest of which is about seven and twenty and bound for spinsterhood."

"Who else?" Darcy said, donning his coat.

"There's the Bennett family of Longbourn. They have five daughters which their mother is anxious to marry off. The two youngest daughters shouldn't be out as they have not a modicum of sense and can speak of nothing but uniforms."

"What kind of uniforms?" Darcy asked in confusion.

"Ah, did I not tell you that a regiment of our brave soldiers is due to arrive in Meryton next week? Apparently the two younger Bennett girls are almost hysterical with anticipation at seeing so many men in their red coats."

"Good grief!"

Thomas grinned, "yes, sir. The middle girl, by the name of Mary, is said to be the most accomplished, however, some say that she must be tone-deaf the way she inflicts such mental anguish on her audience when she assaults the pianoforte.

"Thomas! You're making all this up. You're getting as bad as Richard."

Thomas shrugged, "I'm just repeating some of the things I've heard."

"And what of the two eldest girls?"

"I've heard nothing but good of the eldest girls. They say that Miss Jane looks like an angel and acts like one too. Then there's Miss Elizabeth who everyone adores. She apparently enjoys taking long walks about the countryside and is never seen without a book."

Richard rapped on Darcy's door and stuck his head in. "The carriages await us. Let's not keep them waiting. And Darcy, do try not to appear as though you're going to a funeral.

It was quite a spectacle that presented itself to the assembly room. First came Bingley and Caroline followed by the Hursts. Then came Richard and Anne followed by Guy and Josh. Slowly Darcy emerged from the hall and stood silently behind his friends. The silence was deafening and Darcy twisted his pinkie ring in embarrassment. His initial reaction was to turn around and flee, but common courtesy towards his host precluded such an act of cowardice. He dared a quick look around the room stopping momentarily on a young woman who eyed him with serene interest.

He watched as Sir William Lucas introduced his family and made introductions and it wasn't until Anne glanced back at him with a warning look that Darcy was able to move forward and was introduced.

To his utter surprise Miss Lucas addressed him directly, "I understand, sir, that you come from Derbyshire?"

Darcy nodded, "are you familiar with the district?"

Charlotte Lucas replied with a smile, "I had the pleasure of visiting the peak district many years ago and have not forgotten the experience. I confess I was fascinated by the prehistoric stone circles and the roman remains. I must admit," she added with a gentle laugh, "that I was in heaven standing on the moors feeling the wind whip around me. I couldn't get over the sounds of the wind."

Darcy smiled. "Sometimes I imagine that the wind is alive and trying to tell me something."

"Yes. There's something almost primordial about the moors. It's rather fanciful but I came away convinced that God had stood there when he created the world and the wind was the echo of his voice."

On a whim, Darcy asked Charlotte for the next dance and they happily continued their musings.

He was surprised and delighted to have met such a charming young women. He escorted her back to his cousin Anne and the three of them continued to exchange pleasantries. During the interval between dances Darcy became aware of a strident voice on the other side of the room admonishing someone to stand up straight and with shoulders back. He turned in that direction and saw Bingley walking towards a beautiful blond woman who smiled gently at him. He took her hand and escorted her to dance floor.

Darcy's eyes darted back to an older woman who was the possessor of a voice that could cut glass. He distinctly heard her say to a dark haired young woman, "five thousand pounds. I swear, Lizzie, I shall go distracted."

The young woman raised dark eyes to his and for a scant moment held, then looked away. He turned away, masking his disgust. "Who is that woman?" he asked Miss Lucas.

"That's Mrs. Bennett of Longbourn Estate. And that's Lizzie Bennett, my best friend."

Guy came up and claimed Miss Lucas and Joshua took Anne's hand and led her out the floor. Darcy took that moment to stroll to the end of the room to stare out the window. His interlude with Charlotte had been so pleasant that he had momentarily forgotten that daughters had mothers. He turned and faced the room absently noticing that Richard had captured the hand of Lizzie Bennett whose mother was so excited by Bingley's five thousand pounds. She appeared to have a light and pleasing figure and an easy playfulness.

He focused on Bingley and recognized the look on his friend's face. He'd seen it many times before. Bingley was in love again. The lady was truly beautiful and blond as well. Her smile indicated affability and if she could carry on a conversation without giggling moronically, Bingley might be in serious danger.

Guy, though more restrained, looked like he was enjoying the company of Miss Lucas. Joshua and Anne were renewing their friendship.

His eyes darted back to Richard who was laughing hardily at something his partner had said. Was he falling in love too?
Darcy decided there must be something in the punch.

He saw Mrs. Bennett moving in what she thought was an unobtrusive manner along the length of the room heading in his direction. He was about to move away and seek safety with Anne and the Hursts when he saw Elizabeth Bennett abruptly leave the dance floor and make a bee-line towards her mother with Richard following closely behind her. Richard glanced at Darcy and winked broadly.

Darcy stood in confusion until he suddenly realized that Miss Elizabeth Bennett had stopped her mother in her tracks. Mrs. Bennett tried to push past her daughter but Elizabeth introduced Richard and Richard began one of his famous long-winded stories, no doubt this one about his war wounds.

This maneuver gave Darcy time to retreat. He supposed he had to dance with Caroline though the thought of spending a half-hour in her company gave him little pleasure. He disliked the way she danced. She had a habit of tipping her chin upward and staring down at her nose which he supposed she thought was the height of sophistication but seemed comical to him. With her height and the feathers in her turban she reminded him of an ostrich he'd seen a the London zoo.

"I have never been more annoyed with my brother," she opened, continuing to stare at her nose.

Darcy frowned, "how has he displeased you this time?"

"That he would buy an estate in Hertfordshire of all places. The nothingness and yet the self-importance of all these people! The insipidity and yet the noise. How insupportable it will be to spend many evenings in this manner--in this society. I'm sure you agree, Mr. Darcy."

"Pray tell, which country would you have preferred Charles to settle in?" he asked, knowing the answer.

"Well, of course, Derbyshire is the finest country in all of England."

Darcy glanced away with a wry smile and saw Anne staring at him with amusement. He rolled his eyes before he realized the lady standing next to her was Miss Elizabeth Bennett who was also staring at him with dark merry eyes. He missed a step which caused Miss Bingley to raise her eyes from her nose at last and flash him a look of surprise.

"Forgive me," he said. "I'm afraid my mind wandered for a moment. Of what were we talking?"

"Of the wonders of Derbyshire, " Miss Bingley replied. She was once again staring at her nose. He was hard-pressed not to laugh out loud. Mercifully the dance soon ended and he quickly moved to the window and surveyed the room.

Guy was dancing with Miss Jane Bennett and Josh was dancing with Miss Elizabeth Bennett. Mrs. Bennett was at the other end of the room holding court with some of her friends. Her face was flushed and he suspected that she'd had one dip too many from the punch bowl. Hurst was half asleep sitting next to the drinks table.

Darcy approached Louisa and asked for the next dance. "So how are you enjoying your first assembly ball in Hertfordshire?" he asked.

"Very pleasant. I must say I'm enjoying myself. And more to the point, Charles seems to be having the time of his life."

"What's the name of the girl he can't keep his eyes off?"

Louisa smiled, "her name is Jane. And in answer to your next question, she's a gentle girl and very sweet."

"Will your sister approve of her?"

"I doubt it. She has no dowry and her mother shows a distinct lack of refinement. Her youngest daughter, Lydia, is almost coarse, and Kitty is not much better. The middle sister, Mary, likes to moralize and can recite Fordyce's Sermons by heart."

"And what of Miss Elizabeth Bennett?"

Louisa considered her answer. "Miss Elizabeth Bennett sized up Caroline in seconds and instead of taking umbrage, she seemed almost amused."

"How so?"

"Oh, you know Caroline. She immediately began by trying to impress Miss Elizabeth by droning on about London and the fine shops she frequented. She dropped several names, mentioned the balls she attended last season and how she should be into Town right now for the end of the season."

"How did Miss Bennett react?"

Louisa grinned, "with politeness as she stifled a yawn, but as soon as Caroline took a breath Miss Elizabeth made her excuses and sought out her friend Miss Lucas. They enjoyed a laugh together and there's no question in my mind that my sister was the subject of their amusement."

"What was your sister's reaction?"

"Caroline has taken a decided dislike to Miss Elizabeth and thinks she is singularly stupid and too countrified to bother with."

When the dance was over he claimed Anne for a dance. "Darcy," she said, "I've never seen you so affable in the company of strangers. What's come over you?"

"I've no idea," he answered honestly.

"Well, it suits you. Several ladies have asked about you."

"Which ladies?"

Anne mentioned four or five ladies whose names he didn't recognize, then lapsed into silence.

"Louisa says that Caroline does not like Miss Elizabeth Bennett."

"Does she?"

"Richard seems to have taken a shine to her."

"Has he?"

"Have you spoken to her?"

"Caroline?"

"No! Miss Bennett."

"You saw us standing together when you danced with Caroline Bingley."

"So what do you think?"

"About what?"

"Good grief, Anne. Talking to you is like wading through quicksand. I want to know if you think Miss Bennett is stupid?"

Anne smiled wickedly, "Surely, cousin, if Caroline Bingley thinks Miss Bennett stupid, you have your answer. Alright, I'll take pity on you. I found Miss Bennett a very intelligent and witty young lady and I'm sure we will be good friends. What else do you want to know about the lady?"

Darcy felt his face redden, "nothing more, I assure you. I was simply making conversation."

"I never," she replied, "thought for a moment that your questions tended towards anything else, cousin." She threw him a smile that belied her words and he made a face at her which seemed to amuse her further.

The evening came to an end shortly thereafter and Darcy was glad of it. He'd danced four times in one evening and nobody, he was sure, could accuse him of being above himself. He was anxious to remove to Bingley's library and settle down with a large brandy.

When Darcy returned from the Meryton assembly he made a bee-line for the library and poured a large brandy and settled down. A few moments later he was joined by his four friends who were in exceptionally high spirits. They, as one, declared the evening a great success. The residents were extremely friendly and the ladies absolutely delightful. Bingley declared himself in love. Richard declared himself almost in love. Guy thought Miss Lucas a lovely lady and Josh thought Miss Jane Bennett the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Bingley choked on his brandy at this statement and Darcy and Richard laughed out loud.

"And you Richard? Darcy asked, "what does almost in love mean?"

"Miss Elizabeth Bennett is beautiful, charming and intelligent," Richard replied with a self-satisfied smile. "She's also quite a clever girl. She saw her mother approaching you and applied for my intervention."

"Why did she think an intervention necessary?" Darcy asked curiously.

Richard's grin grew broader. "The poor girl is under the impression that you are shy and needed protection against her mother's onslaught."

Darcy was unsettled at this information. Was he so transparent that a young woman unknown to him had seen behind his mask of aloofness? "Did you tell her that I was not shy?"

"Of course, Darcy. I told her that you were so open and affable and ready to be pleased that you hadn't even put a pebble in your slipper."

All the men laughed except Bingley. "What's this about a pebble?"

"When Darcy doesn't want to dance," Richard replied, " he puts a pebble in his slipper and tells everyone he's sprained his ankle and can't dance. He's developed a limp that is quite pathetic to see."

Bingley was outraged. "And all these years I thought you were simply the clumsiest man I'd ever known."

"You didn't tell her that, surely," Darcy demanded.

"No. I allowed her the delusion that you are shy. Besides, I think she was really more embarrassed that her mother would approach you without an introduction. She is very discreet but I could sense her discomfort at her mother's actions and those of her two youngest sisters." Richard considered his cousin for a moment, "Does it matter what Miss Elizabeth thinks of you?"

"Certainly not," Darcy replied. "I haven't even been introduced to her." He changed the subject abruptly, "So you're almost in love, Richard. And is the lady almost in love with you?"

"What woman could resist me?"

Guy spoke up, "shall I list them all?"

Bingley chimed in, "how can you be almost in love? It's all or nothing." He threw a wary look in Josh's direction. "And Miss Jane Bennett is the lady I shall marry."

"Not if I marry her first," Josh said.

"Don't be ridiculous,Josh," Guy said. "You know you prefer brunettes. Miss Elizabeth Bennett would better suit you."

"Good grief!" Darcy said. "There should be a better criteria for choosing a wife than the color of her hair."

"Settle down, Darcy," Richard said. We're just being silly."

"Not me." Bingley stated.

"Nor me." Josh said.

Darcy was unable to sleep that night much to his annoyance. He'd had a long day and he couldn't remember when he'd last danced so much in one evening yet sleep would not come. He poured a small brandy and stood at the window gazing out at the night sky. Once more he felt that terrible restlessness when his mind slipped by so many years of loneliness. He envied his friends for the almost cavalier way they spoke of marriage.

Richard might almost be in love but when he married it would be to a woman of means. As the younger son of an Earl, he could do no other. And Guy and Josh would have to marry women who possessed at least ten thousand pounds. They were not yet the owners of their estates and the choice of a bride while their fathers still lived would never be theirs. He just hoped that they wouldn't raise expectations where there could be none.

As far as Bingley was concerned, he could very easily choose his own bride. He just hoped Bingley wasn't so fixated on a blond goddess that he couldn't see beyond the beauty that would fade in time.

As for himself, he had no answers and eventually crawled back into bed wondering what the next day would bring.

Darcy was still half asleep when he entered the breakfast room the next morning. He was surprised to see only Anne breaking her fast. "Where is everyone?" he asked.

"Caroline and the Hursts are still abed," Anne replied. "The rest of your friends have gone calling at Lucas Lodge and Longbourn. I will be calling later. Will you join me?"

"I don't think so. I thought I'd take a ride. Take a look at the countryside."

"I won't be going until after lunch. I'm meeting Miss Elizabeth Bennett for a walk into Meryton. Do come, Wills. You've not yet met the Bennetts and I think you should."

"I'll think about it."

Darcy rode for a good two hours traversing the Netherfield estate and the environs occasionally stopping and resting in the shade. It was a beautiful setting and he thought it might be a wonderful place to grow up and take long walks with a book for company. It certainly was one of his own favorite pastimes at Pemberley. His mind slipped sideways thinking of what it would be like to share his Pemberley with a woman he adored and who loved him for the man he was. Was such a love possible? Or was it just a fairytale built on longing.

He rode slowly back to Netherfield deep in thought.

"Oh, Mr. Darcy," Caroline Bingley said before he'd taken two steps into the dining room, "we were beginning to think you had lost your way."

"Yes, Darcy" Richard said, "we were about to send out a search party, we were so concerned."

Darcy threw a look at his cousin, "Richard, be good."

Richard exchanged a smile with Anne.

Bingley spoke up eagerly, "we had a great morning. We stopped in at Lucas Lodge and then Longbourn. Everyone was well and said how much they enjoyed last night."

"It was probably the highlight of the year for them," said Caroline.

Bingley chose to ignore the remark by his sister and continued, "we've all been invited to Lucas Lodge tomorrow night."

"Another insipid night with the natives?" Caroline sneered.

"That sounds delightful," Anne said. Count me in. How about you, Wills?"

Darcy thought for a long moment. "No, I believe I'd rather stay here and read."

"What a delightful idea," said Caroline. " We should all take a page from Mr. Darcy's book and read more. There's nothing I love more than curling up with a good book on a Summer's night."

Darcy heard Mr. Hurst snort at this ridiculous statement and suppressed a smile wondering at the woman's stupidity. He glanced at her and could see her spirits had risen considerably. He could almost see the wheels turning. Did she really think he was stupid enough to remain at Netherfield alone in her company while they curled up with a book. He suspected that it wasn't a book she wanted to curl up with.

"Darcy," Anne said, "do reconsider joining me in my visit to Longbourn this afternoon. "Besides curling up with a book, there's nothing more pleasant than an hour's walk through the countryside."

Caroline scoffed, "you haven't missed much, I must say, Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Bennett is a termagant of the first order."

Darcy laughed out loud. How Caroline Bingley could describe Mrs. Bennett as scolding nagging bad-tempered woman and keep a straight face was beyond him. Anne rolled her eyes and Mr. Hurst snorted again. Darcy glanced at Bingley who sat there with a dazed look on his face no doubt thinking of Miss Jane Bennet.

Guy and Josh were eying Darcy with some amusement. Louisa Hurst was smiling at something she saw through the window and her husband was attending his lunch with great concentration.

Darcy continued to laugh unable to get the fork to his mouth.

Beside him, Richard hissed "put that fork down before you stab yourself."

"I'm trying to" he managed between peals of laughter. Everyone at the table except Caroline found his laughter infectious and one by one joined him. It took Darcy several moments before he could calm himself during which he considered his answer to Anne's question. Once he felt able to control his mirth, he responded, "I believe I will join you, Anne. Mrs. Bennett sounds like a formidable lady and I could use the laugh."

The table once more erupted in laughter. Once more Caroline Bingley abstained.

On the way to Longbourn Darcy told Anne that he fully intended to attend the party at Lucas Lodge. "Just don't tell Miss Bingley until it's too late"

Anne and Darcy were announced and ushered into the Bennett drawing room.

Mrs. Bennett swooped down on her guests greeting them all with her shrill voice. She dismissed Anne with hardly a word and focused all her attentions on Fitzwilliam Darcy whom she had on good authority possessed ten thousand pounds a year, owned all of Derbyshire and half of London. "Such a pleasure Mr. Darcy. I've heard such good things about you."

"A pleasure, Mrs. Bennett," Darcy said with a bow. "I'm delighted to meet you at last." He glanced about the room and saw four young ladies; one angel, the accomplished one and the two silly geese.

They took their seats at Mrs. Bennett's direction. "Come, Jane," she cried, beckoning the angel. Come sit here with Mr. Darcy while I order tea."

Jane obeyed with a slight flush to her beautiful face.

Darcy glanced at Anne who immediately addressed Jane. "We all had such a wonderful time last night, Miss Bennett. We're looking forward to tomorrow night at Lucas lodge."

Mrs. Bennett hurried back, "oh yes, the Lucas's are such good friends of ours. It's so tragic that our dear friend Charlotte is so plain. Nothing like our dear Jane."

Jane closed her eyes in embarrassment and Darcy heard a gasp from the doorway. He looked up into the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen.

Elizabeth Bennett entered the room and addressed Anne, "Miss De Bourgh, how good to see you again so soon."

"Miss Elizabeth, may I introduce you to my cousin Mr. Darcy."

Darcy stood abruptly and dropped his hat which he fumbled and retrieved before bowing to Miss Elizabeth. As she curtsied to him he stared at her wordlessly. When it was clear that he was not going to say anything, she turned to Anne. "Have you come for our walk, Miss De Bourgh? It's certainly the day for it."

"I'm looking forward to it," Anne replied.

"I'll just get my bonnet."

"Get Jane's Bonnet too," Mrs. Bennett directed.

"I'd prefer to stay home this afternoon, Mama," Jane replied, gently.

"Nonsense! A good walk will do you good."

With a sympathetic smile, Lizzie left the room and retrieved the two bonnets.

Darcy accompanying three lovely ladies left the house and began a leisurely stroll down the road to the village of Meryton. He walked a distant behind the ladies studying the pastoral charm of the woods which lined their walk. Everything was green and lovely and he could easily imagine a young woman ambling through the woods and finding just the right spot to sit and enjoy a book.

When they reached the turnoff to Lucas Lodge, Jane made her excuses and headed towards Lucas Lodge. "I'll meet you back here in an hour," she said, but don't tell Mama," she added with a shy smile.

The three continued down the road now walking abreast with Elizabeth in the middle. Occasionally she turned to Darcy to see if he had anything to say but he steadfastly remained silent though interested in what the two ladies had to say to each other.

As they walked at a leisurely pace Elizabeth pointed out places of interest, particularly the road to Oakham Mount. She turned to Darcy "I think you'd enjoy a ride to the Mount, Mr. Darcy," she ventured.

He turned to her in surprise at her address and caught his breath. Her eyes were almost the color of violets and were framed by a double row of long thick lashs. The pleasure he felt looking at this woman was mixed with a pain of longing he'd never felt before. He nodded, numbly aware that Miss Elizabeth Bennett must think him the stupidest man in England.

She tilted her head slightly and smiled gently at him before turning back to Anne.

By the time the young women had reached Meryton they were calling each other by their first names and were fast becoming good friends. Darcy loved listening to them but especially he loved listening to Elizabeth laughing. What he most noticed about her was that she had nothing bad to say about any of her neighbors. She allowed that some of them had their foibles but didn't everyone? He saw also that though he hadn't uttered a word throughout their walk she continuously turned to include him in her observations and amusement. He supposed she thought his continued silence simply one his foibles.

When they reached Meryton she pointed out the different shops, especially her favorite, the book store. "It's very small but there's a fast turnover and I'm the first one in line on Thursdays."

"What kinds of books do you prefer, Miss Elizabeth?" The question was out of his mouth before he had formed the words.

Elizabeth turned in surprise. It was the first time she had heard his voice and he assumed that she probably thought he was incapable of speech.

"I have eclectic tastes when it comes to reading, Mr. Darcy. But I confess I'm partial to biographies and history and of course the Greek plays and our own Mr. Shakespeare." She grinned at him, "and if you keep my secret, I must confess I like an occasional novel."

Darcy returned her smile, "so does my sister, Georgianna."

"You have a sister? Is she at Netherfield with you?"

"No, she's in London. She's just sixteen years old and I thought that she would be bored at Netherfield."

Anne spoke quickly, "Darcy, why not tell Georgie to join us? I'm sure she misses our company. And I know how much you miss her."

"Perhaps I will. You don't think she'll be overwhelmed by...some of our company?"

"Georgie likes to walk out as much as we do and some of our company would not like to ruin her slippers. Oh, do, Wills."

Darcy smiled, "I can't refuse you anything, Anne. I'll write Georgie tonight."

On the way back to Netherfield, Anne said, "I'm glad you found your tongue at last, cousin. I was beginning to think you were going to remain mute throughout the afternoon."

Darcy had nothing to say in his defense. What could he say? He felt unnerved and unmanned.

"Darcy," Anne said, "are you listening to me?"

"No,"he replied. "I've been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow."

"And will you tell me which lady has the credit of inspiring such reflections?"

"Miss Caroline Bingley."

Anne grinned, "She'll make a lovely bride with her orange ostrich feathers."

The two cousins were still laughing when they finally reached Netherfield.

After another restless night Darcy rose early and left the house as the sun was rising. Instead of calling for his mount he decided that what he really needed was a a long walk to clear his head. He had a lot to think of and wasn't sure of where he should start. It was only logical that he begin with a contemplation of his future and what he could expect from all the tomorrows lying ahead of him. But his future seemed dim and muddled and his thoughts kept returning to the past and what all his yesterdays had brought him.

When he thought of the past he saw wasted drops of time that had given him little pleasure. He'd toiled hard at Pemberley and had succeeded beyond his expectations. He'd rescued his cousin Anne from a miserable life and was delighted with how she had come into her own. He'd made an investment with the Gardiners and he was now realizing a sizable profit. He was overjoyed at the young lady that Georgianna was becoming. He knew that other men envied him and he should be happy but the opposite was true. What were his triumphs when he had no one to share them?

He tried to focus on what he'd been doing for all these years and if he had ever come close to happiness or had he become so jaded that all the dinners and balls and all of the beautiful women he had met simply could not tempt him? Had he missed a moment in time when he could have found some joy in his life instead of the misery that colored his every waking moment?

How he wished he had Bingley's open disposition. Bingley didn't even try to deny what he was looking for. He wanted a wife and children and he was sure he had finally found it in a country girl and he meant to have her. Was it really that simple? He himself had always accepted that if and when he decided to join a woman in matrimony she would be of the ton with name and fortune. Yet here he was mooning over a country girl.

He stopped short and stood leaning against a tree. Had that thought actually crossed his mind? Was he mooning over a country girl? Elizabeth, she of those beautiful dark eyes. He remembered the smell of her as he had walked beside her into Meryton. She smelled nothing like Caroline Bingley whose scent was so heavy and redolent of musk. Elizabeth smelled of country flowers, light and delicate. Her skin was so clear and soft, he'd had the urge to reach out and touch her face. He smiled at the thought. Was this how Bingley felt when he had that dazed look on his face?

What exactly was happening to him? He'd walked into an assembly hall not expecting anything but a dull night of dancing and insipid conversation. Then he saw her and from that moment on he could think of nothing else. He hadn't even spoken to her. How could she have bewitched him so?

So what happens now? He had a sudden urge to run and give himself time to think But run to where? Where could he go? To town? To Pemberley? He was entering unknown territory and he was unsure of himself for the first time in his life. He couldn't make any mistakes. He had never been in love and wasn't sure what the rules were. Did he simply let nature take it's course? Did he speak with Richard about the possible ramifications of such a choice? His family would disapprove of his choice but he was determined that if Elizabeth would have him nothing would stand in his way. He groaned, marveling at how quickly his mind was moving, first from courtship to marriage in one mighty leap.

A sudden thought gave him pause. What if she wouldn't have him...if he decided he wanted her? How exactly did two people come together? His head began to ache. He supposed he had to make the first move. But how? He wished he'd paid more attention to Bingley and his wooing though he couldn't see himself copying his friend's courtship. He did, after all, have his dignity. He laughed out loud at how his dignity had been suffering since he'd first laid eyes on Elizabeth. He was sure she thought him a buffoon.

He blushed remembering their introduction at Longbourn...was it only yesterday...and how he had stood up like a startled colt, dropping his hat, then fumbling for it like a schoolboy. And he thought Bingley was comical! Elizabeth was so small and dainty..he felt like oaf standing next to her...especially when she smiled at him. He groaned in misery. It was all so hopeless. He was sure he couldn't survive. What had she done to him?

He finally turned back towards Netherfield dreading the day ahead. There were several letters from his steward which needed a reply but the thought of spending hours in Bingley's study attending to estate matters depressed him. But what else could he do? He could go shooting or play billiards or darts. But he wanted none of it.. He wanted nothing more than to spend the day with Elizabeth. Perhaps the rest of his life with her. The thought terrified him. When he reached the house he headed straight to his room and threw himself on the bed. Moments later he fell into a deep sleep.

After a quick bath Darcy slowly descended the stairs and entered the drawing room. He noticed that Richard and Anne were deep in conversation and seemed to be enjoying themselves. Guy and Josh were standing at the window quietly talking, and Louisa looking a little upset sat quietly talking to her husband. Bingley was sitting in the corner staring off in space. Caroline Bingley was nowhere in sight.

Bingley looked up and saw Darcy standing in the doorway. "There you are," he said. "I was afraid you were going to miss lunch."

"I needed the sleep. So how was your morning?"

"Better than yours, I dare say. We spent the morning walking through the countryside with Miss Lucas and Misses Jane and Elizabeth Bennett."

"It must have been a very pleasant walk with three such lovely ladies. Did you have a chance to speak privately with Miss Jane Bennett?"

"Not as much as I would have liked, but I thinks she likes me."

"How can you tell?" Darcy asked curiously.

Bingley looked blank. "You just know."

"You just know? And that's your answer? You just know? And how many times in the past have you just known that a lady liked you?

"Well, I..."

"Perhaps you should write a book, Bingley. Call it 'Bingley's Guide To The Bachelor." Darcy shook his head in mock dismay bringing a smile to both friends. "You just know! Will that be the first chapter or the last?"

A minute later, Darcy's smile faded as Caroline Bingley entered the room. She immediately approached Darcy and clutched his arm, "lunch is served," she cried gaily.

Darcy escorted her to the head of the table then took a seat as far away as possible.

As soon as everyone was served, Caroline addressed Darcy with a gloating smile, "I trust you haven't changed your mind about attending the Lucas party tonight, Mr. Darcy."

"No, Miss Bingley. I can assure you I haven't changed my mind about tonight."

"That's very wise of you as there's rather a malicious rumor going around and your appearance might lend credence to it."

Darcy sighed knowing she expected him to ask what the rumor was? He disappointed her and stopped the gloating smile "And from whom have you heard this rumor?" he asked.

"Well, I can't really remember since it seems to be in general circulation. I may have just overheard it."

"From your maid, no doubt," Mr. Hurst chuckled. "You pay her enough for every rumor she brings to you."

"Really?" Richard said. "What's the current price of a rumor?"

"I think," said Guy, "that rumors should be free. What's your opinion, Miss De Bourgh?"

"My mother," Anne replied, "would never countenance paying for a rumor. She is excessively attendant to all these things."

Darcy and Richard shared a smile at Anne's perfect imitation of her mother.

By now, Caroline was gnashing her teeth, much to the amusement of the entire room. But she would have her way. "They say," she said, "that Mrs. Bennett is already making wedding plans for Mr. Darcy and Miss Jane Bennett."

There was a deafening silence at this information. Darcy felt his face flush. "That's utter nonsense! And it would behoove you Miss Bingley, not to repeat such hogwash."

"I am the soul of discretion, I assure you, Mr. Darcy."

"Really, Miss Bingley?" Anne said not attempting to hide her disapproval. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but by my count there are thirteen people in this room that have now heard this rumor."

"I've only told eight people," Caroline replied with a supercilious sniff.

"So the rumor that you don't consider servants as people is true?"

Darcy glanced around the room. Indeed, there were four servants standing at their stations.

Caroline glared at Anne, "Servants are trained not to listen to their betters."

Anne rolled her eyes, "enlighten me, Miss Bingley, how do they determine who their betters are?"

Hurst whooped in glee and Louisa touched his arm in warning.

Lunch was completed quickly as no one seemed to have much appetite. Caroline had a way about her that tended to stifle the very air in a room. Few conversations were started and those few were instigated by Miss Bingley. Any replies she received were brief and indifferent until she finally gave up and lapsed into silence completely unaware that she was responsible for the gloom that had descended the room.

Bingley ate in stony silence and Guy and Josh seemed uneasy. Richard couldn't keep his eyes off his cousin Anne who never looked up from her plate. Darcy sighed, regretting the letter sent to his sister. Bringing his sister into this atmosphere would be a mistake but he didn't know how to rescind the invitation without hurting Bingley's feelings.

During port, Guy and Josh announced their intention of departing for London in the morning. They wanted to spend a brief week in Town before returning to their estates.

This announcement didn't surprise Darcy; he had been expecting it. Their courtships of the ladies of Meryton had been languid at best. They knew that marriage could not be contemplated. They had to marry for money; anything less was unacceptable.
Bingley was upset and tried to talk them into at least another week. "I know my sister is impossible" he said "but I would hate to think she's chased you away."

Guy spoke quickly, "it isn't your sister, Charles, it's Miss Jane Bennett. Josh and I can see the way the land lies. It's time to retreat and let you have the field."

Josh laughed, "one thing Richard taught me during my stint in the army. When the battle is lost, run like hell!"

"And how will marriage suit you, Bingley?" Guy asked

Bingley blushed, "first she has to say yes."

"First you have to ask her," Darcy said. "When you write your book, you must have a chapter on proposing to an angel."

Richard laughed, "you're writing a book? "

Bingley grinned, "that's just your cousin's warped sense of humor."

After lunch it was decided that the men would ride into Meryton and check out the different shops. Once they arrived in town, Richard, Guy and Josh stopped at the saddlery shop while Darcy and Bingley continued down the street.

"Is the rumor true, Darcy?" Bingley asked.

"I don't know about the rumor, Bingley, but I can assure you that I have been in the company of Miss Jane Bennett for no more that five minutes. I can also assure you that I have absolutely no interest in your Miss Bennett. I might also add that during those five minutes she showed no interest in me and couldn't get out of my company soon enough. I trust you believe me."

Bingley nodded, "of course I do. Apparently Mrs. Bennett believes you to be a better choice for her eldest daughter."

"Charles, don't make the mistake of thinking Mrs. Bennett has a rational thought in her head. She's simply is a very greedy woman. At the assembly all she could talk about was your five thousand a year. Apparently she's heard of my ten thousand and has let her imagination soar. Don't let it bother you." Darcy paused for a moment choosing his words carefully. "It's Caroline you should be worried about."

Bingley sighed. "I know. She seems determined to be displeased with everything and everyone. Once she realizes that I'm dead serious about Jane she'll raise the royal roof and I just don't know how I'm going to deal with it short of sending her back to London."

"You're going to have to give it a lot of thought. If Miss Bennett consents to be your wife she will in essence be putting her life into your hands. Her allegiance will no longer be to her family but will be to you. In exchange for this gift, you will be responsible for her happiness and wellbeing. Always make her know that she is the most important person in the world to you. To do less will make you both unhappy. And don't forget, Bingley, nothing is to be compared to the misery of being bound without love. That is a punishment which you do not deserve. So don't rush it. With Guy and Josh gone, take things slowly. Don't rush her. Let nature take it's course."

Darcy was struck by the irony of his own words. Who was he to be advising Bingley about his love life when he was so at sixes and sevens about his own love life? But on reflection, Darcy thought his advice made sense. Just follow his inclinations and see where it would lead him.

The door to the haberdashery swung open and out stepped the two eldest Bennett sisters and Darcy felt his heart skip a beat. He expected to see Miss Elizabeth that night at Lucas Lodge and had the rest of the afternoon to prepare himself. His mind raced as he searched for something intelligent to say.

A soldier resplendent in his red coat and flashing that charming smile that Darcy rather hoped he would never see again stepped out the door obviously following the ladies.

Darcy stood immobile and in absolute shock as he recognized George Wickham. He felt the blood draining from his face as he stared at his old enemy. How had he come to be in this small village and how was it that he was in the company of Elizabeth and Jane?

Those two ladies noticed Darcy and Bingley first and moved towards them offering relieved smiles. "How nice to see you again so soon, Mr. Bingley," Jane said softly.

Elizabeth moved to Darcy's side almost as if seeking protection."

Darcy spared her a brief glance before taking a step towards Wickham.

Wickham's eyes widened upon seeing Darcy but he quickly brought himself under control and approached Darcy with an outstretched hand which Darcy ignored. Wickham grinned at the snub. "So, Darcy," what brings you to this little village in the back of nowhere? Slumming?"

"You would know more about slumming, Wickham," Darcy replied calmly.

Wickham smiled, "well, I can see you haven't changed, Darcy. Still the stiff and proud master of Pemberley."

Darcy's mouth tightened in irritation. He dared a brief glance in Elizabeth's direction and saw that she was studying the scene curiously. Jane Bennett was staring at Bingley with a shy smile. Darcy looked away and up the street seeing Richard striding towards them. He could see Richard taking in the scene and took a deep breath waiting for what might come next.

"Well, if it isn't George Wickham," Richard cried. "I thought you had become a professional gambler though I never did think much of your card playing."

Wickham smiled uneasily, "you can't believe everything you hear, Colonel Fitzwilliam. "

Richard laughed hardily, "don't be so modest, Wickham. You've worked hard at your reputation." Richard gave Wickham a hardy slap on the back "Enjoy it, you rogue!" He turned and beckoned to Guy and Josh. "Guy!" he called. "Come meet George Wickham. How come you to tell me that he'd been killed in his last duel. He looks lively enough to me."

Guy played along, "I only said that he'd been seriously wounded, Richard. You never listen to me."

Josh joined in, "which duel are you talking about? He's had several. How are you, Wickham? Did you ever finish Cambridge? You seemed to disappear during your last year."

Wickham ignored their sallies and remained silent.

"So," Richard said, "I understand that Colonel Forster will be trying to get you men in shape. Colonel Forster and I are old buddies. I look forward to renewing our friendship now that he'll be stationed here in Meryton." He threw a look at Wickham that left that man with no delusion of what Richard's intentions were. By the time Colonel Fitzwilliam was finished with him, his reputation would be in tatters.

By the time Wickham was able to get away his face was flushed with anger much to Richard's amusement. "I suppose," he said," that we should warn the tradesmen not to give him any credit."

Darcy nodded absently and glanced at Elizabeth who was eying Richard with a smile

Richard suddenly addressed both ladies. "Ah the lovely Misses Bennetts! How well you both look."

Elizabeth responded with a laugh. "We are quite well, Colonel Fitzwilliam. I must say I can't remember when I've been more entertained on the streets of Meryton."

"Indeed, Richard, I believe you outdid yourself," Darcy drawled.

Richard laughed, then bowed to the ladies. "Come on," he said to Guy and Josh. "We can get a good hour of shooting in. "How about you, Darcy, Bingley?"

Darcy and Bingley shook their heads and watched their friends hurry back to their horses.

Bingley immediately offered his arm to Jane Bennett, and led her down the street chatting happily.

Darcy took a deep breath and looked for an escape route. He wondered dimly what Elizabeth would think if he turned tail and loped down the street. He smiled at the thought, then glanced at her. To his surprise she was looking at him with a faint smile. "Dare I ask how much of what Colonel Fitzwilliam accused Mr. Wickham of was true?"

Darcy considered his answer, "well," he finally allowed, "you may have seen the last of Mr. Wickham. He might find the company at Netherfield oppressive. We know him too well."

"I see."

"I hope he isn't a friend of yours."

"Not at all. He accosted us in the shop oozing charm. He offered to buy us ribbons which we declined. He became insistent and my sister and I left immediately and he followed us leaving behind a track of slime."

Darcy laughed at her apt description. "He would be surprised to hear you say so."

Elizabeth smiled in amusement. "That would not surprise me. But I must say, it was truly a relief to see you and Mr. Bingley. This is a poor start to the Militia's arrival in town. I will have to speak with my father as well as my younger sisters."

Darcy and Elizabeth began to follow Bingley and Miss Bennett towards the road that led to Longbourn. Every once in a while he caught a whiff of her scent and he dared steal a glance at her. He was falling under her spell and he knew it and though it still frightened him he also felt something pleasant in the pit of his stomach.

Perhaps Bingley had the right idea. Just let nature take it's course and see where it led him. He offered Miss Elizabeth his arm which she took willingly. The sight of her small hand resting on his arm filled him with a pleasure he had never known. He was lost and in that instant knew it.

When Darcy and Bingley returned to Netherfield after spending a delightful hour at Longbourn they were in high spirits looking forward to the evening's festivities at Lucas Lodge.

The only thing Darcy could imagine making his life uncomfortable was the presence of George Wickham in the area. He hoped that Richard's not too subtle warning would be enough to keep Wickham in check while the militia remained in the area, but he had little faith in Wickham's acuity. He'd proved time and time again that his own ego blinded him to the effects of his actions. In fanciful moments Darcy thought that George Wickham lived in a bubble oblivious of the rest of the world. He went around blithely committing all kinds of offenses against his fellow citizens and when caught assumed his charm would let him off the hook. What Wickham didn't realize was that Darcy had the means to destroy him and would do so at the first provocation.

As they dismounted they both became aware of raucous singing coming from the vicinity of the apple orchard. As they made their way up the hill they came upon a scene that stopped them in their tracks. Richard, Guy and Josh was sprawled under an ancient tree and Humphrey Hurst was perched precariously on a beer keg. They were singing at the top of their lungs waving large mugs of ale to keep time.

Darcy and Bingley approached the quartet who mercifully ceased their caterwauling. "This is your shooting party?" Darcy drawled.

"Indeed it is," Richard replied. "We caught a large keg and are trying to put it out of it's misery."

"Are you aware that we are due at Lucas Lodge in three hours time?" Darcy asked in mild annoyance.

"I'm fine, Darcy," Richard said, "however my companions are pleasantly befuddled and I can't answer for them."

Darcy took a good look at Guy and Josh who were both slightly bleary eyed. Hurst was in his usual state.

"Did you know, Darcy," Guy spoke with difficulty, "that when I bid the ladies in Meryton farewell this morning, not one of them shed a tear? Is it possible that I'm not as charming as I thought I was?"

"At the moment I would have to agree with that assessment."

"Pamela thinks you're charming," Josh reminded him.

Guy grinned broadly at his friend, "that's true."

"Who's Pamela?" Bingley asked.

"The girl I'm going to marry," Guy replied.

At the look of surprise on Bingley's face, Richard explained, "apparently Guy has been holding out on us. He met Miss Pamela Mortensen in Shropshire shortly after her family bought an adjoining estate. This took place a couple of months after you and Darcy visited him."

Josh offered, "she has a cousin who Guy assures me will make a perfect wife for me and then we'll all live happily ever after."

"Good grief," Darcy said.

"But," Bingley said in some confusion, "if you're going to get married, what are you doing here?"

"Oh," Guy said, "she doesn't know we're getting married. I have to ask her first. Besides, I couldn't turn down your invitation, Bingley, in case there was another lady that appealed to me here in Hertfordshire. But there wasn't and so I've made up my mind."

Josh spoke up, "the Mortensens are spending a couple of weeks in London. That's why we're going to Town. The cousin's name is Prunela. Isn't that a beautiful name?"

Darcy didn't think so but diplomatically kept his opinion to himself.

The attention of the four men was suddenly directed to Hurst, who slid silently off the keg and sprawled in a hopeless heap.

Darcy and Bingley managed to get him to his feet and together they began to lead him back to the house.

"Do you think Guy's serious?" Bingley asked.

"It's possible," Darcy allowed. "I'm sure there's more to the story and if he ever sobers up, maybe we'll hear the whole of it. In any case, I think you have another chapter for your book. There seems to be a variety of ways for a man to find his mate."

"I hope Prunela doesn't look like a bowl of stewed prunes," Bingley said.

Bingley looked so concerned that Darcy laughed out loud and was still chuckling when he reached his room.

After a quick bath Darcy watched Thomas moving at his usual pace around the room, laying out Darcy's clothes. He watched his valet in silence. He had known his servant for more than twenty years and he knew Thomas as well as Thomas knew him. There was something different about him tonight but what it might be escaped him. Darcy had never seen his servant so quiet and introspective. If it had been anyone else he might have thought Thomas to be in love. But he was a confirmed bachelor and so it could not be so.

"If you're not feeling well," Darcy said, "you need not accompany me to Lucas Lodge tonight."

Thomas looked at Darcy in shock. "I'm perfectly alright, sir"

"Your family is well, I trust?"

"Very well, sir."

"Are there any rumors about me floating around town?"

"Not that I'm aware of, sir, but I'll keep my ear to the ground."

Darcy decided not to intrude further into his valet's privacy but he was not fooled. Something was amiss and Thomas would speak to him when he was ready.

There were other thoughts to occupy his mind. There was Elizabeth Bennett. When he and Elizabeth and Bingley and Jane arrived at Longbourn a scant two hours earlier, a French farce took place with Mrs. Bennett taking the leading role. She had apparently seen the two couples arriving and had rushed out of the house trying to rearrange the couples before they entered the drawing room. She seemed to be determined to couple Jane with Darcy and Elizabeth with Bingley.

Bingley looked his usual befuddled self as this silliness took place but Darcy was having none of it. Instead of taking a seat on the sofa next to Jane, he stalked to the window and waited until Bingley had taken his place next to Jane. Only when Elizabeth had seated herself on the opposite sofa did Darcy take his seat next to her. He dared a look of defiance at Mrs. Bennett who looked as befuddled as Bingley did. There was something about Mrs. Bennett that appealed to his sense of the absurd and he actually began to relax and enjoy himself.

Beside him, he felt Elizabeth shaking with mirth and he grinned at her which caused her to laugh out loud. If he thought her smile enchanting it was nothing to how he felt when she laughed. To share a laugh with the woman who had so bewitched him was like dying and going to heaven.

"Mr. Darcy," Mrs. Bennett said," you will be joining us at Lucas Lodge tonight, won't you?"

"Indeed, I will, Mrs. Bennett. I look forward to it."

"Oh, good. My Jane loves good company."

Darcy turned to Elizabeth. "Will you be there, Miss Elizabeth?"

Her eyes sparkled with glee, "I wouldn't miss it, Mr. Darcy. I love good company as well."

Now, leisurely dressing, he was looking forward to the evening ahead. There was only one thing he was concerned about and that concerned Miss Caroline Bingley. She expected to be spending the evening with him not knowing he was planning to spend the evening at Lucas Lodge. When she realized she'd been duped there was no telling what her reaction would be.

On the walk back to Meryton he'd brought up this very subject with Bingley but his friend didn't see a problem with this duplicity. He also informed Darcy that he was going to have a long and calm conversation with her in the morning as soon as Guy and Josh had left. Darcy made a mental note to be far away when this conversation took place.

When Richard knocked and entered his room Darcy raised a questioning brow.

"She's in the drawing room curled up with a book," Richard said with a broad grin.

"I feel uneasy about this, Richard," Darcy said, unable to laugh it off.

"Why should you? You're not answerable to anyone, especially Caroline Bingley. And don't forget, it was her choice not to attend tonight's function."

"Have our friends sobered up?"

"Guy and Josh are still sleeping it off, but Hurst is up. However," Richard added, " the Hursts are not coming. Louisa thinks it best if she stays here. She's afraid that once Caroline finds out that you're at Lucas Lodge she'll follow and make a scene."

Darcy shook his head in disgust, "this will not do. I've been acting like a coward and it just will not do."

"What do you propose?"

"I'm going to talk to her."

Richard let out a long whistle, "are you sure?"

"Richard, I don't have a choice. She's been hanging onto this delusion that I'll wake up some morning and decide that she is the woman who can make me happy. She doesn't love me...she doesn't even like me. How could she? I've ignored her for the past six years. I actually dislike the woman but she still clings to this delusion. I want her to get on with her life. I want to get on with my own life and she's a petty annoyance that I want to cease."

"Does getting on with your life include Elizabeth Bennett?"

Darcy regarded his cousin for a moment, "it's a distinct possibility" he said.

"There may be trouble ahead," Richard allowed.

"I promise I'll take my own advice. I've been telling Bingley for years to keep in mind that fifty years is a long time to spend in a loveless marriage. But if I decide that Elizabeth is the woman for me and she will have me, nothing on earth will keep me from marrying her. I hope you'll stand by me."

"You know I will. But first things first. I think I should be with you when you speak to Caroline."

"Agreed." They each drew a deep breath and descended the stairs.

When Darcy and Richard entered the drawing room Caroline Bingley looked up with a bright smile which faded slightly when she saw Richard.

"I'm so enjoying this book you recommended, Mr. Darcy," she said waving the volume.

Darcy managed a smile, "I see you're not dressed, Miss Bingley. Aren't you going to Lucas Lodge tonight?"

Her eyes flared wide. "I thought it was agreed that we would not go, Mr. Darcy."

"Really? How did you come by that? Oh, I see. Yes that was what I said yesterday but as you can see, I've changed my mind."

"My cousin," Richard said, "never misses a chance to spend some time with the ladies. And I can't blame him. There are a lot of beautiful ladies in Hertfordshire."

"I've seen nothing of beauty," Caroline sniffed. "The airs and manners of the ladies of Hertfordshire would certainly never draw attention from the ton except in disapprobation."

"I doubt if a man and woman can ever agree on what makes a beautiful woman, Miss Bingley," Darcy said"or what a man wants from the woman he marrys."

Before Caroline had a chance to respond, Bingley entered the room. "Ah, here you are. I thought you'd left without me."

We were about to discuss beauty," Richard said, "and how a woman's idea of beauty differs from a man. What are your thoughts on the subject, Bingley?"

Bingley glanced at Caroline, then at Darcy who eyed his friend with a look that Bingley understood. "I think," he said slowly, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Take Miss Jane Bennett, for example. To me she looks like an angel and makes me happy just to be in the same room with her. I plan to spend the rest of my life with her if she'll have me."

Caroline bolted from her chair, "you what?" she spat. "You can't be serious, Charles. She a nobody with no dowry. You can't marry her."

Bingley laughed, "I swear you sound like Richard's general or at least his imitation of that phantom entity."

Richard laughed hardily and Darcy joined him. "My dear Mr. Bingley," Richard said, "surely you don't doubt the existence of that formidable man?"

Bingley raised a skeptical brow, "there have been times when I doubted his existence, I admit."

Darcy watched his friends in growing amusement. Clever Bingley had shut down the dreadful scene which had threatened to erupt.. He felt the laughter bubbling to the surface but a look at Caroline quelled the idea of joining in the merriment.

The door opened and in strode Mr. Hurst. He looked sober and in a jolly mood and was followed by a wary looking Louisa who after a brief look at her sister's countenance looked resigned to her fate. "Is this a private party, " Hurst asked, "or can anyone join in?"

"Louisa," Caroline cried. "You must talk to Charles. He's actually talking about marriage to Jane Bennett. Tell him it's impossible."

"What would you have me say, Caroline? Our brother is five and twenty, owns his own townhouse in London, is leasing this beautiful estate, and has an income of five thousand a year of which he allows you a generous allowance. He's in love with a very sweet young lady and wants to marry her. What would you have me say to him?"

Bingley walked over to Louisa and put his arm around her and gave her a brief hug. "Bless you for that, sister."

Louisa rolled her eyes, "you're welcome, brother" she responded with a wry smile. "And will someone pour me a large drink? I feel faint."

Her husband responded with alacrity, pouring himself one too. He handed Louisa her drink with a wink, "that's my girl," he said, smiling broadly.

Anne now entered the room "have I missed anything?"

Everyone laughed except for Caroline who crossed the room to the door, "I'll be leaving in the morning, Charles. If you are determined to throw your life away on a country chit I don't think I can ever forgive you." She slammed the door behind her.

Louisa sighed, "I think we must go too, Charles."

"There's no need for that," Bingley said.

"It will be better if we leave, Charles. If you've made up your mind about Jane, this will allow you more time to get on with the business of courtship. Anne can act as hostess and with Darcy's sister arriving in a few days you'll have two chaperons. In the meantime I'll try to talk some sense into Caroline."

Darcy's appreciation and respect for Bingley's sister Louisa had grown considerably in the the last few minutes. He wondered how she had gotten together with a man like Humphry Hurst who seemed nothing more than a lazy glutton. There was something between the two people which seemed to defy all convention yet seemed to work. There was a real affection between them, he couldn't deny that. He guessed it took all kinds to make the world go round.

Dusk was falling as the coach left Netherfield carrying the three cousins and their host, Charles Bingley. Darcy watched Bingley carefully looking for any signs of disquiet but he seemed unmoved by the events that precipitated his sister's angry announcement that she would be leaving in the morning. Bingley sat staring out the window calmly watching the countryside slip by bringing him closer to Lucas Lodge where his Jane would be waiting for him. Darcy gazed at his friend with affection remembering the frightened young man he'd first met seven years before. Then he'd been so timid he seemed incapable of making the smallest of decisions for himself. But not anymore. Bingley was now a man to be reckoned with; a man that a woman could trust and rely on. Darcy was proud of the way Bingley had defused the situation with Caroline, not with anger but with humor. He'd made her look like the silly woman she was. He hoped for Caroline's sake that she would come to her senses and realize that if she didn't accept the fact that her brother was no longer a boy who would bend to her every whim, she would live to regret it.

Darcy's eyes moved to his cousin Richard who was staring at their cousin Anne who was sitting next to Darcy and seemed to be unaware of Richard's interest. Darcy wasn't fooled and wondered when these two favorites of his would recognize what lay between them. Richard had been bragging for years that he was a confirmed bachelor unless he could find himself a rich widow who could him support him in a style befitting the son of an earl. It appeared to Darcy that his cousin had become so fixated on finding a rich widow, he had ignored the possibility of finding a rich maiden who had been in love with him since she was about the age of twelve. Even as a young boy Darcy had seen the admiration in Anne's eyes for her cousin Richard. Of course he hadn't recognized what that admiration had signified. He had assumed that she admired him for his strength and humor. It wasn't until she had been rescued from her mother and Darcy's concern for her made him aware of how her eyes followed Richard whenever he was near. And now it appeared that Richard was fast becoming enamored with Anne though Darcy doubted he understood what was happening to him. Richard at times could be positively dense.

Darcy continued his musings now thinking of Thomas. Darcy had known his manservant for more than three and twenty years and was sure he knew all his moods. Darcy had seen him through the death of his mother followed a year later by his youngest sister who had died giving birth to her fourth child. He had seen him ill and frustrated when he had to take to his bed for a week. Once Darcy had threatened to tie him to his bed if he didn't follow the doctor's orders. He had seen Thomas in love almost as many times as he had seen Bingley in love. He had seen Thomas happy just to be alive. But never had he seen his valet so introspective; it wasn't in his nature which was puzzling. Whatever was bothering him had to be serious. What was especially perplexing was that in all the long years he had known Thomas, never once had he turned down a chance for a night on the town. He had seemed almost horrified at the suggestion that he need not attend Darcy at Lucas Lodge that night. What was at Lucas Lodge that could draw him there? A thought crossed his mind but was dismissed immediately. That was impossible!

When they reached Meryton the coach paused for a few moments as the footmen lit their torches than ran ahead to guide the travelers to the end of their journey. Darcy had the almost irresistible urge to stop the coach and confront Thomas immediately. Darcy hated surprises especially the unpleasant kind, but then again, he was probably worrying for nothing, at least he hoped he was.

Finally his thoughts turned to the elusive Mr. Bennet whom he had not yet met. When he had first arrived at Netherfield Darcy had kept to himself for almost a week before attending the assembly which Mr. Bennet had not attended. Then a few days later he had gone to Town on business. Apparently the Bennets had relatives who lived in London. Darcy sincerely hoped that Mr. Bennet had more sense than Mrs. Bennet had. It was one thing to be amused by one parent, another if they were both of mean understanding, little information and uncertain temper. However, Darcy had great hopes that Mr. Bennet would be a sensible man as Elizabeth had said that her father might not deign to appear at Lucas Lodge that night as he found a glass of port and a good book a preferable form of entertainment.

Darcy was nervous about his first meeting with Elizabeth's father wanting to create a good impression but servility was not in his nature and he wasn't sure what his demeanor should be. The probability was that Bingley would be the first suitor to meet Mr. Bennet and would no doubt make an excellent first impression with his sunny countenance and boyish optimism. Darcy on the other hand was a different kettle of fish. With strangers he came off as serious and forbidding. Richard had once compared the two friends as a pussy cat and an arctic wolf. Darcy hoped that he would not come off as a cold, slavering animal. He didn't want his suit to end before it began.

When their party entered the drawing room at Lucas Lodge, Darcy immediately swept the room for a glimpse of Elizabeth but was disappointed. Bingley had better luck as he spotted Jane standing near her mother and headed straight for her. Darcy moved to the window where he could get a clearer view of the entire room. He saw most of the Bennett family spread throughout the room but where was Elizabeth?

He scanned the room for a sign of Wickham but he didn't seem to be there. Hopefully Richard's mockery of him that afternoon had given him second thoughts about spreading his charm around the town.

He became aware of the surreptitious looks he was receiving from some of the guests and he grew uneasy unable to discern whether the looks were the result of Wickham's venom or Mrs. Bennet's matchmaking. He felt conspicuous standing by himself and began to look for a friendly face but Bingley had eyes only for his angel and Richard was deep in conversation with an older officer whom he assumed was probably Colonel Forster. He looked towards Thomas who was stationed near a doorway supposedly keeping an eye on Darcy and Richard in case he was needed. Even that faithful servant seemed to have abandoned him. Thomas was staring across the room at a wide archway where Darcy was finally gratified to see Elizabeth Bennet. She was in serious conversation with Anne and Charlotte Lucas.

He stared at Elizabeth willing her to notice him but it was obvious that the subject of her converse with Charlotte and Anne took all her attention. They were all three upset, that much was clear but he couldn't imagine what could be causing such consternation for the three women. Then, Charlotte Lucas looked up and across the room and gasped. When Darcy saw what had caused her distress he started in shock.

An officer was standing next to Thomas speaking quietly but his eyes were fixed on Charlotte. Thomas was also staring at Charlotte. George Wickham was smiling at Miss Lucas but even at the distance separating Darcy from this scene he recognized the insolence in his smile. He watched as Wickham strolled away and casually joined some friends.

Darcy being the clever man he was recognized instantly that some serious mischief was afoot. Charlotte Lucas was the daughter of a knight. Of the various times he had spoken with her she struck him as a lady of the first order and more important, she was Elizabeth's best friend. Thomas was a manservant. "Good grief!" he thought.

Darcy had better luck in gaining Richard's attention and signaled his cousin to join him. After several moments he reached Darcy's side. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"Richard," Darcy said, "I may be mistaken but I think that Wickham is up to his old tricks and this time it appears to involve my valet, Thomas. And possibly Charlotte Lucas."

"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Richard replied.

"What the devil do you mean?

Richard shrugged. "Cousin, I'm a soldier. It's a habit to check your surroundings and the people around you. I've seen certain looks pass between them. And, she never once looked at Guy or Josh the way I've seen her look at Thomas."

Darcy was in shock. "But I can't believe she would allow herself to be compromised by a servant."

"Hold on! Don't jump to conclusions. I didn't say she had been compromised. I simply said I'd seen certain looks pass between them."

Darcy couldn't believe it. "Where was I when all this was going on?"

Richard rolled his eyes. "Where have you been since you first laid eyes on Miss Elizabeth Bennet?"

"I wouldn't be so smug, Richard. I'm not the only blind man in the room."

"What does that mean?"

Darcy was saved an answer by the approach of his host Sir William Lucas and another gentleman. The bluff but pleasant Sir William introduced his companion, "allow me the pleasure Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, to introduce you to Mr. Bennet of Longbourn.

Startled, Darcy acknowledged the introduction with a polite nod and finally had a look at Elizabeth's father.

Mr. Bennett appraised the two men with a cordial but distant smile, "I understand, Mr. Darcy, that you are from Derbyshire."

Darcy nodded, "yes sir."

"I had the pleasure of seeing the grounds of Pemberley almost thirty years ago," Mr. Bennet said. "Quite impressive. I understood at the time that the estate was a good ten miles around."

Darcy agreed that ten miles was about right. He was uncomfortable and wondered what the purpose of this converse was.

Richard spoke up and rescued Darcy by changing the subject. "This is our first time in Hertfordshire, Mr. Bennet, and we're quite impressed. Darcy's friend Mr. Bingley, has just leased Netherfield and as it's his first estate, Darcy came down to help him out if needed."

"Mr. Bingley is lucky," Mr. Bennet replied, "to have such a good friend."

"The feeling is mutual, Mr. Bennet," Darcy replied.

"It's very good to know," Mr. Bennett said with a wry smile, "that you aren't here slumming in this backwater village."

Darcy made no answer but his face tightened in anger. He glanced around the room searching for Wickham. Instead he saw Elizabeth approaching with a smile which faded as she saw his obvious mood. His look softened immediately as she questioned him with her eyes.

"Good evening, Miss Bennet," he said. "You look lovely tonight. You are well, I trust?"

"Well enough, Mr. Darcy."

"And your friend, Miss Charlotte?"

Her smile faded as she stared steadily into his eyes. "Not well, Mr. Darcy. She's retired for the night."

"Is it serious?"

Elizabeth glanced at her father who looked on with interest. Elizabeth nodded, "yes," she said.

Darcy looked over at Thomas who soberly returned the look.

Anne joined them and addressed Richard, "was that Colonel Forster I saw you speaking with earlier?"

Richard nodded. " I hadn't seen him in nearly two years so we had a very interesting talk catching up with all the news of our mutual acquaintances."

Anne turned to Elizabeth, "I hope," she said, "that our party doesn't appear too rude to our host but I'm afraid we will have to curtail our visit this evening. Our party will be shortened considerably in the morning by the departure of Josh and Guy. And just this evening we learned that Miss Bingley has decided to return to Town. Apparently country air does not agree with her. The Hursts are also leaving, and I do not envy them. It will be insufferable."

Darcy suppressed a smile at Anne's choice of words. "I believe my cousin means the weather in Town will be insufferable, not the trip back."

Elizabeth laughed, "I understand your cousin perfectly," she said. She exchanged a knowing look with Anne.

"On the brighter side," Anne continued, "our darling Georgianna will be joining us in two days time."

Darcy turned to Richard, "perhaps we should leave now. We can send the coach back for Bingley.

Darcy took a last look around the room searching for Wickham.

"Have you known Lieutenant Wickham long?" Mr. Bennet asked.

"All my life," Darcy replied dismissively.

"Then perhaps you'd like to know that your friend slipped from the room several minutes ago with a few of his friends," Mr. Bennet said. "I would imagine they're heading for the local pub in Meryton."

Darcy would eventually learn that though Elizabeth's father was a man of few words, he was an observer of habits and foibles of his fellow man. From across the room, Mr. Bennet had observed everything from the moment Darcy had entered the room. One thing was clear. Mr. Bennet was no fool. He obviously knew something was amiss and it had something to do with George Wickham. However, he seemed more amused than curious as to the details.

On the way back to Netherfield Anne described what had happened from her limited viewpoint. She had spotted Elizabeth and Charlotte in serious conversation. Charlotte was upset and tearful and Elizabeth was trying to calm her and make sense of what was happening to her friend. Anne distinctly heard Charlotte say that she had made up her mind and that nothing would stop her. Just as Anne reached them Charlotte looked up and gasped and positively turned white. Then she turned and ran out of the room with Elizabeth following.

That's about all I know, "Anne finished, "except when Elizabeth returned to the room she said that Charlotte was talking about an elopement but wouldn't say who she was planning to elope with. She's afraid it's George Wickham whomElizabeth seems todislike intensely. But it can't be George...he hasn't been here long enough to form an alliance. Besides, Charlotte hasn't any money to speak of, and George would never marry without an assurance of money.

Once back at Netherfield Darcy and Richard wasted little time before confronting Thomas. "What did Wickham want? "Darcy demanded.

"Money," Thomas replied.

"For what?"

"To keep quiet about my relationship with Miss Lucas."

Darcy sighed, "what have you done, Thomas?

"I've done what I swore I would never do. I asked Miss Charlotte to marry me. She has accepted me."

Darcy dropped into a chair. "Good grief," he said, then lapsed into silence.

"Yes, sir," Thomas responded.

Richard spoke up. "What kind of money are we talking about?"

"He wants five thousand pounds."

"He thinks you have five thousand pounds?"

Darcy stood up. "He knows I have five thousand pounds. He knows I'll do anything to avoid scandal. My valet seducing the daughter of a Knight of the realm would cause a scandal."

"Forgive me Mr. Darcy," Thomas said, "but I have not seduced Miss Lucas. I embraced her when she accepted my suit and that is all I did. Unfortunately, we were so engrossed in speaking with each other that we didn't hear him approach. How he even came to find us was a mystery. It wasn't as if we were standing in the middle of the street. We were near the turn-off to Lucas Lodge. We heard you and Mr. Bingley and Miss Jane and Miss Elizabeth coming and we stepped off the road and hid behind some large bushes. After you passed, I saw a flash of red and thought it was an officer heading for Longbourn. Next thing I know, Wickham walks into view grinning from ear to ear.

Darcy stole a look at Richard who obviously understood that Wickham had followed them from Meryton.

Thomas continued, "I think he thought that I was simply enjoying a tryst with a country miss and it amused him. It wasn't until he arrived at Lucas Lodge that he realized that the country miss was the daughter of his host.

"That stupid, stupid man," Darcy spat. "He's forced my hand! I actually thought I might avoid this. Why does he have to be like this?"

"Just give me the papers, cousin," Richard said. "We can wonder how he came to be such a blackguard when he's safely out of the way. Time is of the essence. Once he starts drinking he's liable to start bragging about what he saw. It could destroy Miss Lucas's reputation. We have to buy time."

"I should go with you, Richard," Darcy said.

"You stay here. I'll go alone. I've already cleared things with Colonel Forster and yesterday after seeing Wickham, I had a brief talk with the sheriff. I think it's best you stay out of this. Only the names of the Lambton tradesmen are listed on the warrant. If things go well, and with a bribe to the sheriff, Wickham won't have time to think about who has done this to him. At least not until he's safely ensconced in debtor's prison."

Darcy nodded and handed the papers to his cousin.

Once Richard was gone, Darcy eyed his valet. "Do you have any idea of what you're about, Thomas? Or better still, does Miss Lucas know what's she's about? You will never be accepted by her family, never be invited into the homes of her friends. She will have brought shame to her family for marrying a servant and they will never forgive her. And she will never forgive herself. And eventually she will never forgive you. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"Perfectly. But that applies only in England."

Darcy nodded. "So you understand. Does she?"

"Yes."

"She understands that once she leaves there's a good chance that she'll never see her family again, that she will travel to a foreign country with a man she's known for scarcely a month?" Darcy asked dubiously.

"She's seven and twenty and has been a burden to her family for at least five years. She had no expectations of happiness in this life and no one she could turn to. Her brothers have their own families to look after. The best she could hope for was to be a maiden aunt for her nieces and nephews. She's willing to take a chance on me."

"And what about love? Where does love enter this rosy picture?"

Thomas allowed himself a smile, "neither Miss Charlotte nor I are romantic. We agree that it is better to know as little of the defects of the person with whom you are to spend your life. Sir, I've seen enough of marriages to know there are many kinds of love. Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance."

"My head is spinning," Darcy said.

"I'm sorry if I've disappointed you, sir."

"You have surprised me, Thomas," Darcy responded. "You have never disappointed me."

Thomas nodded his thanks. "The fact is, life is changing," he said. "I've been in service for three and twenty years. I've seen you grow from a chubby undisciplined boy to a man I have always been proud to serve. I will look back with great fondness to the years we have spent in each other's company. But I can see that those days are now coming to an end. One day in the near future you will seek the company of someone else to confide in. Sharing a laugh with your manservant simply will not appeal to you. And that is the way it should be."

Sadness washed over Darcy hearing a truth he could not deny. "You won't change your mind?"

"The truth is I've been restless for the last two years and the thought of starting a new life in a new land has been on my mind with growing frequency. Due to your family's generosity and my frugality I have saved enough to make a good start. There are many places in the world where my money will seem like a fortune. I promise you that Miss Lucas will never have reason to regret her decision. I know I won't."

"Then I wish you the best, Thomas, and I'll do everything I can to help you. Afterall, what are friends for?"

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