Pets and Perceptions

Tanya

Jump to new as of July 25, 2005

Chapter 1

Posted on Monday, 21 October 2002, at 11:44 p.m.

"Good morning, Dr. Bennet!"

"Good morning, Dr. Bennet!"

Lizzy and her father grinned at each other, identical crinkles forming in the corners of their eyes. It had been the standard greeting between the two of them ever since Lizzy had gotten her degree and joined her father's veterinary practice.

In unison, they turned to the receptionist. "Good morning, Charlotte!" they chorused. Charlotte Lucas rolled her eyes, unable to repress a smile. "You two! Always so cheerful in the morning! Can't you wait until you get your first cup of coffee like everyone else?" This, too, was the standard, and the Bennets leaned across the desk to inspect the day's schedule of patients.

"Looks like a light load this morning, Lizzy," said Dr. Bennet, checking off the short list. "Just a checkup for Miss Woodhouse's old sheepdog-- seems he's become a finicky eater-and Mr. Bingley is bringing in his poodle at noon. I can take those two easily. And then there's Lady Cathmmph mrrmmph mrmmhhh..." he half coughed and muttered the last syllables surreptitiously, and finished brightly, "You'll take her, right?"

"Oh, no you don't!" cried Lizzy, eyes flashing. "I heard that! You said 'Lady Catherine,', didn't you?" Her father smiled sheepishly. "I'm not taking her again! Remember the last time? She was making that high-strung rabbit of hers sick on too much medication! And she had the nerve to tell ME that I wasn't taking good enough care of her precious baby!"

"Please, Lizzy, you know you're the only one who can handle her. Besides, it's not the rabbit this time, she's got a new pet." He patted her arm comfortingly.

"A new pet, hmmm?" Lizzy retorted. "Heaven help it..." She shook her head in exasperation, accepted the chart from her father, and went to her small office in the back of the clinic.

It wasn't a big practice, just a small clinic that distinguished itself by the personal and loving attention given to every one of its patients. Dr. Bennet had established it because of his love for all types of animals, and his favorite daughter Lizzy had decided early on that she wanted to be a veterinarian too. It had always been the plan for her to join her father's practice, and he had just been waiting for the day she graduated to paint her name on the door. Now, the two of them were living their dream, and having a wonderful time doing something they loved-helping animals. Even if the dream WAS interrupted every now and then by people like Lady Catherine.

Lizzy set down her paperwork and picked up the phone. It was going to be a light day-she'd call her best friend Jane and make plans for lunch. She dialed.

"Hello, 'Gardiner's of Eden,' this is Jane speaking, may I help you?"

"Yes, I'd like to place an order for exactly five thousand and three of your finest roses..." Lizzy said with a laugh.

"Hi, Lizzy!" Jane exclaimed. "How are things going at the clinic?" She shifted the phone to her other ear and continued to arrange the flowers she had been working on.

"All right, I guess. Slow day today-want to get lunch?"

"Sure! Aunt Maddie lets me off at noon. See you then?"

"I should be done by then-come by the clinic and we'll go, if I'm still in one piece." Lizzy sighed ruefully at the thought of her upcoming appointment.

"Why? What's wrong?" Jane asked, concerned.

"I'll give you a hint: 'How dare you speak so to me? My precious Anne is not a mere rabbit! She's a member of the family!'" Lizzy mimicked the tones of her august patron perfectly.

"Oh..." Jane nodded in understanding. "Lady Catherine again. Are you sure you don't want any flowers? We have some really soothing lilies in today..."

"No thanks, Jane. Though if you had poppies I might get some in the hopes that they'd put her to sleep! Though I guess that didn't work on the Wicked Witch of the West in the movie, did it?" The two friends laughed and hung up the phone.

The rest of the morning was spent in paperwork, ordering new supplies, and organizing old files. All too soon, Lizzy heard a strident voice in the waiting room.

"Where is Dr. Bennet? I demand to see her at once! Rude, unfeeling girl I shall not be kept waiting!"

Then, incredibly, she heard another voice, almost identical to the first!

"Where is Dr. Bennet? Not be kept waiting! Awwk! Demand to see her! Awwk!"

Not believing her ears, Lizzy went into the waiting room. There, perched on Lady Catherine's arm, was a brilliantly green parrot with an oily red crest of feathers on its head. It turned to look at her. "Unfeeling girl! Awwk!" it repeated.

"Hush, Collins!" scolded Lady Catherine. She turned to survey Lizzy, disapproval written in every feature. "A real professional is never late!" she reprimanded.

Breathing an internal sigh of exasperation, Lizzy replied, "That is correct, Lady Catherine. And, as you can see, you are early for your appointment. If you would please sit down while I take a look at... Collins, was it?"

"Yes," sniffed Lady Catherine, after a glance at her expensive watch. "I suppose I must... apologize." The word seemed to taste bitter, from her expression. "In any case, I recently acquired Collins from the West Indies. He's a very intelligent bird. He will understand anything you say."

"Must apologize! Awwwk! Anything you say!" obediently repeated the parrot.

Lizzy sighed. This was going to get old REALLY quickly. She wrapped up the examination as quickly as she could, and ushered Lady Catherine and her parrot out the door. Ignoring the last few shouted comments from the parking lot about the "proper way to file charts," she flopped down into the sofa in the waiting room. Charlotte smiled sympathetically.

"I thought the parrot was kind of cute, actually," Charlotte offered. Lizzy just raised an eyebrow at her and mentally counted the minutes until lunch.

Chapter 2

Posted on Thursday, 24 October 2002, at 12:17 a.m.

"Come on, Mary! Please, come out! See, I have some nice food for you..." Lizzy tried unsuccessfully to coax the shyest guinea pig out of the far corner of the cage in which she was huddled. "Look, Mary, I have sunflower seeds!" She waved a handful of the guinea pig's favorite treat in front of her. The animal's ears perked up a tiny fraction, and her velvety nose started to twitch. "Come on... that's it... just a little further-Lydia!"

Lizzy sat back on her heels in frustration as one of the other guinea pigs shot past shy little Mary to gorge itself on the treats. "Lydia," she scolded, "you need to learn to share! You too, Kitty!" She sighed. Little Lydia was always sneaking extra food from the other guinea pigs' dishes. It was getting downright annoying. And to make matters worse, Kitty, the last guinea pig in residence at the clinic, was beginning to follow Lydia's example.

"Tell me again why you named the guinea pig 'Kitty'?" asked Charlotte, eyebrows raised.

"It wasn't my idea!" Lizzy exclaimed defensively. "Jane's little cousin was so sure that any fuzzy animal was a 'kitty' that I didn't have the heart to correct her. The name just stuck!" She turned to Charlotte with a pleading look. "Do you have any ideas on how to get these three out of the cage? I need to clean it today, and I can't get Mary to come out of her corner without Lydia and Kitty shoving her back out of my reach!"

"Get the other two out first," suggested practical Charlotte. After smacking herself in the head at her sheer stupidity in missing the obvious, Lizzy deposited the three guinea pigs in a small temporary cage on the floor. She carried the now-vacant cage to the trash bins out back to empty it, and brought it back inside to refill with fresh wood shavings. She set the cage down beside the large bin of shavings, and scooped up a double handful.

"Watch out!" cried Charlotte, pointing at the floor. Lizzie spun around just in time to see Lydia making a break for it.

"Oh, no you don't!" she exclaimed, diving for the guinea pig. But no sooner had she caught Lydia, than Kitty escaped as well! She scrambled to her feet to give chase as Kitty made a beeline for the door. Which was, unfortunately, opening at that moment.

"Close the door! Now!!!" she shouted at whoever it was on the other side. The door shut, and the guinea pig veered away behind Charlotte's desk. Lizzie followed, in hot pursuit, as the door re-opened to reveal Mr. Bingley, his poodle, and another man.

"Did I come at a bad time?" Mr. Bingley wondered with a good-natured grin. He looked over at his friend, who did not share his smile.

"Just a problem with the guinea pigs again, Mr. Bingley," replied Charlotte from her desk. "You can go ahead and take your dog back to see Dr. Bennet, he's ready for you."

"Great! I really need to ask his opinion... I can't figure-this!-- out!" He gestured helplessly at his poodle. Charlotte leaned over to look, and her eyes widened.

"My goodness... I've never seen a poodle's hair turn quite that color before! Do you have any idea what's causing it?"

"Not a clue! I can only figure it must have been something she ate! I mean, what could possibly turn a poodle's coat orange?" He again looked over at his friend, who declined to comment. Shrugging, Bingley walked his poodle to the examination room, leaving his friend in the waiting room.

Surveying his surroundings with a look of mingled curiosity and disdain, the tall young man remained standing near the door, away from the scattered wood shavings. Charlotte smiled at him, but he merely stared at her until she returned to her paperwork. He was somewhat at a loss for what he was supposed to do. How long would Bingley be away? What should he do in the meantime? He had just started to feel like the cheerful cartoon cats adorning the walls were staring at him, when Bingley returned.

"Dr. Bennet says she's just been eating too much of that so-called 'gourmet' dog food!" he said happily. "She'll be back to normal in a week or two!"

"That's nice," was the distant reply.

"See, Darcy, I told you the doctors here were good!" continued Bingley, elbowing his friend. "I think you should consider bringing Georgie here... they really give the kind of personal attention she needs right now."

Darcy's back stiffened, and he looked at Bingley coldly. "I hardly think I can base my decision on a few minutes spent in a waiting room. A room covered with wood chips, infested with guinea pigs, and staffed by rude, immature people who shout orders at someone merely attempting to enter a building!"

He was speaking rather loudly by this time, and, realizing the volume of his voice, hurriedly lowered it to avoid getting Charlotte's attention. "Georgie needs special care right now, and I don't think she's going to get it from a tiny clinic like this one. Oh, sure," he said, waving his hand towards the office dismissively, "this may be fine for poodle problems, but Georgie is not a discolored dog!"

"It's your decision, Darcy," Bingley replied calmly, used to these outbursts where little Georgie was concerned. He turned to address Charlotte when he heard the door open.

"Lizzy?" Jane called, walking into the waiting room carrying a large bouquet of lilies. Bingley's mouth fell open, and he stood there gaping.

"Lizzy, I brought you some of those - oh, hello!" She smiled brightly at Bingley, who was still trying to get his wits under control.

"He-hello," he stammered shyly. "I'm... I'm... Charles? Yes, I'm Charles! Charles Bingley!" He would have kept on babbling, but was struck dumb by Jane's next smile.

"Nice to meet you, Charles," she said sweetly. "I'm here looking for Lizzy Bennet. Oops, that's 'Dr. Bennet'!"

"Dr. Bennet is in his office doing a checkup," Darcy said stiffly, stepping forward.

"No, no!" said Jane, laughing, "I meant-"

"Me," said Lizzy, standing up from behind the filing cabinet behind Darcy. This time it was Darcy's turn to stand there gaping. How long had she been there? What did she mean, she was Dr. Bennet? He had assumed... he had assumed that... and he had called her rude...! And had she heard everything he had said about the clinic? His mind was spinning with shock and embarrassment. So he did what he usually did when he felt embarrassed or out of place. He froze up.

Lizzy walked over to the small cage, holding the errant Kitty by the scruff of her neck. She latched all three guinea pigs safely into the cage, and stood to regard Darcy again. She raised an eyebrow in his direction, and turned to Jane. "Ready to go?" she asked, ignoring him. Jane nodded. "All right," Lizzy said, and turned to call to her father. "Dad! I'm going to lunch with Jane! Anything you want me to bring back?"

Dr. Bennet came out of his office, leading the orange-hued poodle. "No, I'm fine! You go ahead and-hey!" The poodle, spying Bingley and Darcy, suddenly lunged out of his grasp and rushed headlong towards the two men, flinging itself onto Darcy and jumping up on him, struggling to bark and lick him at the same time. Darcy pushed at the dog in vain, trying to get away from the wriggling, tail-wagging animal.

Charles reached for the poodle's collar. "Down girl!" he cried. "Down, Caroline!"

Darcy straightened and brushed orange hair off his sweater. He looked around for the two women, but they had taken advantage of the commotion to leave. He felt a pang of regret, both for his rude comments and for the fact that he hadn't been able to apologize. Well, it was done with. He would probably never see her again anyway...

Chapter 3

Posted on Monday, 28 October 2002, at 4:42 p.m.

It took Lizzy the better part of lunch to stop fuming at Darcy's disparaging words. Jane watched sympathetically as Lizzy bit angrily into her French fries.

"Rude and immature!" muttered Lizzy, glaring at her plate. "How dare he? If I could get my hands on him...!"

"Who's rude and immature, Lizzy?" Jane asked gently, surreptitiously removing the knife from within her friend's reach.

"I am, according to Mr. High-and-Mighty!" Lizzy exclaimed, eyes flashing. "Apparently the Bennet clinic isn't good enough for him to bring his precious business to! Especially not when IMMATURE people like me work there!"

"You must have misinterpreted what he said," soothed Jane, always ready to see the best in people.

"Oh, no, Jane, I was right there! I was trying to get Kitty out from behind the filing cabinet, and I heard every word! He said I was rude and immature, and that the clinic was hardly good enough for him!" Lizzy bit into another French fry, frowning.

"Maybe he was having a bad day," persisted Jane. She held up a finger to forestall Lizzy's angry retort. "That's enough, there's no point in staying angry about it! Let's talk about something else. Come on, I'll buy dessert! Hot fudge sundaes, your favorite!"

Lizzy relented. There was no use in pursuing the matter, especially with the prospect of chocolate on the horizon. She turned her mind to other matters...

"So, Jane," she teased as the sundaes arrived, "Aren't you going to ask me about 'Charles, I'm Charles, yes Charles' Bingley?"

Jane blushed. "What am I supposed to ask?" she said demurely.

"Nothing in particular... perhaps you want to know why he was acting like a smitten schoolboy from the moment you walked in?" Lizzy dug into her hot fudge with a wicked grin. "Perhaps you'd like to know if he's dating anyone right now? Or perhaps you're merely curious as to whether his taste in people is better than his taste in neon-hued poodles?"

Jane giggled, and acquiesced. "All right, all right, I admit I'm curious! You have to admit he's cute!"

"I admit it. And in answer to the questions you're too shy to ask, he's single, he's been bringing his dog in for about 6 months now, and he seems like a really nice guy." Lizzy and Jane shared a smile. "Oh, but he has one terrible, deep, dark secret..." Lizzy whispered mysteriously.

Jane's eyes widened, and Lizzy beckoned for her to lean closer as she said in a low, spooky voice, "He has... terrible handwriting!"

Both girls sat back, laughing. "It's true, though!" Lizzy gasped. "He sent a Christmas card to the clinic last season, and we could hardly read it! The only reason we could tell it was his was that he's included a picture of Caroline in the envelope! She was actually cute back then, you know!"

"I think she's nice looking now," offered Jane. "Or she would be if she weren't orange..."

The rest of their dessert was consumed over a lively conversation comparing the relative merits of orange and the rest of the neon spectrum as shades for dogs.

Lizzy was in a much better mood when she returned to the clinic after lunch. She nodded a greeting to Charlotte and went back to find her father. "Hey, Dad! How's this afternoon looking for schedules?"

Dr. Bennet looked up from the chart he was studying. "Hello, Lizzy! Pretty good, we only have a few appointments, nothing major. We still on for dinner tonight?" It was another one of their traditions to have dinner together on Wednesday nights at the family house. Lizzy had moved into her own apartment two years ago, but father and daughter still managed to find time for dinner once a week.

"Of course! I already picked up supplies for lasagna! My turn to cook tonight, remember?" Lizzy picked up a chart and headed towards her office. "I've got a few errands to run after closing, and I'll see you at seven!"

The rest of the day passed rather uneventfully, and seven o'clock found Lizzy on her father's doorstep with a grocery bag full of food. She braced the bag against her hip and balanced it precariously against the door to free up a hand to reach the doorbell.

DING-DONG!!!

YAPYAPYAPYAPYAPYAPYAPYAP!!!!!! The furious barking from inside startled Lizzy so badly that she jumped back, forgetting the dangerously insecure grocery bag, which fell to the porch with a crash. Lizzy swore creatively as she knelt to gather her spilled groceries, which were spread over the entire porch.

The shrill yapping continued unabated as Dr. Bennet came to open the door and help his daughter. "Lizzy! What happened?" he exclaimed, stepping onto the porch.

"Dad, watch out for-" But it was too late. The tiny terrier had already slipped past Dr. Bennet and was now bouncing around Lizzy, barking its silly head off. She tried to ignore it, but the increasing volume of its incessant yapping was starting to give her a headache. Doggedly (no pun intended), she gathered up the last of her tomatoes, which had rolled into the far corner of the porch, and went inside, shutting the door firmly behind her. Unfortunately, it did nothing to deaden the noise from outside.

"I'm sorry, Lizzy, I'd forgotten about Frances." Her father smiled sympathetically. "You know how she gets when you come over."

"How could I forget?" Lizzy asked, sighing. Her father had had the anxiety-causing terrier for several years now, ever since Lizzy had gone off to college. He'd thought that having a dog would be calming, but unfortunately Frances had proved to be anything but a soothing influence. She seemed to have a particular affection (or was it just disapproval?) for Lizzy, and thus Wednesday night dinners were rarely quiet affairs.

"Her nerves have been especially bad lately," said Dr. Bennet, by way of explanation. "She'll quiet down soon."

"Dad, her nerves have been 'especially bad' for years now!" Lizzy said with exasperation. "Honestly, you're a vet, you should be able to do something!" But she knew nothing would help. The little dog had been allowed to go on like this for too long, and her father did have a soft spot for the terrier. No, it seemed she was doomed to put up with Frances' shrill voice once a week...

She spread her supplies out on the counter and began to slice tomatoes for sauce. Dr. Bennet washed his hands and started to grate the cheese. Lasagna was a favorite recipe for both father and daughter, and they soon fell into the familiar routine of slicing, mixing, and layering. Soon the pan was baking in the oven, and the warm smell of tomatoes, cheese, and basil permeated the house.

Relaxing on the couch with a pre-dinner glass of wine, Lizzy settled down to enjoy her evening. "So, Dad, how are you coming along on the book?" The two of them never "talked shop" on Wednesday nights-instead, they usually talked about the books they'd read, or the people they'd met (and been amused by).

"Almost finished reading it, Lizzy, then you can have it back." Her father replied, settling into his favorite armchair.

"How are you liking it? I know Jane Austen isn't usually your style, but this one is one of my all-time favorites."

"Oh, I know," said Dr. Bennet, grinning. "Don't think I haven't seen the 'Pride and Prejudice' video set on top of your television! Though somehow I think your liking for the movie has less to do with Ms. Austen's writing and more to do with Mr. Firth's wet shirt!"

"Dad!" Lizzy exclaimed, red with embarrassment. He laughed at her, she pretended to throw a pillow at him, and the rest of the evening's merriment was broken only by occasional bursts of yapping from the porch.

Chapter 4

Posted on Friday, 14 March 2003, at 3:09 a.m.

"Oh, Lizzy, I just can't decide what to wear tonight!" Jane frowned at her reflection in the mirror as she gazed critically at the fourth outfit she'd tried on.

"Jane, what you have on is fine," Lizzy comforted, her tone more than a little exasperated. "In fact, what you had on before that was fine! And before that. And before that..." She gave her friend an impudent grin and was happy to see Jane return her smile. "You know that Charles hardly notices what you wear anyway-he's so captivated by the rest of you that he doesn't have time to look at your clothes! I don't see why you bother!"

"I know I shouldn't worry, it's not like it's our first date or anything, but I just can't help being nervous!" She smoothed down her floral skirt and frowned again. "Do you think I should iron this again? Because I don't want Charles to--"

"Stop!" Lizzy laughed, forcing Jane's hands to her sides. "Your skirt is fine. You look lovely. You have nothing to worry about! Can you seriously believe he'll let your skirt make a difference in how he feels about you? Look around you, Jane!" And she waved her arm expansively about the room, indicating the multiple bouquets adorning every horizontal surface.

Jane's expression softened, and she smiled. "He's sweet, isn't he?" She crossed the bedroom to the bouquet that had arrived just that afternoon-a tasteful array of lilies and delicate ferns-and read the attached card for the third time that evening. "To my Angel-these always remind me of the first time I saw you. Not that I could ever forget the day my life changed forever... Yours, Charles." She sighed happily, and Lizzy followed suit, happy for her.

"I still don't see how he manages to order flowers from your shop every day, and have them delivered here, all without your knowing about it! It's been a month, after all!"

Jane shook her head wonderingly. "I don't know, really! I'm always at the shop, and I never see anything out of the ordinary, but every night another bouquet arrives, and it's definitely from 'Gardiner's of Eden'! I even recognize the ribbons!"

"I guess it'll always be a mystery," Lizzy said, smiling to herself as she thought of the daily calls she made on Charles' behalf to Jane's Aunt Maddie at the flower shop. "So, where are you two going tonight?"

"He won't tell me, only that it's something special, since he has to go out of town tomorrow and we won't see each other for a few days. Something about Caroline's being in a dog show, now that the orange has worn off."

Lizzy made a face. "I will never understand why he has that poodle-it doesn't seem to like anyone, not even him!"

"You forgot William Darcy," Jane reminded her with a wicked grin. "Or did you?"

"Jane!" Lizzy exclaimed hotly, putting her hands on her hips. "I don't see why you keep bringing... that man... up! You know very well that we don't get along!"

"You're blushing!" Jane teased, mirroring Lizzy's pose. "He asked about you again, you know! Charles said so!"

"Honestly! It was probably just to find out what new problems I've been having in our 'tiny little clinic'!" Lizzy crossed her arms firmly, and turned away.

Jane kept silent, since Lizzy's assessment of William's interest was unfortunately correct. She believed his exact words had been "Has Ms. Bennet managed to get her guinea pigs under control yet?" Still, perhaps he'd just been searching for a way to bring up a more complimentary topic...

* * * *

"Darcy, you must help me-I can't decide what to wear tonight!" Charles turned away from the mirror in exasperation, flinging a crumpled tie onto a nearby chair and running his hands through his hair.

"Charles, what you have on is fine," Darcy said absent-mindedly, picking up the tie and hanging it in the closet with the half-dozen other discarded ties. "In fact, what you had on before that was fine. Besides, I hardly think that she'll notice what you're wearing anyway, so long as you're presentable! I don't see why you bother!"

"I know, I know, it's not like we haven't been dating for a while, but I'm nervous! Haven't you ever been nervous about a date?" He gave his friend a winning smile.

"No." Darcy said shortly. "I don't see why I should be nervous for what is most likely to be an evening filled with tedious small talk and failed attempts to find something we truly have in common." As opposed to her pretending to like whatever I like...

"You've obviously never been in love with someone as wonderful as Jane..." Charles said with a sigh, turning back to the mirror. He tweaked his collar and frowned. "Do you think I should iron this again? Because I don't want Jane to--"

"Stop!" Darcy barked, startled at his friend's words. Did he say "love"? He can't mean it, he hardly knows her... Noting Charles' surprise at his outburst, he modified his tone. "Your shirt is fine. She's a reasonable woman, she won't let your collar outweigh everything else you've given her. All those flowers, for instance... where are you getting them, anyway?"

Charles turned to face him. "It's not a matter of being reasonable or not-this isn't a business transaction, Darcy, this is love!"

There was that word again. How could Charles be so sure he wouldn't get hurt? How could he risk it? "Charles-" Darcy began...

"And I get the flowers at Gardiner's of Eden, of course!" Charles continued happily. "Isn't it a great idea how I can..."

Gardiner's of Eden? The shop where she worked? Darcy's mind worked furiously as Charles babbled on about the flowers and how surprised Jane was, etc., etc. It's all becoming clear now-Jane doesn't really care about Charles, she's just being nice to a man who's becoming a very good customer. And what if it's more than just "being nice"? What if she's encouraging him on purpose...? To get more business? Wait, no, I can't jump to conclusions... I'll have to wait and see... be objective...

"... give it to her when I get back! So what do you think?" Charles finished, looking at Darcy expectantly.

"Hmm?" Darcy blinked, startled out of his distraction. "Um, I think that's... great. Right. But, uh... something you should give serious thought to before you rush into anything." There, that should cover it until I figure out what I just gave my advice about.

"Great!" Charles replied, practically bouncing with excitement. Knotting his tie with a flourish, he gave one last brush to his hair and picked up his jacket. "I think I'm ready to go! I'm picking her up at eight."

"Where are you picking her up?" Darcy asked, surprised to hear the words come out of his own mouth.

"At her place, of course," Charles replied. He gave Darcy a curious look. "Why?"

"Nothing-I just thought... that maybe... she might be at..." Darcy had a hard time coming to the point, and Charles had no mercy on him.

"You mean, she might be at Lizzy Bennet's?" He grinned at Darcy's discomfort and watched the blood rise to his cheeks with embarassment. "Darcy," he prodded, "why would you care? Is there something you want to tell me about? Hmmm?"

"Charles!" Darcy exclaimed haughtily, raising his chin. "I don't see why you keep bringing up the topic of Lizz-Ms. Bennet! You know very well that we don't get along!" Not that I wouldn't mind trying...

"You're blushing," Charles pointed out. "Jane says Lizzy does that too whenever your name comes up."

Really? Maybe she doesn't hate me after all... But no, it's not worth the risk of getting hurt. "Honestly! She probably just doesn't like being teased by both of you about something completely unfounded... which is the way I feel about it as well," he said pointedly, crossing his arms.

Charles kept silent, knowing that Darcy was, in all probability, correct. Still, the two of them were so well suited for each other, if only they'd see it... He just wanted Darcy to be as happy as he was with Jane. Jane. My angel. He sighed, smiling at the thought of the ring he was picking up in town to give her when he got back. Darcy's love life could wait for the moment... and besides, it wasn't his place to interfere in Darcy's romantic problems. Whatever made Darcy happy was good enough for Charles-after all, that was how friendship worked, wasn't it?

Chapter 5

Madeline Gardiner was an observant woman, and in spite of her niece's serene façade, she could see that Jane was not happy. She placed an elegant centerpiece of peonies and chrysanthemums on the table, and joined Jane in arranging a floral swag for the staircase.

"Are you quite sure you're all right, dear?" she asked gently. Jane looked up at her, trying to smile, and nodded.

"I'm fine, Aunt Maddie. Just a little tired, that's all." She went back to focusing on the flowers, willing herself not to cry. She and her aunt had been at Charles Bingley's townhouse for over three hours, setting up floral decorations for the party he was hosting for his business associates, and he hadn't even come down to say hello! She didn't understand his behavior-everything had been so perfect before he left that weekend, but since he'd returned from the dog show, he hadn't even called once. It was as if he'd forgotten her...

"I shouldn't have asked you to come, Jane, I'm sorry." Maddie put a comforting hand on her shoulder, brow crinkling in concern. "But your uncle couldn't-"

"I know," Jane interrupted. Looking up to see her aunt's face, she sighed and tried to assuage the unhappiness she saw there. I can't let my problems worry her... She tried to sound natural. "It's all right, really. I have no one to blame but myself. I was obviously mistaken in his feelings for me-it had only been a month, I was wrong to have thought-" she broke off, unable to continue her sentence without bursting into tears. Calm down, breathe deeply, no sense in making Aunt Maddie feel bad-she doesn't deserve to be unhappy just because of me... She gave her aunt a tremulous smile. "I just hope that he has a nice time at his party tonight, and that he enjoys the flowers we worked so hard on."

Maddie wasn't fooled. If only she could get Jane to admit how she felt- then she could be of some comfort. But at the moment she could do nothing but stand by and watch her poor niece suffer. How she wished she could turn back time! If she'd had any way of knowing when Charles Bingley had first hired Gardiner's of Eden to provide flowers for his party, just before he'd left, that things would turn out so badly between him and Jane, she never would have accepted. Now she was stuck, with Jane, in Mr. Bingley's own house, and he didn't even have the decency to come down and make polite conversation...

* * * * * "No, Bingley, I'm sure everything's going according to plan. You do not need to go down there and supervise everything personally!" Darcy rolled his eyes in exasperation as Charles fretted over party preparations yet again. The once-orange poodle was just as bad, practically bouncing off the walls with tension. That is, when it wasn't trying to lick his brand-new shoes...

"But Darcy, what if the rooms are too cold? I wouldn't want my guests to take a chill! What if the soup is too hot? I don't want anyone to burn themselves!" Charles paced back and forth in his shirt-sleeves, cuffs undone and collar loose. "What if there aren't enough coat-hooks? What if someone is allergic to the flowers? What if-"

"Bingley!" Darcy exclaimed. "Calm down, man! You have a very competent staff, I'm sure the party will go off without a hitch." Whew, that comment about flowers was too close for comfort. If he knew Jane was downstairs... "I think you should just settle down, finish getting dressed, and wait for your guests to arrive before going downs. You don't want to make your staff feel like you don't trust them, do you?" He thought that last idea would clinch it, and breathed a sigh or relief as he saw Charles relax in agreement.

"I don't even know why I'm throwing this party, Darcy," Charles said dejectedly, collapsing into his armchair and sighing heavily. Caroline padded over to him, nosing his hand in curiosity. Charles idly patted her on the head, and she went back over to Darcy, having done her duty as a "comforting companion" for the day. She settled down at his feet and began to inspect the nails on her front foot.

Charles ran his hand through his hair and sighed again. "I don't even like half of these people-the only thing that was supposed to make tonight tolerable was..." Jane. He had hoped when he'd planned the party that she'd attend with him, be his hostess. Maybe even his-but no, no reason to keep dwelling on what would never work. He'd obviously been mistaken in her feelings for him...

Darcy could see the way his friend's thoughts were tending, and felt a pang of guilt. No, I did the right thing. He would only have gotten hurt once he found out that Jane was just using him to increase business. Just look at how she got him to hire the florists to decorate for his party! I can't let him get his heart broken. "You'll get through tonight, Bingley. I'm sure you'll find someone you can talk to-after all, your sister isn't entirely inept at inviting, er... interesting guests."

Charles's snort was about as close to derisive as Darcy had ever heard him be. "Louisa's idea of 'interesting' is anyone who will listen to her gush about her precious 'baby' Gilroy! How anyone could put up with that creature is beyond me!"

"She didn't bring him along tonight, did she?" Darcy asked, looking around worriedly. "You know how he gets into things, and she'll never let him be shut up in a room somewhere-remember the last time he wandered into the dining room and fell asleep while stealing table scraps?"

"Don't remind me!" Charles groaned, troubles about Jane forgotten for the moment. "But no, I told her she couldn't bring him tonight or I'd lock him in the broom closet. Hopefully that'll work."

Darcy nodded, relieved, and checked his watch. "Charles, you'd better hurry up and finish getting dressed, or you'll be late to your own party. Here, wear these-" he handed his friend a pair of silver cufflinks and a silk tie-"and I'll meet you downstairs. No, don't worry," he said in response to Bingley's unspoken question, "I'll make sure everything is ready in the main hall." And make sure that Jane and the Gardiners are out of sight by the time he gets downstairs. A meeting could be disastrous!

He walked briskly down the hall, straightening his already impeccable jacket, I'll need to check on the caterers, make sure there's plenty of wine-God knows I'll need it with this crowd-and maybe I should see if there are enough coat-hooks? Darcy chucked to himself. "I'm getting as bad as Bingley! Next thing you know I'll be talking to my-oh, no." He stopped short and blinked, hoping he was hallucinating, but no, there he was.

Gilroy, Louisa's precious pot-bellied pig, asleep next to an overturned decanter of forty-year-old brandy-how did he get into it in the first place?-snoring loudly. Darcy sighed. It's going to be a long night...

Chapter 6

Posted on Thursday, 20 March 2003, at 12:33 p.m.

Ring! Ring!

"Kitty! You come out of there!" Lizzy peered behind the filing cabinet, trying to glimpse the guinea pig that had just darted behind it.

Ring! Ring!

"No! Lydia, get back here!" She turned just in time to see the second guinea pig bolt for the hallway.

Ring! Ring!

"Dad!" she bellowed, lunging for Lydia before she could get away, "Can you give me some help up here?! And can someone please answer the damned pho-"

Ring! Ri- "Hello, Bennet Veterinary Clinic, how may I help you?" Charlotte came out of the back office and calmly picked up the phone. She listened for a moment to the loud voice on the other end, holding it away from her ear, and offered it to Lizzy, shaking her head ruefully. "It's for you."

"Elizabeth Bennet speaking," Lizzy said, her hands full of struggling guinea pig. She shifted the receiver to her other shoulder, attempting to set Lydia down in a spot where she would be temporarily out of trouble.

"Miss Bennet! I demand that you come take a look at my precious Anne!" Lady Catherine screeched, as Lizzy winced at the volume. "She hasn't eaten properly for a week, and has been nibbling on all of the branches of my prize topiaries!" In the background, Lizzy could hear muffled squawks that could only be from Collins. "Awwwk! Olive branches! Awwwk!"

"It's Doctor Bennet, Lady Catherine. And we'd be happy to look at Anne again," Lizzy said patiently. "There's an appointment slot free-um..." She flipped quickly through the appointment book, "...this afternoon at three. If you'd like, we could-"

"Miss Bennet! I refuse to take my Anne out in this weather! Her health would never permit such a thing." Lizzy looked out the window at the beautiful sunny day and rolled her eyes as Collins recited "Never permit such a thing! Awwwk!"

"Well, I don't know what I can do over the phone, Catherine," she said, purposely omitting the title and counting to ten to keep from losing her temper. If that woman tries to get me to come to her house again...

"I have a wonderful idea, Miss-Dr. Bennet," Lady Catherine corrected herself and continued. "Why don't you come here and look at Anne in her natural environment? She has a favorite spot on one of the shelves in the closet-she'll feel more comfortable there than in some sterile exam room, of course."

"No, Lady Catherine, I'm afraid I just can't-" Lizzy sighed, trying to be heard over Collins' "Awwk! Shelves in the closet!" She reached for Lydia, who was sniffing interestedly at the phone cord. "Lydia, don't chew on that! No, you-Ouch!" Lizzy dropped the recalcitrant guinea pig and it scuttled away, leaving an angry Lizzy rubbing the bite on her index finger. Ooh, I'll get that brat-no sunflower seeds for the next week! No, the next month! Maybe even-

"Good, it's settled, then!" Lady Catherine pronounced, voice brimming with self-satisfaction. Lizzy came back to herself with a start. Oh, no, what did she just say? Did I agree to something? Wait, she's still talking... "I'll expect you at two o'clock-you have no prior engagements, I assume? " Lady Catherine asked, not really waiting for an answer. With a final "Prior engagments! Awwwwk!" from Collins, she hung up.

Lizzy sat back, staring in bewilderment at Charlotte, who had just captured Lydia and dumped her unceremoniously back in the cage. "I just agreed to do a house call on Lady Catherine. How did that happen?"

"She has a way of doing that, doesn't she?" Charlotte laughed. "Don't worry, it can't be that bad! Just tune her out, smile, nod, and take some of these bunny treats for Anne-she never gets proper food over there."

"Good idea," Lizzy replied with a sigh, heading back to the office to let her father gloat over the fact that it wasn't him making the trip to Lady Catherine's. "I suppose it serves me right for actually taking the time to plot revenge against a guinea pig." And she shot Lydia a withering look as she passed the cage. Lydia just munched on Mary's sunflower seeds, oblivious as usual to the trouble she'd caused.

"Dad?" Lizzy called out as she entered the office, "You're going to owe me big for this one..."

* * * * *

Lizzy stood uncomfortably in the grand foyer of Lady Catherine's even grander house. She'd been waiting for almost ten minutes after having been shown in by a butler-why am I not surprised that it's a different butler than the one from last time?-and so far there was no sign of Lady Catherine, Anne, or even Collins. Finally, she heard footsteps approaching.

"Ah, you're here!" Lady Catherine made her entrance at last, stepping briskly across the polished marble floor. "I've just been collecting Anne's medications to show you, and it took longer than expected. Please, come into the parlor..."

Said the spider to the fly, Lizzy thought darkly, but followed her into the parlor and over to a china closet. There, huddled in a corner, was the small white bunny. Lizzy reached out a careful hand and gathered Anne to her chest. "There, there, sweetie, it's okay. I won't hurt you," she soothed, trying to calm the rabbit's shivering.

"Be careful not to disturb those figurines," Lady Catherine ordered, pointing to Lizzy's sleeve as it brushed some delicate carvings on the shelf. "They are extremely expensive ornaments from London, and I prefer that they be displayed in the brightest light possible."

"Awwwk! Brightest ornaments! Awwwk!" screeched Collins, waddling into the room as Anne cringed at the sound. Sensitive to the poor bunny's fears, Lizzy turned on Collins, shushing him in a low but furious voice.

"You get out of here and stop bothering her, you greasy little-" and she shooed him further away with her foot. Squawking at the indignity, Collins scooted out of the way, flapping his wings and flying clumsily out of the room.

"Now," Lizzy began, addressing Lady Catherine, who was holding a large basket full of various medications, "We need to talk about Anne's problem. She's obviously under a lot of stress, probably caused by-"

"Well, I don't see why!" Lady Catherine interrupted. "She's on two different stress medications! I am most displeased, indeed!"

"Indeed," said a voice behind Lizzy, and she felt a wave of irritation at that blasted parrot. She turned on him once again, exclaiming,

"Why can't you just leave her alone, you annoying little-" Oops. It's not Collins. I can't believe this is happening...

"Annoying little--?" Mr. Darcy raised an amused eyebrow at her abrupt silence. "Perhaps you'd care to finish that sentence?"

Chapter 7

Posted on Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 1:01 p.m.

Lizzy's mouth dropped open in shock as she was confronted with the wryly grinning face of William Darcy. "Um, well... I didn't mean..." She stammered, flushing from embarrassment... and was there something else? Drat that man! What was he doing, sneaking up on me like that? And why can't I think of anything to say?

Darcy just stood there, smiling at the charming picture she presented. Cheeks flushed, she was unconsciously stroking the now-calm bunny in her arms, and she was looking at him with less dislike than she ever had before. Granted, that was probably due to her confusion, but he'd take what he could get.

To Lizzy, the silence seemed to drag on and on... Why is he still standing there? Oh, I'd even appreciate Collins at this point-anything to distract us! Just as it looked as though the two of them would stand there looking at each other forever, a dreadful racket was heard in the hall.

A relieved Lizzy dashed around the corner (quite ignoring Lady Catherine, who was preoccupied with arranging Anne's medicine bottles in alphabetical order) to see what was the matter, followed by Darcy. Seeing the altercation in the hall, both took an involuntary step back.

A whirlwind of ginger-colored fur and oily green feathers was hissing, squawking, and snarling, wielding beak, claws, and teeth with reckless abandon! As the cacophony rose to a peak and the fur (and feathers) really started to fly, Lizzy could just make out a set of flashing claws taking a swipe at a gaudy red-feathered tail. An injured squawk rang out, and the two combatants separated, one with a victorious hiss, the other with a petulant "Awwwk!"

The ginger-colored tomcat sauntered over to Lizzy, regarding her with an insolent stare as it stopped directly at her feet and presented her with an oily red tail-feather. Lizzy stifled a giggle as the cat sent a final, contemptuous glance in Collins' direction and sat down to smooth out his ruffled fur.

"Dr. Bennet," Darcy said dryly from his place behind her, "This is Fitzwilliam."

"Miss Bennet! William!" Lady Catherine called stridently, bustling into the hall as an aggrieved Collins waddled towards the relative safety of her skirts, "What you mean by running off like-oh, it's that creature." Her nose wrinkled with distaste, and she waved a dismissive hand towards the unconcerned cat.

"Fitzwilliam?" Lizzy asked inquisitively, half to Darcy and half to Lady Catherine.

"I will never understand why you persist in referring to it by that name, William," Lady Catherine huffed. "He is hardly worthy of it."

"Aunt Catherine, you were the one who insisted on naming him Fitzwilliam in the first place-it's not his fault the name stuck." Darcy said with an impish smile. He turned to Lizzy to explain. "Fitzwilliam here first showed up as a kitten a few years ago-"

"He was much better-behaved then," Lady Catherine interjected.

"Yes, well, suffice it to say that he charmed his way into the kitchen staff's hearts. He got to be a regular fixture around here-even Aunt Catherine liked him."

"Again, he was a well-mannered cat at the time. He knew his place." Lady Catherine said firmly. Darcy caught Lizzy's eye, and the corners of his lips quirked almost conspiratorially. She almost liked him at that moment.

"In any case," Darcy continued, "he unfortunately began to display... shall we say, certain social tendencies-"

"We were overrun with kittens!" Lady Catherine burst out indignantly. "Ginger-colored kittens!" She seemed personally affronted.

"Yes, well... his, er, relationships were rather.., productive." Again, Lizzy and Darcy exchanged a glance, and she felt herself blushing hotly. Flustered, she bent down to pat Fitzwilliam on the head. He started purring, immensely proud of himself for having caught her attention once more.

Darcy stifled a flash of jealousy, and turned away abruptly to study a nearby window. Don't be silly, she doesn't even like you... you don't need her anyway... He found it difficult to concentrate on the scenery outside with her so close-by.

Her eye falling on the bunny still snuggled in the crook of Lizzy's arm, Lady Catherine addressed her loudly. "Miss Bennet, what exactly do you plan to do for my precious Anne? As you can see, she is not in good health!" Her tone seemed to imply that it was all Lizzy's fault. Taking a deep breath, Lizzy answered in a quiet voice.

"Lady Catherine, there is only one thing that Anne really needs-" and she held up a forestalling hand, anticipating the flood of suggestions for new medications-"She needs fresh air and food, and no more medicines." This time it was Lady Catherine's turn to stare silently in shock. Darcy started to watch out of the corner of his eye, interested in spite of himself. Unfortunately, the respite lasted only a few seconds.

"You can't mean--! That's ridiculous! She could never--! How could you think--! I've had the best-she needs special--! Anne is--!" Collins bounced excitedly in the background. Probably trying to decide which of her words to repeat, Lizzy thought cynically. (in reality he was merely eyeing her chest with interest, trying to get a better viewpoint)

"Fresh air, fresh food, and no more medicines," Lizzy said again, with finality, interrupting Lady Catherine's tirade. "You have been subjecting this rabbit to extreme levels of stress, with your special diets, and your trunkload of medications, and refusing to let her move, and now that thing to squawk constantly and harass her!" She shot the parrot a scornful glare, her voice getting more impassioned. "It's amazing that Anne's managed to stay this healthy, with all of your meddling! I must insist that you follow my medical advice, Lady Catherine, and if you don't, I may have to have her removed!" Her eyes flashed in anger, and she tightened her arms around the bunny she held. Lady Catherine continued to stare, openmouthed, as Lizzy's chin came up. "And it's Doctor Bennet, if you'd be so kind as to remember," she said sweetly.

Darcy almost laughed aloud at the dumbfounded expression on his aunt's face. That was magnificent! He spent a few moments admiring her eyes, practically shooting sparks at Lady Catherine. If she's this amazing when she's angry, just think about what she'd be like when-he caught himself. What am I doing, thinking about her like that? This is dangerous... Okay, Darcy, you need to pull yourself together. Think about something else. Something not exciting. Ah, Aunt Catherine. That's good. He schooled his expression, and watched as his aunt sputtered a few seconds at Lizzy's sheer impertinence before trying to gather her dignity.

"Of course, Dr. Bennet, I only have Anne's best interests in mind. I give you my permission to try your... unorthodox methods. But only for a short while," she said quickly. "If I see no improvement, I must insist that..."

Lizzy tuned out Lady Catherine's voice, satisfied that at least Anne would get better care, even if Lizzy had to put up with Lady Catherine's "permission." She concentrated on the small rabbit, and stroked her gently. There, there, sweetie-you'll be fine soon...

She heard Darcy clear his throat, and looked up at him. Lady Catherine was regarding her expectantly, and Lizzy had no clue what she'd just been saying. She raised an eyebrow at Darcy, and saw his expression change ever so slightly. What is he thinking? Probably something about how I should show more respect to his aunt... though he did seem almost nice earlier... He's so confusing! I wish he'd show some sign! She started guiltily as she realized she still hadn't answered whatever question Lady Catherine had asked of her.

Darcy cleared his throat again, expression unreadable. "Dr. Bennet, perhaps you'd like me to show you to the best spot in the garden-for that rabbit hutch my aunt just mentioned?" He couldn't believe he'd just done that-- not that he'd helped Lizzy (for that was how he'd come to think of her recently... and constantly), but that he'd volunteered to be alone with her. I know this is a bad idea, but I just can't help it-she's so, so... herself. I'm in way too deep here...

Grateful for the hint, Lizzy accepted Darcy's suggestion. He extended his arm to her rather stiffly, but she ignored it. There he goes again, being scrupulously polite but still as distant as ever. She still couldn't tell what was motivating him. He seemed outwardly helpful, but the flashes of humor she'd seen earlier were gone, leaving only the formal, distant, slightly mocking Darcy she'd come to expect. I should have known better than to think he'd change. I wish he'd just leave me alone-him and his dimples. Wait, dimples? Ugh, never mind...

For his part, Darcy had come to a decision. I can't do this anymore. I know she's all wrong for me, but I can't stand this tension. She's got to know what she does to me-I'm just going to get it over with and succumb. Then maybe I'll get her out of my system. Yes, that's got to work...

Side by side, carefully not touching, the two of them made their way into the garden, followed by the jaunty form of the tomcat Fitzwilliam.

Chapter 8

Posted on Thursday, 24 April 2003, at 12:15 p.m.

"It's a very nice day," Darcy said stiffly, looking straight ahead of him as they walked down the carefully manicured path.

"Very nice," Lizzy said, equally stiff. Great, we're talking about the weather. What's next, my health?

"I, er... hope it stays sunny. The flowers appear to their best advantage when it's sunny out." Dear god, did I just say that? How pompous must I sound? Say something else-ask her opinion! "Unless, of course, you prefer, um, fewer flowers..." Fewer flowers? What did I say that for? "If you have, er, allergies or something." Great, now I'm talking about allergies... wait, my mouth is still running... what did I just say? "... hate it when my nose gets all stuffed up, or when my eyes get red and itchy and watery..." Shut up! Shut up now, Darcy! "But I'm sure you don't have that problem..." That's good, nice save... "I was just saying that because some people, um, don't do well with... er, spring,, and, er, pollen..." You almost sound coherent now... whew! Now make some real small talk-who do you both know? "I mean, I know Charles's poodle Caroline sneezes all the time in spring--" I just compared her to a poodle. Can this conversation get any worse? I can't look at her, it's too embarrassing. She must be laughing at me-I"ll bet those eyes are sparkling-okay, maybe I'll take just a tiny look...

Lizzy was indeed trying not to laugh, and her eyes glinted with amusement as she watched his furious attempts to compose himself during his flustered monologue. She decided to put him out of his misery for the moment.

"Many pets develop sensitivities to certain types of plants in the spring-I'm not surprised that Caroline has that problem." She looked at him calmly, betraying no sign that she had just been on the verge of hysterical laughter at his "red and itchy and watery" comment.

Darcy smiled in relief, flashing his dimples for a moment. "I'm not surprised either, given her sensitivity to certain color-changing foods."

Remembering the garish orange hue that Caroline had so recently sported, Lizzy smiled back at him, telling herself firmly that it was not a reaction to those gorgeous dimples. "Charles puts up with her amazingly well-he really is a wonderful pet owner."

"Yes, he is. Though at times he's too easy-going. Caroline can manipulate him so easily. He gives in to every little whim of hers." He does that with everyone, actually... Darcy thought, frowning slightly to himself.

"Oh, but being so amiable can be a good thing sometimes" Lizzy said, looking at his serious face. "For example, it makes him a much better client, since he'll always follow my medical advice for Caroline."

Darcy barely heard her, so wrapped up was he in ruminating on Charles's susceptibility to others. "Yes, well, Charles has always been a sucker for a pretty face," he said absently. Like with Jane. He had had no idea she was just using him...

Lizzy was incensed. He thinks that's all I am? A pretty face? He has no respect for me as a veterinarian! Or for Charles's intelligence! Ooh, that arrogant jerk! "You don't think Charles is capable of making decisions?" she asked in a deceptively calm tone.

"He doesn't always make the right ones," Darcy replied, reasonably. "I have to bail him out sometimes-that's what friends are for."

Lizzy stood still, mind working furiously. Bailing Charles out... pretty face... he's talking about Jane, isn't he? He's the reason Charles stopped calling her! I can't believe he had the gall to do that! What right did he have...?!? "Are you saying you're a better judge than he is? You've never been influenced by beauty, for instance?"

Darcy looked over at her, seeing a familiar sparkle in her eyes, unfortunately failing to realize that the familiarity was from their first, less than amiable, meeting. She's flirting with me! She knows how attractive I find her... "Of course, anyone can be swayed temporarily by exceptional beauty. But it has to be backed up by intelligence and real emotional depth, which are both rare and precious." He hoped she understood his message-She's got the whole package: brains, beauty, and feeling. And she knows it. And she knows I know it. And I know she knows... whatever. I just want to see her smile at me again right now.

But Lizzy wasn't smiling. Rare? Jane has all those qualities, you idiot! How could you think she's not good enough for Charles? "You don't know anyone who combines all your requirements?" she said, lifting an eyebrow, challenging him to admit that Jane did, in fact, embody his standard.

She's challenging me! She's enchanting... "Well, maybe a few," he said, smiling down at her. "Though I can't always tell about the 'feeling' part. Sometimes a man needs specific signs to know when a woman really cares about him..." There, maybe that'll get her to admit she likes me. I'm giving you an opening, Lizzy, please take it...

"Oh? Like what?" Lizzy asked disbelievingly. What else could Jane have done to convince you-not that you had any right to have to be convinced-that she really cared about Charles? "Smiling? Being eager to spend time with a person? Having her eyes light up when he walks into a room?" She talked faster as she listed all the things she had seen Jane do with Charles. How could he not have seen it?

Darcy's grin grew wider as he ticked off each of her listed items as things she'd done around him. She's describing herself to a T-okay, this is enough, I can't keep up this banter. Let's get it all out into the open and end this little game.

"Fine, Elizabeth," he said, turning to face her and grinning wickedly. "You win. Would you go out with me tonight?" Without waiting for an answer, he swept her into his arms and kissed her, sure of the welcome he would receive.

SLAP!

"How dare you?!?" Elizabeth screeched, furious. "What did you do that for, you... you... arrogant, presumptuous, bastard!" Eyes flashing, she planted her fists on her hips and faced him.

"What do you mean, what did I do that for?" Darcy sputtered. "You wanted me to!"

"I WHAT? How could you even think that? After what you did, after what you said?!?!"

"What? What did I do?" Darcy said confusedly, still feeling the impact of her palm on his cheek while noting that her anger was giving her face a most attractive flush.

"You insulted my abilities. You insulted my clinic. You insulted my friend Jane. You interfered with her life, and Charles's life, and now you're interfering with mine! And you ask what you did! You're a complete-you're no gentleman!" Lizzy clamped her lips shut to keep from swearing at him.

Darcy drew himself up stiffly as it finally dawned on him that she was serious. "I apologize," he said in his most formal tones. "If I have done anything to offend you, be assured that it was most unintentional. If you'll excuse me, I believe I am needed elsewhere." He turned on his heel and strode swiftly away.

Lizzy stood there, dazed at what had just occurred. Will Darcy had asked her out! But Will had insulted her intelligence! He had kissed her! But he had separated Charles and Jane! She didn't know whether to shout, or to cry. She settled for some shaky laughter that verged on the hysterical. Feeling weak at the knees, she sat down on a nearby marble bench.

Calming herself, she tried to think rationally about what to do next. It'll be awkward, but I'll have to deal with him normally in the future-after all, Lady Catherine is his aunt, and it's my duty as Anne's vet to give her the best care possible. I can't just abandon the poor bunny just as I'm making progress. So I'll have to see him eventually. As for the situation with Jane and Charles... well, I'll just have to figure something out.

Hearing Lady Catherine's strident voice coming from the house, she stood up, nodding resolutely. She would figure something out.

Chapter 9

Posted on Wednesday, 30 April 2003, at 1:53 p.m.

By the time Lizzy got back to the clinic, she was loaded down, not only with her turbulent thoughts, but with a bag of Anne's special-diet rabbit food, two baskets full of medications, a down-filled pet bed embroidered with the initials AdB, and Anne herself in a state-of-the-art pet carrier.

Seeing Lizzy struggling to open the door with her arms piled with items, Charlotte rushed forward to help her. "Lizzy, what is all this?"

Lizzy pushed her hair out of her face and exhaled heavily. "I convinced Lady Catherine to let Anne stay with us while she got the new rabbit hutch built at her house, and she wouldn't let me get away without all that... junk." She gestured scornfully at the pile of pills and pellets, continuing "I had to practically sprint out of there to keep her from including the hand-knitted rabbit booties and ear-warmers for when Anne goes outside!"

Charlotte giggled. "What shall I do with it all?" At Lizzy's shrug of indifference, she started to clear away the multitude of bottles.

Lizzy headed for her office with Anne in tow, fervently glad that she had no more appointments for that afternoon. She'd been relieved of her physical burden, but the mental one was still weighing heavily on her. What to do about Jane? And Charles? And you mustn't forget William... her mind whispered to her. With a heavy sigh, she closed the door to her office and leaned back in her chair. As if I could ever forget...!

* * * * *

I just want to forget the whole thing ever happened. Darcy drove into the Bennet Clinic's parking lot and turned off the car's engine. He didn't know why he'd agreed to come in the first place. Why did Aunt Catherine have to insist on my bringing the rest of Anne's medications? He sighed. Maybe I'll be lucky, maybe she'll be too busy to notice me. He peered through the window of the clinic. So far, so good. She's nowhere in sight. Now to drop this off and be done with it!

But once he was standing in front of the reception desk, he found himself hoping she would appear. Maybe he could apologize, or explain, or do anything to make her see his side of the story. And maybe what, Darcy? And maybe she'll run into your arms, begging forgiveness? Fat chance... He sighed again, this time drawing the attention of Charlotte, who was sitting at her computer.

"May I help you?" she inquired, peering over her glasses.

"Um, yes," he said awkwardly. "I'm William Darcy-I, er, have something for Dr. Bennet. Dr. Elizabeth Bennet. It's from my aunt," he said quickly, seeing Charlotte's curiosity. "She said it was absolutely necessary that Anne have it immediately."

"It isn't by any chance a set of hand-knitted ear-warmers, is it?" Charlotte asked with a grin. Darcy shook his head and pulled the labeled bottle out of his pocket. She nodded in understanding and waved a hand towards the plastic crate against one wall. "Just toss it in there-we won't be needing it."

Smiling in spite of himself as he recalled Lizzy's edict to his aunt earlier that day, he did as he was told. Mission accomplished, he stood there, frozen in indecision. The door was right there, he could just walk out and let things go. Or...

"Excuse me, do you have a piece of paper I could use?" Darcy was surprised to hear his voice tremble, and flushed. He watched as Charlotte rummaged through her desk and handed him a notepad with a wry grin.

He took it thankfully, and grimaced as he saw the design on the paper. Oh well, it'll have to do... He carried the pad over to the kid-sized table in the corner, took one look at the tiny chair, and decided instead to kneel down to write his letter. After a few minutes of pen-chewing and finger-tapping, he'd finished. Folding it in thirds, he stood up, brushing off his slacks.

* * * * *

Charlotte knocked on Lizzy's door, and entered. "Lizzy? Two things: A Mr. Darcy came by and left a note for you, and-"

"He what?" Lizzy exclaimed, heart pounding. "Did he say anything?" She took the folded note from Charlotte, and held it tightly, waiting for her answer.

"No, actually-he had just finished writing when Mrs. Forster came in-that's the second thing, by the way-and he left suddenly without a word. Very odd." Charlotte eyed the note interestedly, but Lizzy showed no inclination to do anything more than hold it.

"Probably couldn't stand to be in our humble clinic any longer than he had to," Lizzy scoffed, ignoring the rapidity of her heartbeat at the thought that he'd come to see her. She slowly unfolded the note, smiling at the incongruity of the strong, even writing and the colorful cartoon animals forming the border of the paper. He must've hated having to write on Garfield stationery...

Dear Dr. Bennet,

Do not be alarmed by receiving this letter-I have no intention of dwelling upon what was obviously a misapprehension on my part of your feelings. My behavior was unwarranted, given the circumstances, and I apologize. However, I feel the need to account for what you characterized as "insults" and "interference" on my part. If, in the process, I must relate feelings which may be offensive to yours, I am sorry, but the necessity must be obeyed.

I had not known your friend Jane long before I saw that Bingley showed an interest in her-however, from observing her behavior towards him, I could not see any particular preference on her part. Given his propensity for purchasing flowers from the store in which she worked, and her tacit encouragement of the practice, in addition to the serenity of her air and countenance, I believed her behavior to be motivated by courtesy to a customer, nothing more. If your superior knowledge of Jane leads you to believe otherwise, I must have been in error, but rest assured that it was error founded on a rational belief. I cannot reprove myself for being logical. I do, however, regret the fact that I concealed from Charles the fact that Jane was in his house with her aunt the night of his party-I believed it at the time to be further evidence of her non-romantic motivations. Perhaps this concealment was beneath me, but it is done, and it was done for the best.

On the other charge you leveled at me-that I had insulted your clinic and your abilities, I can only assume you are referring to my comments about the unfitness of the Bennet clinic for my pet, Georgiana. To understand the reasons for my words, you must know that Georgiana, my kitten, had recently been through a most traumatic experience involving a large snake. While I was away on a business trip, I left Georgie, then only 6 weeks old, with a trusted pet care provider, believing that she would be safe. However, also under the woman's care was a large boa constrictor. Escaping from its holding pen, the snake attempted to suffocate poor Georgie. I arrived in the nick of time, and took her home-still, she has since been very wary of any people she does not know extremely well. Therefore, I felt it imprudent to take her to a small clinic where she would be unfamiliar with her surroundings, thus exposing her to possible trauma.

Please know that I never meant to insult you, now or ever. You are truly a gifted veterinarian. God bless you.

William Darcy

Lizzy read it once quickly, then over again, interjecting mental retorts to his assertions.

It's utterly ridiculous! He can't expect me to believe this! But would he make up that part about his kitten? Maybe not...But If he'd really wanted to apologize, he would've stayed to see my reaction! She nodded firmly. Yes. He would've stayed. He hasn't really changed a bit, he's still a rude, unfeeling man! Shutting the letter in a desk drawer, she went out to meet the waiting Mrs. Forster.

She put on a bright smile, which dimmed slightly when she saw the huge snake draped around Mrs. Forster's shoulders. It wasn't the snake itself-she'd seen bigger-it was the fact that Mrs. Forster's cooing over the guinea pigs was allowing the snake dangerously close to what it could only view as a trio of tasty little morsels. A snake, leering at innocent pets, sounds like-no, must be a coincidence...

Lizzy stepped forward. "Mrs. Forster?" she asked, interrupting the ongoing stream of baby-talk at the guinea pigs, "Would you mind stepping away from the guinea pig cage? Your snake..."

The diminutive woman looked up from her fussing over little Lydia and her "precious little paws." "Oh, don't you worry a bit! Wickie would never hurt anyone... he's just a big silly! Aren't you, sweetums...?" And she patted the snake on its sleek head.

Lizzy was not convinced, especially since "Wickie" had not once removed its gaze from the plump guinea pigs. "Really, Mrs. Forster, I'll have to insist." And she gently but firmly took her arm and walked her towards the office. "Now, why don't you tell me what seems to be the problem?"

"Oh! It's not exactly a problem, more like a habit..." Mrs. Forster settled herself into a chair, the snake still draped around her shoulders like a living shawl. "My, you have a nice office! I just love the cute little cartoon cats on the walls...!"

"You'll have to be more specific about his habit, I'm afraid," Lizzy said, with a touch of impatience. Amazing how she manages to flutter even while sitting still!

"Well, he tends to... be... overly affectionate at times." Mrs. Forster patted the snake's head, long red fingernails waving.

"Overly affectionate?" Lizzy asked, eyeing the way the snake was wrapped neatly around the woman's neck.

"Oh, not with me, darling!" Mrs. Forster laughed-a tinkly, somewhat brittle sound. "It's just that he tries so hard to play with... others, and Mr. Da-er, some people tend to misunderstand."

"Play?" Lizzy asked, her tone conveying volumes of meaning. It must be the same snake-she almost said "Mr. Darcy" just now! Ooh, what a horrible creature!

"He's so lonesome sometimes, you see," Mrs. Forster said plaintively, continuing to stroke the snake's sleek head. "and so when he meets other pets he gets rather... well, cuddly." She seemed to be uncomfortable saying what she meant straight out. Lizzy had no such compunctions.

"Your snake squeezes other people's pets." She stated flatly, glancing over at the guinea pig cage again. At Mrs. Forster's apologetic nod, she took a deep breath to calm herself. "How many times has he done this?"

"Oh, I don't know, several..." the woman replied, waving her hand vaguely. "You've got to understand, he's just trying to get close to them! They seem to like it at first!" She seemed completely oblivious to the fact that her snake was currently craning its sinuous body to stare predatorily at the guinea pig cage. "I mean," she said, gazing at 'Wickie' with a worshipful expression, "He just looks into their eyes, and they come right over! Wouldn't you want to be close to this big, adorable snakie-wakie?"

Snakie-wakie? Lizzy could hardly keep from snorting. This woman was seriously asking her to believe that the huge snake just wanted to play with the other pets! Then again, Mrs. Forster didn't seem all that bright, maybe she honestly didn't realize...

"What exactly do you want me to do about this... problem?" she asked, trying to be patient.

"Well, I don't know! I'm only here because I promised!" Mrs. Forster seemed genuinely astonished that anyone would want to change her dear 'Wickie'.

"What-who did you proimise?" Lizzy asked, pretty sure she knew the answer, but wanting to hear the woman admit it. Why would she come to a veterinary clinic when she obviously thought there was no real problem?

"Why, Mr. Darcy, of course!" Mrs. Forster said airily, "After the incident, he said the only way he wouldn't contact the Humane Society was if I took Wickie somewhere to get 'help'. My dear Wickie was just playing with Mr. Darcy's kitten-Georgia, Gigi, something like that-and Mr. Darcy completely misinterpreted his actions!" Mrs. Forster whined. "Before I knew it, he was threatening to call the Humane Society and report Wickie as a menace! My poor baby!" She cooed at the huge snake, who was still peering over at the guinea pigs.

"Well, I don't know what exactly I can do, Mrs. Forster," Lizzy said, mind working furiously on what she's just heard. It all makes sense-tha's why he left so abruptly just when she came in.! I would, too, if I walked in and saw the horrible snake that had tried to eat my pet! "This seems to be a behavioral problem, not a medical one."

"Couldn't you just keep him here for a few days, try to make him behave? I know he'll be good if you try!" Mrs. Forster entreated. "I did promise, and if I don't at least try to get him some help, Mr. Darcy will take him away!"

That would probably be best for everyone, Lizzy thought darkly. But it's my job to at least try to make this better... "All right," she said with a sigh, "He can stay for three days. If he doesn't behave, though, you'll have to come get him immediately!"

Over Mrs. Forster's profuse thanks, and "Wickie's" sly glances, Lizzy arranged to have the snake settled in a large terrarium in the back room, as far from the guinea pigs as possible. With a final flutter of fingers and a blown kiss to "Dear Wickie-kins", Mrs. Forster was off in a swirl of perfume, leaving Lizzy gazing absently into space.

I can't blame him for being concerned about his kitten if she's been through something like that! Almost being squeezed to death by a snake! Maybe he was right not to want her disturbed right away by doctors she doesn't know... Lizzy shook her head ruefully. Maybe I did misjudge him at the start. Maybe he's not an arrogant jerk after all. But... no! He did interfere with Jane and Charles. I still can't forgive him for that...

Lizzy stood up, preparing to face her next appointment. There was no sense in mulling over the situation all day-she had work to do.

So why did the image of dimples keep flashing into her mind?

Chapter 10

Posted on Tuesday, 23 September 2003, at 6:26 p.m.

"What's for dinner, Dad? I'm starved!" Lizzy called as she plopped herself down onto the comfortable leather sofa. Wednesday night again, and thankfully not her turn to cook-it had been quite a week, and she wasn't sure she had the energy to do more than slice vegetables or stir something at most.

"Minestrone tonight, Lizzy, if you can get off that sofa long enough to help me cut up some carrots!" her father said, coming in from the kitchen with his eyes twinkling. Lizzy looked up at him pathetically for a moment, then grinned and got up to help.

"Sorry, Dad-rough day. Rough week, actually. Did you see that snake eyeing the guinea pigs again? If I have to run after Lydia one more time I'll scream! And Lady Catherine is driving me insane with constant phone calls... and I got a headache I just can't get rid of after listening to that annoying parrot again... and poor Jane is-can you please get Frances to shut up for one minute? - Jane has been so depressed lately and I can't get her to snap out of it... and I think I'm going to have to kill Lady Catherine if she calls me one more time... and... I just need a break! Whew!"

Dr. Bennet smiled understandingly, scooped up the wildly yapping terrier, and deposited it outside, where it continued to bark loudly and jump up and down in excitement. He closed the door, muffling the noise somewhat, and turned to his daughter. "Lizzy, you're absolutely right."

"I am?" Lizzy looked at him in confusion. "I mean, I know you don't like Lady Catherine either, but murder is a little extreme!"

Dr. Bennet raised an eyebrow at Lizzy's impudent grin. "I meant the part about your needing a break," he said wryly, tweaking her nose as he went to stir the soup. "I meant to tell you over dinner, but your aunt and uncle called to invite you to accompany them to the Derbyshire Flower Show- they're going to display some of those new hybrids your uncle's been developing, and Maddie thought you could use a relaxing weekend away from... er... well, everything."

Lizzy turned from the chopping board, eyes sparkling. "Really, Dad? The biggest flower show in the state? I haven't been to it since Jane and I were little girls!" she signed with nostalgia. "It'll be wonderful to get out there again! Remember the huge sunflowers? And those enormous hollyhocks?" She gestured enthusiastically, outlining the flowers in the air with her hands, forgetting the large knife she still held.

Her father dodged, laughing delightedly at her sudden change of mood. "It's all settled, Lizzy-they're heading out on Friday and staying the whole weekend with some old friends of your aunt's."

"Is Jane coming too?" she asked, attempting to concentrate on chopping carrots but getting distracted with new ideas every few seconds. "It would be just like old times!"

Dr. Bennet shook his head regretfully. "No, I'm afraid not. She hasn't been-well, she's been feeling a bit... she'd rather stay home." He sobered as father and daughter let out identical sighs. Jane was his favorite niece, almost like a daughter to him, and seeing her so dejected was beginning to darken his mood as well.

Lizzy patted his hand and went to dump her carrots into the pot. "It'll be okay, Dad-she'll get over it eventually. Even if I have to go and drag Charles back here with my own two hands!" This time she brandished her knife on purpose, and her mock-fierce look elicited a snort from her father.

"Either put that thing away, or put it to good use!" he ordered with a smile, thrusting a bunch of celery into her hands. She took it, shaking her knife one more time for good measure, and went back to her chopping.

"Just for that, when I get back I'm going to talk your ear off about every single variety of flower I see there!" Lizzy threatened, smirking.

"I can deal with flowers," her father said calmly, stirring the minestrone with a wooden spoon.

"And the lace!" Lizzy cried, struck with an inspiration. "I'll tell you all about the lace on everyone's clothes! Ha!" She laughed in triumph as Dr. Bennet's eyes widened in horror. He backed away, holding his spoon in front of himself as if to fend off her descriptions already.

"Not that! Anything but that!" He continued backing away until he bumped into the door. Immediately a torrent of shrill yapping erupted from the porch, and Lizzy bent over double with laughter. Her day was definitely looking up.

* * * * *

"Look, Jenny! See the big sunflowers? Aren't they pretty?" Lizzy lifted the little girl up so she could touch the spreading yellow petals, as her Aunt Maddie looked on indulgently. It was a beautiful sunny day, not a cloud in the sky, and the flower show was packed with people ooh-ing and aah-ing at the gorgeous blooms.

"Up! Up!" little Jenny giggled, reaching her arms towards the sky as Lizzy swung her around to land on the ground beside her older brother. For his part, Benjamin was trying to look as if he was too grown-up for such baby games, but at age six, his envy showed through just enough for Lizzy to tackle him with a grin.

"You too, Ben! You won't get away that easily!" He whooped gleefully as she whirled him around several times and set him down, momentarily winded. "You're getting so big!" she panted. "Pretty soon you'll be picking me up!"

"No one is picking anyone up for a while," Maddie interrupted. "It's time to take a look at the next exhibit. Don't you want to see the roses?" She took her daughter by the hand and her brow furrowed. "Jenny, what have you got on your hands? They're all sticky!"

Lizzy flushed. "Sorry, Aunt Maddie-I saw those straws full of honey that Jane and I used to eat when we came here, and I couldn't resist getting a few for Jenny and Ben."

Maddie raised an eyebrow in amusement, looking pointedly at the trace of honey at the corner of Lizzy's lips. "For Jenny and Ben?" she asked, exchanging a glance with the children.

"We-ell, maybe I had one or two," Lizzy admitted, smiling sheepishly. "It had been a long time since I'd eaten one, you know!"

"Honestly, Lizzy, you're as bad as either of these two!" her aunt chided. "I'll tell you what-I'll go get the kids cleaned up, and you can go on to see the roses. We'll meet you at the pavilion before we go to see your uncle's display."

"Oh, I'll take them if you like, Aunt Maddie-it was my fault to begin with." Lizzy offered, feeling a bit guilty, but her aunt waved off her suggestion.

"No, no, I'll do it-I could use a splash of water myself, it's so hot today!" And she took each sticky child's hand and started towards the water fountains. Then she turned back.

"Oh, and Lizzy-" Her niece looked at her inquiringly, expecting a warning against more gooey treats. "Lizzy, do you happen to have any more of those honey sticks left? I haven't had one since I was a little girl either."

"Of course, Aunt Maddie!" Lizzy replied, and produced two more sticks from her pocket with a flourish. Then she rolled her eyes exaggeratedly. "Honestly, Aunt Maddie, you're as bad as either of those two!" With more laughter, she set off to see the roses.

* * * *

Ahhh, those are exactly the color roses that my mother used to like... Darcy bent to inhale the delicate scent from the creamy roses tinged with pink. I feel more relaxed just being here. It had been a long week, and having to deal with all the visitors the flower show brought to Pemberley had been a very trying experience. Well, what did you expect when you invited the show to set up a station on the grounds? They wanted to use Pemberley as an example of a classic manor's garden, of course they'd have people in and out!

He sighed and stroked a silky petal gently with the tip of his finger. Why did I ever agree to this in the first place? He stopped and frowned. You know why you agreed to it, he lectured himself silently. You wanted to prove you could be a gentleman... like she said. You wanted to show her-no, wait, you wanted to show yourself that you could change. That was it, of course. He was doing it for her, yes, but he was also doing it for himself-to prove to himself that he could be a better man. Because she was right, she was always right-I was arrogant, I was rude, and I didn't pay attention to anyone or anything that didn't affect me. He bent over the rose again, morosely. I may never see her again, but at least I'll know that I listened to her well-deserved rebuke.

He moved on to the next rosebush, smiling appreciatively as he saw the fiery red petals tinged with a dusky shade that was almost black. Beautiful. He reached to touch a velvety bud and saw a glimpse of vivid gold at the rose's heart. Like her. He shook his head as if to clear it. He'd found that everything reminded him of her, lately. The roses, the crisp morning breezes, the cheerful birds, the children shouting at play...

SPLASH!!!

He ducked unsuccessfully and came up sputtering. Where had that water come from?!?

"Jenny! Ben! You two get over here this minute!" That voice. He knew that voice!

"You're in trouble! You're in trouble!" Jenny chanted in a singsong as her brother picked himself up off the ground from where he'd tripped.

"It's your fault!" Ben protested, sticking his tongue out at Jenny. "If you didn't run, I wouldn't chase you! And I wouldn't fall and spill the water!"

"Lizzy's gonna be ma-ad! Lizzy's gonna be ma-ad!" Jenny continued to chant, giggling behind her hands and skipping in place with glee.

Darcy watched in amazement as the two children hurried towards the young woman approaching the pavilion. It was her! The woman who'd filled his thoughts for weeks, who he'd thought lost forever, and here she was, coming right toward him! And from the looks of it, she was not amused.

"What have you two been doing? You promised if I let you carry the water for your father's plants that you'd be careful!" Lizzy's eyes flashed, and her voice was full of anger and a touch of concern. "Ben, what happened to your knee?" She knelt to look at the scrape that was only now starting to ooze blood.

"Jenny made me fall!" Ben said defiantly, glaring at his sister and sticking his tongue out again.

"Did not!"

"Did too!"

"Did not!"

"Did too!"

"Enough, you two!" Lizzy interrupted, seeing that this argument could go on all day. "Both of you should've known better than to run off like that, especially through a crowd. You could have been lost! And what happened to the watering can you were holding?"

"Ben spilled it!" Jenny offered happily, recovering from her momentary guilt at being scolded. "And it made a big splash and went all over that tall man over there!"

"It WHAT?!?" Lizzy cried, horrified. "What man? Where? Is he all right? Is he angry?!?" She looked around wildly. Jenny pointed, and Lizzy turned to see just who it was that Ben had doused.

"Er... she means me," Darcy said, embarrassed.

Lizzy's eyes widened, and she gulped audibly. "Oh."

Chapter 11

Posted on Wednesday, 1 October 2003, at 11:21 p.m.

Wow, that shirt looks great soaking wet... in fact, he looks great soaking wet... Lizzy realized she was staring and shook her head to clear it. "I-I'm so sorry," she stammered. "The kids just got away from me, and I never thought they'd-"

"No, it's fine... um, it was hot anyway?" he offered a half-smile, which she tentatively returned. "It's been very, er... hot lately... not just here, I mean... Um, everywhere... don't you agree?" he finished in a rush. No! Not the weather again! But I can't think of anything else to talk about!

"Um, yes, very." She couldn't think of anything more to say to the man she'd so rudely slapped the last time they'd met, regardless of the fact that she'd regretted it, and her hard feelings towards him, for a long time now. Talk, Lizzy, talk! You know your mouth works, use it! "I, uh, didn't expect to see you here." Oh, no, that sounds like you're disappointed to see him! Quick, change the subject! "Don't you think the flowers are beautiful this year?" Ah, good, safe topic...

"Yes, beautiful..." Darcy agreed almost absently, admiring the wisps of hair about her flustered face. I wonder if she read my letter? Did she believe me? Am I forgiven for my abominable behavior? Why isn't she saying anything? Wait, did I say anything? Help! "I come to view the flowers every year-this is the biggest show we've ever had."

She smiled mischievously, causing his heart to jump another few inches in his throat. "Unless you prefer fewer flowers?" her expression was innocent, but the twinkle in her eye told him she was teasing him.

"No, indeed," he said gravely, with a matching twinkle in his own eye. "I wouldn't dream of changing a single thing about this situation." He looked down at his soaking shirt with a wry expression. "Except perhaps my clothing." Why, oh, why, did I have to meet her looking like this?

"Oh?" she asked archly, her confidence returning. "I was just thinking that I'd never seen you look better." At the surprised look on his face, she realized how her bold statement could be interpreted. "More carefree, I mean. Happier. Relaxed." She was blushing again, and she knew it. "Wait, I didn't mean-not that you weren't-I mean-- I-um-" How does he make me so tongue-tied? I never had a problem talking with him before! A sobering thought struck her. I never really did talk with him, did I? She reviewed their encounters mentally, and cringed. I talked at him a lot, and I certainly made a big enough mess of things by not listening before... oh, dear, I'm as bad as Lady Catherine! Can he ever forgive me?

Darcy watched the play of emotions on her face and felt a need to put her once more at ease. He took her hand gently. "Miss Bennet-Elizabeth-if I look happier, it is entirely due to you. Since, well... since the last time we met, I've been making some changes in my life. Good ones, I've found. And I wanted you to know-"

"Lizzy! Ben! Jenny! There you are!" Maddie came bustling up and took in the situation at a glance, sopping man, blushing niece, fidgety children and all. She smiled in a friendly manner at Darcy and extended her hand. "Hello, I'm Madeline Gardiner, Lizzy's aunt. I take it you're a friend of hers?"

Darcy looked to Lizzy, who hesitated before blushing more deeply and murmuring "Yes, I suppose he is."

Elation washed over him. I'm her friend! At least I'm her friend! She must have taken my letter to heart! A friend! He took Mrs. Gardiner's hand and shook it firmly, smiling in return. "I'm William Darcy. I've just been... well, 'making the acquaintance' of-Ben and Jenny, is it?"

"Yes, that's what I call the two little demons," Maddie sighed with a conspiratorial wink at the children. She let go of Darcy's hand and looked down in concern. "Er, Mr. Darcy-I'm afraid you may be in need of some water."

"Do you really think I need more?" he asked, looking expressively down at his wet shirt.

"It's not that," she replied, embarrassed. "It's just that I'm afraid I was eating some honey sticks earlier today, and your hand seems to have... acquired some." She looked helplessly at Lizzy, who was quaking with laughter.

"Ah, so I have." Darcy said, flexing his now sticky fingers. "Well, it seems I need to get cleaned up a bit-Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, if you'll allow me, I have a suggestion."

Lizzy looked up curiously. "A suggestion?"

"A rather good one, I hope," he replied. "I need to change clothes, Ben needs a Band-Aid for his knee, and I'm sure all of you could use some refreshment after being in the sun all day. Why don't you all come back to Pemberley with me, we can all get better acquainted, and I'll get you some lemonade? We can come back later and finish seeing the exhibits when it's cooled off a bit." He looked hopefully at Lizzy, but it was Maddie who answered.

"I'm sorry, it's a lovely offer, but I, at least, can't go with you. I promised to help my husband set up his hybrid display over by the Chestnut Hill Pavilion." She observed Lizzy's expression, and filed it away for future reference. "I see no reason why Lizzy and the children couldn't accept, though," she added quickly. "The kids could use a break anyway."

"No, we should stay and help, Aunt Maddie," Lizzy said regretfully, as Darcy slumped in disappointment. "We promised..."

"Nonsense," Mrs. Gardiner replied, shaking off Lizzy's objections with a wave of her hand, "Go, rest, drink some of that lemonade-enjoy yourself! We'll manage the hybrids on our own this afternoon."

"Please, Miss Bennet?" Darcy said pleadingly, a shy smile forming at the corners of his lips. "I had hoped that while you were there, I could ask you to do me the favor of taking a look at Georgie-I know she'd benefit from meeting you." I certainly have.

Lizzy was surprised, and not a little flattered. He's asking me-humbly, too!-to see his kitten! Maybe he really has changed-I know how much Georgie means to him. "If it's that important to you, I don't see how I could possibly refuse," she said, looking into his eyes tentatively, an answering smile forming on her own lips. The two of them stood there gazing at each other for almost a full minute before Mrs. Gardiner, noticing the children starting to fidget, cleared her throat loudly.

"Well, then, it's settled. Lizzy, your uncle and I will see you and the kids back here at, say... four o'clock?" Startled out of their mutual reverie, Lizzy and Darcy both turned towards her, blinking in momentary confusion.

"I'm sorry, Aunt Maddie, what did you just say?" Lizzy asked, embarrassed at her lack of attention. I just lost track of... everything for a moment there. What is it about his eyes...?

"I said we'll see you at four, if that's convenient for you?" Maddie repeated, a touch of amusement tingeing her voice.

"Oh. Yes. Four o'clock will be fine. Thanks, Aunt Maddie." Lizzy said absently, having been caught by Darcy's admiring gaze once more. Maddie smiled indulgently and patted her niece on the shoulder before turning to Ben and Jenny.

"Now, kids, you be on your best behavior at Mr. Darcy's house. No more dumping water on him, okay?" She shook her finger at them, only half joking.

"We'll be good!"

"We promise!"

"Cross our hearts and hope to die!"

"I'll be gooder than Ben will!" Jenny said stoutly, raising her small chin.

"Will not!"

"Will too!"

Maddie laughed, trying unsuccessfully to halt the argument. "I'm suddenly very grateful that you two will have to handle them this afternoon!" she said, smiling over their heads to look at Lizzy and Darcy.

"We'll be fine," Darcy assured her. 'We.' That sounds nice. We'll be fine. I could get used to saying that...

With a final wave and a cheery smile, Mrs. Gardiner was off. Darcy glanced at Lizzy. "Is there anything you need to do before we go?"

We. Before we go. Sounds nice. Lizzy smiled to herself for a moment, then remembered something. "Actually, I'd wanted to pick up a bouquet for Jane while I was here-she hasn't been... feeling well lately, and I thought it would cheer her up."

Ouch. Darcy noticed the barely perceptible pause when she spoke of Jane, and felt a pang of guilt pierce his good mood. Could I have been wrong? She would definitely know her cousin's motives better than I would, and if Jane is still upset after so many weeks... but how can I fix this? "By all means, let's pick her out some flowers-and I hope she feels better soon."

Lizzy gave him an oblique look. Is this his way of admitting he was wrong? He apologized in his letter, but this sounds more... sincere. Perhaps he really does want to help... "I hope she will, too. Now, I was looking for some roses..." She walked over to the huge bunches of roses, resting fragrantly in their buckets of cool water. She inhaled deeply, closing her eyes.

Darcy couldn't take his eyes off her. Mesmerized, he followed her, squabbling children in tow. I want to kiss her. More than anything. She's just so... alive. "Um, were you looking for anything in particular?"

She opened her eyes, smiling, and her gaze fell on a sheaf of creamy ivory roses with blush-colored centers. "These," she pointed gaily, reaching for a bunch. "These are her favorites. She always used to say that even if they weren't the showiest, they smelled the sweetest."

That sounds so familiar, for some reason... where have I heard that before? Darcy shook his head as if to clear it, and bent to touch the silky roses once more. "She's right-these were my mother's favorites as well." He gathered up several dozen of the creamy flowers, carefully avoiding the tiny thorns, and let the water drip from their stems.

"Oh, that's so many!" Lizzy exclaimed. "I don't need-"

"No, no, I insist. Let me get them for Jane-It would mean a lot to me to make her feel better." He looked at her earnestly, willing her to see how he'd changed. I'm still not sure of what Jane feels for Bingley, but at least I can try to bring some happiness into her day. "Roses are the least I can do."

Lizzy looked at him for a long moment, weighing what he'd just said. Finally, she smiled. "Thank you," she said simply, and took the bunch of roses from him. Their fingers brushed, and Darcy had the pleasure of watching her flush becomingly, eyes downcast. She was silent as he paid for the roses and had them wrapped securely in linen paper, and still mute as they emerged from the pavilion's shade into the bright sunshine. I don't know why I'm feeling this way-he's been so nice today, so happy... is it possible that he still-Stop it, Lizzy! Just enjoy the day. This perfect, perfect day...

Eyes still down, she busied herself with the roses in her arms. As she buried her nose in the scented petals, still blushing slightly, Darcy knew he would carry that picture of her in his mind forever. She's so beautiful. And she's coming home with me, even if only for a few hours. I don't know that I'll ever be able to let her leave...

He caught her eye, and extended his arm. "Shall we go, then?"

"I think we should," Lizzy answered, taking the offered arm and beckoning to Jenny, who was still insisting that she would be "gooder than everyone!" Taking Ben's hand in his free one, Darcy surveyed their little group and felt a rush of warmth.

It feels right. It feels like a family.

And they set off towards Pemberley.

Chapter 12

Posted on Monday, 1 December 2003, at 9:33 p.m.

"William Darcy, just look at you, dripping all over my nice clean floor!" Mrs. Reynolds shook her finger in Darcy's face, scolding him as if he were ten years old again. "Honestly, I don't know how you're always getting yourself into these scrapes!"

Darcy opened his mouth, ready to protest that the last time he'd come in soaking wet had been well over ten years ago-then sighed in resignation. It was no use-Mrs. Reynolds would always think of him as the mischievous little boy who had dug up her flower garden looking for worms, and tried to wrap her cat up in toilet paper to play "Egyptian mummy."

Luckily for him, Mrs. Reynolds' exasperated tirade was interrupted by a sticky hand tugging on her sleeve.

"It was our fault!" Ben said proudly, looking up at her with a grin. Jenny nodded in agreement, coming forward as well.

"We dumped water on him, an' Ben scraped his knee, an' Lizzy got mad, an' then Mommy came, an' Lizzy and Mister Darcy stared at each other for a loooong time!" Darcy flushed at Mrs. Reynolds' sudden scrutiny, but Jenny was still going. "Mommy says it's not p'lite to stare-does that mean you aren't p'lite? I think you should-"

"That's enough, Jenny!" Lizzy said hastily, pulling the little girl back towards her. She extended her hand sheepishly to Mrs. Reynolds. "I'm Lizzy Bennet-these are my cousins Ben and Jenny. I promise they won't go spilling any more water-one soaked person is quite enough for the day!"

Mrs. Reynolds smiled at the apologetic young woman, and cast another appraising glance towards William as he watched Lizzy intently. "So, Mr. Darcy, I take it you're here to change out of those wet clothes?"

"Hm?" William looked up with a start. "Oh-yes, Mrs. Reynolds. And while I'm changing, would you mind getting Elizabeth and the kids some lemonade?" He looked down at his wet shirt ruefully. "It's hot outside, and apart from soaking them all with water too, I thought this would be the best way to let her-er, them-- cool off."

"Of course, Mr. Darcy," she replied, suppressing a grin at his slip. "And a Band-Aid for the young man's knee?"

"Right as usual, Mrs. Reynolds," Darcy said affectionately, slinging a wet arm around her shoulders, dodging her outraged attempt at elbowing him in the ribs, and taking the stairs two at a time to his bedroom.

Lizzy watched them with amusement. There was obviously a long-standing affection between the two, far beyond the standard employer/employee relationship. It was nice to know he could relax with other people sometimes. Once Darcy's thundering footsteps died down on the stairs, she turned to Mrs. Reynolds.

"Can I help you with the lemonade?" she offered, smiling brightly.

"Oh no, dear, I already made some this morning. Why don't we get some glasses and then we'll have a nice talk? And I can get you some water to put those roses in," she added, waving at the enormous bouquet of fragrant blooms. Mrs. Reynolds led them all into the sunny kitchen, still musing over Mr. Darcy's unusually enthusiastic behavior. He's never been like this with a woman before-it's obvious how he feels. I wish I could find out how she feels about him! Well, no time like the present...

"So, Miss Bennet," she began, settling Lizzy and the children at the kitchen table and pouring the chilled lemonade into tall glasses, "how exactly do you and Mr. Darcy know each other?"

* * * *

William Darcy had never given as much attention to a casual change of clothes in his life-nothing he had seemed appropriate for an afternoon spent withher. He wanted to look his best, but didn't want her to think he was being overly formal. He wanted to look casual, but didn't want her to think he didn't care about how he looked. He wanted-I just want things to be perfect. He rolled his eyes. Goodness, I'm starting to sound like Bingley!

Bingley. That was another disturbing thought. Has she forgiven me for my interference with her sister? If only there was something I could do to fix things... but how, without interfering in his life even more? He sighed, and went back to contemplating his wardrobe-we'll take this one step at a time, and see what happens. Now, the blue shirt or the gray...?

By the time he hurried down the stairs and into the kitchen, dressed in khakis and a soft blue cotton shirt with the sleeves rolled up, Ben and Jenny were intent on devouring a plateful of peanut butter cookies while Mrs. Reynolds and Lizzy appeared to be deep in conversation.

Suddenly, Lizzy, threw back her head and laughed delightedly. "Really? How did your cat ever get out of the toilet paper?"

He cringed, but his embarrassment was quickly forgotten at the sight of her eyes sparkling with laughter. I love to see her happy... He cleared his throat to get their attention. "Do I get some of that lemonade, too?"

"I don't know, William, from what I hear you may not deserve any!" Lizzy teased him, exchanging glances with Mrs. Reynolds. "I had no idea you were so... active as a boy!"

"What have you been telling her?" he demanded of his housekeeper, grinning. "Don't believe a word she says, Elizabeth-she's been making up the most horrifying stories about me for years!" he lowered his voice to a stage whisper. "Frankly, I think she may be getting a little soft in the- ouch!"

Lizzy let loose another peal of laughter as he rubbed his sore arm, shaking his head mournfully. "You see? She does things like this all the time! I don't know why I put up with her!"

"Because you have no idea how to do your own laundry, Mister Smarty-Pants!" Mrs. Reynolds shook her finger at him again. "And you can't cook to save your life!"

"Me?" Darcy opened his eyes wide, feigning surprise. "I'll have you know, Elizabeth, that I make an incredible nouilles et fromage. It's my specialty!"

Lizzy sighed in mock exasperation and she turned to the housekeeper. "Men! They learn how to make macaroni and cheese, they think they know everything!"

Once the laughter had again died down, William addressed Lizzy seriously. "Elizabeth, would you mind meeting Georgie now? I really think you could help her come out of her shell, especially after seeing you with Anne."

"I'll try, William," Lizzy said earnestly, "But it might be more difficult-Anne's problem was that she was being fussed over too much. I know you aren't overmedicating Georgie or doing anything but what's best for her, so all I can do is try and get her to trust people again."

"That's exactly what you're best at," he said, looking into her eyes. He was sure that she'd be able to help Georgie-and he was pleased that she thought well enough of him to trust that he'd been taking good care of her. "I'll show you where she's hiding."

"I'll watch the children," Mrs. Reynolds volunteered. She'd been observing their exchange with great interest, and was of the opinion that some time alone would be best, not only for Georgie, but for the two of them.

Shooting her a grateful look, Darcy took Lizzy's elbow and led her up the stairs. "She usually hides in here, behind the piano." He opened an oak door into a room full of musical instruments of all kinds. Lizzy stared in wonder at the graceful harp in the corner, the violin stand against the wall, the many books of sheet music, and of course the grand piano, which dominated the room.

"Which of these do you play?" she asked, turning to face him after surveying the room.

"All of them," William said, running his hand through his curls modestly.

"All of them? That's incredible! I only play the piano, and rather badly at that!" She shook her head, still amazed at the new things she was learning about him.

"Er, I'd be happy to teach you sometime," Darcy said quietly, hoping he hadn't gone too far with his offer. Lizzy flushed, smiled, and looked at her shoes, not sure how to respond.

"Oh!" A sudden movement near one of the piano's legs caught her eye, and she whipped her head around to follow it. "Is that her?" She pointed towards the tip of a snowy tail vanishing behind the piano.

"Georgie?" Darcy knelt down and spoke in a soft, coaxing tone. "Georgie, honey, won't you come out?" He continued to call softly, holding out his hand towards the little pink nose just appearing around the corner. After much encouragement, the tiny white kitten mustered up the courage to come all the way out of hiding, blue eyes wide with apprehension.

"Ohhh, she's just a baby!" Lizzy breathed, afraid to move for fear of frightening the tiny thing further. Georgie was clearly nervous, even of William's outstretched hand, but finally took the plunge and scuttled onto his lap, burrowing her head into the crook of his elbow. He gently stroked her fuzzy back, and looked up at Lizzy.

"She does this sometimes," he said, still speaking softly. "She's afraid to get close, but once she does, she'll try to hide as best she can. I know she feels safe with me, but not even Mrs. Reynolds can get near her."

Lizzy looked into his worried face and felt a surge of tenderness. He's so afraid for little Georgie-I want to help her... to help both of them. She knelt down next to him, so close that she could feel the solid, comforting warmth of his presence, and started murmuring to the tiny kitten. Nothing in particular, just encouragements and whimsical stories and reassurances that nothing would hurt her-it was the calming tone of voice that mattered. After a few minutes, her voice seemed to be having an effect on William, at least-he visibly relaxed, and perhaps in response to his release of tension, Georgie began to respond as well.

It started subtly, as her little back stopped trembling, and her ears swiveling towards the sound of Lizzy's voice. Then came one eye, peeking over the crook of Darcy's arm to see who was there, followed by the other as the kitten blinked and regarded her shyly. A quivering pink nose appeared next, and a soft white paw crept over William's arm as Georgie now looked up at Lizzy with open curiosity.

Still talking softly, Lizzy slowly reached out her hand, palm up, fingers softly curved, towards the little cat. Slowly, tentatively, Georgie stretched out her neck until her tiny pink nose just touched the tip of Lizzy's finger. Then, as if startled at her own daring, she buried her head in Darcy's elbow again.

"I can't believe it," Darcy whispered in awe, "She's never done that before-usually she'll just hide until everyone goes away." His smile reached his eyes and warmed his whole face as he looked at Lizzy. "Elizabeth, you're amazing!" And I don't just mean with Georgie...

She blushed, lowering her eyes, and blushed again as she realized her hand was almost touching his arm. "All she needs is a little patience and encouragement," she said with a tiny smile, voice still hushed so as not to frighten Georgie. She nodded towards the kitten, who was just then starting to peek out at her again. "See? The old Georgie is in there, she just got scared for a while. She's already starting to come out again-she's taken the first step, she'll be all right eventually."

Darcy looked doubtful. "Really? She's been so upset-what if she can't-"

"William," Lizzy interrupted, putting her hand firmly on his wrist and looking directly into his eyes, "She will be all right. I'll make sure of it. I promise."

I believe her. How could I not-look at what she's managed to do already... for both of us... He felt the warmth of her hand on his arm, and suddenly felt her surprise as someone else joined her-a tiny white paw was resting softly on Lizzy's hand, and Georgie looked up at both of them with a trace of her old mischief sparkling in her blue eyes.

"There," said Lizzy triumphantly, "she agrees with me!" She grinned at Darcy, squeezing his arm as Georgie at last ventured off of his lap and started exploring the fascinating new blue-jeaned territory of Lizzy's knees.

"I'll never doubt you again," William replied with a smile, putting his free hand over Lizzy's, effectively trapping her fingers. Go slowly, you don't want to try too much just yet... but this feels so right... "Elizabeth-" he began, when he was cut off by a discreet knock at the music room door.

Georgie bolted for the safety of the piano as the door slowly opened to reveal Mrs. Reynolds' worried face. "Miss Bennet, there's a phone call for you-it's your aunt, it sounds important." She offered a cordless phone to Elizabeth.

Darcy watched with concern as Lizzy scrambled to her feet. "Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds-I appreciate it." Taking the phone from the housekeeper and sitting down on the window seat, she answered the call.

"Hello, Aunt Maddie? Yes? No, we're fine. The clinic? What happened? He did what?!? Lydia! Oh, no! Did he-oh, thank goodness! Is she all right?" Her voice was getting progressively more distressed and angry, and William began to grow alarmed as she jumped up and began pacing back and forth.

"Where is he now? Ooh, that Mrs. Forster, I should never have-what do you mean, she won't? How can she even think about letting that creature--? Yes, I'll be there as soon as I can. Thanks, Aunt Maddie." She sat back down, seemingly exhausted. After a few moments of silence, she turned to Darcy.

"I'm so sorry, William, but I have to go-right now. There's an emergency at the clinic, and I have to be there immediately!"

"What's wrong? Can I help?" He rose to his feet, almost unconsciously reaching for her hand. "Tell me what happened."

"It's Wickham-Mrs. Forster left him at the clinic, in a tank near the guinea pig cage." His eyes widened in apprehension as she continued. "Lydia, one of our guinea pigs, has a bad habit of escaping from her cage, and has never been afraid of other animals, not even the dangerous ones. I should've realized what would happen with a snake like Wickham around." She shook her head wearily. "It seems that Wickham got up to his old tricks and tried... he tried to eat her!" She flushed in sudden anger. "If Charlotte hadn't gotten there in time, he'd have succeeded, but Mrs. Forster is refusing to turn him over to the Humane Society. I should have known better..."

"That's reprehensible!" Darcy was angry now, too. I won't let him! I won't let him do that to another pet! "That creature is a menace! Elizabeth, you mustn't waste any more time-we need to make sure he's put away for good!" He was so caught up in his outrage that he failed to notice Lizzy's guilt-stricken expression.

Blinking back tears, she berated herself silently. I should have known better! I should have prevented this! How could I be so stupid, not to protect Lydia from that monster? Even he thinks my behavior was reprehensible-what kind of veterinarian am I?

Oblivious to her discomfort, Darcy was pacing back and forth, mind working busily. I need to make some phone calls, make sure the authorities at the Humane Society know what he's done before Mrs. Forster gets a chance to interfere again... "I'll get Martin to drive you back down to the show," he tossed out abruptly, still focused on the problem at hand. "Your aunt will meet you there, right?"

Lizzy nodded, not trusting herself to speak, and quickly left the room in search of Ben and Jenny. Georgie, peeking around the leg of the piano again, watched her departure, confused. Something was not right here, but the kitten had no way of knowing how to fix things.

* * * *

Darcy leaned back in his chair, gently stroking Georgie's purring back. He had succeeded in alerting the Humane Society to Wickham's repeated endangerments to others' pets, and hopefully they would have contacted Elizabeth by now to make the necessary arrangements. I just hope she doesn't find out that I pulled a few strings to make things happen more quickly-I don't want her to think that I'm interfering with her life again.

"You understand that this time is different, don't you, Georgie?" he asked the tiny kitten in his lap. "I really am trying to help this time, not just trying to make things happen the way I want them to. It's hard to tell the difference sometimes, isn't it?" He sighed. Georgie just purred louder and turned her head to nip at his fingertip, then gazed intently across the room. He followed her line of sight and saw two of the creamy roses he'd bought for Elizabeth that afternoon, resting in a simple crystal vase.

She must have left them for me-that's so like her. Mom would've done the same thing. He smiled at the memory of his mother, lecturing him about flowers as she arranged them in the mornings. "Flowers are like people, Will-some of the sweetest are also the smallest and shyest. That's why these are my favorites..." It made sense that Jane would love those roses as well; she was so-Wait. Darcy blinked, struck with a thought. Of course! Jane is like those roses-that's why she never showed her feelings for Bingley. I should've realized... and I've made a terrible mistake! Darcy started to jump up from his chair, but sat down again immediately at the feel of the tiny claws digging into his thighs.

"Sorry, Georgie, but there's something I need to do," he said, scooping up the tiny kitten and depositing her on the floor. Then he headed for the front door. I only hope the flower show is still open...

Chapter 13

Posted on Friday, 27 May 2005, at 11:56 a.m.

Ding-dong!

YAPYAPYAPYAPYAPYAPYAP!!!!!

"Caroline, get down! What's gotten into you?" Bingley grabbed the frantic poodle by her rhinestone-studded collar and pulled her away from the door. "You never bark like that unless-oh, hello Darcy!"

Darcy peered apprehensively around the door and was relieved to see that Caroline had gone from yapping loudly to gazing at him in silent adoration. She also appeared to be drooling.

"Charles," he said, stepping into the house, "These are for you." He brought the large bouquet of flowers from behind his back, and offered it to his friend.

"Um, thanks..." Bingley said uncertainly, eyeing the bouquet. "The lilies are beautiful, Darcy, but, uh... you're really not my type?" He grinned.

"Not for you, Bingley! For you to give to Jane! You have to go see Jane!" Darcy waved the flowers impatiently.

"Jane!?!" Bingley looked shocked, and Darcy watched as his expression changed from surprise, to dreamy reminiscence, to sadness, to puzzlement.

I really was wrong to interfere. How could I have decided on my own what was best for him? "Yes, Jane. You should go talk to her. You have to go see her." Darcy looked into his eyes, hoping he wouldn't ask any questions. I don't want to have to confess how wrong I was, and how I lied to him. Please, let him just follow my advice like he always does...

"But why?" Charles asked, as Darcy mentally kicked himself. "You said she obviously didn't care about me. You said she-"

"I know what I said, Charles!" Darcy interrupted loudly. He took a breath and calmed himself. "I was wrong. I was very wrong. And I know now that she does care-she cares very much. You have to go see Jane." Again he offered the bouquet of lilies.

Bingley's forehead creased in worry. "But then why didn't she try to contact me? She didn't even come to the party I planned for her-only her aunt came to do the flowers. If she didn't want to see me then, why would she now?"

Darcy sighed. I'll have to tell him all of it, and hope he still wants to be friends with me. "She did come, Charles. She was with her aunt downstairs for hours while I-I kept you upstairs getting dressed and hoped you wouldn't see her. I'm sorry. I thought I was doing the right thing." He braced himself for the inevitable angry response. Instead, there was silence.

Charles stared at him. "She came? She was there? And you didn't say anything? Darcy, how could you? I can't believe she-" he cut himself off, and his shoulders slumped. "It doesn't matter now. Even if she did care once, she can't possibly care now. How could she ever forgive me after all this time?"

"She can. She will. You just need to go see Jane. She's always cared about you, it was obvious. I-" he took a deep breath. Admitting this meant admitting his own inner failings. But he had to say it. "I just didn't have the capacity to understand that kind of emotion then."

Bingley was still reluctant. "I'm sorry, Darcy, but you were wrong once-how do you know you're right now?"

I have to make him understand! He started talking fast. "I can't explain it, I just know, Charles! See, my mother liked these roses, and they're white, you know? Except that they're not, they're pink, too, like people..." He's looking at me like I'm crazy. Of course he is, I'm talking about roses when he wants to know about Jane... "No, I mean they're shy-people are. And the roses are. But they still smell nice..." Now he thinks I'm talking about what Jane smells like! Arrrrgghhh! "Look, Jane likes the white roses, Elizabeth said so, and I thought-"

"Lizzy said so?" Charles's face cleared. "You talked to Lizzy? And she thinks I have a chance?" His smile was ecstatic, and Darcy stopped his horticultural babbling. "Darcy, do you know what this means? I have to go see Jane!"

Darcy nodded, relieved that Bingley had finally seen the light. "Don't forget your lilies!" He handed the bouquet to his now eager friend. "And Charles... I'm sorry."

"Sorry?" Charles was throwing on his coat and shoving his keys into his pockets, clumsy in his hurry to get out the door and see his angel. "Don't worry about it, Darcy! You can make it up to me!"

"Anything!" Darcy agreed as Bingley sprinted down the front walk towards his car.

"Wonderful!" Bingley cried, opening the car door. "You can take care of Caroline for me while I'm on my honeymoon!" And with that he drove off.

Suddenly deflated, Darcy looked down at the fluffy dog still gazing adoringly in his direction. What have I gotten myself into?

Chapter 14

Posted on Thursday, 2 June 2005, at 7:58 p.m.

"Oh, shut up, Collins!" Lizzy cried for the hundredth time, exasperated at the squawking bird. She tried again to inspect his crest feathers, but the parrot flapped his wings so excitedly that she couldn't get a close enough look before he wriggled out of her grasp.

"Charlotte, could you please come in and help me with this? He seems to calm down around you!"

"Sure thing, Lizzy," Charlotte called, walking briskly into the examination room. "Come now, Collins, there's a nice boy. You sit down and be good." She stroked the parrot's brightly colored feathers and he immediately calmed.

"I just don't get it-he never acts that way with me!" exclaimed Lizzy. "He just responds to you better, I guess." She leaned again towards the parrot's crest feathers, not noticing his interested glance at her neckline. "All right, what seems to be the problem here..."

"His crest is abnormally oily," offered Charlotte, "At least according to Lady Catherine."

"Lady Catherine! Lady Catherine! Lady Catherine!" The bird immediately burst into loud repetitions, flapping its wings and bouncing up and down.

"See what you did?" Lizzy sighed. "Every time you mention La-that name, he goes off again. It's getting so I can't bear to hear the name at all!" Not that I could before...

"She's coming to pick him up this afternoon, right? So you won't have to bear with him for long." Charlotte tried to get the bird's attention again. He was still keyed up, but willing to stare at more cleavage.

"Won't bear the name for long! Awwwwk!" Collins cocked his head to the side and finally submitted to Lizzy's ministrations.

"So have you heard anything from Mr. Darcy lately?" Charlotte asked, watching her closely. She had the satisfaction of seeing Lizzy blush.

"No," she said shortly and a little sadly. "Not since the flower show." She looked up at her friend. "He must think me so irresponsible-letting Wickham get to Lydia like that. I don't blame him for not wanting me to see Georgie again." Or him, for that matter.

"I can't believe that he would think any less of you for what happened," Charlotte comforted. "After all, the Humane Society took Wickham away so quickly after that. There was nothing more you could have done-there was no way you could have known Lydia would be so stupid."

"You didn't see him when he heard what had happened, Charlotte. He just shut me out-he said it was reprehensible, and then he just looked through me and said he'd get his driver to take me home. No," she said with finality, "he'll never talk to me again."

"But Lizzy, how can you think that? He can't want to cut you out of his life-think of what he did for Jane and Charles!" Charlotte absently petted the parrot, who was enjoying having two women stroking its feathers.

Lizzy brightened at the thought, looking up from Collins's crest for a moment. "Aren't they adorable together? I'm so glad they're finally engaged-they're just so perfect for each other!" Will I ever find someone like that?

"And every time I see Jane, she's just glowing," added Charlotte. "It's like she's got some inner source of happiness that's just lighting her up inside."

Both women sighed dreamily. "Well, she deserves it," Lizzy smiled. She looked down at the parrot's feathers one more time, and paused. Gingerly, she rubbed her fingertip over the oiliest feather, lifted it to her nose, and inhaled. "Charlotte, you're not going to believe this, but I think I know what the problem is."

"What?" asked Charlotte, curious at the expression on Lizzy's face.

Lizzy told her. She gaped, then burst into giggles.

"How extraordinary!"

* * * *

"I'm sorry, Lady Catherine, but I'm sure that's what's happening," Lizzy stated firmly.

"Impossible!" sputtered the incredulous woman, crossing her arms over her chest. "Collins would never do such a thing! He knows his place, and it is most certainly not in my... my... you know what I mean, Dr. Bennet!"

"Awwwwk! Knows his place! Awwwk!" echoed Collins dutifully.

"But Lady Catherine," Lizzy protested, "there's nothing else it could be! Just smell his feathers!" The bird cocked his head and looked at her innocently. She rolled her eyes.

Lady Catherine unwillingly bent to take a tiny sniff of the parrot's oily feathers. "I smell nothing out of the ordinary," she said grimly.

"Well of course you don't, you're used to it," Lizzy said, frustrated. "But now that you're here I can definitely tell that the scent is exactly the same! He must have seen you putting it on-"

"Enough," interrupted Lady Catherine. She squared her shoulders (more so than usual). "I will watch him closely and see if your... insinuations are correct. Good day, Dr. Bennet." And with that, she swept out to her car.

"Is she gone yet?" Charlotte poked her head around the corner.

"Yes, you can come out now," said Lizzy. "You too, Dad!"

Dr. Bennet stuck his head around the corner, laughing. "I thought she'd never leave! Though I have to admit, I find the parrot amusing. He is vying with Wickham for the title of my very favorite patient!"

Lizzy exhaled loudly. "Dad, don't even joke about that. I still feel just awful over the whole Wickham episode-how could I have been so irresponsible?"

Dr. Bennet was quick to reassure his daughter. "Honey, you couldn't have known. No one could blame you for what happened."

Lizzy shrugged and turned away. Someone could. "It's all right, Dad. Let's just get to our next patient. Who do we have this time?"

Dr. Bennet consulted his schedule. "Mr. Brandon is bringing in a stray kitten he found wandering around in the rain last night. He's hoping we'll know who the owner is."

"The poor thing! Did he say if it was all right after being out in the rain?" Lizzy's forehead creased in worry.

"He did say he thought it might have a slight chill, but you know Mr. Brandon-always concerned about baby animals. I'm sure the kitten will be fine." He patted her shoulder.

"Stray kitten?" Charlotte spoke up from behind her desk. "Do you know what it looks like? I got a call from Mrs. Dashwood a couple of hours ago asking us to keep a look out for her little tabby Marianne-she's gone missing."

"Well, we'll find out when Mr. Brandon gets here," Lizzy said hopefully. "Perhaps this will turn out to be our lucky day!"

* * * *

"Awwwk! Utmost respect! Awwwk! Greatest deference!"

Lady Catherine carefully placed the parrot cage in its proper place, and regarded Collins with a thoughtful gaze. Could it be true? Could a bird really...? No. Impossible!

"Be silent, Collins, I wish to relax." She waved her hand imperiously at the bird, who obediently quieted. Before she could lean back in her chair, her eagle eye was caught by a hint of movement outside in the gardens.

Anne. She does appear to be healthier now that she spends her time in the hutch outdoors. Perhaps that Bennet girl was... she gritted her teeth... right. Perhaps I have been too hasty in my judg-

"Awwk! Heard from Mr. Darcy! Awwwk!"

"Collins! Be quiet! I told you-what did you say?" Lady Catherine looked at the parrot in astonishment.

"Pick him up! Awwwk! Adorable together!"

"Where did you hear this?" Lady Catherine demanded, pacing angrily in front of the cage. "Was it at that Bennet's office?"

"Awwwk! Awwwk! Finally engaged!"

"They're WHAT?!?!?! There must be some mistake! This is not to be borne!" The lady was turning red with apoplexy. "I must speak to my nephew at once! How can that Bennet girl even think his family would approve!?!"

"Sources of happiness! Awwwk! Extraordinary!" the bird echoed helpfully.

"Arrrrrgggghhh!!!!!" Lady Catherine stormed out, slamming the door so hard it bounced open from the rebounding force.

Collins waited until he heard the front door slam, and carefully stuck a claw between the bars of his cage. A few seconds later saw the cage door open, and he swiftly flew down the hallway. Landing in a doorway, he nudged a door, already ajar, until it opened enough to afford him entrance.

He flew to perch on the mantelpiece and surveyed Lady Catherine's bedroom with satisfaction. From the ostentatious carpet, to the heavy gilded furniture, to the seemingly endless array of shelves in the closets, it was his favorite room in the house, and the one room he was not permitted to enter. Spreading his wings, he flew to her dressing table and settled himself amongst her toiletries. By careful maneuvering, he gripped the top of a small jar in his beak and twisted it open. The parrot inhaled. There was that distinctive smell... his idol's smell. He would be just like her!

Dipping his head into the jar, he rubbed the fragrant lotion all over his crest. "Awwwk! Lady Catherine de Bourgh! Awwwk! Highest esteem!" He looked at himself in the mirror, pleased, and began to preen the rest of his feathers.

Chapter 15

Posted on Wednesday, 15 June 2005, at 5:36 p.m.

Darcy slammed the back door shut, hoping to drown out Caroline's incessant barking. Da*n you, Bingley, how did you manage to convince me to dog-sit for you again? Since Charles's engagement, he'd been spending more and more time with his lovely Jane and away from his-well, not-so-lovely poodle. Though Jane was far too nice to express any dislike of her beloved's pet, the poodle seemed to have developed a thorough dislike of her, and so it fell to Darcy to give the happy couple some time away from the gregarious dog. That gregarious, irritating, ear-splitting, obnoxious, thrice-blasted... ugh, stupid creature. And she won't leave me alone! Darcy snatched a dishtowel from a kitchen counter and wiped his face clean of doggie-drool. Caroline had been licking him again-try as he might, she would not be deterred from following him, jumping up on him, staring soulfully into his eyes, and drooling all over him.

Ah, but now he'd have some peace and quiet. He'd lured her outside by tossing her favorite toy-a ball of brightly colored feathers (strangely enough, the feathers were dyed the exact color of a new twenty-dollar bill) into the backyard, and had locked the door behind her. He knew he couldn't leave her out there forever, but at least he'd be able to spend a few minutes relaxing and trying to figure out where little Georgie had gotten to.

"Georgie! Georgie, where are you?" he called, walking slowly through the house, keeping an eye out for the kitten. Hmm, what was that? His head snapped around at a faint sound coming from the music room, and he headed in that direction. He heard it again, louder, and realized that it was the sound of the piano being played... well, if "played" was the appropriate word.

"There you are!" he exclaimed, standing in the doorway as he saw tiny Georgie walking curiously over the keys of the piano. With every step of her soft paw, a new note rang out, and the little kitten withdrew her paw, startled. She cocked her head to look at Darcy and mewed plaintively.

"Yes, Georgie, it makes noise when you press it," Darcy reassured her, tenderly scooping up the tiny kitten and cradling her in his elbow. "See, I can do it too!" He gently pressed a key and grinned to see Georgie reach out her paw to press the same one. He pressed another key, and again she pressed it a second later. She started to purr, very proud of herself.

"My Georgie, the musical prodigy!" They played with the piano for a little while longer, until the kitten blinked her enormous blue eyes and gave a huge yawn. "Tired already?" Darcy asked, stroking her little head. "Me, too, actually. Dealing with Caroline was more exhausting than I thought! Tell you what-shall we go upstairs and take a nap?" Georgie seemed to think this a good idea, as she kneaded her little claws into his arm and purred louder. He stood up, still holding the kitten, and headed upstairs to his room.

"Okay, here we go-only a short nap, okay? I have things to do later this-- hey!" Darcy looked down at the kitten in his arms and was startled to see her staring, ears back and eyes narrowed, at his closed bedroom door.

"Sssssss...!"

What was that? Darcy couldn't believe his ears. Was little Georgie hissing?!? Now her back was arched, and her claws were digging painfully into his forearm. "Georgie, honey, what's the matter? Is something wrong?" He got no response but more hissing, all of it aimed at his bedroom door.

Warily, he reached out and turned the knob, easing the door open.

YAPYAPYAPYAPYAPYAPYAP!!!!

A crowded five seconds later, Darcy found himself sprawled on the floor with an excited poodle sitting in his lap, licking his face, barking, and wriggling in ecstasy, and one very annoyed kitten sitting atop his head, hissing and taking swipes at the dog with her tiny claws.

A quick glance through the open door showed that the dog had climbed in an open window-on the second floor?!?!-and had been curled up in the middle of his bed, waiting for him. He shuddered at the thought of that creature in his bed, and vowed to change his sheets at the earliest opportunity.

Reaching up to disentangle the vexed kitten from his curls, he got to his feet. Caroline barked and would have jumped up to lick his face once again, but her attention was caught by a sound downstairs.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Is that the door? Darcy thought, confused. We do have a doorbell, don't we?

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

It was definitely the door, just as the person knocking on it was definitely determined to be acknowledged. "I'm coming!" he called, hoping whoever it was would take the hint and stop pounding. Wearily, Darcy plodded downstairs, still struggling to get a pointy kitten-claw out of his hair as Georgie squirmed in his grasp.

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! Da*n it, who could be so rude as to keep up this dreadful racket?

As if on cue, Lady Catherine's voice echoed through the heavy door. "Darcy! Open the door this instant! I know you're in there!" Darcy rolled his eyes, then schooled his expression before opening the door. He made quite a picture standing there, with a kitten tangled in his hair and an over-excited poodle frisking around his legs, barking, but Lady Catherine took no notice.

With one steely glare at Caroline, she pointed her walking stick towards the open door and simply said "Out." To Darcy's surprise, the poodle cowered to the floor and slunk out on her belly.

Finally managing to separate Georgie from a particularly unruly curl, he wondered aloud "How did you make her do that? You're going to have to teach me, or I think I'll go mad-"

"Enough!" Lady Catherine imperiously cut him off. "I have come to discuss more important matters with you! You can be at no loss, nephew, to understand the reason of my journey here. Your own conscience must tell you why I have come." And she strode past him into the living room, settling into a high-backed chair.

"Indeed, aunt, you are mistaken," Darcy began, setting the kitten down in the hall and gently shooing her away. "I have no idea why you could be visiting me."

"A report of a most alarming nature reached me earlier this afternoon! I was told that you were engaged to be married to that... that-Bennet chit!"

Darcy's jaw dropped. This was the last thing he had ever expected to hear. "Who told you this?" he demanded.

Ignoring his question, Lady Catherine continued her tirade. "Though I know it must be a scandalous falsehood, I instantly resolved to come make my sentiments known to you. Darcy, I insist that you immediately contradict this report!"

"Aunt Catherine, who told you I was engaged? I must know!"

"A... a friend." Lady Catherine said quickly. "It matters not. What matters is that you cannot marry that Bennet woman! Your alliance will be a disgrace; you will be the contempt of the world-"

"Aunt!!!" Darcy said forcefully. "I insist that you tell me where you heard this report! Was it Dr. Bennet who told you so? Was it a member of her family? Who was it?"

Lady Catherine paused, looking uncomfortable. Unable to meet his eyes, she mumbled a name under her breath.

"What was that? I couldn't hear you," Darcy persisted.

"Collins, it was Collins." Lady Catherine finally blurted. "I heard him say so after coming back from that Bennet clinic!" Darcy just stared at her in disbelief, mouth open. Unabashed, she continued. "I heard him! He said you and that Bennet girl were engaged, and that you were-" here she wrinkled her nose "adorable together. Darcy, can you not see what she is doing? She is making you the laughingstock of the town! That impertinent little..."

Darcy let her continue her monologue as his mind raced. Obviously, his aunt was not in her right mind-getting her gossip from a parrot? But if Elizabeth was talking about him at all, that was a good sign. Especially in conjunction with the word "adorable." He grinned to himself, bringing out dimples that truly deserved the word. That settles it-whether there's any truth in my aunt's assertions or not, I have to take that chance.

"Aunt Catherine," he interrupted, "thank you for informing me of this. I must act on it immediately." He stood up and walked to the door, which forced her to follow him. "I am most appreciative of your efforts, and" here his lips twisted in concealed amusement, "those of your, er... informant. Rest assured that I will take all steps necessary to conclude this business in a satisfactory manner." And with that, he ushered her out the door, shutting it behind her. He peered through the peephole to ensure that she would actually leave, and smugly watched Lady Catherine pause for a moment as if confused as to what had just happened, then collect herself and walk to her car.

Just as he turned away from the door, a loud screech brought him running back to look out, and he laughed aloud at the sight of Caroline being tossed bodily out of the parked car's open window-apparently his was not the only window she liked to climb into!-accompanied by shouts of "stupid, vulgar creature! Get out, you obstinate, headstrong, little-" as Lady Catherine drove away in a huff. Darcy felt almost sorry for her, though whether he was sorrier for Caroline or for Lady Catherine for having to endure the other's company, he had no idea.

Settling at last into a comfortable chair, he saw Georgie peek her head around the corner. "It's all right, Georgie, you can come out now." The kitten needed no second invitation, and bounded up to sit in his lap, purring as he scratched her soft white ears. "So, Elizabeth is at least not indifferent to me... that's a good sign, isn't it?" Georgie seemed to agree. "But how can she care for me after I've stayed away so long? I thought she'd want her space after the Wickham incident-I thought she'd be upset at me for not having that snake put away a long time ago-could I have made a mistake?" He looked down into the kitten's innocent blue eyes. "Could she want to see me again? How do I get her to care about me?"

"Mew!" said Georgie decisively, before yawning and settling down to sleep.

"'Mew,' huh? Is that all you've got to say?" Darcy chuckled ruefully. "Well, I guess that's better than nothing." He leaned his head back on the chair's cushions and sighed. "If only it were that easy..."

Chapter 16

Posted on Tuesday, 5 July 2005, at 6:02 p.m.

"Lizzy, where did you put the black pepper?" Dr. Bennet rummaged through his daughter's kitchen cabinets, searching for the elusive seasoning.

"It's on the counter, Dad!" she called over her shoulder, occupied with dicing potatoes. It was Wednesday night, and this week's menu featured clam chowder and fresh-baked bread.

"I don't see it!" he called back, peering behind the assortment of canisters, utensils, and post-it notes that littered the countertop. Sighing in mock frustration, Lizzy wiped off her hands, leaned past him, and plucked the jar of pepper from behind a cat-shaped cookie jar, between the bouquet of decorative tri-colored pasta and the coffee mug that now held Hershey kisses. Her father sighed in exasperation.

"How is it that you can be so organized in the office, but when it comes to your kitchen, the place looks like a hurricane just blew through?"

"I'm not disorganized!" protested Lizzy. "I know exactly where everything is!" And to prove it, she unerringly extracted a small jar of paprika and one of dried bay leaves from their places inside the bread box, and underneath a flowered tea-towel, respectively.

They continued their dinner preparations in a companionable silence, dicing, stirring, and tasting, until there was nothing left to do but wait, and allow the rich, creamy chowder to simmer on the stove.

"So, Dad," began Lizzy. "What exactly are you doing with Frances tonight?" The terrier had apparently been so noisy lately that Mr. Bennet had been forced to re-locate their weekly dinner plans to Lizzy's apartment.

"I set her up with her favorite DVD and a box of doggie treats," he replied with a laugh. "I may not be able to stand watching 'Love Connection' myself, but it's worth it to keep her distracted for a while! She'll be fine without me." He grinned as he thought of the near-comatose state the cheesy dating show induced in Frances-her eyes practically glued themselves to the screen as she absently crunched her treats. "Speaking of annoying dogs, you'll never guess who called the clinic the other day," he said offhandedly, watching Lizzy out of the corner of his eye.

"Who?" she asked, curious.

"Mr. Darcy-apparently he's in desperate need of advice on how to keep Caroline-you remember the orange poodle?- from jumping up on him all the time." He noted his daughter's quick intake of breath, and continued speaking, watching her carefully. "I must say, he was a great deal more polite than I would have thought-given his poor opinion of our little clinic the first time he was in, I never thought he would stoop to ask our advice!" He leaned back in his chair and sipped a cup of tea. "One might almost think he was trying to get on my good side, eh, Lizzy?"

He was gratified to see her blush as she schooled her expression to remain neutral. "Perhaps he's changed for the better, Dad," she said quietly, betraying more than she knew by her lack of emotion. She rose and went to stir the chowder.

Mr. Bennet grinned smugly to himself. He had more than a passing suspicion that things were not as they seemed between his daughter and the mysterious Mr. Darcy. It was obvious that she had feelings towards the man, though he had yet to discover precisely what hey were. And it was just as clear that Mr. Darcy had been desperate for news of her when he had called-his careful avoidance of any mention of her name, even making "casual" small-talk for a good ten minutes, spoke volumes. For the moment, however, he decided to take pity on her and change the subject.

"So, how is Charlotte getting along with her latest acquisition?" he asked casually, and was rewarded with a laugh from his daughter.

"They're getting along famously! Getting kicked out of Lady Catherine's was the best thing that ever happened to that tom-cat!" For indeed, Fitzwilliam had finally pushed that lady's patience to its limits, and had been unceremoniously dropped off to board at the Bennet clinic-all expenses to be paid, of course, Lady Catherine was nothing if not generous with funds where it suited her-until an adoptive family could be found. Charlotte, with her soft heart, had soon been persuaded to take the mischievous cat in, and the two were clearly well-suited to each other.

"She calls him 'the little Colonel' now, if you can believe that!" Lizzy said gaily. "By the way, how is Collins doing now that Fitzwilliam has been removed from the grounds?"

"He's stopped molting, at least on his crest," he replied, "but his head is still mostly bald, and still as oily as ever. Lady Catherine refuses to believe what you told her about that parrot and her cosmetics, so there's not much we can do about that." He paused. "I still don't know what I did to deserve Lady Catherine's undivided attention-for some reason, whenever I suggest that she have an appointment with someone else, she finds an excuse to reschedule!"

Lizzy's brow furrowed. Could it have something to do with her nephew? I know he doesn't want to talk to me-why else would he have stayed away so long? And Lady Catherine never liked me to begin with. But is he the reason behind her avoiding me, or is she the reason for his? Oh, this is just too complicated! Either way, he clearly wants nothing to do with me!

Her preoccupation was not lost on her father, whose quick mind easily made the connection between the gentleman and his... er... loquacious aunt. He decided to prod her a little to see how she would react. "I don't know what you've done to her to make her avoid you, Lizzy, but can you please tell me so I can try it myself?" Score! She had blushed again. Lizzy, my girl, there's definitely more to this Mr. Darcy than you're telling... and I'll wager that he'd be good for you, if only you two could see that.

Trying to conceal her reddened cheeks, Lizzy set out a pair of bowls (retrieved from their place behind the paper towel rack and next to a cheerful ceramic pig that had no real use in the kitchen), and ladled out generous portions of steaming clam chowder. They ate quietly, savoring the aroma and flavor, neither inclined to talk.

Scritch, scritch.

"Did you hear that?" Lizzy's head popped up, listening.

"Hear what?" Mr. Bennet asked, still concentrating on his chowder.

"That scratching noise-there it is again!"

Scritch, scritch.

"Still didn't hear it. Go check, if it's bothering you."

Lizzy got up from her chair and followed her ears, heading towards the front door. She opened it and looked out. Nothing. Must have been imagining it, she thought, closing the door.

Scritch.

She looked down.

"Mew?"

"Georgie!" Lizzy's eyes opened in surprise. She scooped up the white kitten and heard her immediately start to purr. "What are you doing here? How did you get here? Is Will-" she looked down the hallway, but was disappointed. William was nowhere in sight. She sighed, then turned her attention to the purring kitten, who was now struggling to get down (as cats invariably do when they have just asked to be picked up).

Holding onto the kitten with one hand, she reached to the floor and picked up a single red rosebud. Clearly, Georgie had been sitting on it. She held it up and the kitten batted at it with a soft paw, purring once more. "I just don't underst-"

The words died on her lips as William peeked around the corner of the hallway. Biting his lip, he walked cautiously towards her, carrying a bouquet of the red roses. He stopped a few feet away, and the two stared at each other silently.

Okay, Darcy, now's the time. Say something. Something suave. Something perfect. Something to make her understand how you feel about her. He still stood mutely, fingers gripping the rose stems. The moment's passing, Darcy! Say something, anything! Now!

"Um... mew?"

The chagrined look on his face as he realized what he had just said was too much-Lizzy started to laugh, and soon found that she couldn't stop. After a moment, William joined her, and they laughed until their sides ached. When they finally caught their breath, Lizzy extended the small, struggling kitten to him.

"I believe this belongs to you?" she inquired, smiling.

"Yes, well... Georgie wanted to see you, so I thought I-she... could come visit?" His eyes were full of his mute appeal as he took the kitten and put her in the crook of his arm.

"Oh. Of course," Lizzy said haltingly. "I would hope she would know that she is always welcome here."

"Well, she was shy... she liked you from the start, but didn't always know how to show it." A small smile started to tug at the corners of his mouth.

"I was afraid she wouldn't want to see me after she heard about what happened with... him," she said in a low voice.

"She could never blame you for that," he said softly. "She knows what a wonderful person you are..." he took a deep breath and looked directly into her eyes. "And... I would like nothing more than to be here with you."

The look on his face took Lizzy's breath away, and she took a step closer as he did the same. Eyes alight with wonder, the two of them leaned towards each other slowly, tremulous smiles giving way to breathless anticipation as their lips met in a gentle kiss.

After a long moment, they separated, leaning their foreheads together and looking down with identically shy expressions.

"I-"

"I-"

Both stopped, waiting for the other to speak. Georgie broke the silence.

"Mew!" And she began to purr, satisfied.

They both laughed quietly and looked at each other, giddy with their newfound understanding.

* * * * *

Mr. Bennet smiled to himself, hearing bits of the muffled conversation that followed the tell-tale silence from the hallway. He was unsurprised to see the white kitten come padding through the still-open door, having squirmed away from a suddenly inattentive pair of young lovers. "Hello there, kitty, "he whispered as he stroked her soft white fur. "Let's give those two some time alone, shall we? Lord knows they've earned it."

Settling Georgie on his lap, he tilted his near-empty bowl towards her, allowing her to lap at the remains of his chowder. Purring happily, the kitten finished her snack and curled up to sleep as the conversation in the hall showed no signs of abating.

"Looks like we're a pair of matchmakers, hmmm?" he asked rhetorically, leaning back in his chair with satisfaction. "Never would've thought it."

Epilogue

Lizzy and William went on to have a long and loving relationship, with Georgie's blessing and to the great envy of Caroline, who turned orange once again, this time from sheer vexation. A year to the day after their meeting in the hall, little Georgie (little no longer, but a confident white cat with piercing blue eyes) had the honor of conveying quite a different message to Lizzy-this time in a small velvet box. Of course, inside the box (apart from the ring) there was also a folded note, bearing only the word "mew?", which was the cause of more laughter than one would ordinarily expect to accompany a proposal and its joyful acceptance.

Jane and Charles were as happy as one would expect, given their sunny disposition. After Caroline's fit of pique at Darcy's new relationship, Charles decided that it would be in everyone's best interests that the poodle stay elsewhere for a few months-thus, she was given into the temporary care of the Gardiner children, who had been clamoring for a dog of their very own. Mrs. Gardiner thought it would be a good test of responsibility for them, and indeed, the situation proved to be beneficial for all, as Ben and Jenny greatly enjoyed their new playmate, and Caroline was so often tired out by their youthful energy that she quite lost the inclination to be peevish.

Charlotte and the "little Colonel" grew quite inseparable, and after a few more meetings with the increasingly bald, increasingly oily Collins, Charlotte wondered how she could ever have thought the parrot amusing. Fitzwilliam, for his part, did have to put up with the indignity of being forever deprived of the means of siring more ginger-colored kittens (after all, Charlotte was first and foremost a responsible pet owner), but became happily resigned to the loss as a fair exchange for the company of a most amiable owner.

Frances remained as hysterical as ever, and grew quite Rubenesque from eating too many doggie treats and watching too much "Love Connection," until Mr. Bennet finally invested in a pair of earplugs and dedicated himself to taking her on brisk walks twice a day. With the noise level thus reduced, he found her to be tolerable company, and amused himself by presenting each of his family members with a new pair of earplugs on special occasions. As he was fond of saying, "no one would ever come to visit me otherwise."

So, they all lived happily (for the most part) ever after. Which just goes to show you-two things you can always count on to change with time are your pets and your perceptions.

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