Knowlege is Power...Or Not.

Stacey Ann

Chapter 1

Posted on Tuesday, 20 November 2001, at 7:15 p.m.

Mrs. Bennet stood frozen in an astonishment so profound that even the curlers in her hair lay still. Her hand was stopped in its reach for the door, her mouth hung slightly open, and her eyes were wide with shock. The words reverberated through her head... "he proposed, I refused him... proposed... refused... refused... refused..."

A loud shriek echoed through the hallway - "HILLLLLLLLL!!"

Chapter 2

Elizabeth pulled absently on the corner of her pillow, watching Jane's face from the corner of her eye after she communicated the news. Jane looked concerned, worried. Elizabeth sighed, and began, "Jane, I hope you do not think too ill of me. If I could now take back those hurtful words and speak with greater kindness, I would not hesitate -"

She was interrupted by the loud shriek coming from the other side of the door - "HILLLLLLLLL!!"

Elizabeth and Jane both sat upright, spun to look towards the door, then turned back to each other, staring. Jane's expression was concerned, worried; Elizabeth's was horrified.

Mrs. Bennet was affected with such tremblings and flutterings that she found she really did need to sit, and quickly. Just in time, Elizabeth's door swung open, and her eldest daughter was there to take her mother's arm and help her to a chair just inside the door. Mrs. Bennet vaguely heard Jane's voice offering a glass of water, asking if she should fetch anything, but Mrs. Bennet was unable to respond because the words "proposed" and "refused" were still clanging around in her head. By the time Mrs. Bennet was able to compose herself enough to speak coherently, a small crowd had gathered in Elizabeth's room. The worthy Hill had taken charge of her mistress, and was endeavoring to get her to take some water. Kitty stood off to one side in her nightdress, he hair half down, looking confused and eager. Mr. Bennet stood just inside the door, in nightclothes and cap, looking bemused and amused. Mary craned her head around the edge of the door, looking slightly disapproving. All waited with interest to hear the news, as it was certain there was news to hear. Only Elizabeth wished never to hear a word.

Mrs. Bennet spoke, "Oh, Hill, oh Mr. Bennet... my poor nerves! You will never guess, never imagine what I have discovered this evening. It is too horrible! Mr. Bennet, this is all your fault for indulging that girl so she no longer knows her duty to her own mother! I, who have worked so hard for all my darling girls, to be sure they are provided for before that odious Mr. Collins turns us all out... oh Mr. Bennet, Mr. Darcy has proposed to Lizzy and she has refused him! She has refused ten thousand a year!"

Kitty gasped, Mary looked disinterested, Jane frowned, and Mr. Bennet turned an amused and rather sympathetic glance at Lizzy, who stood with her eyes closed and wished she were a million miles away from Longbourn. Hill offered Mrs. Bennet some more water.

Chapter 3

Elizabeth Bennet stood at the top of Oakham Mount and watched the sun rise. Unable to sleep, she had finally thrown on some clothes and taken advantage of the warm weather to leave the house undetected. Her thoughts were in turmoil; how on Earth was she to survive her mother's frantic anger? Her father had finally convinced Mrs. Bennet to return to her own room, and Hill led her away, her cries of "You must make her marry him! You must visit Mr. Darcy and explain it all away!" floating back down the hall to where Mr. Bennet and his daughters still stood. Mr. Bennet had sighed, told Kitty to return to her room (Mary had already gone), and turned to look at his second daughter. He gazed at her a moment, then raised a somewhat astonished eyebrow. "Mr. Darcy!" he exclaimed, chuckling softly to himself and shaking his head at Elizabeth. "We will talk in the morning, my dear." He reached out, taking her hand and pressing it, then strode off to his own room, still shaking his head and laughing quietly.

Elizabeth listened to the birds singing as the light grew stronger, and wondered what she would say to her father. How was she to keep her mother from spreading the news? If only she had waited to talk to Jane until they could be away from the house; but who would have suspected her mother would be wandering the halls at that late hour? At least Lydia was away at Brighton. That was now a blessing, despite Elizabeth's initial doubts; her mother might be stopped from communicating the news due to an inability to leave the house because of her nerves, but Lydia would have spread the tale all through Meryton by now.

Elizabeth sank into a reverie in which Fitzwilliam Darcy figured rather prominently. She recalled his expression as he proposed to her, and tried to imagine what she might have said differently. Acceptance had been impossible, of course, but as she had tried to say to Jane the night before, she could now wish she had been less vehement in her refusal. His letter had done that much. She tried to visualize his face without those proud and affronted lines. How would he have reacted had she been kinder? Might they have parted on better terms? His letter now made her feel that they might have been cordial acquaintances. She daydreamed of a conversation with him that didn't involve pride or anger, but hastily stopped that train of thought when, in her mind, Mrs. Bennet came into the room at the Hunsford parsonage in the middle of his proposal, chanting "Ten thousand a year," taking Darcy's arm and smiling into his face. Elizabeth shuddered, then sighed. She was too like her father not to see the humor in this situation, so it wasn't long before she smiled ruefully at her mental picture of her mother patting Mr. Darcy on the head while going over his accounts.

"Elizabeth?"

She turned to see Jane approaching her. Jane was not as great a walker as Elizabeth, so the latter was surprised to see her. Elizabeth smiled and made room for Jane on the rock where she was sitting. Jane sat, took Elizabeth's hand, and looked into her face with concern.

"How are you, Lizzy?"

"Except for being annoyed at my folly, I am quite well."
Jane sighed, looked out over the fields and woods, then said, "I have been with my mother."

Elizabeth watched a bird flying overhead. "And?"

"She is most unhappy, Lizzy. She cannot understand, but does not wish to hear that you may have been right to refuse Mr. Darcy. She is quite indisposed."

"I confess I had expected as much... but can she not see that I am moving up in the world? After all, I have refused a much finer man than Mr. Collins!"

Jane smiled. "Lizzy, you should not jest so!"

Elizabeth changed the subject. "But Jane, how did Mama come to be outside my room?"

Jane sighed again. "From what I can gather, she could not sleep for worrying about me... about Mr. Bingley. She wanted to speak to you about it all, since she had not had much opportunity since your return from Hunsford. I must not have closed the door to your room as completely as I should. Oh Lizzy, I feel all this is my fault!"

Elizabeth squeezed Jane's hand, and shook her head. "No, Jane, it was imprudent of me to discuss these matters where there was any chance of being overheard. I shall have to suffer the consequences, I suppose. And it may not be for long... I anticipate hearing from my Aunt Gardiner very soon about the trip to the lakes."

Jane nodded. "It would be wise to be away," she said. "I'm sure Mama will not be able to keep this secret, though she will wish to do so to spare you further pain."

Elizabeth laughed. "Far more likely that she would wish for pressure from the neighborhood to make me change my mind! I suppose it has not yet occurred to her that Mr. Darcy is not likely to be renewing his addresses!"

Elizabeth stood, followed by Jane, and they began to walk back to Longbourn.

Chapter 4

Posted on Thursday, 22 November 2001, at 10:40 a.m.

The sisters heard Mrs. Bennet crying for Hill before they entered the house. Jane made her way upstairs to see if she could be of help, while Elizabeth headed for the breakfast room. She entered to see Kitty and Mary seated at the table; Kitty looked up with a thousand questions on her face, while Mary gave Elizabeth a polite nod and turned her attention back to her food. Mr. Bennet gave Elizabeth a kind smile; he had finished eating, and rose from the table.

"Have your breakfast, my dear, then come join me in the library."

Elizabeth tried to smile, but failed. Mrs. Bennet's voice was heard from above, "Jane, Jane! Where is Lizzy? I must make her see reason! A man of Mr. Darcy's consequence! Of course she refused Mr. Collins, she was right to do so with Mr. Darcy wanting her, but what is she thinking now? Perhaps you couldn't get Mr. Bingley, though I'm certain if you'd tried harder... but anyway, Mr. Darcy would have been such a comfort once poor Mr. Bennet was gone and those Collinses turned us out! Oh Jane... my poor nerves! She'll be sorry, he'll die of a broken heart and she'll never have that ten thousand a year!"

Mr. Bennet shook his head, patted Elizabeth on the shoulder, and left the room. He closed the door behind him, mercifully shutting out his wife's voice.

*************************************************************************

Elizabeth knocked on the door to the library, entering when she heard her father's invitation. He invited her to sit, then peered at her over the tops of his spectacles.

"Well, Lizzy? It appears you have made a very important conquest. Unless, of course, your mother is indulging an overactive imagination?"

Elizabeth sighed and shook her head. "No, Papa, it is true. I was speaking of it to Jane, and Mama must have overheard us from the hallway. "

"Yes, this business of walking about after dark is dreadful for her nerves. But my dear girl, Mr. Darcy! I thought the man didn't look at you, or at anybody, except to find fault."

"Believe me, Papa, I was as surprised as you. I hadn't the slightest notion that he... well, that he admired me." Elizabeth went on to explain, rather succinctly, the mode in which Mr. Darcy had made his proposal. She did not tell her father about the letter, nor did she mention anything concerning Jane or Mr. Wickham. Except for a bit of eyebrow raising and soft chuckles, Mr. Bennet abstained from comment.

"Well, my dear, what's done is done. Despite your mother's insistence, I have no plans for descending upon Mr. Darcy in his estate and persuading him that you were in error. It would be a useless endeavor in any case; so proud a man as that will not be renewing his proposals to you! I would not wish for you to be trapped in an unhappy marriage in any case, my child."

Although Elizabeth had not thought her father would in any way attempt to force the issue, she was glad he seemed ready to let it go so easily. But his next words caused a bit of a shock.

"You must brace yourself, though, Lizzy - I have received a letter from Mr. Collins, and it appears the he and his most excellent wife are to descend upon us in two days. They are coming to visit her mother, you see... and he feels it of paramount importance to extend his good wishes to us all and to reassure you as to the continued good health of Lady Catherine de Bourgh."

Elizabeth was sure she heard the sound of the second shoe falling.

Chapter 5

The anticipated day of the Collins' arrival was at hand, and Elizabeth was trying very hard not to panic. Mr. Collins! If he were to find out, Lady Catherine would find out, and then... Mr. Darcy! Would he think she herself was spreading the story of his humiliation? She and Jane had discussed several plans for preventing her mother and Mr. Collins from coming into contact. All plans had been dismissed because they were either impractical (locking Mrs. Bennet in her room), unlikely (telling Lady Lucas that Mrs. Bennet had scarlet fever, thus preempting the visit), or would result in family ruin along with certain prison sentence (Elizabeth, in her frustration, told Jane she would just have to kill Mr. Collins, her mother, or possibly both). Jane had not taken this last seriously, and simply advised Elizabeth to tell all to Charlotte, who might possibly be able to prevent any conversation between the two.

Unfortunately for Elizabeth, Mrs. Bennet was making plans of her own. She had not been entirely idle. Upon learning that Mr. Collins was expected, she hatched a plan to use his influence with Lady Catherine de Bourgh and subsequently hers on her nephew, to have him renew his addresses. She felt sure that a loving aunt would not be able bear seeing her nephew in distress at a refusal, and would probably try to influence Elizabeth herself! After all, if the happiness of her nephew were at stake! Mrs. Bennet had also written to Lydia, complaining of her ill treatment at Lizzy's hands, and had written the Gardiners, knowing that Lizzy respected their opinions, hoping for their interference.

Thus it happened that when the carriage conveying Mr. and Mrs. Collins arrived at Longbourn, Mrs. Bennet astonished her entire family by appearing in the drawing room, dressed and fairly composed. She glared at Elizabeth as she entered the room, then seated herself and, turning her eyes on her wayward daughter, gave her a smug smile as the Collinses were announced. That smile struck fear into Elizabeth's heart; she exchanged worried glances with Jane, fearing that there would be no opportunity of speaking with Charlotte and averting disaster.

The Collinses entered the room, and Mrs. Bennet set a record for restraint. Their guests were actually seated before Mrs. Bennet exclaimed "Oh, Mr. Collins!" Elizabeth closed her eyes, resigning herself to a force of nature that none could control.

"My dear Madam," began Mr. Collins, intent on performing his speech in which he hoped all were well, thanked them for their concern for his own welfare and that of his dear Charlotte, remarked eight times on the condescension of his esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, compared the room favorably with a small closet found in Rosings, and remarked on Mr. Bennet's continued good health (a shame, that). He didn't get beyond "My dear Madam," though, for Mrs. Bennet burst forth,

"Oh Mrs. Collins, you must speak to Lizzy, and you must make her understand! You understand, I am sure, for you accepted Mr. Collins though he did ask Lizzy first! You know the importance of being settled! Mr. Collins, I know you would not hesitate to speak to Lizzy yourself, in your office as a clergyman, and make her see her error! I have not been able to sleep at night, due to my poor nerves, you know... it's such a shame, it really is, for I have tried so hard, and it has all come to nothing. Jane, at least, did try, I must give her that. But Lizzy! Such a ungrateful girl! I'm sure I shall not be troubled with supporting her once my dear husband is gone, and this house... well, we shall not speak of it. I never do, you know. But Mr. Collins! I am sure Lady Catherine would not approve!"

Elizabeth was immobile through this speech, darting glances at Charlotte and Jane. Jane looked unhappy, Charlotte very confused. Mrs. Collins's eyes were fixed on Mrs. Bennet except for occasional questioning glances darted at Elizabeth. Mr. Collins was alternately bowing and nodding, smiling with his gaze humbly directed at the floor. He really wasn't following Mrs. Bennet's speech very closely, for at the beginning of it his thoughts were unpleasantly directed towards Elizabeth's refusal of himself. He heard the word "clergyman" and bowed. But then he heard "Lady Catherine would not approve" and that send shockwaves through him. He looked up, alarm oozing from every pore.

"My dear Mrs. Bennet! I can assure you that Lady Catherine's approval... that her distinction, her taste, in short... " Here he paused, for he realized he hadn't the slightest idea what it was that was lacking in approval from Lady Catherine de Bourgh. His wife saved him.

"But Mrs. Bennet, what has Lizzy done to trouble you?" asked Charlotte.

"She has refused him! Can you believe it? Refused him!"

Mr. Collins became even more confused. He was fairly certain that Mrs. Bennet was aware that he had married the former Charlotte Lucas. They had been married for quite a few months. He puzzled over this... did Lady Catherine know that Miss Elizabeth Bennet had been so ungrateful as to refuse him and thereby indirectly refuse Lady Catherine herself? He contemplated that idea.

Charlotte, in the meantime, tried to get to the bottom of this.

"Mrs. Bennet, I'm so sorry, but whom has Lizzy refused?"

"Why, Mr. Darcy, of course! We are all in such an uproar, I tell you! I didn't think I would make it through the night when I discovered it. The poor man! But Mr. Collins! Do you think Lady Catherine would speak with Mr. Darcy, and make him to propose to Lizzy again? I'm sure we can make her accept him! Mrs. Collins, you can explain it all to her, I'm sure."

Mr. Collins, on hearing of his cousin's conquest, gave a creditable impression of a fish. Unable to speak, he gasped repeatedly, sweated profusely, and tried to wrap his mind around the magnitude of this affair. That Lady Catherine would NOT be pleased, he had no doubt. The very idea of the cousin who had refused his own hand possibly rising to such a station! He could not bear it.

Mrs. Bennet, meanwhile, was working herself into hysterics again. Jane made excuses to their guests, and she and Kitty helped their mother out of her chair and back up to her room. This left the Collinses, Elizabeth, and Mr. Bennet in the drawing room. The latter had been enjoying the scene tremendously. He felt for his daughter, but he was of the opinion that she was strong enough to handle the gossip, and was secure in the idea that she would gain just as much amusement from the affair as he did.

In which Mr. Bennet has some fun with Mr. Collins!

Chapter 6

Mr. Bennet eyed Mr. Collins. Mrs. Collins eyed Elizabeth. Elizabeth eyed the floor. And Mr. Collins, in his mind's eye, saw Lady Catherine de Bourgh in all her righteous indignation.

Mr. Bennet could stand it no longer. "Well, Mr. Collins! What do you think of this sad business? What advice do you have for our poor misguided Elizabeth?"

Mr. Collins bowed to Mr. Bennet, bowed more shallowly to Elizabeth, glanced at his wife, and attempted a coherent response.

"My dear sir, I must admit to a degree of astonishment. Mr. Darcy, as you may already be aware, is the nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh!"

Silence followed this statement. Mr. Bennet raised an eyebrow at Mr. Collins and refused to make this easy on him. Elizabeth, meanwhile, ceased her study of the floor and looked imploringly at Charlotte. Her friend understood, and before Mr. Collins could continue, she asked Elizabeth if they could take some air, as she would like to reacquaint herself with the grounds she had missed in the past months. Elizabeth glanced at her father, who nodded genially; his attention was fixed on his cousin. The two women made their escape.

**************************************************************

"Well, Lizzy!" said Charlotte, as they walked out of the house, "I must say I thought Mr. Darcy admired you, but I didn't expect this! But you refused him?"

"Charlotte... you know me too well to think I would marry without love. And I do not love him! If you had heard the manner of his proposal, you would not blame me. He was arrogant, he expected my consent, he insulted me and my family!"

"Lizzy, I cannot blame you for being upset if this is truly what happened. But do you not think that his situation in life gives him some right of pride? And is not such wealth and security enough to be comfortable, even without love?"

"Charlotte, I know to many my decision may seem foolish. Once word of this reaches Meryton, I am sure to be censured. But I could not live with a man who does not respect me!"

"But Lizzy, if a man of his fortune and station proposes to a woman who can bring little to the union besides herself, does not that indicate a great deal of respect? You know of Lady Catherine's expectations for him; yet he is willing to disregard all of this for you. Does that not speak of tremendous regard?"

Elizabeth was silent for a moment. "I suppose it might... I confess I had not thought of his proposal in those terms. I could only think of his words, not any underlying meaning. But, Charlotte, it would still have been impossible to do anything other than refuse. I thought, too, at the time, that I had other reasons to think ill of him."

Charlotte looked at her friend thoughtfully. She saw that Elizabeth was tired and upset by all this; not wanting to push her too hard, she chose her words carefully. "I cannot blame you for following your inclinations, as I followed mine. But Lizzy, if he truly cares for you as much as his proposal, however ill-phrased, would seem to indicate, I would advise you to act with more compassion should you meet with him again. If he is constant, you might find him more agreeable than you have reason to think at present." Charlotte had observed many interactions between Mr. Darcy and her friend, and was strongly inclined to see more respect for and interest in Elizabeth for who she was than many would ever suspect. She was not romantic herself, but she recognized romance when she saw it, and she felt her younger friend may have met her match in spirit and sensibility.

*********************************************************************************

Meanwhile, Mr. Collins endeavored to counsel Mr. Bennet to proceed with caution. It would have been much easier to do so by letter; with his cousin in the room, watching him intently, Mr. Collins found it much too difficult to express his disapprobation in the manner he would have preferred.

"My dear sir," he tried again, "I feel it incumbent upon me to relate to you the likely feelings of my esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. I fear she would not look on this match with a kindly eye. Her own daughter, the incomparable Lady Anne, has been engaged to Mr. Darcy from infancy."

Mr. Bennet raised both eyebrows. "Really! I must wonder at a man who would propose to one female while already spoken for by another. It appears that I must question the morals of such a man... and, by association, his family!"

Mr. Collins' eyes widened. That association, that family, would include his esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh! This was terrible - that Lady Catherine's morals could be called into question!

"Mr. Bennet, I assure you that Lady Catherine would never allow... that Mr. Darcy must... hmmm... there must be some misunderstanding!" said the poor, desperate man.

"Mr. Collins, I fear that a very trying and difficult situation lies before you," said Mr. Bennet, seating himself near the fire and looking at his cousin intently.

"Sir?"

"Yes, Mr. Collins, as a member of the clergy, it is your duty to stamp out sin, is it not? Mr. Darcy, the nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, has proposed to a gentlewoman while promised to another. Can our society stand the strain? Think, Mr. Collins! You must address this issue with Lady Catherine, and make her see the shame reflected back on the inhabitants of Rosings!"

Mr. Collins attempted to speak. The only result of his efforts was a short, high pitched squeak.

"Ah, yes, I see the difficulty," continued Mr. Bennet. "Mr. Collins, an unhappy choice lies before you. To address Lady Catherine de Bourgh would surely make life unpleasant for one in your position. You have a responsibility, to be sure, but must you jeopardize your own standing with your patroness?"

Mr. Collins produced a weak smile.

"No!" said Mr. Bennet, who was really beginning to enjoy himself. "We cannot have that. There is really no choice - you must hasten to Mr. Darcy, to the estate of Pemberley itself, and defend the honor of your fair cousin Elizabeth! You must also remind him of all he owes to Anne de Bourgh."

Mr. Collins began to relax. The idea of confronting Mr. Darcy, in defense of the daughter of his noble patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, had a great deal of merit, especially since he would have the support of the patroness herself. He stood a little straighter.

Mr. Bennet, however, had not finished with his cousin.

"And yet," he said, "and yet it does seem there is risk in this venture. Is not Mr. Darcy one of the most illustrious persons in the land? Is not Pemberley a richer estate even than Rosings? Mr. Collins, do not be hasty. You must not burn your bridges, you know. Mr. Darcy may one day be able to do great things for you. I may live many years yet, and Mr. Darcy may have at his disposal a fine living indeed."

Mr. Collins stood a little less straight. He was at a loss. He knew not what to think, what to do. The responsibility overwhelmed him.

Mr. Bennet was quite happy. Not only had he managed to have some fun with his very amusing cousin, he hoped he had impressed upon him the need to keep quiet about the whole affair. Mr. Collins' assertion of a previous engagement did not trouble him. He had seen enough of Mr. Darcy to believe him proud but honorable, and had little doubt of this supposed engagement being a misunderstanding or wishful thinking on the part of his weak-minded cousin.

By the time Elizabeth and Charlotte returned to the house, Mr. Collins was taking his leave from Mr. Bennet. He did no more than nod to his cousin Elizabeth, who noted that Mr. Collins appeared rather more pale than usual. He hustled his wife into the carriage, and they set off for Lucas Lodge.

Mrs. Bennet, watching the departure from her bedroom window, exclaimed with a wail "Oh, Mr. Collins!"

Chapter 7

Posted on Saturday, 24 November 2001, at 6:06 a.m.

A letter from Lydia Bennet to Mrs. Bennet

Dear Mama,

Brighton is perfectly splendid! You MUST get Papa to bring you all here. I'm sure we can get Colonel Forster to hold a ball in your honor. The officers are simply the most wonderful men in world! Mrs. Forster and I spend much of our time watching them ordering men about; when we aren't admiring their red coats, we are finding the most adorable bonnets and slippers and scarves in the shops! I bought a new bonnet yesterday, and have redone it quite to my liking. Captain Kensworth admired it very much, and said it complemented my eyes beautifully!
Mr. Wickham sends his complements to you, Mama! He has been most attentive... but you would be quite pleased to know he is not the only one of my admirers! What with Wickham and Captain Kensworth and dear Denny, I am quite happy here! Your news about Lizzy is just too funny! We all had a good laugh thinking of Mr. Darcy being turned down, Wickham was most amused! I am writing to Lizzy to invite her to come here, as Mrs. Forster says we can fit her in most easily, and there will be plenty of fine gentlemen here for her!

Love,

Lydia

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A letter from Lydia Bennet to Elizabeth Bennet

Dear Lizzy,

You must come here, Lizzy! Mrs. Forster says she won't take no for an answer! And Colonel Forster was most pleasant when we said we could fix up one of the maids' rooms for you, since they can easily share a room. We all had a good laugh when we got the news from Mama! I suppose you must think you are very fine, having now had two proposals, but since you have refused them both, I suppose it doesn't much signify. Lizzy, you should have seen Mr. Wickham's face when we shared the news! He turned quite red and almost couldn't breathe from laughing so hard. He says you are now one of his most favorite people, aside from me, of course! He proposed a toast to you in front of all the officers, and then another to Mr. Darcy! I can't remember quite what he said at the time, but it was very funny! Colonel Forster was a bit put out, though I can't think why. But Lizzy, do come visit us! Mr. Wickham says if you will come he will reserve the first two dances with you at the next ball. There are so many fine officers here, Lizzy, I'm sure you will find one to propose to you!

Your affectionate Sister,

Lydia

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A letter from Mrs. Gardiner to Elizabeth Bennet

My Dearest Lizzy,

I hope this letter finds you as well as can be expected. I can imagine, my dear, how difficult your current situation may be at home. Your mother has communicated the news of Mr. Darcy's proposal to us. I'm sure this is not a surprise to you, though I'm quite convinced this communication was made without your knowledge or your consent. I know you too well, Lizzy, to think that you would undertake to circulate information of such a private matter into the world at large. I also hope I know you too well to think that you have refused such a man for idle reasons; I'm sure your behavior can be explained satisfactorily to those of thoughtful mien. I would ask you to deliver the particulars as soon as possible (by express, even!) but you may as well not trouble yourself to write, for we will not be more than a two or three days following your receipt of this letter. I think you will be quite happy to be at some distance from your mother and your Meryton neighbors; charitable as they may be, human nature is, after all, human nature! We shall attempt to distract you with fine dining and views.

But Lizzy, I must tell you that our trip to the lakes cannot be. Your uncle cannot be spared from his business as long as would be required to truly spend time there. For that reason, together with my desire to revisit my former haunts (and a old friend who has fallen ill), we propose to bring you with us to Derbyshire. There is a very nice inn at Lambton, where I grew up, that can serve as home for the several weeks we can afford to be away. You may be aware that Lambton is quite near Pemberley, the Darcy estate. Do not fear. We will certainly not plan on seeing that house. I have made some discreet enquiries of my friends in the area, and they have informed me that neither Mr. Darcy nor his sister are expected from town for another month entire. So you need not fear appearing in the neighborhood; I do not expect any in Lambton to know of Mr. Darcy's private affairs. After our return to town, you are welcome to stay with us as long as you like; perhaps your mother's distress will be calmed with time.

With Love,

Your Aunt Gardiner

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A letter from Mr. Collins to Lady Catherine de Bourgh...

...was attempted by the former, but given up at last. Mr. Collins could not find a way to phrase the letter that would definitively absolve him of any guilt in the matter. Indeed, Charlotte had advised him in the strongest possible terms that his best advantage would be to pretend ignorance in the matter. If Lady Catherine were to discover the truth from another source, then Mr. Collins could plead ignorance and act as comforter and advisor. Lady Catherine, Charlotte reminded him, would not take kindly to the messenger delivering news of such evils, nor was she likely to forget that Miss Bennet was cousin to Mr. Collins. She pointed out that Elizabeth had actually helped Lady Catherine's cause, for now that she had refused Mr. Darcy, wouldn't he be more likely to turn to his cousin for comfort? (She even managed to say that with a straight face.) Mr. Collins did not write the letter; nor did he sleep well at night.

Chapter 8

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner arrived at Longbourn mid-morning of the second day after Elizabeth received her aunt's letter. The timing was purposeful; such an early arrival allowed for a speedy departure. Elizabeth was glad to get away and had done her packing early just in case her relatives did arrive. The Gardiners, having been warned by Mrs. Bennet's letter, had no desire to stay at Longbourn longer than necessary. Their leave-taking was not overly difficult; Mrs. Bennet by this time had turned rather sullen and accepted their departure with a lack of grace but an absence of hysteria. Her inability to conspire with Mr. and Mrs. Collins had sapped some of her nervous energy. Mr. Bennet was sorry to see his daughter leave, but recognized her need to escape her mother's anger. Elizabeth was, of course, sorry to leave Jane, but that could not be helped.

As the carriage pulled away from Longbourn, Elizabeth leaned back and closed her eyes. Her thoughts and emotions were in turmoil, but already she felt some relief. The letter she had received from Lydia had upset her greatly. Understanding Mr. Wickham's nature as she now did, she was truly agitated that he knew of Mr. Darcy's disappointment. She expected that Mr. Wickham would find some way of making Mr. Darcy aware of his information, and Elizabeth was truly sorry to be in any way responsible for such an event.

Her relatives looked at her with sympathy, but gave her time to herself. They had already agreed to wait until they stopped for the night to speak to their niece. Neither had any designs of interfering or trying to put Elizabeth in Mr. Darcy's path; indeed, they had considered suggesting she stay home rather than accompany them into his neighborhood, but decided that compared with her remaining at home with her mother, the chance of any contact between the two was the lesser of two evils.

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After dinner that evening, in a well-maintained and sparsely populated inn, the Gardiners and Elizabeth retired to a private sitting room, where they could discuss the entire affair. Elizabeth was glad to be able to communicate openly; she valued her relatives' judgment and advice, and felt sure she would be happier after talking it over. She had not had much opportunity to continue her discussion with Jane, as her sister had been much occupied in caring for their mother.

She began at the beginning, starting with the ball where she had first seen Mr. Darcy, up to the proposal at Hunsford and then detailing his letter. She left very little out; she knew the Gardiners could be trusted not to speak to Jane of the details concerning her. Of Wickham she could not be entirely open, for she did not feel she had the right to speak of Miss Darcy's concerns. But she was able to convince her aunt and uncle that Darcy's information had left her in no doubt of Wickham's' lack of honesty in the matter of Darcy's actions and reputation.

She spoke for a long time, without interruption. She ended with her mother's discovery of the proposal and Lydia's letter. "Do you think," she asked hesitantly, "that I should make some effort to warn Mr. Darcy of Mr. Wickham's knowledge of my refusal? I cannot see my way to doing so while remaining within the bounds of propriety, but I am most uncomfortable with the thought of Mr. Darcy being surprised by this."

Her uncle sat with furrowed brow, thinking this over. Her aunt asked a rather pertinent question. "What is it about this that troubles you so, Lizzy?"

"Is it not obvious, Aunt? I would be responsible for causing him pain and humiliation and I do not wish him to think that I have communicated this directly to Mr. Wickham!"

"Perhaps you feel more charitably toward Mr. Darcy than you did when he proposed to you?"

Elizabeth thought about this. "Yes, I believe I do. The letter he wrote to me explained away some of my misgivings concerning his character. While I cannot truly forgive him for the role he played in separating Jane and Mr. Bingley, I can credit him with some unselfish behavior in that respect. Jane is never obvious in her affections. In talking with Jane and Charlotte, I now am able to understand some of the feelings behind his proposal to me. And I am sorry for the manner of my refusal."

Her aunt smiled and nodded. She was glad to see Lizzy becoming more introspective.

Her uncle then spoke. "I think you are right, Lizzy, that there is no way of contacting Mr. Darcy that would not be highly improper, especially given the manner in which the two of you parted. I can only say that if the man understands you as well as he might, given his affection for you, he may view the affair with more charity toward you than blame."

Elizabeth nodded, not fully satisfied with this answer, but unable to visualize herself writing to Mr. Darcy with a warning. After talking over her mother's reaction and their hopes that Mrs. Bennet would have accepted the situation by the time Elizabeth might return home, they all retired for the night, intending an early start to continue their journey into Derbyshire.

Chapter 9

As Elizabeth and the Gardiners were making their way toward Lambton, Georgiana Darcy was covertly watching her brother. Fitzwilliam Darcy had never really been an open book to her; his reserve and the difference in their ages made it difficult for her to learn to read his moods. Despite this, she had never seen him in such low spirits as he had been recently. She thought back to his return from Rosings; she had run to greet him in her usual way, but halted before she could reach him, startled by the lifeless look in his eyes and a slump to his shoulders that had never been there before. He had greeted her affectionately enough, but his smile hadn't reached his eyes, and he'd responded to her questions in a very preoccupied manner, and barely heard her when she answered his.

His strange behavior had continued since his arrival in London. He was quieter than usual, had taken to staring out windows for extended periods of time, and she often saw him in the library with a book in his hand. That in itself would not be unusual, but the fact that he usually wasn't reading it was out of the ordinary. She once watched him from the doorway, sitting with an opened book, staring into the fire, for a full fifteen minutes. On several occasions when they had been sitting together, he had watched her, and almost spoken to her, but he always turned the words into a cough or a clearing of the throat, and turned away. If he saw that she noticed, he would flush slightly, but he never explained, and she could never get up the nerve to ask.

The Darcys were supposed to remain in London for another month. Some family and business obligations were detaining them from Pemberley. Georgiana wished to leave the city; she was not yet out, so her social activities were limited. The only people she saw regularly besides Mrs. Annesley at this time of year were the Bingleys. She liked her brother's friend very much; his easy manners made her comfortable. Unfortunately, he usually brought his sisters with him, and they did not make her comfortable. Mrs. Hurst was not so bad, but Caroline Bingley made her very nervous. She didn't like the excessive attention Miss Bingley's paid to Mr. Darcy, in part because she could see he wasn't pleased by it. If her brother had appreciated Miss Bingley's conversation or flattery, Georgiana would not have minded it so much; but she could see it irritated him, and she wished for his sake that Miss Bingley wouldn't accompany her brother to visit the Darcy's nearly so much. Miss Bingley's attentions to herself were even worse. Georgiana could not feel them to be sincere, since she never attracted Caroline's interest if her brother wasn't present. The pointed references to Pemberley annoyed her, and she endured Caroline's attempts to make her notice Mr. Bingley because she had no choice. She liked him, but had no special feelings for him.

On the same evening that Elizabeth Bennet was explaining her complicated history to the Gardiners, Georgiana and her brother were alone in the drawing room. She was sewing, he was again looking out the window. She heard him sigh quietly, and she almost fancied she heard a word, perhaps a name, in that exhalation. She stopped sewing, watching him for a moment, then gathered her courage and spoke.

"Fitzwilliam?" she said in a quiet voice. He started a bit, then turned to face her; she noticed his nervous habit of twisting his signet ring. "I'm sorry," she continued slowly "but is there anything I can do to help you? You have been so out of spirits since your return to town. I have wanted so many times to ask what is wrong, but I have been afraid of offending you." She'd actually been looking at a chair as she spoke, but once she finished, she looked up with a slightly red face. He stood watching her quietly for a moment, then slowly approached her, sitting in a chair next to hers. He took her hand, looked at the floor for a moment, and then, as if a dam had burst, to her astonishment he proceeded to tell her everything.

He told her of Hertfordshire, of Mr. Bingley and Jane Bennet, of Elizabeth Bennet, of Caroline Bingley's spite, of the changes in his feelings toward Miss Elizabeth, of his many encounters with her, leading right up to his proposal at Hunsford and her refusal. He told her of the letter he'd written (even of Wickham, which pained both of them - but it seemed that once he started to speak, he could not stop), and of his attempts to forget Miss Bennet, which he admitted had not been at all successful. He said all this without stopping, and Georgiana was afraid to speak or even move, for her brother had never confided in her like this before. She was at a loss to understand how this Miss Bennet could refuse her brother; it must have shown on her face, for he was quick to defend the refusal and Miss Bennet. Georgiana did not like to hear him speak so deprecatingly of himself, but she soon found a reason not to interrupt: when her brother spoke of Miss Bennet, his face softened and he smiled and looked happier than he had in a long time. He spoke of her wit, her charm, her intelligence, her beauty... and the more he spoke, the happier he seemed.

He stopped eventually, and looked into the fire for a few moments. "Thank you for being so patient with me, Georgiana," he said. "I must truly have needed to unburden myself. You are the only person I can speak with on this matter, and I do feel better for having done so." Georgiana smiled. "I will be happy to listen anytime you would like to talk," she said. It was rare that she could do anything to help her brother; this opportunity made her feel that she was as important to him as he was to her.

He rose and walked to the window again, frowning slightly. He turned and looked at her again. "What would you say to leaving London early, Georgie?" She was thrilled to hear her childhood nickname on his lips - it had been a long time. "I would like to lose myself in the grounds of Pemberley, and I think we can postpone or reschedule our engagements until later in the year." Georgiana agreed immediately. The only drawback would be the presence of the Bingleys and the Hursts, who had been invited to come with them to Pemberley whenever they were to go. But of course they would see them in any case in town, and Georgiana reflected that at Pemberley she would find it much easier to escape.

Once her brother made up his mind to do a thing, it was done, and their departure was set to take place in two days.

Chapter 10

The fact that Mrs. Bennet had become sullen at the time of Elizabeth's departure did not mean recovery was imminent. Mrs. Bennet still felt herself very ill-used. She was perfectly well aware of her husband's lack of sympathy, and she felt her younger daughters to be useless. Jane was a comfort, but also a constant reminder of the loss of Mr. Bingley. And the betrayal of Mr. Collins, her hoped-for co-conspirator, was a heavy blow indeed.

Mrs. Bennet was in truth obsessed with Mr. Darcy's proposal and Elizabeth's refusal. That a daughter of hers did not understand the value of ten thousand a year could neither be comprehended nor tolerated. Her failure with Jane and Mr. Bingley only made Mrs. Bennet more determined, if possible, to make sure her second daughter was settled at the Darcy estate. She could not believe that avenue was completely closed.

Mrs. Bennet felt she needed an ally. She had counted on Mr. Collins, and since she thought of Mr. Collins, her thoughts naturally turned to Lady Catherine de Bourgh. So many times Mr. Collins had spoken of his patroness' virtues, accomplishments; why, there was nothing Lady Catherine could not do! The more Mrs. Bennet thought on this, the more convinced she became that Lady Catherine was surely a loving aunt who would exert as much influence with her nephew as she did with Mr. Collins - nay, even more - think of the family connection! The only reason Mr. Darcy had not renewed his addresses or Elizabeth had not heard from his aunt was that the dear lady must be ignorant of all that had passed! Mrs. Bennet, unable to imagine any objections to her girls, could not believe Lady Catherine to be anything but completely sympathetic to Mr. Darcy's wishes (which of course were also Mrs. Bennet's).

Thus it was that Mrs. Bennet, convinced of doing good, violated propriety in a most shocking manner: she wrote a letter.

My Dear Lady Catherine de Bourgh,

Please forgive me, Madam, for intruding on your notice in this fashion, but I feel I must make you aware of a tragedy that has befallen both your family and mine, one that I am sure between the two of us can be set right...

Chapter 11

Posted on Monday, 26 November 2001, at 3:18 p.m.

A few days after arriving in Lambton, Elizabeth was walking alone through some fields outside the town. It was a beautiful day, bright, early afternoon. Elizabeth was feeling more light-hearted than she had in a long while; several days away from her mother's ceaseless complaints had done much for her state of mind. She had also been reassured when arriving at the inn, for they had heard that the Darcys were still not expected back to Pemberley for another month. Mr. Gardiner was busy renewing some business contacts in the village, and Mrs. Gardiner was helping to nurse her sick friend. The inn at Lambton had become the home from which they set off for various excursions. Mr. Darcy and Pemberley had not been mentioned since their conversation the evening of their first day out from Longbourn.

Elizabeth stopped and sat by a large pond, watching insects darting through the tall plants at the water's edge. She fell into a daydream, a recurring one, in which Darcy proposed and her refusal was much kinder. Sometimes in her musings they parted friends; sometimes he asked permission to try and win her hand... she was never quite sure why her thoughts would turn that way, and she couldn't quite determine how she felt about it.

She was so lost in a reverie that she didn't notice the sound of hoof beats approaching rapidly. Once she realized what she was hearing and stood in alarm, she was only in time to see a large white horse bearing down on her. She flung herself to the side, the horse shied, bucked, and the rider lost his seat and sailed over the horse's head and into the pond.

The horse snorted and backed several feet away; Elizabeth ran to the pond's edge and stood anxiously watching and waiting to see the man surface. When his did, tossing his hair out of his eyes and looking wildly about, Elizabeth drew in her breath sharply.

"Mr. Darcy!" she exclaimed.

Mr. Darcy, treading water, stared at Elizabeth as if she were an apparition. Elizabeth stared back. He opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it again. He blinked. He looked so bewildered that Elizabeth couldn't help but smile... the irony of her daydreaming and his appearance, together with seeing him at such a loss, as well as the sudden absence of some tension she hadn't known she'd been carrying with her since his proposal - well, can we really blame her for starting to giggle? She giggled. Darcy became, if anything, even more bewildered. She outright laughed, though she retained enough poise to attempt an apology at the same time. Darcy looked at her, looked at his horse now calmly chewing grass, looked back at the woman he'd dreamed about for so many weeks...

and smiled.

He swam over to the bank of the pond, then pulled himself out of the water. Elizabeth, still laughing, instinctively moved to help him up. A wet Darcy in close proximity was something to behold, and she beheld, silenced, for quite a few seconds. Darcy, dripping, simply stared at her. She looked up at his face, and their eyes met. She became bright red, and turned away.

"Mr. Darcy...! I am excessively sorry - I was deep in thought and did not hear your horse... you are not injured?"

Darcy was silent for a moment, then shook himself into responding. "Only my pride, Miss Bennet... much as I have thought of how I would want to appear should we meet again, I must confess this was not what I had in mind." The light tone of his words was completely unexpected; Elizabeth turned to regard him in great surprise. They stared at each other again. She was now more conscious of all that had passed between them, and began to feel she should retreat.

"Mr. Darcy, I..." "Miss Bennet, would..."

They both fell silent. Darcy gestured for her to continue.

Her eyes firmly on the ground, she did. "Mr. Darcy, I must apologize again. I assure you, I had not the smallest intention of causing such an accident. You must be wishing me away... " Unsure of what more to say, Elizabeth started to move. His voice stopped her.

"Miss Bennet, I can think of no better way for me to dry off than to sit in the sun... I would very much appreciate your company, if you have the time..." Darcy was barely aware of what he said. He only knew that here was an opportunity, and he did not want to miss it. Something had let go inside him when he impulsively poured his heart out to Georgiana in London; he found himself equal to this. Openness and understanding was his goal, though other wishes were already intruding in the back of his mind.

Elizabeth wasn't sure what to say - eyes still on the ground, she hesitated, then nodded. Satisfied, Darcy turned away, looking for a likely seat. He found one a small distance away, a fallen tree. He enquired, she acquiesced, and they walked side by side, though a few feet apart, and sat down. The horse, well trained, stayed grazing where he was.

Chapter 12

Miss Bennet and Mr. Darcy sat quietly on their fallen tree, looking out at the pond, the horse, the grass, the insects, the clouds... in short, anything but each other. Elizabeth Bennet wasn't sure what to do, or how to begin doing it, whatever it was. Foremost in her mind was the thought "This man wanted to marry me and I refused him in such an angry manner; now he wants to talk to me?!" Fitzwilliam Darcy was over the initial shock of his unanticipated midday bath, and though still wet through and half convinced he ought to be looking for leeches, he was trying to choose his words very, very carefully. A small voice at the back of his head was urging him to take this woman in his arms, leap upon the horse, and ride off to Pemberley... but the larger voice in his head warned that such ungentleman-like behavior would only serve to make the lady even more certain her refusal had been the right course. Not that he was seriously considering it anyway, at least not very much. After all, he probably wouldn't be able to leap on the horse carrying Miss Bennet.

Finally, Darcy broke the silence. "It is a great pleasure to see you again, Miss Bennet," he said quietly.

Elizabeth glanced at him from the corner of her eye; he didn't seem to be sarcastic. "I am staying with my aunt and uncle at Lambton," she volunteered. "My aunt is visiting a friend who has fallen ill, and we are touring the county as much as we can."

"I hope you like Derbyshire?"

"Very much! It is truly beautiful; I feel I could spend much more time here than we can manage."

"Miss Bennet... I wish to apologize to you for the manner in which we parted last spring."

Elizabeth blushed, and burst out, "Mr. Darcy, I should be apologizing to you! I could have been much kinder to you. I said such things that you did not deserve."

Darcy was silent a moment, then said, somewhat hesitantly, "I think we both could have acted differently. I cannot now blame you for your manner at Hunsford; indeed I have not for some time, since I was able to think clearly about what I said to you that day and the manner in which I did so."

Elizabeth nodded. "Your letter... it helped me to see another side of you, and made me realize that I should never have trusted so much in a man of whose character I had only his own recommendation. I am truly sorry for the accusations I made. Please believe that I have thought back over all that passed between Mr. Wickham and myself, and now see the impropriety of his confidences. That alone might have given me some idea of his lack of honesty at the time, had I not... had my own pride not been so wounded the night you and I met."

Darcy looked at her in some consternation. "Miss Bennet? I am afraid that I do not... " His voice trailed off, as he tried to think back to the ball that had taken place so soon after his arrival at Netherfield.

She glanced at him, blushed again, and in a small voice said, "I was sitting down, and you were standing not far away. Mr. Bingley approached you and encouraged you to ask me to dance." She hesitated, and then said, in an even smaller voice, "You told him I was tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt you."

"Good God!" Darcy burst out, just as she finished speaking, for he remembered his ill-advised words even as she repeated them. "Miss Bennet, I, I did not... I hadn't really, I didn't know... " He looked at her, shame-faced, then gathered his composure and said simply and quietly, "Can you forgive me?"

Elizabeth looked at him, then back down at the ground, astonished to feel the stinging of tears in her eyes. "Yes, Mr. Darcy. I let a superficial remark wound my pride, and it influenced all my subsequent opinions of you. I was only too ready to accept Mr. Wickham's story, because it justified my own feelings. Yet I confess I would not want someone to judge me on such flimsy evidence. Can you in turn forgive me?"

"Of course, Miss Bennet!" As Darcy spoke, some of his emotions filtered into his words. He was still berating himself for having spoken so injudiciously, and in her hearing! He was sure an analysis of some of his later behavior would not acquit him much better. There was also another matter... he decided it was a good time to change the subject.

"Miss Bennet, I feel I must speak to you about Mr. Bingley and your elder sister. You have told me I was wrong to part them. Please, can you share with me the nature of your sister's feelings for Mr. Bingley?"

"She loves him," Elizabeth stated simply and with reserve. This was the one area in which she did not feel she had the power to forgive Mr. Darcy.

Darcy, for his part, accepted her statement. His thoughts were melancholy: that I have inflicted on them both the same wounded feelings I myself have endured! Aloud he said, "Mr. Bingley feels the same; I am sure of it. He has not been himself since we left Netherfield."

Elizabeth was happy to hear this, for Jane's sake. Perhaps Mr. Darcy would now absent himself from this particular field, and cede it to Mr. Bingley and Jane alone, without interference?

"Bingley is here in Derbyshire, at Pemberley, with his sisters and Mr. Hurst," Darcy continued. "Perhaps we will all encounter each other, and we might be able to hint some encouragement?" He smiled at Elizabeth's widened eyes and suddenly glowing countenance. If only such fervent emotions were turned toward him! He continued, "Indeed, it would be a pleasure to invite you and your relatives to Pemberley... my sister is with us, and I would very much like her to meet you."

Elizabeth was delighted at this evidence of Darcy's continued regard and their more equal footing. Later she would examine this particular emotion more closely.

"Mr. Darcy, I'm sure we will all be delighted to see Pemberley! I would love to meet your sister," she said, but stopped suddenly as she recalled the reason for her flight to this part of the country. Her hand flew to her mouth, and all the happy feelings that had begun to surface dissipated from the consciousness of what she must tell him. She could not believe that his goodwill would last beyond hearing her news.

"Miss Bennet, what is the matter?" Darcy spoke with some consternation; seeing the happiness leave Miss Bennet's face had been rather like watching the sun suddenly go out.

Elizabeth jumped to her feet and walked away for several paces. Darcy, startled, was just starting to stand when she turned back to face him, and said in a shaky voice, "Mr. Darcy, I had almost forgotten something I must tell you. I will understand if you no longer wish for my company."

Darcy stood facing her, concerned. Perhaps she is engaged to another, he thought wildly. Steeling himself to hear the worst, he looked at her and remained silent.

Elizabeth took a deep breath, and in a slightly steadier voice, began. "Not long after my return home from Hunsford, I was talking with Jane late one evening. I was confiding in her, for by then I was already regretting the manner in which I had last spoken to you. Unbeknownst to both of us, my mother was in the hall outside my room... "

Understanding began to dawn on Darcy's face. His expression became shuttered, and he closed his eyes as she finished.

"Mr. Darcy, through my own carelessness, my mother found out that you had proposed marriage and that I had refused you."

Chapter 13

Posted on Wednesday, 28 November 2001, at 3:44 p.m.

The silence between Miss Bennet and Mr. Darcy that resulted from her confession was broken by a strangely garbled sound coming from Mr. Darcy's vicinity. Elizabeth looked at him warily. He cleared his throat and tried again.

"May I ask," he said in a unsteady voice, "who else knows of this besides your sister and your mother?"

Elizabeth hesitated, and then spoke rather rapidly. "All my family, including my aunt and uncle who are here in Lambton, most likely all of Meryton by now, Mr. and Mrs. Collins... "

Darcy relaxed. While he didn't relish the thought of meeting Elizabeth's relatives under these circumstances, he found he wasn't overcome by the idea that other people of little consequence to himself knew of his private affairs. It was a blow, but it was a minor one.

"... and Mr. Wickham." said Elizabeth in a very soft voice.

"Pardon?" said Mr. Darcy, not having caught that last one.

Elizabeth grimaced, then repeated, in a louder voice "Mr. Wickham."

Silence.

"WHAT?!" said Mr. Darcy.

Elizabeth did not cringe. She was rather proud of that.

"My mother wrote to my sister Lydia who was invited to Brighton by Mrs. Forster and sees Mr. Wickham there often because his regiment is stationed in the area and I believe Lydia told the officers including Mr. Wickham." Elizabeth said all that very quickly, then risked a glance at Darcy. He was staring at her, pale, shocked and horrified. Elizabeth bit her lip, and looked at the ground again.

Darcy felt himself in the grip of an overpowering anger. He tried to speak and found that he was unable to so do. He strode a few paces away, turned in several different directions at once (no mean feat), then moved briskly past Elizabeth to his horse. The animal threw up its head at his approach and backed away nervously. Darcy grabbed the reins, vaulted into the saddle, wheeled the horse around, and set off at a hard gallop, the horse's hooves digging large rents into the ground.

Elizabeth watched him go. In a moment he had moved past some trees and out of sight. She stood still for a few more minutes, then realized she was crying. She moved blindly back to the fallen tree, and sat quietly with tears streaming down her face.

She tried to understand her emotions. She was on one level relieved that the dreaded confession was over, so perhaps her current state was due to a release of pent-up emotion. She knew she was very sorry to have caused him the pain that had been so evident on his face. But she felt a despair that said her tears were not just for Mr. Darcy. Her unhappiness was on too personal a level. She was also crying for herself.

This revelation stopped her crying. She located a handkerchief, wiped the tears from her face, and sat looking at nothing while she tried to understand herself. She thought back over the conversation they had shared. She thought about his reaction to the accident that landed him in the pond: how he had smiled at her laughter. She also thought about his appearance as he came out of the pond; the memory made her blush and feel rather warm. She considered the way he had spoken, as if there had been no barriers between them, and she remembered how comfortable that had felt. She thought of her delight when he extended an invitation to Pemberley, and her anguish when she realized she would have to ruin their very new and fragile understanding.

She realized she loved him.

Chapter 14

Elizabeth stood up, then sat back down, then stood up again. Eyes wide, she stared at nothing for a while longer. Then, folding her arms across her chest, she walked over to the pond, crouched down at the bank, and looked at her reflection in the water. She wanted to know if she still looked like herself, for she wasn't sure she felt like herself anymore. But there she was, on the water's surface, looking like the same Elizabeth Bennet who had awakened this morning with no understanding of her feelings for Mr. Darcy.

A noise suspiciously like a horse approaching at a canter came to her ears. She didn't look up from the pond, for she was afraid of being disappointed. She heard a horse slow and pass behind her, and she heard the sound of someone dismounting. The sound of boots moving through the grass. And then the reflection of a man standing over her, looking at her.

It was Mr. Darcy.

Elizabeth knew not how to understand what she felt. It was too new. Their eyes met as she looked at his reflection. She stood and turned to face him.

Darcy looked at her face searchingly. "You've been crying," he said abruptly.

Elizabeth said nothing. She did not know what to say.

Darcy looked at her a moment longer. He then turned and walked back to the fallen tree, and sat down with his face in his hands.

Elizabeth watched him for a moment, then slowly walked over to the tree. He did not move. She hesitated, then sat down a few feet away.

"Mr. Darcy," she said slowly, "I am truly sorry. If I could spare you this pain, I would."

Darcy shuddered, then rubbed his face with his hands, dropped them, and sat up.

"I apologize, Miss Bennet, for leaving you so suddenly. I simply had to... I had to move, to do something."

Elizabeth smiled slightly. "It would appear, Mr. Darcy, that we are now doomed to apologize to each other incessantly."

He looked at her without expression, then favored her with a slight quirk of one side of his mouth. "I believe it is now your turn, then, Miss Elizabeth."

Elizabeth was startled into silence by the use of her given name. She began to speak, then stopped, cleared her throat, and said, "What would you like me to apologize for, Mr. Darcy? You now know the worst. I cannot even apologize for your earlier fall into the pond, for your clothes seem to be dry." She wasn't sure that was what she had meant to say; all she knew was a feeling of being off-balance.

Mr. Darcy nodded absently. He looked at her for a moment, feeling rather helpless. "Miss Bennet," he said more formally, "I mentioned an invitation earlier, and I now ask if you and your aunt and uncle would be so kind as to join us at Pemberley for a dinner party tomorrow." He paused, then suddenly grinned, which greatly surprised Elizabeth. "I find I must apologize for subjecting you to the company of Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst."

Elizabeth looked at him in wonder. He had seemed so unhappy a moment ago, and now was actually teasing her! "I believe I can bear with even Miss Bingley, Mr. Darcy, if this invitation means you can forgive the fact that I have placed you in the hands of the enemy," she replied, suddenly bold.

Mr. Darcy looked at her with an intense light in his eyes. He rose, so did she. He approached, reached out, and took her hand. The feel of her hand in his was so right, he did not want to ever let go. "Miss Bennet," he said, "I must correct you. Your mother has placed me in the hands of the enemy." He went on, in a more serious tone. "My brief excursion on horseback allowed me to give way to my anger, which was never directed at you. Once I calmed somewhat, I realized after a short time that Mr. Wickham's knowledge of my situation with respect to you cannot hurt me unless I give him that power. I do not choose to place that power in his hands," he said with peculiar emphasis. "He tried to hurt me in the worst way possible when he made that attempt on my sister. He cannot hurt me now."

Elizabeth looked up into his eyes, and wondered if she was remembering to breathe.

"Miss Bennet," he went on, still holding her hand, "what say you to my invitation for dinner? Will Georgiana have the pleasure of meeting you?"

Elizabeth considered (why was it so difficult to think?) and finally said, "Yes, Mr. Darcy, I accept your invitation with pleasure. I know of no engagements, and I am sure my aunt and uncle Gardiner will be quite happy."

Darcy smiled, gazed at Elizabeth a moment longer, then lifted her hand to his lips. "Elizabeth," he said softly, then bowed and let go of her hand by drawing his away so he was caressing her fingers. He looked at her a moment longer, then turned and walked back to his horse. Elizabeth's hand felt strangely empty. She watched him mount; he looked over to her and nodded. She raised her hand in farewell, and watched as he rode away.

Chapter 15

Posted on Friday, 30 November 2001, at 2:30 p.m.

Georgiana, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were sitting in the music room. Georgiana was playing Mozart, while Caroline and Louisa were taking quietly. Georgiana often played when the ladies were left alone together, for it gave her an excuse to avoid conversation. It was just as well, for if she had heard the topic of discussion, she might have become quite angry. Caroline and Louisa were making decisions regarding the redecoration of the music room that would take place once Miss Bingley became Mrs. Darcy.

A door opened, and Miss Bingley turned to see Mr. Darcy move quickly into the room. She smiled in a rather proprietary fashion, then frowned slightly as he drew nearer and she noted that his appearance was not quite correct. There was something about his clothes... their usually impeccable fit was strangely disrupted. She exchanged puzzled glances with Louisa, but said nothing. The sisters had long ago learned that interrupting Georgiana's playing in Mr. Darcy's presence was not a wise idea.

Darcy nodded politely to his guests, took a seat at some distance from them, and watched Georgiana impatiently. He sat forward, elbows on knees, twisting his signet ring. Georgiana glanced at him; her eyes widened, and she looked back at the music, searching for a logical place to stop the piece.

As the music stopped, Caroline leaned forward to address Mr. Darcy, but was forestalled as he leapt to his feet and approached his sister. "You play beautifully, my dear, as always," he said with a smile. "Could you spare me a few moments of private conversation?" At Georgiana's nod, he turned to the others with a polite expression. "You will excuse us? I will return her to you shortly."

"Why, of course, Mr. Darcy..." began Caroline, but her voice trailed off as the Darcys were already leaving the room. Her face took on a pinched expression. "I declare, Louisa, I am very glad Georgiana is so well established in London. It would not do to play second fiddle to my sister-in-law!"

**************************************************************************

Darcy led his sister into one of the sitting rooms. As soon as they had left the music room, his expression had relaxed into a happy smile. Georgiana, looking up at him as they walked, was thrilled to see it. She was puzzled, though, because from his close proximity she could see that his clothes were rather wrinkled, and his sleeve actually felt a bit damp! There was a faint smell, too, that she found difficult to identify.

Darcy closed the door as Georgiana moved to sit down. He joined her on the couch, and smiled. "Fitzwilliam," she began, "your clothes..."

He laughed, leaving her open-mouthed in surprise. "Georgiana, you will never guess what has happened!" His tone was so delighted, she had to smile. "Dear brother," she replied, "I would have to guess that you have met with an accident involving water."

"Ah, Georgie, you are too smart for me!" His expression became very serious. "I was on my way back from the village, when the horse was startled by a lone walker near a pond. I confess to being rather unprepared - I was thrown into the water."

Georgiana giggled; she had never seen her brother look so happy about such an event. "Do you speak of that large pond between here and the village?" she asked. "Are there not leeches in the water?"

He frowned slightly, then sighed. "I'm sure there are, and there may be some about my person, but I will deal with that in a moment. Georgiana, the walker who threw me into the pond was Elizabeth Bennet!"

"Elizabeth Bennet!" Georgiana gasped and raised her hands to her mouth.

"Elizabeth Bennet," he stated firmly.

"And?" she asked tentatively. "What did you do?"

"Got myself on dry land and implored her to speak with me. She consented, and we spent quite a bit of time apologizing to each other for various past insults, real and imagined. Georgiana, I really do believe we have reached greater understanding."

"Oh, William!" Georgiana laughed, her eyes shining. "Do you mean I will have a sister after all?"

Darcy grew serious. "I do not know... but I do think she was more favorably inclined toward me than before. I was able to speak with her, and to treat her much better than I had in the past. Georgie, she is coming here for dinner tomorrow with her aunt and uncle, with whom she is staying in Lambton. I wish to show off Pemberley to its best advantage."

"William," Georgiana said gently, "if Miss Bennet is all you say she is, I hardly think Pemberley is of greatest concern. I believe it is you who much be shown to best advantage."

Darcy nodded. He grasped Georgiana's hand, and smiled at her. "You know that Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst do not care for Miss Bennet," he said. "Do you think you can help deflect the worst of their spite? Would it distress you too much to attempt it?"

Georgiana bit her lip. "It will be difficult, but I will try."

"Thank you." He squeezed her hand, then stood. "I must get out of these damp clothes. Will you speak with Mrs. Reynolds about plans for Miss Bennet's visit?"

"Of course, Fitzwilliam." Georgiana rose. "I am sure it will all go well! I would see you happy." She stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek, then ran to the door and out of the room. Darcy stood for a moment, with a silly grin, remembering the expression on Elizabeth's face as they parted.

Chapter 16

Meanwhile, back at the inn...

Elizabeth returned to her room in a state of confusion. She sat thinking, still in her walking clothes, for at least half an hour, until her aunt returned.

"How is Mrs. Carston?" Elizabeth asked as Mrs. Gardiner entered.

"I do believe she is better today." came the reply. "The doctor is not willing to pronounce her out of danger yet, but he seems quite hopeful."

"I am so glad!" said Elizabeth. "Aunt," she continued, "have we any dinner engagements for tomorrow?"

"No, my dear, we are quite at leisure. Have you formed some plan?"

"Yes... I have taken the liberty of accepting a dinner invitation for us all."

"Splendid, my dear! Is it with Mr. and Mrs. Whittaker? I would like to spend more time with them."

Elizabeth's eyes sparkled mischievously. Mrs. Gardiner suddenly noted the welcome change in her niece's demeanor, and focused on her face. "No, indeed, Aunt!"

Mrs. Gardiner considered with a smile. "Well, then it must be that very kind Mr. Thomas. He was quite gallant to you, Lizzy! Perhaps you could like a young widower?"

"Mr. Thomas was indeed a nice man, Aunt, but it is not Mr. Thomas."

"Well, Lizzy, are you going to keep me in suspense forever? At least I can rule out Pemberley as the one house in the neighborhood where we cannot be invited!" Mrs. Gardiner threw out this last as a challenge to Elizabeth's obvious and sudden high spirits. She was greatly interested in what might have caused the change. She was not disappointed.

"Oh, but Aunt," Elizabeth cried, "it IS Pemberley!"

"Lizzy! I am all astonishment! Whatever can you mean?"

"Oh, Aunt!" Elizabeth rose and paced about the room, "I encountered Mr. Darcy while on my walk this afternoon. Or rather," she amended, "he encountered a pond, for I unwittingly startled his horse. He was wet through, but so very kind. We talked, Aunt! I apologized to him for the incivility of my refusal, he apologized for his pride... I did confess to him about my mother. He even knows of Wickham's information; it did make him angry, but not for long. He has invited us all to dinner at Pemberley tomorrow! He wants me to meet his sister!"

Mrs. Gardiner smiled broadly. "Lizzy, I declare if I did not know better, I would say you feel a much stronger affection for the man than you have previously led me to believe."

"If I do not now, and I confess I think I do, then I most certainly could." declared Elizabeth somewhat confusedly. "Aunt, he was nothing like he had been in Hertfordshire or at Rosings. A different person entirely! I am not sure what to think, but I am sure he bears me no ill will."

"And what would you do, Lizzy, should this man renew his addresses to you?" Mrs. Gardiner asked shrewdly. "Will these new feelings give him a more favorable answer?"

Elizabeth hesitated. "Do you think... " she began, then stopped. More quietly, she went on. "Aunt, I do not expect him to do so. There is still much that is not clear between us, and I would not expect him to truly forgive all that I said, or my willingness to disregard his merits in favor of a man of comparatively little worth. All I can truly hope for is that we can meet as friends. It is far too early, I think, for us to establish the trust needed for such a step as you mention."

Mrs. Gardiner nodded, satisfied that her niece was not going to be carried away by her emotions. "Well! Pemberley! We must look over our gowns, Lizzy, and find something suitable for such a grand estate!"

Chapter 17

It was with a great deal of trepidation that Elizabeth looked out the carriage window for the first sign of Pemberley. Her emotions of the previous day had calmed somewhat; but if anything, she felt more confused, not less. She had not slept particularly well, as her dreams had been invaded by intense dark eyes. She approached Pemberley now with a resolution to act in a gracious manner. She was nervous at the prospect of meeting Miss Darcy, though she now completely dismissed Mr. Wickham's words concerning her. She cared not for Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, and Mr. Hurst was not worth mentioning. She looked forward to seeing Mr. Bingley again, and resolved to find a way to speak to him of Jane.

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner looked forward to the evening with a great deal of interest. They had discussed the matter, and resolved to do everything they could to make Mr. Darcy feel comfortable with them. They agreed that this invitation must mean that the gentleman had not given up their niece, and from what they observed of Lizzy's behavior, they had some hopes that he would not be disappointed. Unbeknownst to Lizzy, each had been discreetly gathering information concerning Mr. Darcy's character, and both were very impressed with what they heard.

Fitzwilliam Darcy was pacing nervously in the foyer, awaiting his guests. He wasn't sure how to act in front of Elizabeth's aunt and uncle, given what they knew. He had confessed to Georgiana his fear that he would find it impossible not to retreat behind his usual figurative wall. Georgiana had firmly replied that he must not, and that if he did she would hint to Caroline Bingley that he, Mr. Darcy, had confessed to her, Georgiana, that he had strong feelings for her, Miss Bingley. In response to Darcy's strangled (with laughter) "you wouldn't!", she had only replied that he had best act the true gentleman, then, hadn't he?

Darcy reflected that Georgiana was growing up a bit too rapidly.

Caroline Bingley was in a state. The news, communicated only this afternoon, that Miss Eliza Bennet and members of her family were coming to Pemberley for dinner had been most unwelcome. She had seen the enthusiasm on her brother's face, and knew she must not allow mention of Jane Bennet. What she didn't know was that the previous evening, Mr. Darcy had talked with her brother concerning his role in separating Bingley and Miss Bennet, and that her brother was already making plans to return to Netherfield. She was annoyed at Miss Eliza's return into their lives; her memories of Mr. Darcy's admiration for Miss Eliza caused her a pang or two, but she fully expected Miss Eliza to be struck dumb at the sight of Pemberley's magnificence. She counted on this aunt and uncle of hers to be just as foolish as the girl's mother, and to engender disgust with their lack of manners. And she knew that compared with Miss Eliza, she herself would be unspeakably elegant.

********************************************************************

The carriage arrived at Pemberley. Elizabeth descended, looking about her with admiration. It was late afternoon, and the house and grounds were truly beautiful. She thought she would love a tour of the grounds before they left for London. Looking toward the house, she saw the front doors opened wide, and Mr. Darcy himself standing at the top of the steps, waiting to greet them. The Gardiners exclaimed over the loveliness of the architecture as they approached the house.

Elizabeth performed the introductions. Mr. Darcy bowed low, looked at the Gardiners, and relaxed. He immediately saw the intelligent good sense on their faces, and the kindness with which they regarded him told him he was not to suffer through any version of Mrs. Bennet. Courteous words were exchanged, and Mr. Darcy gestured for the Gardiners to follow the footman who would lead them to the sitting room where the party was to gather. He looked at Elizabeth and offered his arm. She smiled up at him and accepted graciously.

They entered the sitting room and introductions were made. Georgiana smiled happily at Elizabeth, and after glancing at her brother and gaining courage from his expression, she moved forward and asked Miss Bennet to sit with her.

"I am so happy to meet you, Miss Bennet," Georgiana said softly. "My brother has spoken of you often and with much praise."

"And I am very pleased to make your acquaintance!" said Elizabeth warmly. She liked what she saw: a girl a few years younger than herself, eager to please and with an open, friendly countenance. They spoke together for a while, of music and books, and Georgiana invited Elizabeth and the Gardiners to come for a tour of the grounds in the next day or two. Her brother was near enough at the time to overhear, and his approving smile made his sister flush with happiness.

Caroline Bingley observed this with mortification that was only intensified by the good sense and manners displayed by the Gardiners. She also suffered through hearing her brother Charles tell Miss Eliza of his intentions to visit Netherfield within the month. Elizabeth's delighted smile and comments that "her elder sister would be very happy to see him again" drove Caroline from mortification to anger. She looked toward Mr. Darcy, and was annoyed to see him appear quite complacent at the news. He moved away from his sister, Elizabeth and Charles to speak with the Gardiners, and Caroline attempted to draw his attention to herself, but he simply nodded at her and moved on. Fuming, Caroline glared at Louisa, who looked back at her in some confusion, not having heard the conversation.

They eventually all moved into the dining room. The food was splendid, the conversation lively. Caroline was displeased with the seating arrangement, which placed Mr. Darcy, Georgiana, and Elizabeth at one end of the table. Mr. Bingley was seated next to Elizabeth, with Mr. Gardiner on the other side of Georgiana. Caroline was across from Mrs. Gardiner and next to Mr. Gardiner, with Louisa and Mr. Hurst seated at the end. Caroline was too far from Mr. Darcy to engage him in conversation, and of course was shielded from Georgiana. The Gardiners, having been forewarned by Elizabeth concerning Caroline Bingley's designs, did their best to engage her in conversation about London and fashion. Georgiana acquitted herself well with the Gardiners, for their manners were neither haughty nor intimidating.

Darcy spent as much time as possible in conversation with Elizabeth. He was gallant, attentive, and didn't spend too much time staring at her intensely without speaking. Elizabeth, for her part, was quite happy. She saw the way cleared now for Bingley and Jane, and delighted in talking of her sister with the hopeful young man. She found herself growing very fond of Georgiana, and watched Mr. Darcy almost constantly. It took her several minutes to recover when his hand accidentally brushed hers as they both reached for a tray of butter. Georgiana noticed this and smiled, especially since her brother had been speaking to her at the time and his voice cut off in mid-sentence as he did no more than stare at Elizabeth.

After dinner, the women removed to the music room. Georgiana had planned on a particularly intense work of Beethoven's, one that would make conversation difficult. She was sure Caroline Bingley was not happy and she wanted to prevent any ill-judged remarks. Caroline, though, was a bit too quick for her, and managed to ask Elizabeth several questions about her "dear mother" and her "quite energetic younger sisters" and if "sister Mary still played and sang in the same manner." Elizabeth met these attacks with composure, providing polite and noncommittal responses. Caroline turned toward Mrs. Gardiner in frustration, and the slightly censuring look on that lady's face was enough to quiet her momentarily. Georgiana took the opportunity to commence Beethoven, and the music soon brought the gentlemen into the room.

In truth, none of the men were terribly interested in lingering without the company of the ladies. Mr. Gardiner had talked with Mr. Darcy enough to know him a fine gentleman and had observed enough to think him an excellent match for his niece. He rather entertained hopes that Mr. Darcy might approach him in her father's absence for permission to attempt to win Elizabeth's hand. Mr. Darcy found Mr. Gardiner an excellent conversationalist and a very able businessman, and wondered if he should approach him regarding Elizabeth.

Georgiana ended her piece soon after the gentlemen had entered and quietly seated themselves. Elizabeth was prevailed upon to play, and Mr. Darcy's admiration was evident to anyone who sat in the room with open eyes. Which, of course, meant that Mr. Hurst was oblivious. Georgiana was then entreated to perform a second time, and as Elizabeth was returning to her seat, Caroline Bingley saw an opening and used it to inquire about the militia and Mr. Wickham's absence from Meryton. Elizabeth answered her coolly. Georgiana, forewarned by her conversations with her brother, did not falter. Mr. Darcy took advantage of Elizabeth's hesitation as she paused to answer Caroline, and rose to offer her a seat next to himself. Elizabeth smiled and sat as Caroline glared at the two of them. Everyone in the room, except Caroline and Mr. Hurst, was enjoying Georgiana's performance. Darcy was wondering if he should suggest they all walk outside on the terrace to enjoy the evening air, thinking he might get a moment alone with Elizabeth.

Georgiana finished playing, and just a Darcy was about to make the suggestion after the applause died away, a commotion was heard in the hall outside the room. Darcy, Bingley and Gardiner rose to their feet as the door opened and a panicked-looking footman appeared. From beyond him, they could hear a strident voice.

"Where is my nephew?! I will see him at once!"

Lady Catherine de Bourgh, followed by Mr. Collins, swept into the room.

Chapter 18

Posted on Sunday, 2 December 2001, at 8:28 a.m.

Lady Catherine stood surveying the company, passing her eyes over them all without really seeing them, as she was searching for her nephew. Mr. Collins stood by her side, eyes alternating between humble fixation upon the floor, Lady Catherine's face, and the furnishings of the room.

Her ladyship found what she sought... Darcy, looking rather surprised, standing by the couch against the wall. With a stiff nod, Lady Catherine approached, but halted suddenly and gasped in amazement when she recognized Elizabeth Bennet seated on that same couch.

"Fitzwilliam Darcy!" she exclaimed in an outraged tone, "What is that person doing here?"

"To whom do you refer, Lady Catherine?" Darcy asked in a polite yet slightly dangerous tone.

"I refer to that Miss Bennet!" was the reply, in exceedingly haughty tones.

Mr. Collins gasped in alarm; he had not noticed his cousin, and was horrified to see her here. He stared at her for a moment, and then his face took on a severe, condemning expression.

"Miss Bennet, along with her aunt and uncle, are my guests here at Pemberley this evening," was Darcy's reply in a very even tone. "What brings you here, Lady Catherine? We were not expecting you."

His aunt stared at her nephew with narrowed eyes. "I have come," she announced, "to speak with you about a vile slander that has come to my notice. And apparently," she said, glaring at Elizabeth, "I have come not a moment too soon."

Darcy raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Lady Catherine reddened as she looked back at her nephew. "Do not take that tone with me, young man. Remember who I am!"

Darcy simply looked at her. Georgiana, who had been standing by the piano, appeared very alarmed, and edged closer to her brother. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner stared at the intruders, truly amazed at the spectacle before them. Caroline Bingley watched the goings-on with glee, certain that Eliza was finally going to get what she deserved. Mr. Collins stared disapprovingly at his cousin, then left Lady Catherine's side to walk toward her. Elizabeth looked at him with annoyance. Mr. Collins walked past Mr. Darcy, giving him a wide berth. Darcy tensed as the clergyman drew near, but did not look at him as he was locked in a staring contest with his aunt, one that he refused to lose.

Mr. Collins stood in front of Elizabeth, who glanced at him but then returned her eyes to Darcy and Lady Catherine, riveted to that scene and caring little for whatever Mr. Collins had to say.

"Cousin Elizabeth," he began very formally, "My distinguished patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, is most upset at your behavior and I do believe..."

Mrs. Gardiner glared at her distant relative by marriage and said, quite distinctly, "Oh, Mr. Collins, do be quiet!"

Mr. Collins' mouth snapped shut with a clicking of teeth. He gave a shallow bow in no direction in particular, and turned in place to face his esteemed patroness. Elizabeth was relieved he'd stopped talking, but couldn't spare him any more thought.

Darcy won the battle when Lady Catherine, still red in the face, began to speak. "I am here, nephew, because of a letter I received from that woman's mother." Darcy swallowed noticeably and paled slightly, but showed no other sign of emotion. The Gardiners exchanged worried glances. The Bingleys and the Hursts looked surprised. Georgiana looked at Elizabeth, who had also turned quite pale, then darted over to the couch and sat down next to her, behind where her brother stood.

"In this letter, which I have brought with me," here Lady Catherine pulled the letter from a pocket in her traveling cloak and waved it in the air, "I am informed that you, the master of Pemberley and the intended of my Anne, have proposed marriage to that little nobody!"

A small shriek leapt through the air, originating from a horrified Caroline Bingley. Elizabeth looked anxiously at Darcy, whose face was as impassive as stone.

"Well?" asked Lady Catherine. "What have you to say for yourself? I have come to have this report contradicted and to extract your agreement to announce your engagement to Anne."

"No." Darcy shot the single word out into the room.

"Ah," said Lady Catherine, misinterpreting Darcy's response. "I thought as much. You could not have forgotten your duty to the family."

"You misunderstand, Lady Catherine. I did not say no to contradict Mrs. Bennet's information."

Lady Catherine blinked. Silence reigned for a moment. Mr. Collins began to feel that he was on the wrong side of the room. Having no wish to become a hostage, he suddenly moved, in a strange, mincing step, away from Darcy's vicinity and back to Lady Catherine's side, safely out of the line of fire.

"I fail to understand you." Lady Catherine's voice was full of suppressed fury.

"It's really not that difficult," Darcy replied. "I am not engaged to Anne. I never have been engaged to Anne, and I never will be engaged to Anne." He hoped that this would keep his aunt off the topic of Elizabeth.

Lady Catherine shook with rage; Mr. Collins regarded Darcy with astonishment. Georgiana's hand crept into Elizabeth's; Elizabeth grasped it firmly.

"How can you say such a thing?" cried Lady Catherine. "You and Anne have been promised to each other since infancy! How can you destroy the hopes and plans of all your family?"

"I would never agree to marry against my inclination; I respect my cousin, but have no interest in her as a wife."

Lady Catherine stared at her nephew, then decided on a change of tactics. Swiveling her gaze to Elizabeth, she addressed her angrily.

"Miss Bennet, are you engaged to my nephew?"

Elizabeth would have preferred not to answer, but could not find a way to avoid it. Glancing at Mr. Darcy, who had not moved and still looked at his aunt, she said quietly, "I am not."

"Ah!" exclaimed Lady Catherine, pleased. "And will you promise me never to enter into any such engagement?"

Georgiana looked anxiously at Elizabeth, still holding her hand. All eyes were on her, except Darcy's; had anyone been looking at that gentleman, they might have noticed how he became very tense - he was facing his aunt, but every other sense was directed at the woman sitting on the couch behind him.

Elizabeth met Lady Catherine's eyes. "I will make no promise of the kind," she stated flatly, and squeezed Georgiana's hand.

Caroline Bingley was shocked. Mr. Gardiner, very quietly, chuckled and said "Good girl!" under his breath. Mrs. Gardiner smiled encouragingly at her niece. Bingley, starting to put a lot of things together, grinned delightedly. Mr. Hurst thought morosely of a drink, while Louisa looked wide-eyed at her sister. Mr. Collins gaped at his cousin, improving on the fish routine he had begun at Longbourn. Georgiana returned the pressure on Elizabeth's hand, smiling happily. And Darcy closed his eyes for a brief moment, feeling as if he had the world at his feet.

Lady Catherine drew herself up to her full height. "You would ruin him!" she screeched. "You would make him forget all he owes to his family and to society! You would pollute the shades of Pemberley with your presence! By what arts have you trapped him, what fiendish plot... "

"ENOUGH."

All eyes turned toward Darcy, who looked rather like an avenging angel. Elizabeth's refusal to refuse him had made him feel like the strongest man on Earth.

Lady Catherine was shocked into silence. She stared at her nephew. Mr. Collins tried to make himself very small and sidled behind his patroness.

"Lady Catherine," said Darcy quietly. "I must insist that you stop this unseemly behavior. You are addressing a guest in my house. Not just any guest, I might add. Mrs. Bennet was quite correct. If my wishes had been met, Miss Bennet would by now be the mistress of Pemberley."

Lady Catherine looked aghast. "But nephew," she wailed, "if she has refused you - "

Darcy cut her off. "I would spend the rest of my life trying to become worthy of Elizabeth Bennet."

A shocked gasp emanated from the vicinity of Caroline Bingley. Otherwise the room was silent. Elizabeth gazed at Darcy, tears coming to her eyes.

"Think!" imp lored Lady Catherine. "Think of Anne! Her hopes, her disappointment!"

Darcy turned to look at Elizabeth, his gaze softening, then turned back to his aunt. "I could never give to Anne the love I feel for Miss Bennet. My cousin deserves better than that."

Lady Catherine almost looked defeated. She turned to glare at Elizabeth again. Elizabeth didn't even notice; she was still staring at Mr. Darcy in utter astonishment. Lady Catherine's eyes narrowed again, and she took a few steps forward. She halted, though, when Darcy moved forward in front of Elizabeth.

"I must beg you to importune my... guest no further," he said, looking and sounding rather grave and implacable.

Lady Catherine transferred the glare to him for a moment, then dropped her eyes. Turning, she swept towards the door, barking out "Mr. Collins!" as she went. Mr. Collins turned toward the company, bowed several times, and hurried out after her.

Chapter 19

Silence lasted for only a few moments after Lady Catherine's departure. The shock was palpable. Elizabeth's eyes were wide, fixed on the door that had closed behind her scampering cousin. Darcy stood facing the door, not quite sure what to do now that he had laid his soul open for everyone in the room to inspect. Georgiana looked anxiously at Elizabeth, as did Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst were in heated, whispered conversation. Charles Bingley was looking tentatively at Darcy, wondering how he could give him a show of support. Mr. Hurst was pouring himself a glass of wine and muttering in annoyance.

Elizabeth could not quite understand all that had happened. That her mother had indeed written to Lady Catherine was obvious... but that Mr. Darcy had divulged his feelings to the entire room! His actions gave her more insight into his character; she was beginning to understand the reality of who Fitzwilliam Darcy really was, and the enormity of his actions this evening were suddenly too much to bear. Her hands began to tremble.

Georgiana, who was still holding Elizabeth's hand, felt it start to shake. She made a small sound of distress at the same time that Mrs. Gardiner rose from her chair and moved quickly to Elizabeth's side. Darcy turned as he became aware of the motion behind him. Elizabeth's eyes were filling with tears.

"Excuse me," she said in a shaky voice, "I think I need... I must... I shall return in a few moments... " She rose and, keeping her eyes fixed on the door, moved rapidly out of the room.
Darcy stared after her in consternation, worried that Elizabeth was upset with the impropriety of his public confession.

He looked to Mrs. Gardiner, who was in a hushed and urgent conversation with her husband and Georgiana. He looked to Bingley as well, who was now looking back at him with a mingled expression of confusion and encouragement. Darcy felt a touch on his arm. He turned and saw Mrs. Gardiner looking at him with compassion. "Excuse my interference, Mr. Darcy... but Mr. Gardiner and myself feel what Elizabeth needs most right now is comforting." Darcy nodded, his manner abstracted. Mrs. Gardiner waited expectantly, then after a few moments was forced to continue. "Ah, Mr. Darcy... I do believe you are best able to supply Elizabeth with what she requires." She spoke in a gentle tone. He met her eyes in surprise, and she gave him a small encouraging smile. She glanced and nodded toward the door, then looked back at him. It took a moment, but Darcy understood her meaning; he looked at Georgiana, who smiled at him bravely with moist eyes. He then looked at Mr. Gardiner, mutely requesting permission; the former smiled and nodded affably.

Darcy, now resolute, turned to the door and began moving. He passed Bingley, then stopped and turned to ask "Charles, you will help Georgiana see to our guests?" Bingley nodded and clapped his friend on the back, grinning heartily. Darcy gave him a wordless look of thanks, then whirled and moved rapidly toward the door.

He drew near to Bingley's sisters; Caroline, with a pale face, smiled artificially, and began, "Mr. Darcy!" reaching out as if to stop him. He didn't look or pause. He reached the door, and passed through, closing it behind him. Caroline's smile vanished. Her eyes narrowed in unconscious imitation of Lady Catherine; she stood, smoothed the front of her dress, squared her shoulders, and marched in the direction of the door, saying in a clearly audible voice "This shall not be!" Bingley, with an angry look, called out "Caroline!" She halted, but did not turn. "Sit down, Caroline!" Bingley continued in kinder tones. His sister turned to look at him disdainfully. "I shall not allow this travesty!" she said in a shrill voice as she continued toward the door. Louisa jumped to her feet and caught up to her, grabbing her arm. "Sister!" she hissed quietly. "You can do nothing at this moment. Did you not hear him?! If you interfere now, you will only discredit yourself in his eyes. Be calm, do and say nothing. If Miss Eliza does not return his feelings or cares not to defy his aunt, then you will be there to comfort him!" Caroline pulled against her sister's hand a moment longer, then abruptly nodded and returned with Louisa to her seat.

Chapter 20

Posted on Wednesday, 5 December 2001, at 5:33 p.m.

Darcy looked anxiously in both directions as he came out into the hall... he saw no one. He heard a sound and turned to his right. Mrs. Reynolds came around the corner, relief spreading across her features as she saw him. "Mr. Darcy!" she exclaimed, "the poor young lady came from the music room in tears, and John the footman called to me. She was very upset, poor dear! I found her a seat 'round the corner, where she will not be so readily seen should someone come out."

"Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds. I will see to her at once." He strode off; Mrs. Reynolds watched him with a small smile, then turned in the opposite direction. If her master's face was any indication, she thought, she would be busy planning a celebration in the very near future!

Darcy rounded the corner and saw Elizabeth sitting in a chair, crying quietly, bent over with her face in her hands. He stopped with a sharp intake of breath - she looked so miserable! Hurling uncharitable thoughts towards his aunt and her cousin, he moved with long, purposeful strides and was at her side in a moment. Elizabeth, aware of his presence, tried to stem the flow of tears. "Miss Bennet," he said in a soft, husky voice, "would you allow me to escort you to a room with more privacy? I fear you may not wish to be seen by a passing servant, and I have reason to suspect Miss Bingley may follow me out of the music room." Elizabeth nodded, not at all eager for a possible confrontation with Miss Bingley. Darcy took her hand and gently helped her to her feet, placing his other hand on her back to guide her. He steered her into the library and helped her to a couch; he followed this action by returning to the door to close and lock it (he harbored no illusions concerning Miss Bingley), then went quickly to a side table to pour a small glass of wine from a crystal decanter. Returning to Elizabeth's side, he knelt on one knee, taking her hand and directing it to the wine glass. She accepted it gratefully; after a few sips she was able to regain a modicum of composure.

Darcy looked at her with concern. She looked into his eyes, almost at level with her own, and smiled tremulously. Her eyes still swam with tears, though she made a brave effort to appear more cheerful. She did not want Mr. Darcy to think she was always crying! Darcy continued to gaze at her. "Miss Bennet," he said in a now shaky voice "I apologize most fervently for that scene. My aunt... "

"Please, Mr. Darcy!" she interrupted. "Please, do not make yourself uneasy. It was not your fault. This is only reaction, shock. I shall be fine in a moment."

"Miss Bennet... Elizabeth. My own behavior - I am most distressed at such a reckless display as I have just exhibited. I am so very sorry that I have caused you anguish; it was inexcusable of me -" His voice broke, and any further words he might have said were lost as he looked down. Elizabeth, concerned and not quite aware of what she was doing, reached out and put her hand to the side of his face. He tensed, then raised his head to look at her again. Elizabeth drew in a sharp breath; Darcy's own eyes were filling with tears. Indeed, one slid from his lashes and moved slowly down his face. He closed his eyes; another tear escaped. Elizabeth, reacting on instinct, reached out and gently brushed it away. Darcy opened his eyes, and looked at her with a regretful longing. "I am afraid, Miss Bennet, that there is nothing left for me to hide." He spoke in a hushed voice. He slowly stood, and walked toward the fireplace, endeavoring to gain some control. She watched him, seeing him in profile against the firelight. "I will understand," he continued, drawing a deep breath, "if you wish to leave at once. I will not stand in your way should you wish to never see me again... I would ask, though... Miss Bennet, would you," Elizabeth rose to her feet and moved toward him, feeling as if in a dream, "that is," he continued, "may I - "

Elizabeth interrupted him again, placing a hand on his shoulder and turning him to face her.

"I love you," she said.

Darcy gazed at her, incredulous.

"Miss Bennet," he said, so quietly she had to strain to hear him over the crackling of the fire, "would you mind repeating that?"

She smiled, eyes shining, suddenly delighted with the situation. "I said, Mr. Darcy, that I love you. I love the way you stood up to your aunt, I love how you tried to shield me from her, and I love the way you threw caution and propriety to the wind and announced to the world how you feel. If I had not already realized I loved you before tonight, I would know it now."

Darcy stared at her. "Elizabeth..." he whispered. Then "Elizabeth!" much louder. His eyes were locked with hers; the tears vanished, replaced by a beaming smile. He reached out carefully, almost afraid to touch her lest she vanish and it all turn out to be a dream. She met him halfway, reaching out to grasp his hand. Neither could have said who moved first, but their arms were around each other in an instant. One arm encircling her waist, his other hand at the back of her head, he murmured her name over and over while he held her, his face against her hair. She buried her face in his chest and inhaled his scent. They stood like that for a moment, then by some unspoken agreement, pulled away a little. Each looked seriously at the other; Elizabeth put her hand up to again touch the side of his face. "Lizzy," Darcy said very quietly, "will you marry me?"

Elizabeth smiled, and said "Of course, Mr. Darcy!" Darcy stared at her and grinned. "I forgot to mention a condition," he said with mock gravity. Elizabeth, sensing she was being teased, widened her eyes and gazed at him, attempting to look serious but failing miserably. "A condition... ?" she replied, almost keeping the laughter out of her voice. Darcy cleared his throat, than said severely (sort of) "The condition, my dearest Lizzy, is that you cease to address me in such a formal manner. It just won't do." Elizabeth gazed at him, then recalled something Georgiana had said earlier in the evening. "In that case... I love you, William, and I am most happy to accept your proposal of marriage."

At the sound of that nickname on her lips, Darcy closed his eyes and hugged her close. "Lizzy," he whispered again. He suddenly tightened his hold and lifted her up into the air. Her delighted cry echoed through the room as he spun her around, laughing. He set her down, and they gazed at each other, breathless. They quieted after a moment, and, after questioning her with eyes only and gaining consent from the same, he drew nearer to her and they shared a very soft, very light, and very loving kiss.

Chapter 21

Elizabeth and Darcy slowly drew away from each other. "William," Elizabeth said, "I think we should return to the others. They will be wondering about us... "

"Yes," Darcy agreed, "and we have news to share." Elizabeth looked at him in some surprise. "I think," Darcy explained, "that after such confessions as mine tonight, this is better finished in public as well."

Elizabeth considered and nodded. "I do not believe my uncle will object to such an announcement before obtaining his permission in my father's absence."

"I dare say I have received his consent already," Darcy mused, thinking back to that gentlemen's approving look in the music room. Elizabeth looked at him curiously, but made no comment. After a few moments spent arranging hair and attire, they moved to the door. Darcy unlocked it, and they stepped out into the hallway and from there to back to the music room. Before Darcy could open the door, however, Elizabeth put a hand to his arm and stopped him. He turned to look at her questioningly, and beheld her countenance as a peculiar combination of amusement and mortification.

"Do you realize, William, that we owe our present happiness to Lady Catherine and my mother?!"

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The scene in the music room before the arrival of Mr. Darcy and his fiancée was a study in contrasts. Caroline and Louisa were speaking in quiet and animated tones, planning Caroline's every move following Darcy's anticipated disappointment. Their brother and Mr. Gardiner were talking of business, though not very effectively. Mrs. Gardiner and Georgiana were talking of Elizabeth and Darcy, hoping for the best, and planning what to do should they require assistance in coming to an understanding. Mr. Hurst was sprawled on a couch, fast asleep.

The door opened, and silence immediately fell. All eyes turned toward the door, all of them hopeful, though with varying reasons. Elizabeth and Darcy walked into the room, arm in arm, and their happy faces could not long be misinterpreted by anyone, even Caroline Bingley.

Darcy cleared his throat, and looking a bit embarrassed, spoke. "I apologize for my aunt's poor manners and my subsequent incivility in leaving you all to your own amusements. I believe we must trespass further on your sense of propriety and finish this business in a manner similar to how it was begun." He glanced mischievously at Elizabeth, who took up the challenge.

"Yes," she said, facing the company, "since Mr. Darcy saw fit to announce his feelings in public, I find myself forced to do the same, if only to ensure future matrimonial bliss. I find," she said, laughing at his raised eyebrows and seeking out her aunt and uncle, including Georgiana in her gaze, "I love him just as dearly, and there's really no help for it."

Darcy smiled, and continued, "Miss Bennet has been kind enough to accept my renewed offer of marriage, and, pending her father's approval, of course," with a nod to Mr. Gardiner, which was quite happily returned, "we hope for all your blessings and good will."

A crowd of well-wishers gathered round them, excluding Mr. Hurst and Caroline Bingley. The former was still asleep, and the latter had turned an interesting shade of pale green, which unfortunately clashed with the orange dress. Mrs. Hurst felt it advisable to congratulate the couple, and did so with no trace of ill-will. Her comments were graciously received by both Darcy and Elizabeth. Mrs. Gardiner came forward to give Elizabeth a very fond hug, and Elizabeth stretched out one hand to Georgiana, who stood nearby and readily took it, smiling happily. Mr. Gardiner shook Darcy's hand and clapped him heartily on the shoulder, and Bingley distributed glasses and champagne. He loudly proposed a toast; Mr. Hurst woke up. After champagne had been consumed, Caroline Bingley approached Elizabeth.

"Miss Bennet," Caroline said stiffly. Elizabeth turned from her conversation with Georgiana to face her, looking slightly apprehensive. Caroline looked at her a moment, then held out her hand. "Congratulations, Miss Eliza. I am sure you will be very happy." Elizabeth could not credit Miss Bingley with total sincerity, but she took the proffered hand and thanked her. She was relieved to see nothing more than wounded pride in Caroline's face; she would have felt sorry for her had there been any evidence of a broken heart. Caroline nodded to Elizabeth, then moved over to Darcy, repeating the ritual with laudable detachment. She then quietly left the room; a keen observer would have noted a curious look of determination on her face rather than the perhaps expected acceptance of the inevitable, but there were not many keen observers of Caroline Bingley in the room at present.

The felicitations and good spirits lasted a while longer, until Mrs. Gardiner noted the lateness of the hour and suggested a return to the inn. Mr. Darcy applied for permission to call on Elizabeth early the next morning, which of course was granted with alacrity. The Hursts retired for the night, followed by Bingley. Georgiana walked with their guests to the front door, while Elizabeth and Darcy lingered behind for a moment.

Darcy took her hand. "Thank you, Lizzy, for giving me a second chance."

Elizabeth looked at him seriously, and shook her head ruefully. "I owe you that same thanks, William."

He smiled, raising her hand to his lips, then turning to walk her to the door and out to the carriage. Farewells were spoken, he assisted her into the carriage to join the Gardiners, and then they were gone.

Darcy stood watching the carriage leave. Georgiana stood watching Darcy. He did not move until the carriage was out of sight in the darkness. Georgiana smiled at him as he offered her his arm, but said nothing. "Well?" Darcy asked. Georgiana looked up at him, and said with a laugh, "I do believe your encounter with the leeches was worth it, don't you think?" Darcy looked fondly at her, and merely replied with a smile, "Already taking lessons from Lizzy, are you?" He squeezed her hand; she returned the pressure, and they entered the house.

Chapter 22

Darcy called on Elizabeth as arranged early the next morning. After greeting her affectionately with a kiss to her hand, he presented her with a letter from Georgiana. Elizabeth was thrilled to read of Georgiana's happiness in anticipation of a sister. After visiting for a short while with the Gardiners, they set out on a walk, ending up at the same pond with the same fallen tree, though this time the leeches were not invited.

Darcy had been silent for much of the walk, content to hold Elizabeth's hand in his and to listen to her humorous tales of Mr. Collins' earlier visits to Longbourn. As they reached the pond, he steered Elizabeth to the fallen tree, motioning for her to sit. She did so, noting with interest that he appeared a bit nervous.

"William," she said, "is something wrong?"

Darcy looked at her and smiled, relaxing. "No, dearest. I simply feel it is time to correct a grievous omission from last night."

She looked on in surprise as he knelt on the grass in front of her, reaching into his pocket and drawing out a small square box. "Lizzy," he said in a husky voice, "I offer you my hand, my heart, and an equal share in all my life." He opened the box and held it out to her. She took it with slightly trembling hands. A beautiful ring, a diamond encircled with small sapphires, gleamed in the morning sunlight. She lifted the ring out of the box. "It is beautiful, William! Thank you."

"There is an inscription... "

She angled the ring and looked inside, where she read "Love and Hope, FD to EB." She looked at him, and he said in a queer tone, "I had it inscribed upon my return to London from Rosings. I used to look at it when I thought of Hunsford, and sometimes it would help..."

Elizabeth's eyes were bright with unshed tears. She handed the ring to him; he reached for her hand and slid the ring onto her finger, where it fit perfectly.

Anyone passing by the pond at that time would have seen a young woman sitting on a fallen tree, engaged in a long and passionate embrace with a young man kneeling before her.

The next several days passed quickly. Darcy and Elizabeth spent as much time together as possible, and the Gardiners and Elizabeth dined at Pemberley almost every day. The Hursts and Miss Bingley left for London within two days, a situation that made life more comfortable for everyone. Letters were dispatched from both Mr. Gardiner and Elizabeth to her father, whose eventual reply was rather amused but pleased. Elizabeth wrote to Jane and told her the whole story, including mention and praise of Mr. Bingley and his anticipated departure for Netherfield. Bingley begged Elizabeth to send Jane his warmest greetings, which she did with pleasure. Elizabeth also wrote to her mother, a much shorter version of recent events than Jane would receive, but one sure to leave Mrs. Bennet in raptures. Mr. Darcy did not bother to write Lady Catherine; he decided the published announcement would do for her.

Mrs. Gardiner's friend was well on her way to recovery. It was decided that Elizabeth would return to London with the Gardiners to shop for a wedding dress, and that Darcy and Georgiana would join them there shortly. All would then proceed to Longbourn and Netherfield, for Bingley had extended an invitation. Neither Darcy nor Elizabeth was interested in a long engagement, and both were hoping for a double wedding.

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Excerpt from a Letter to Georgiana Darcy from Caroline Bingley

Having now passed on my most heartfelt congratulations on the impending nuptials of your dear Brother and Eliza Bennet, I feel it incumbent on myself, dear Georgiana, as your particular friend, to give you warning of what lies before you upon your arrival at Netherfield in Hertfordshire. You must not expect Eliza's family to act in the genteel manner to which we are all accustomed. Her mother, Mrs. Bennet, is a shrewish sort of woman, and I implore you to be on your guard against her. She speaks of nothing but marrying her daughters off to rich men. Frankly, I am quite surprised that dear Mr. Darcy has been so taken in, but I am sure he must know what he is doing. I do so hope, Georgiana, that Eliza has not yet mentioned her desire for all her family to remove to Pemberley. I am sure she will desire time alone with her husband, so you simply must come stay with us in London, as I know you will want to stay out of their way. But I digress, I was informing you of Mrs. Bennet. She will seek to undermine your character in favor of that of Eliza's sisters; I am sorry to speak so plainly, but I have no wish to see you blinded by their simple and charming country manners. You know how much my brother Charles has admired you; indeed I seem to recall a moment at the ball Charles and I hosted at Netherfield, where he complemented your taste and accomplishments - would you believe, dear Georgiana, Mrs. Bennet interrupted him to comment on Eliza's elder sister and practically threw the girl into Charles' arms! I declared at the time, and I feel I must do so now, that while Jane is a very sweet girl, she does not hold a candle to you in looks, manner, accomplishment, or eligibility.

I do hope no one has mentioned Eliza's comment about your dress to your Brother; I would not wish to see him put out. It will be so difficult for you, I know, to have to put up with such impertinence, but I suppose it is the brunt we women must bear, since we cannot choose our sisters-in-law. I only wish, dear Georgiana, that Charles would use you as his model for the ideal: what fun we should have were we to be sisters in truth, as I believe we are sisters in spirit!

I almost forgot to mention Mr. Bennet. A more sardonic and sarcastic man has never lived. His piercing stare and judgmental aspect has sent even myself shaking in my shoes. I trust that your Brother will shield you from the worst of his criticisms, but I suppose he will be unable to effect complete protection from him as Eliza will demand so much of his time and energy. I am sure that as Pemberley is such a large estate so as to minimize your chances of running into him... but I forget, Pemberley is likely to be denied to you except at holidays. It may be just as well, my dear, for you are still young and impressionable, and I would fear for you were you to be subjected to the Bennet family in all its glory. A girl of Miss Eliza's liveliness and charms... well, some things are better not spoken of by genteel ladies such as ourselves. We can all hope that Mr. Darcy does not go so far as to forget himself in the eyes of society, for as benevolent as society is, my dear, I would not like to think of your prospects being materially altered for the worse due to poor connections...

Excerpt from a Letter to Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Bennet

Lydia writes rather belatedly, dearest Lizzy, to inform us that Mr. Wickham has exposed his true character in a most shocking manner. He has accrued debts amounting to several thousand pounds! He had planned to leave the militia and the county the very night that Lydia informed him of your initial refusal of Mr. Darcy. Unfortunately for him, I suppose, his delight at Mr. Darcy's supposed humiliation encouraged him to take in more spirits than was truly good for him, and he succumbed to their influence to such a degree that he was rendered insensible. He was therefore still in town, not yet recovered, when the officials arrived to take him in. He is imprisoned now, and will not be going anywhere, I'm afraid. Lydia seems to know more details concerning his plans than any of us are truly comfortable about, but we are just thankful it has all come to nothing. I am glad that Mr. Wickham will now have the chance to see the error of his ways and plot himself a truer course. Lydia, it appears, is remaining at Brighton longer than expected; we have had word from Colonel Forster that Captain Kensworth is seriously courting her.

Excerpt from a Letter to Elizabeth Bennet from her Father

My dearest Lizzy, I know you will be home again soon and will bring your young man with you. Pray tell him I look forward to a spot of masculine conversation. I will be happy to invite him into the library to escape the incessant silliness that abounds here at Longbourn, though we shall see if he can bear to leave your side. Your mother, my dear, prides herself on her accomplishment in your engagement, and tells all of Meryton that she and Lady Catherine de Bourgh have been partners in this grand endeavor. She has written to her Ladyship to commend her quick action and to provide a collective pat on the back. I will admit, my girl, that I did not make a vigorous attempt to halt that particular absurdity.
On a related note, I must beg you, Lizzy, to speak to your Mr. Darcy about inviting Mary and Kitty to Pemberley. They are liable to lose whatever good sense they have left. Your mother, it appears, not content to rest on her laurels, is driving them to distraction as she spies on them at all hours of the day and night, hoping to discover whatever secrets might lead them to follow your example. Jane is spared by the news that young Bingley is returning to Netherfield; your mother does not feel it necessary to act until he has actually arrived. I have tried to tell her that all this creeping about at night and listening at doors is bad for her nerves...

And so Mrs. Bennet, silly and nervous as she was, by inadvertently listening at a door in the late evening, set in motion a chain of events that resulted in The Consternation of Mr. Collins, The Thwarting of Lady Catherine, The Mortification of Caroline Bingley, The Saving of Lydia, The Probable Engagement of Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley, and The Anticipated Union of Fitzwilliam Darcy with her Least Favorite Daughter - whose status with her mother did increase as a consequence of her intended's ten thousand a year. I suppose Knowledge is Power, after all!

THE END

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