The Right Connections

By Katherine

Beginning, Section II

Chapter 1

Posted on Wednesday, 1 August 2001

"Are you fond of dancing, Mr. Bingley?" Mrs. Bennet asked with a smile to their new acquaintance.

"There is nothing I love better than a dance, and if Miss Bennet is not already otherwise engage, I hope to secure the first two dances with her, and the next two with Miss Elizabeth," Mr. Bingley said cheerfully.

"You do us a great honor, Mr. Bingley, for neither of them are engaged and would be happy to dance with you." Mrs. Bennet said happily, while her thoughts were contained to just four words - Five thousand a year. Jane and Elizabeth just smiled at Mr. Bingley, who smiled back.

"And you, Mr. Darcy. Are you fond of dancing?" Mrs. Bennet inquired curiously, hoping that he was as fond of dancing as his friend, for Mr. Darcy was at least twice as rich as Mr. Bingley, with better connections.

"I but rarely dance, Ma'am," Mr. Darcy said with no emotion.

"Well, sir, this would be an excellent place to dance, for I wager you will not find as pretty of partners or such lively music everywhere," Mrs. Bennet replied. She was determined not to let a man this rich get away without marrying one of her daughters. Otherwise he might go dance with one of Mrs. Long's nieces, or, heaven forbid, the old maid Charlotte Lucas.

"Well, then, Ma'am, I suppose I must dance, if that is the case." said Mr. Darcy with a smile. "And since Mr. Bingley has secured Miss Elizabeth in the second two dances, I will take this opportunity to secure the first two dances with her, if she does not mind." Mrs. Bennet was overjoyed in this response, even though she would have rather he danced with Lydia.

"Of course she does not mind! She would be honored to dance with you," Mrs. Bennet replied with another smile as the two men bowed and took their leave to speak with Sir Lucas.

"Oh my dears, God has been very good to us! For you will both dance with Mr. Bingley, who is such an agreeable man! And Lizzy, you will dance with Mr. Darcy, although you did nothing to deserve it. I say, if it hadn't been for my comments and arguments, he would not have danced with you. And then you know what would happen. One of those artful Lucases would rope him into marrying Charlotte, who cannot hold a candle to either of you. And I say, they would too, for you know what kind of people ..." Mrs. Bennet ranted on, before Elizabeth could interrupt her.

"Mama, it looks as if the first dance is about to begin. We must go and find our partners, so we do not miss the first two dances with them," Elizabeth said as she pulled Jane away from their mother. Elizabeth could usually put up with her mother's rantings and ravings, but this was not the place for them. Besides, Elizabeth had to admit that Mr. Darcy was very handsome, and after that comment to her mother, had a lively sense of humor, and she would not jeopardize him for her mother's rude behavior.

As Elizabeth and Jane walked over, Bingley and Darcy noticed the two, and greeted them with a bow. It was fortunate, for the dance was beginning, and both led their partners onto the floor.

Elizabeth had an agreeable time dancing with Mr. Darcy, who turned out to be a very lively partner, even with his comment of rarely dancing. They talked for most of the evening about Meryton and Derbyshire, debating over which was more beautiful. In the end, Elizabeth had to agree with Mr. Darcy that Derbyshire seemed like a beautiful place to live, and hoped that she would one day be fortunate enough to visit there.

Elizabeth's dances with Mr. Bingley were very lively, for he was a very agreeable person, with the most good natured-ness personality that she had ever seen, except for her dear sister, Jane. And all throughout her dances, she decided that Jane and Mr. Bingley would make a very handsome couple. Lizzy was not the only one to notice this. Mrs. Bennet commented on it to her husband, when the family returned to Longbourn that evening.

"Oh Mr. Bennet! If you could have only been at the dance! I tell you, it was the most wonderful evening. You should have seen Mr. Bingley and his guests. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were so nicely dressed, and I dare say the lace on Miss Bingley's gown ..." Mrs. Bennet said, before being interrupted by Mr. Bennet crying for her to stop speaking about lace.

"But my dear Mr. Bennet, God was very good to us, for Mr. Bingley danced two dances with both Jane and Lizzy, although he did dance twice with both of Mrs. Long's nieces, and then once with Charlotte Lucas, which I believe was out of pity. But Mr. Darcy! Ten thousand a year, although Mrs. Lucas tells me it is more like TWELVE! Can you believe it! And with my persuasion, he danced twice with Lizzy, and once with Jane and then once with that artful Charlotte, and then with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. But then, pray, what do you think he did then! He spent the rest of the evening talking with Elizabeth, and danced the last dance with her!" Mrs. Bennet said, barely taking a breath.

"Three dances with my Lizzy?" Mr. Bennet said, looking at Elizabeth curiously.

"I know! Isn't that a fine thing for our Lizzy! What a good thing for her, and for Jane too, for Mr. Bingley so singled her out in the beginning. Oh, to have two daughters married so well will be such a comfort to me. It will help Lydia and Kitty, and even Mary to find rich husbands." Mrs. Bennet replied with a happy squeal. "Kitty, ring the bell for tea, for I must have something to calm my nerves!"

"And you, Lizzy," Mr. Bennet said quietly to just Elizabeth. "What did you think of Mr. Darcy?"

"I like him very much. He was a very agreeable partner to speak with, and to dance with, even though he did claim at the beginning that he rarely danced." Elizabeth replied with a smile and a blush.

"You do not suppose he danced with you because?" Mr. Bennet asked with a look of concern.

"Father, why do you suppose that every man who dances with me is a fortune hunter? Besides, he has, as you have hear, ten thousand a year, at least, of his own." Elizabeth replied, mimicking her mother.

"I know, I know. I just worry about you sometimes. You never know though," Mr. Bennet said concerned for his favorite daughter. "Now, let us go get some tea, for I believe I must calm my nerves as well.

Chapter 2

Posted on Wednesday, 1 August 2001

At Netherfield

"Well, I can honestly say, that was one of the most savage assemblies I have ever been to in my life," Caroline Bingley said with a yawn. "SUCH a waste of time."

"Very true, my dear, very true," Louisa said in agreement with her sister.

"I have never seen so many dull people in my life, even for a small assembly," Caroline said with yet another yawn as her sister nodded. "Such savage manners."

"I found them to be very agreeable. As for their country manners, I find them quite charming." Mr. Bingley said with a smile.

"I found them to be alluring, artful people. Did you see how many eager mothers were pushing their daughters at you, Charles? You are always commenting on how there are so many fortune hunters among our acquaintances in London, but at least they have a respectable dowry," Caroline said furiously.

"I must say, Mrs. Bennet in particular was throwing her daughters at you, Charles. I expect she thinks you'll marry one of them," Louisa said as she and Caroline burst into laughter.

"I dare say, it will give her a shock when she meets Emma, but I do want to be there when they are introduced," Caroline said between laughs.

"I do believe she'll have a 'fit of nerves' as she calls it!" Louisa replied, as they both burst back into laughter.

"Louisa! Caroline! Stop this at once. I must say that I found the Bennets to be delightful people," Bingley replied angrily.

"But Charles, that Mrs. Bennet is the worst woman I have ever met. I stood by her for two minutes, and I dare say I heard her utter the words 'five thousand a year' more than thirty times! Thirty!! Really, Charles, and they are considered as a respectable family in the neighborhood." Louisa replied calmly.

"One of their Uncles is an attorney in Meryton, and their other Uncle is in trade, and lives in Cheap-side," Caroline said with a whisper.

"Well, Caroline, perhaps we should call when we're next in town," Louisa said as they both burst out into laughter once more.

"I would find them just as agreeable if they had Uncles enough to fill all of Cheapside," Charles replied angrily.

"But you must realize, Charles, that as agreeable as they are, they will have a very small chance of marrying well in society, without connections or a respectable inheritance," Darcy replied cautiously, as to not upset Charles anymore than he already was.

"You must realize that Charles, even though I know you would never think of marrying unadvantageously. Especially to a woman with no society or connections," Caroline said with a smirk to her sister, as Charles nodded his head. Caroline had already won one round, and decided that this would be a good time to make Darcy come to his senses about the Bennets.

"Darcy, I must admit I was shocked when I saw you in conversation with Miss Eliza Bennet, especially since you danced twice with her. I did not think that you normally danced?" Caroline said, trying to hold in her jealousy.

"Her mother was very persistent that I dance with one of her daughters, and I must say that Miss Bennet was a very agreeable, lively, and handsome partner," Darcy replied calmly.

"But her connections! They are so low!" Louisa added.

"I heard a rumour that her dowry is much larger than her sisters', but that can hardly be true, even if she is her father's favorite child." Caroline replied with a laugh. "And to think that she was a reputed beauty of the area. I found little beauty in her, for her features have no brilliancy."

"Quite true, sister," Louisa added.

"But Darcy, I do believe that you called her a handsome partner earlier. Tell me, what brilliancy did you see in her that we did not," Caroline said coyly.

"I found that she had very fine eyes," Darcy replied calmly, making Caroline jealous. Fine eyes, she thought. My eyes are ten times as fine as hers, and I am far ahead of her in society.

"I found them to be very dull and lifeless. Jane Bennet is the only one who has a hint of beauty in her," Caroline retorted conceitedly.

"I found Miss Bennet and her sister to be very handsome young ladies, both very agreeable and friendly girls." Bingley responded, flashing his sister a look.

"Hmm, you two seem to think them handsome, and Louisa and I do not. We shall just have to ask Emma what she thinks of them when she arrives," Caroline replied sweetly, flashing her brother a smile as she thought of what it would be like when Mrs. Bennet met Lady Emma Riley. And with that comment the conversation ended.

Chapter 3

Posted on Wednesday, 1 August 2001

The Assembly at Sir Lucas'

A few days after the Meryton Assembly, the Bennets were invited to an assembly at Lucas Lodge. Mrs. Bennet could not be happier, for she had heard that Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy had both accepted the invitations to attend. There was such a commotion at Longbourn up until the night of the assembly, with Mrs. Bennet dictating to her eldest daughters what to do, how to behave, and what to say to secure the affections of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Bennet was not about to let the two richest men that had ever been in Meryton slip away without marrying Jane and Lizzy.

Jane bore her mother's comments as best she could, nodding in all of the right places as to please their mother. Lizzy, on the other hand, wouldn't listen to a syllable her mother said, often retreating to her father's library for a few moments peace. Elizabeth was often embarrassed by what her mother said, both in private and in public. She only hoped that her mother wouldn't say anything too drastic at the Lucas' assembly, for Elizabeth had begun to think very highly of Mr. Darcy over the past few days.

The Bennets arrived at Lucas Lodge earlier than planned, for Mrs. Bennet wanted them to be the first ones there when the party from Netherfield arrived. Mrs. Bennet kept herself by the door, making Jane and Elizabeth stand with her as she spoke with Mrs. Lucas and as they watched the guests arrive. Mrs. Long and her nieces arrived some time after, and Mrs. Long soon fell into conversation with Mrs. Bennet, while Jane and Elizabeth looked on impatiently. Elizabeth would much rather be talking with Charlotte Lucas, but ever time she tried to escape from the group, Mrs. Bennet would hold her back and prevent her from leaving by giving her a grim look.

"I dare say, the party from Netherfield is particularly late for this assembly. I wonder if something could be the matter?" Mrs. Long asked, hoping that they would arrive shortly. Mrs. Long was as cunning as Mrs. Bennet, and wanted as much as her to have her nieces married to the two gentlemen staying there currently.

"I hope that they were not delayed on the road. Perhaps a tire broke on their carriage, or even worse. Perhaps they were robbed by highway men," Mrs. Lucas said in a whisper, hoping it not to be true. "I have heard several cases of it have been occurring around Bath, and would advise Miss Elizabeth not to travel there in the next few weeks."

"Oh, Mrs. Lucas! Do not say something so dreadful! I am sure that they will be here shortly. Mr. Bingley must be waiting for his sister's to prepare themselves, or something trivial like that," Mrs. Bennet replied in a panic. "I dare say he would not miss this assembly for the world, especially since my Jane is to be here. I dare say she is a favorite among him, since he did solstice her hand for the first two dances last week." Mrs. Bennet gloated with a smile. "And Elizabeth for the next two."

"Yes, and he did dance with my two nieces, and remarked how elegantly they danced. He said 'they dance as beautifully and gracefully as swans' were his exact words," Mrs. Long said with a smirk to Mrs. Bennet.

"But he was very sorry to not be able to dance with my Jane again during the assembly, which he told me as we were leaving the assembly hall." Mrs. Bennet replied sweetly, as Mrs. Long's face grew grim. Mrs. Lucas could sense that these two would soon be in an argument over who had captured Mr. Bingley's fancy, so she quickly cut in.

"Look, ladies! It appears that Mr. Darcy has arrived, safe and sound. All of our worry was for nothing," Mrs. Lucas said with a smile, wondering where her Charlotte was. This was a perfect opportunity for her to win Mr. Darcy's esteem, and Charlotte was nowhere to be seen. It is no wonder she is an old maid, her mother thought. Mr. Darcy came over to the group of ladies, and bowed to Mrs. Lucas.

"Mrs. Lucas, please forgive me for being late to your assembly," he said very formally and sincerely. Mrs. Lucas gave him a friendly smile back.

"It is quite all right, Mr. Darcy. We are only relieved that you arrived safely to our small assembly," Mrs. Lucas said with an agreeable manner.

"Mr. Darcy, where is the rest of your party? I hope that nothing disagreeable has fallen on them? I know my nieces would be devastated if something has happened to them," Mrs. Long asked worriedly, trying to gain Mr. Darcy's good opinion.

"No, Mr. Bingley had some ... business to attend to in London, and was quite late returning home. I do also believe that his sisters were not yet ready to leave on time, so I decided to go ahead of the party so no one would worry." Mr. Darcy replied, giving Elizabeth a small smile, which made her blush in return. Elizabeth hurriedly looked at her mother to see if she had noticed, but Mrs. Bennet was too busy trying to engage Mr. Darcy in conversation.

At that time, Elizabeth made her excuses to the party, and walked off to pour herself a glass of wine. It made her cringe every time she thought of what horrible things her mother might be saying to Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth knew perfectly well that after one conversation with her mother, he would want nothing to do with Elizabeth or the Bennet family, and would probably make sure his friend had nothing to do with her sister. He was such a nice gentleman too, with such a friendly disposition and ...

"I hope you are feeling well, Miss Bennet," said Mr. Darcy, who walked up next to her and began to pour himself a glass of wine. "I hope that I do not offend you, but you do look ill."

"Oh yes, sir, I am well. I thank you for your concern," Elizabeth said with a smile.

"Not at all." Mr. Darcy said, returning her smile, which made Elizabeth turn a deep crimson.

"We were beginning to wonder whether or not to send out a search party for you and Mr. Bingley," Elizabeth said with a smile.

"What about Miss Bingley and her sister?" Mr. Darcy replied with a frown. Elizabeth started to stammer a response, but Mr. Darcy moved very close to her and whispered "You do not need to apologize. If they were lost, I do not think I would hurry to rescue them" with a smile.

"I do hope that Mr. Bingley finished all of his business in London. It is a terrible journey to London from Meryton," Elizabeth said with concern.

"Yes, I do believe he has. I, on the other hand, have the unfortunate of having to make a trip there in a few weeks," Mr. Darcy said gloomily.

"I do hope that it is nothing too serious!" Elizabeth questioned.

"No. I just have to check a few matters with my attorney, and will be there to escort my mother and sister to Netherfield. They have come for the wed ... to visit the country." Mr. Darcy said hurriedly. Elizabeth gave him a curious look, for she was sure he was about to say wedding. Could it be that Mr. Bingley was to propose to Jane, or that Mr. Darcy would propose to her?

"How delightful. I should very much like to meet your mother and sister, if you would not mind introducing them to me," Elizabeth said happily.

"No, I am sure they would love to meet you," Mr. Darcy replied, and Elizabeth thought that she heard a slight emphasis on the word love.

"I do believe I hear Miss Bingley in the entrance, so the party must have arrived," Elizabeth said, gesturing towards the door as they both walked over to Mrs. Bennet, Mrs. Lucas, Mrs. Long, and Jane, who still stood by the door.

"Ah, Mrs. Lucas, please excuse us for being late," Mrs. Hurst said sweetly. "Dear Charles was late in returning from London."

"That is quite all right, Mrs. Hurst. We are honored that you could come." Mrs. Lucas said kindly, thinking that Mrs. Lucas would be a very nice sister to Charlotte.

At that moment, Elizabeth saw Miss Bingley approach the group with her brother and another young lady, who at the moment was clinging onto Mr. Bingley's arm. She seemed about Jane's age, with very blonde hair, crystal blue eyes, and fair skin. She was almost as extravagantly dressed as Miss Bingley was, only her dress was not bright orange but a light blue color, which brought out her eyes.

"Mr. Bingley! Miss Bingley! It is very nice to see you once again. We had worried that you would not make it to this assembly. We had begun to fear the worst," Mrs. Bennet said, eyeing the woman curiously. Miss Bingley could see this, and took this opportunity to introduce the woman to Mrs. Bennet.

"Oh Mrs. Bennet, I completely forgot to introduce you! You must forgive me. This is Miss Emma Riley. Miss Riley, this is Mrs. Bennet, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy (whom you already know), Mrs. Lucas, and Mrs. Long. Miss Riley has just arrived from London," Caroline said smugly, giving her sister a look.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Riley. You are a friend of the family?" Mrs. Bennet asked curiously.

"I would say that I am more than a friend, Mrs. Bennet. I am Charles' fiancé." Miss Riley said with a smile, as Mrs. Bennet, Mrs. Lucas, Mrs. Long, and Jane's faces all fell and their eyes opened wide with shock. Caroline couldn't help smile, and neither could her sister. It served them right, though Caroline, to think that Charles would want to marry their ugly, unconnected daughters. It served them right.

Chapter 4

Posted on Wednesday, 1 August 2001

Longbourn

The ride home from Lucas Lodge was deathly quiet. Not one of the five girls uttered one word, and Mrs. Bennet didn't make a single sound, which was unusual for her. There was only one thought on the minds of the Bennets, as they racked their brains trying to predict what they would do next. Mrs. Bennet had her heart set on Jane marrying Mr. Bingley, which would in turn throw the rest of her girls into the paths of rich men. Since all hopes of a marriage had been destroyed in a few seconds, Mrs. Bennet was in a daze, and confused about what would be done now with her eldest, not to mention the marital status of her daughters.

It was not until Mrs. Bennet was in the privacy of her own home, away from curious, prying ears, did she begin to make her sentiments about the evening known.

"Mr. Bennet! MR. BENNET! Hill, where is Mr. Bennet! Oh, does he not realize what he is doing to my poor nerves! He has no compassion for me in my state! Mr. BENNET!" Mrs. Bennet screeched to no one in particular in her high-pitched voice, which echoed through every crack and crevice in the home.

Mr. Bennet, who at that moment was in his library, having a relaxing glass of brandy and reading Tom Jones, was startled to hear his wife in such a state. He realized that he would not be allowed any more peace or quiet that evening, and unhappily left the security of his library to see what trifling matter was currently troubling his wife. It was probably nothing, he though to himself. One of Mrs. Long's nieces probably danced with Mr. Bingley, and she thinks it's the end of the world, Mr. Bennet though with an inward laugh.

When Mr. Bennet entered the sitting room, he discovered his family to be the opposite of what he expected. Mrs. Bennet was pacing around the length of the room, muttering to herself. Mary tagged along behind her, quoting comforting, yet annoying and unhelpful, words, which made Mrs. Bennet become even more shocked. Jane was sitting in a chair, looking shocked, which Elizabeth sat next to her, trying to cheer her up but failing.

Lydia and Kitty were sitting at the table, sewing ribbon to their bonnets in an attempt to not get in anyone's way. Lydia and Kitty were both upset at having to leave the assembly early, especially since there was an abundance of men, dressed in regimentals, who were very fond of dancing, and not to mention handsome. Every so often, they would give Jane an evil glare, or whisper between themselves and giggle.

Mr. Bennet hadn't seen his family this distraught since ... well, never. The first thing on Mr. Bennet's mind was worry. What was the matter? Had someone died? Was one of the girls going to die? The next was anger. Anger at whoever had caused his family to act like this. Anger at not being at the assembly, so he would know first hand what the problem was. Who knows - he may have been able to prevent it, or lessen the blow. Anger at not being as good of a father as he could have been at that moment.

"Yes, Mrs. Bennet, I believe you were wondering where I was?" Mr. Bennet said, with no tone to his voice.

"Oh, my dear Mr. Bennet, you will never believe what we have learned! Oh, it is so dreadful, I dare say you will scarce believe it!" Mrs. Bennet wailed, as she collapsed into a chair, Mary close behind.

"What will I be unable to believe?" Mr. Bennet said curiously, but anxiously, for he was wondering what was causing his family their present unhappiness.

"Mr. Bingley! He is engaged!" Mrs. Bennet said with a sigh.

"To Jane? Why, that is wonderful! I ..." Mr. Bennet replied, before being interrupted.

"No, no, no! To some ... lady from London. Miss Emma Riley, I believe is her name." Mrs. Bennet corrected unhappily.

"Who?"

"Oh, I do not know, Mr. Bennet! All I know is that she is the daughter of Lord Riley, is from London, and has a very large dowry of thirty thousand pounds!" Mrs. Bennet replied angrily.

"No wonder he likes her, with a dowry like that." Lydia replied with a laugh. "If I had thirty thousand pounds, I suppose all of the officers would be violently in love with me!"

"True, Lydia, very true. Did you think her to be pretty, Mama?" Kitty asked, with a small laugh at Lydia's comment.

"Not at all. Everyone commented on how fair skinned she was, but I believe she looked sickly pale. And her eyes! I suppose some people believed them to be crystal blue, but I found them to be dull and drab." Mrs. Bennet said, turning up her nose.

"And her hair was so stringy! She had no qualities of a lady." Lydia replied, giving her mother a small smile.

"Exactly. She held nothing to any of our girls, especially Jane. But all of this is so shocking, especially since he was singling her out at the Assembly last week. Everyone seemed so sure that he was particular for her, and most supposed he would not be here for more than a month before he offered her marriage. He did not behave like a gentleman should, playing our daughter like a fool." Mrs. Bennet exclaimed.

"Lizzy spoke with Mr. Bingley's fiancé," Lydia said to her mother with a sweetly sick smile.

"Lizzy! You did not tell me this! You must tell me exactly what she said to you!" Mrs. Bennet said, giving Elizabeth a demanding look.

"I ... I did not say much to her. We spoke of the area, and how beautiful she though it to be," Mrs. Bennet exclaimed a small gasp, "and of London. She invited Jane and myself to tea tomorrow evening, but besides that we did not converse very much," Lizzy said shyly, giving her sister a glance of worry.

"You have been invited to tea! Why did you not tell me this sooner, Elizabeth! This changes everything!" Mrs. Bennet squealed.

"How is that, Mrs. Bennet?" Mr. Bennet replied calmly.

"Jane still has time to win Mr. Bingley back! Jane, dear, you must look your prettiest tomorrow, and act your best, and he will certainly pick you over Miss Emma Riley, for you are so much fairer than she is. And Elizabeth, this is a good chance for you to further the attentions of Mr. Darcy. I did notice him looking at you a great deal tonight, and if you keep it up, I do not doubt that he will soon be offering you marriage." Mrs. Bennet said with a smile. "Oh, everything will work out perfectly after all."

"With a dowry like hers, I find it very likely that Mr. Darcy will propose to her. Why, if I had ..." Lydia said, before she was cut off by a deathly glare from Mr. Bennet, silencing her for the evening.

"We will have no more talk of marriages, or dowries, or of assemblies for the rest of the evening. I do not know about you, but I am going to retire now, and I would advise the rest of you to do the same. Especially you, Jane. You look very ill, my dear," Mr. Bennet said compassionately as he headed to his room.

Chapter 5

Posted on Thursday, 2 August 2001

Netherfield

"I am extremely pleased that you and your sister could join us for tea today, Miss Bennet. I have only been away from London for a day, but I do find myself missing the lively conversations I could find there." Miss Riley said with a smile. Elizabeth smiled back, and realized that it would be very hard to be uncivil to this woman, as her mother had advised her to be.

'If we give and become friends with this woman, then we will just be accepting the fact that Mr. Bingley will not marry Jane, and to do that would be to betray your sister', her mother had told her before Jane and herself had departed that morning. Those words had been echoing through her head all morning - in the carriage, while she was being greeted, and while she sat and talked with Miss Riley.

The more Elizabeth spoke with Miss Riley, the more she found she liked about this woman. To tell the truth, the more she discovered that maybe, possibly, Miss Riley would make a better wife for Mr. Bingley than her sister could. Miss Riley had the same disposition and calming nature that Mr. Bingley had, and as a plus, was familiar with the London society and how to behave as a gentleman's wife. But, Elizabeth thought, when compared to Mr. Bingley's sisters, who were the only other qualified candidates in the room, an angry tree gnome would probably be a pleasanter companion than Caroline Bingley, or Louisa Hurst.

"Thank you so much for inviting us, Miss Riley. Your fiancé has a beautiful home," Elizabeth replied politely.

"No, no, this will not do, Miss Bennet. If we are to be good acquaintances, and even friends, you must call me Emma. All my friends do," Emma laughed, causing her eyes to sparkle.

"Then you must call me Elizabeth, for I do find that Miss Bennet makes me sound dull and drab," Elizabeth responded with a laugh. She liked Emma already, but the more she talked to her, the more she felt she was betraying her sister, and her mother.

"This is a very pretty area, and will not mind spending time here during the summers," Emma replied, giving the room a once over with her eyes. "Charles spent most of his childhood in the country, and was very particular to buying an estate in the country. I cannot agree more with his choice of a home! This place is so warm, and inviting!"

"Yes, I must agree with you there. It is a beautiful home," Elizabeth said, with a small smile, for she could not see the home without remembering that her sister would never be mistress of this wonderful estate.

"Oh, I am so glad that you live nearby! I would be so bored without someone to talk to, for as nice as they are, Louisa and Caroline can become very tiresome and boring," Emma said in a whisper. "All they talk about is how wonderful it is that I am marrying Charles, and how wonderful Mr. Darcy is." Elizabeth gave her a curious look, causing Emma to laugh. "Oh, you cannot be left in the cold about all this? Caroline is infatuated with Mr. Darcy! And I don't blame her, for I was at first too, before I met my dear Charles! He is a very handsome man, is he not?"

"I suppose ... I mean, I do not ... I would say ..." Elizabeth stammered, unable to think of exactly what to say.

"I know what you mean, Elizabeth; he does take one's breath away. And he has ten thousand a year, although my Charles does have five thousand. But he is so handsome, with his curly hair and dark eyes, and has such good connections. I dare say, the woman he marries will be a lucky one, won't she," Emma said with a laugh, but Elizabeth could see what she was feeling. In that one second, her eyes had flashed a hopeful, wistful look. Could it be?

No, thought Elizabeth. She was marrying Mr. Bingley, and she obviously loved him. The way she looked at him, and talked to him, would leave no one doubting her affections for him. But still, what she had said about Mr. Darcy. The way she had looked when she spoke of him - she looked as if there was nothing else that mattered to her, but Mr. Darcy. But why would she agree to marry Mr. Bingley if she loved Mr. Darcy?

I really must stop thinking about this, thought Elizabeth, for it will not do. I do not know any of the particulars regarding Mr. Bingley and Miss Riley's engagement and acquaintance, and about Miss Riley and Mr. Darcy. I may be mistaken when it comes to what Miss Riley feels for Mr. Darcy, and in the end I may find out that they are nothing but good friends. Why, Miss Riley is probably friends with Miss Darcy, which would probably account for why she spoke so highly of Mr. Darcy!

Yet, as Elizabeth thought of every possible reason for Miss Riley to talk of Mr. Darcy that way, she could believe none of them. Deep down, Elizabeth knew that Miss Riley cared about Mr. Darcy more than she did Mr. Bingley. How could she do that to him? How could Miss Riley enter into a marriage with Mr. Bingley, when she did not want him? Did she not care about Mr. Bingley's feelings?

"Elizabeth? Are you all right? You haven't heard a word I have been saying, have you?" Emma interrupted, looking very hurt at her friend's behavior.

"Hmm? Oh, I am terribly sorry, Emma, but I was just admiring this room, and was caught up in how beautiful it looked," Elizabeth lied, hoping that Emma wouldn't notice, but she in return smiled back.

"It is lovely, is it not? I picked out the furniture myself, and had it shipped express from London." Emma said proudly, with a hint of conceit.

"It is a beautiful room, with such fine furniture and beautiful paintings. I especially like that painting with the daisies. The contrast of colors in that is so exquisite." Elizabeth said with a smile.

"It's a Van Gough*. I purchased it especially, since the artist is a great favorite of Mr. Darcy's. He has several of his paintings at Pemberley," Emma said with a huge smile, as her eyes looked loving and wistful.

UGH! thought Elizabeth. Not more about Mr. Darcy! It seemed as if all of her worst fears were coming true. There would be no doubting that she cared for Mr. Darcy. But what was worse than Miss Riley loving Mr. Darcy was the fear that Elizabeth had - that maybe, deep down, Mr. Darcy loved Miss Riley. And all Elizabeth could feel at that moment was jealousy, because it was at that moment that Elizabeth realized that she loved Mr. Darcy. And she couldn't bare to lose him to Miss Riley.

* Yes, I know that Van Gough wasn't alive when Pride and Prejudice took place, but he was the only artist I could think of when I wrote this. Besides, maybe Darcy would have liked his work if he had been alive today. :o)

Chapter 6

Posted on Thursday, 2 August 2001

Longbourn

Elizabeth lay awake long into the night thinking over the previous day's discoveries. She had declined to have dinner with Miss Riley and Mr. Bingley's sisters, saying that she felt ill and would much rather rest that evening than risk one of them catching something from her. Elizabeth knew that her sister, Jane, was upset at not seeing Mr. Bingley that evening, but she knew that if Jane realized the way Miss Riley felt about her fiancé, it would hurt her even more.

Mrs. Bennet had scolded Elizabeth when she arrived home, saying she was a traitor to the family by not bearing her illness to make her sister happy. Elizabeth knew that her mother was just upset over the news of Mr. Bingley's engagement, but it didn't stop making her feel guilty. Perhaps if they had dinner with the Bingleys, Jane would have hope in securing the affections of Mr. Bingley. But it was too late for maybes now, though Elizabeth. I just have to realize that what was done is done, and was done for the best. But that didn't ease her conscience.

Elizabeth had lived her life as honestly as possible, and felt bad for lying to Miss Riley. But deep down, she knew she couldn't be seated at the table near Mr. Darcy while Miss Riley made advances on him, unknowingly to himself and to Mr. Bingley. It was surprising that Miss Bingley hadn't realized Miss Riley's intentions towards Mr. Darcy, though Elizabeth. But she, like myself, perhaps thinks that if she does not believe it to be true, it cannot and will not come true. If only that was true.

After hours of thinking, Elizabeth fell into a fitful sleep, while visions of Miss Riley and Mr. Darcy danced in her head. She almost did not hear her mother pound on her door in the morning.

"Elizabeth! Elizabeth, oh, get up! You must get up, for something wonderful has happened," Mrs. Bennet said, scurrying about her room as she rummaged through her wardrobe.

"What has happened? Is it to do with Jane and Mr. Bingley?" asked Elizabeth hopefully.

"No, no, all hope of that is gone after what you pulled last night. No, Mr. Collins has arrived! He is to stay with us, for how long I don't know. But you must get up and get dressed, so you can meet him." Mrs. Bennet rambled, obviously pleased with the new guest to Longbourn.

Elizabeth unhappily tumbled out of bed, which was unusual for her since she was usually one of the first to rise in the morning. Sarah was called to help her dress, and to do her hair up. Mrs. Bennet must have spoken with Sarah, for she was taking extra special care with getting her ready, and Elizabeth noticed that her mother had picked out one of her fanciest gowns to wear - the blue one with long sleeves. Elizabeth just sighed as she made her way downstairs. She was too busy wondering what plans her mother had for her daughters that she forgot all about the inhabitants of Netherfield.

"Ah, Elizabeth, there you are. Come meet your cousin, Mr. Collins," her mother said firmly, but with a smile as she dragged Elizabeth over to her cousin. As Elizabeth looked at him, all she could feel was, well, disgust for this man. He was very short, and very plump, with a sick smile on his face. His hair was oily and pressed down to his head, and his hairline was receding. He was trying to stand tall and proud, but instead looked like the hunchback of Notre Dame. Elizabeth tried to stifle a giggle as she curtsied to Mr. Collins, and took her seat next to Jane, whom was also dressed in her best dress. Come to think of it, Elizabeth realized, all of my sisters are dressed as if they are going to a ball!

"It is a pleasure to meet all of your fine daughters, Mrs. Bennet. I must say they are very charming ladies, and are almost as fancy as my noble patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh's, daughter, the heiress of Rosings Park, Anne de Bourgh," Mr. Collins said with another of his sick smiles, as Elizabeth tried not to laugh out loud at what he had said.

"You must be very lucky to have a noble patroness from such an esteemed family. Has her daughter been presented at court?" Mrs. Bennet questioned with a smile.

"No, for she is unfortunately of a sickly constitution which disables her from being in town. But as I have constantly told Lady Catherine, she is depriving the British Court of its brightest ornament," Mr. Collins replied back, looking at Elizabeth and Jane.

"I understand she has an estate in Kent, sir, is that not true?" Mrs. Bennet questioned.

"Yes, Rosings Park," He replied, his voice wafting off when he said 'Rosings Park' like it was the holiest place in the world. "It is an extensive estate, with many fine gardens and woods. And my humble abode is only separated from Rosings by a small lane." He gave another sick smile, Elizabeth noticed. Why must he always do that? It is utterly repulsive.

"Well, I must say again, you are very lucky to have such a wonderful patroness," Mrs. Bennet said with a smile. "Why, look at that! It is such a beautiful day outside. Mr. Collins, would you care for a tour of the park?"

"Why, I would be delighted to, Mrs. Bennet," Mr. Collins said, bowing to her and taking her hand as she led him outside. The moment he was gone, Elizabeth burst out laughing, and so did Lydia and Kitty.

"Lizzy! Lydia! Kitty! Stop laughing at once! What if Mr. Collins was to hear you?" Jane scolded angrily, her eyes darting to the door, hoping Mr. Collins would not reappear.

"Oh, Jane, he would not mind. He would probably start rambling on that 'my dear patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, is fond of laughing' or something idiotic like that," Lydia said, mimicking his voice, causing the three to laugh even more. Elizabeth could feel tears coming to her eyes.

"Lizzy, I would think that you would be behaving better than this," Jane said, giving her sister a look.

"Yes, well, I must say, he is the stupidest man I have ever met," Elizabeth replied with a smile.

"I think him to be very charming, and he is very well off. He will one day inherit this estate, and for the time being he is a clergyman for a very noble lady," Mary said sternly, giving her sisters a look. It was obvious to Elizabeth that Mary obviously had feeling for him, and felt bad that her sister did not have the sense enough to like someone more ... handsome and intelligent, for starters.

"I pity whoever he marries, for she will have to have a strong constitution to put up with all of his praising of 'Lady Catherine de Bourgh'," Elizabeth mimicked, causing Lydia and Kitty to burst back into laughter.

Meanwhile, in the garden ...

"Mrs. Bennet, I must say, I am charmed with your daughters. They are all very beautiful, witty young ladies," Mr. Collins said happily.

"Why, thank you Mr. Collins. They are admired wherever they go," Mrs. Bennet replied with a smile.

"Especially the eldest Miss Bennet. I do believe she is not currently engaged," Mr. Collins added, looking questionably at Mrs. Bennet. She looked at Mr. Collins in shock. Mr. Collins loves my Jane. He wants to marry her, and he wants my blessing first! This is perfect - I will give him my blessing towards the match, and Jane will one day be mistress of Longbourn! My dreams will come true! I shall never have to step down for some stranger to take my place as mistress when Mr. Bennet dies!

But wait, she thought, what of Mr. Bingley? What if he decides to break off his engagement with Miss Riley to marry Jane? Perhaps he is in love with her, and wants desperately to marry my beautiful Jane. But what if he doesn't and Mr. Collins does not want to marry Jane in the future? Oh, why must this be such a difficult decision to make. I must think in the best interests of our family.

"Mr. Collins, I must say, I am very pleased with your compliments to my daughter, Jane, and can say whole heartedly that she is not engaged," Mrs. Bennet replied, as Mr. Collins smiled widely.

"Do you suppose she would be willing to marry if a suitable offer of marriage was proposed to her?" Mr. Collins hinted sheepishly. Mrs. Bennet was becoming impatient - would he just ask her already!

"Mr. Collins, I must tell you, that a man with your connections and situation in life would not be refused by any one of my daughters, except maybe my Elizabeth, since she will likely be engaged soon, if an offer of marriage was made to them," Mrs. Bennet replied with a smile.

"And what of Mr. Bennet's impute on the matter?" Mr. Collins quizzed.

"I am certain that he would consent to the marriage of any one of his daughters to a man such as yourself," Mrs. Bennet replied.

"Then I suppose all I have left to do is to ask Miss Bennet herself," Mr. Collins said, with a sick smile of his.

"Well, let us not waste any of your time, sir. If you will come with me, you may speak with Jane as soon as possible," Mrs. Bennet said, trying not to squeak with happiness.

Mrs. Bennet was overjoyed. She knew she had made the right decision regarding her daughter, and thought of how happy Jane would be when she became Mrs. William Collins, mistress of Longbourn. Ooo, that has such a nice ring to it. Take that, Mrs. Lucas, she thought. My Jane will never become an old maid like your Charlotte has.

Chapter 7

Posted on Thursday, 2 August 2001

Longbourn

"Oh no, he is come back again." Kitty groaned, as she looked out of the window and discovered her mother and Mr. Collins returning to the house.

"Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I refuse to be in that ... ogre's company for a minute more. I'm going upstairs to lock myself in my room until Mr. Collins leaves!" Lydia said angrily, as she bounded out of the room with Kitty in tow. Jane and Elizabeth just gave each other a look.

"With any luck he won't be staying here for too long," Elizabeth wished quietly. "I wonder what he means by coming to see us after so many years?"

"Mama said that he wanted to reconcile with the family, since his dear father died just recently," Mary replied, not looking up once from Fordyce's Sermons. "He supposedly feels terrible that our home should be entailed away from our family line."

"But what must his motive be? He could not just come here to visit with us. He has to have a deeper plan in mind." Elizabeth observed, as her mother and Mr. Collins entered the room.

"Jane, dear! Mr. Collins expressed a wish to see our gardens, and since you spend the most time of any of the girls in them, you must show them to Mr. Collins," Mrs. Bennet said, giving Jane a hard look. Jane stood up quietly and took Mr. Collins' arm, as they both headed outdoors towards the Bennet's large garden.

"Mama, I believe I shall also go with Jane to show Mr. Collins the garden." Elizabeth added, getting up and walking towards the door. Elizabeth didn't want her sister to suffer being in Mr. Collins presence by herself.

"No Lizzie! Stop yourself right there!" Mrs. Bennet screeched at her daughter, and then, realized the scene she had just made, calmed herself down and replied "I must ask for your opinion on something upstairs. Mary, why don't you come with us." Mrs. Bennet wasn't going to take the chance of any of her daughters interrupting what could be the most influential moment in Jane's life.

Elizabeth and Mary unwillingly followed their mother upstairs, and sat quietly while her mother rambled on about what material would be best for a new gown for each of the girls. Mary wasn't paying attention - she had brought Fordyce's Sermons with her, and was busily reading it. Elizabeth just nodded in all of the right places, but let her mind wander. What does Mr. Collins want with Jane?

It was more than half an hour later when Elizabeth heard her sister enter her room, and Elizabeth made her excuses to Mrs. Bennet. She opened Jane's door softly, and was startled to notice her sister sitting by the window, staring out into space. She looked so ... shocked, repulsed, and grievous. Elizabeth quickly went over to her sister and sat down next to her.

"Jane, dear, whatever is the matter? Did Mr. Collins say something unkind to you?" Elizabeth questioned sympathetically, but Jane just sat there silently as a tear rolled down her cheek. "Jane, you must tell me what is wrong, for not telling me is tearing me up inside!"

"Elizabeth," Jane said, turning to her sister as tears cascaded down her face, "Mr. Collins ... he ... he... made me an offer of marriage, and I ... I accepted him." With that comment, Jane began to sob profusely, and Elizabeth held her sister in her arms trying to calm her down. Mr. Collins is to marry Jane? It cannot be possible, there has to be some mistake, thought Elizabeth.

"Shhh, Jane, it is all right. Now, tell me everything that happened," Elizabeth said soothingly.

"We walked out into the garden" sniff "and he began by telling me how much he loves me, and how he knew we were meant to be together" sniff "when he first met me. And he said how" sniff "he wanted me to be his wife more than" sniff "anything in this world." Jane said, trying to hold back the tears.

"And you accepted him?" Elizabeth asked, as Jane nodded unhappily. "But, why?"

"Elizabeth, how could I not? By doing this I am insuring that when father dies our family will be taken care of, and that our mother and sisters will not be thrown out of the house to starve in the streets." Jane sobbed. "Besides, my dowry was never as large as yours is, and I have nothing but my looks to tempt any suitors. How do I know that I will ever be made another offer of marriage to?"

"No, Jane, you are the sweetest person I know, and I am sure that there are many men out there who would wish to marry you, dowry or none." Elizabeth said, trying to reassure her sister. No matter what anyone thought on the matter, Elizabeth knew that her sister could never marry Mr. Collins.

"How do you know that?" Jane replied, her voice cracking. "I have lived on this earth for almost twenty four years with my same traits and characteristics, and yet this is the first offer of marriage I have ever received. If I do not accept him, I may as well accept the fact that I will die an old maid."

"You will never die an old maid, Jane, but I have to say that dying an old maid is probably better than becoming Mrs. Collins. Jane, search your heart. You know that you cannot marry a man that you have no feelings for! What of Mr. Bingley?" Elizabeth argued.

"Mr. Bingley? Mr. Bingley is to be married to someone that loves him, and to someone that he in return loves. Mr. Bingley never cared about me, and never will!" Jane yelled. "I know that I do not love Mr. Collins, but he can give me a secure home, and will provide for me in my old age, as well as our family."

"I thought that you wanted to marry for love, Jane, not security!" Elizabeth argued back.

"I thought I did, Lizzy, but circumstances change. Now if you will excuse me, I must tell our mother the good news," Jane retorted, as she wiped her eyes with her handkerchief and headed out of the room. Elizabeth heard a delightful scream from her mother, which made Elizabeth almost cry. She knew that her family may be happy for Jane, but Elizabeth could never be. Jane and Mr. Bingley belonged together - it was natural to see. And as soon as Mr. Bingley realized that Miss Riley did not love him, they would be together. Forever.

Chapter 8

Posted on Sunday, 5 August 2001

Longbourn

Elizabeth paced the length of her room over and over, all the while trying to think of what could be done about Jane and Mr. Collins. The more she thought about the union that was to take place, the more she knew that they would never be happy together, and that the marriage should not take place. Elizabeth knew that the only motive for Mr. Collins to marry Jane was that she was the handsomest of all of the Bennet girls, and figured that her mother must have had an influence on Mr. Collins decision.

Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins had both decided that the wedding should be as soon as possible, and one week from this Sunday was decided as the happy day. Mrs. Bennet's motive was to have her daughter married off as soon as possible before Mr. Collins could change his mind, and Mr. Collins' was to be married quickly, so he could return to his duties as a clergyman as soon as possible.

Besides, Mrs. Bennet had learned that Mr. Bingley and his fiancé were to be married on the Sunday following Jane's. Mrs. Bennet not only wanted the party at Netherfield to be in attendance at Jane's wedding, but she made sure that the Bennets would be able to attend the Bingley wedding the week after.

Mrs. Bennet was pleased with making one successful match with one of her daughters, and had now taken Elizabeth into view. Mrs. Bennet had decided on Mr. Darcy as Elizabeth's match, and spent every possible moment praising him to Elizabeth. Elizabeth was not unaware of what her mother was doing, and usually, and quite successfully, tuned her mother out when she rambled on about his 'ten thousand a year, at least'.

At first, the neighborhood had been overjoyed at Jane Bennet finally marrying. Everyone agreed that she was a very lucky young lady to be marrying a man with such connections in life. But after meeting Mr. Collins, it was discussed that Jane was not as lucky as once thought - most of the neighborhood though Mr. Collins to be a self absorbed, conceited, ugly, stuck up man who enjoyed boasting about his good connections with such a noble family.

Elizabeth had only one more hope to dissolving the union between Jane and Mr. Collins - that was Mr. Bennet. He had not openly praised nor rejected the engagement, and Elizabeth hoped that he would see that it was not a good match, and the engagement should be broken. Otherwise, Elizabeth knew that Jane would have no hope of breaking off the marriage.

Elizabeth took a deep breath, and knocked on her father's door. She heard a muffled response, and entered the room, where she found her father reading by his fireplace. He could normally be found in his library, away from the ramblings of her mother and the silliness of her younger sisters.

Mr. Bennet looked up from his book to see his favorite daughter standing by the door. He noticed how worried she looked, and knew that something had to be troubling her, or she would not have come here to speak with him. Mr. Bennet placed his book next to his glass of brandy, and gently spoke to his daughter.

"Well, Lizzy, what is the matter?" Mr. Bennet asked sympathetically, while Elizabeth looked towards the window. It seemed that whatever was on her mind was of great urgency and importance, but was difficult for her to say.

"Father, you know that I would never question your judgment, for it has always been with your best intentions, but now I am afraid I must." Elizabeth blurted out. "How could you consent to a marriage between Mr. Collins and Jane?" she questioned, her eyes wide and fearful.

Mr. Bennet sat in his chair stunned. He had not expected a remark such as this, especially since Mrs. Bennet and all of his other daughters seemed excited about the match. He had thought that Elizabeth would be overjoyed that her sister was to be married so advantageously, but after what she had said to him, it was obvious that she was indeed not. Elizabeth was indeed the smartest and wittiest of all his daughters, but he could not comprehend why she did not see that this match was beneficial to both the Bennets and the Collins.

"Elizabeth, why don't you want your sister to marry Mr. Collins?" Mr. Bennet said calmly and tonelessly.

"You have not yet answered my question yet, Papa," Elizabeth said shortly and sternly, giving me a sharp look. This was obviously one of those stubborn moments for Elizabeth - the one trait that Elizabeth had inherited from her mother, and it had to be stubbornness.

"Why shouldn't I have? He is a clergyman for a very noble family, and will one day inherit this estate when I die. He will provide for Jane, and she will become mistress of Longbourn one day, as your mother and I always hoped would happen for one of our daughters," Mr. Bennet replied. "You know that we have always wished to keep Longbourn in the family blood line, and now is our chance to do just that!"

"Is that all? Is that your grand reason for submitting Jane to such humiliation and torture, and a loveless marriage?"

"Elizabeth, I know that you want your sister to marry someone better, and I do to. But looking at this man's character and situation in life, it would be foolish for me to refuse consent to such a marriage," Mr. Bennet said, hoping that his daughter would come to her senses about the match. "I would never hear the end of it, from both your mother and the neighborhood. Besides, Mr. Collins is willing to put aside the fact that Jane will never receive more than one thousand pounds at my death as a dowry, which is more than some men would do."

"But what about Mary? Could you not persuade him to marry Mary instead? She looks to him, wanting to hear him propose to her more than Jane ever wanted," Elizabeth replied, on the verge of tears. "She would make an excellent wife for a clergyman!"

"Mary is nineteen, and I believe is still a bit young to marry a man of his age."

"But what of Mr. Bingley. What if he wishes to marry Jane but doesn't because she is already engaged to another?" Elizabeth questioned, and Mr. Bennet could tell that in her eyes she knew she was fighting a losing battle.

"Lizzy, my Lizzy, I never had high expectations about Mr. Bingley and Jane. Mr. Bingley is a man of a reputable fortune, but he is new in the world of a gentleman, and new to a world of money and power. Mr. Bingley could not foolishly enter into a marriage with a girl, even if he loved her, when that girl does not have good connections or a large dowry. You must see that, Lizzy. Mr. Bingley is wise enough to know to marry not only for love but for security, connections, and to further him in his career and reputation." Mr. Bennet said softly.

"I still don't believe it. How could you allow this ... toad, this ogre to marry your daughter! It is not fair! Jane deserves so much better than him!" Elizabeth wailed, as tears streamed down her face. Did her father not care about Jane as Elizabeth did? How could he be so compassionless, so cruel to his daughter?

"Elizabeth, may I remind you that this is Jane's choice. If she did not want to marry him, she would not consent to a marriage, or she would make her sentiments known. Since she has done neither, I trust that she does not mind marrying Mr. Collins, and probably does not want you meddling around in her personal affairs." Mr. Bennet said, his voice raised and almost yelling. Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak, but Mr. Bennet stopped her.

"There will be no more talk about this subject, period! Mr. Collins and Jane will be married in nine days, and you will have to accept that! She will make him a very good wife! I have promised her to Mr. Collins, and I never go back on my word!" And with that Mr. Bennet turned away from his tearful daughter and began to read his book once more, his anger flashing in his eyes.

As Elizabeth left her father and his library, she knew that all hope was lost. Jane would marry Mr. Collins, and Mr. Bingley would marry Miss Riley. Both would enter into loveless marriages, the first knowingly and the second unknowingly. All hope seemed lost that the wrongs could be righted before it was too late, and there was nothing Elizabeth could do about it.

Chapter 9

Posted on Sunday, 5 August 2001

Netherfield

One week until the wedding

"You will never believe what I received today," Caroline said proudly to the other guests at Netherfield. Mrs. Hurst and Miss Riley looked at her questionably, and the men just gave her a quick glance to acknowledge that they were listening. "A wedding invitation." With those three words, Mr. Bingley turned abruptly to look at Caroline with a curious look, and Mr. Hurst and Mr. Darcy just raised his head.

"Really! Oh, how wonderful! Whose wedding is it?" Miss Riley asked.

"Miss Jane Bennet. It seems she is to marry her cousin, Mr. William Collins, who will one day inherit Longbourn estate." Caroline replied with a smirk, as she looked at Charles, who looked deathly pale. He's taking this news worse than I thought he would, thought Caroline.

Caroline couldn't be happier that Jane was to be married - all threat of her breaking up Charles' happy marriage to Emma were gone. She knew that her brother had feelings for this woman, stronger feelings than he perhaps had for Miss Riley, but neither Caroline nor Louisa would allow him to enter into a marriage of such low connections without a fight. Especially with such relations as the mother, and those younger sisters who behaved so ill in company.

Caroline smiled as she remembered how she and Louisa had set up her brother only three months ago, claiming that Miss Riley had feelings for him. Their motive was to have Charles finally settle down with someone respectable with a large dowry, but Caroline's motive was to get Miss Riley away from her Darcy. Their plan worked perfectly, and after only a month Charles had proposed to Miss Riley, and she had accepted him. Caroline knew that if Emma did not marry Charles, she would take up her pursuit of Mr. Darcy, and Caroline would not let that little witch get her Mr. Darcy to the altar and become Mistress of Pemberley.

"Oh, how wonderful! I do love going to a wedding. When is it?" Miss Riley asked happily.

"Next Sunday. I must say, those Bennets don't have much tact, inviting people to a wedding only a week before. But then again, those Bennets have always seemed wild and savage in their manners and decorum." Caroline answered with a slight cringe, as Louisa nodded in agreement with what her sister had said.

"I found the family to be perfectly charming and well mannered," Mr. Bingley replied, giving his sister a look.

"Perhaps to you, Charles, but that is only because you have five thousand a year and Mrs. Bennet wanted one of her daughters to snag you. Those artful Bennets," Caroline said angrily. "You had better watch out, Mr. Darcy, or Mrs. Bennet will have her sights set on you to marry one of her daughters. I would hate to think what your mother would say about such a dreadful union."

"I doubt my mother would care who I married as long as I cared for that person," Mr. Darcy replied coldly. "And you can ask my mother yourself, for she and Georgiana will be arriving on Tuesday from London to help out with Charles' wedding."

"What I pleasant surprise! Mr. Darcy, why did you not tell us sooner! You know how I long to see Georgiana again!" Miss Riley replied sweetly.

"I must agree with Miss Riley. It has been ages since I have seen your mother and Georgiana, and it will be pleasant to see them again!" Caroline added, not wanted Mr. Darcy to think Miss Riley was more compassionate than she. This is perfect - I will be able to warn Mrs. Darcy about the alluring Miss Eliza Bennet, and make sure that Darcy did not enter into an engagement with Eliza, but with me, though Caroline cruelly.

Two days later ...

"This just came from Netherfield, Ma'am," Hill said formally as she handed Elizabeth a small envelope. Mrs. Bennet craned her head to see what it was, and was oozing with anticipation over what the letter's contents could be. Elizabeth just sat for a moment, looking at the envelope with no immediate inclination to open it, and Mrs. Bennet knew she couldn't take one more moment of this. She stood up and made her way over to Elizabeth, grabbing at the letter but failing to secure it. Elizabeth just gave her a look until she sat down, and then opened the letter.

"Well, Elizabeth, what does the letter say? It cannot be anything of secrecy, so you must not keep it from your family," Mrs. Bennet screeched.

"It is from Mr. Darcy. He writes to inform me that his sister and mother arrived this morning from London, and invites me to come this afternoon to have tea with them," Elizabeth said almost in a whisper. Oh, she would never hear the end of this.

"Oh, how wonderful! An invitation from Mr. Darcy himself! But how shocking that he should only invite you to have tea! He should at least have the decorum to invite all of your sisters along to meet his family. But still, this is good. You must be on your best behavior tonight, so as not to lose the attentions of Mr. Darcy. He must care about you a great deal to be inviting you to meet his mother and sister," Mrs. Bennet rambled on aimlessly.

"I suppose I should send for the carriage to be readied," Mr. Bennet said with a smile.

"The carriage! Oh no, Lizzie, you must go on horseback, for it looks like rain, and then you will have to stay all night!" Mrs. Bennet replied quite decidedly.

"Yes father," Elizabeth said, ignoring her mother, "Please tell them to have the carriage ready for four this afternoon." And with that she left the table and went upstairs to prepare herself, and her feelings, for tonight.

Chapter 10

Posted on Monday, 6 August 2001

Netherfield

Elizabeth sat comfortably in her family's carriage, and tried desperately to calm her nerves before meeting with Mr. Darcy's family. She didn't know what to expect - would they be glad to meet her, as an acquaintance of Mr. Darcy's, or would they frown upon her from coming from such a low family, as Miss Bingley had probably told them. Actually, Elizabeth hoped that that was all Miss Bingley had told the Darcy's. Elizabeth cringed as she thought of Miss Bingley telling Mrs. Darcy that she was a low, tarty, fortune hunter sent to ruin her son's life and career. Frankly, Elizabeth didn't know what to think.

The most important question that kept playing on her mind was why Mr. Darcy had invited her to meet his family. It could not have been Mrs. and Miss Darcy's doings, for they had never heard of her, unless Mr. Darcy had written about her to his family. And if he had, does that mean he loves me, thinks of me as a mere acquaintance, or perhaps wishes his sister to have a companion while she is at Netherfield. Oh, why did things have to become so complicated, Elizabeth screamed to herself.

As the carriage rounded towards the entrance of Netherfield, Elizabeth noticed a figure standing at the bottom of the steps. Elizabeth squinted into the sunlight to make out the figure, and was shocked when she realized it was Mr. Darcy. It was obvious he was waiting for her, but for what? Elizabeth fell back into her seat, and took calming breaths as the carriage came to an abrupt stop. Why couldn't he have just stayed inside with his family, though Elizabeth. What does he mean by waiting for me in that formal state?

The moment Elizabeth exited the carriage, Mr. Darcy approached her and bowed formally.

"I saw your carriage coming towards the estate, and decided to meet you as you arrived," Mr. Darcy said, looking quickly at Elizabeth and offering her his arm. She tried to study his face to determine what he was thinking, but his emotions kept changing so rapidly that Elizabeth didn't know what to make of him.

"Thank you, sir," Elizabeth replied quietly with a smile, as she tried to calm herself.

"My sister, Georgiana, has been excited all day by your arrival," Mr. Darcy said happily. "And I know it is you, because she never gets excited about seeing Charles' sisters. She is very anxious to meet you, and I hope you two will be good friends while she is here."

"I believe I will like her very much, and I don't see how I couldn't like her, unless she was another Miss Bingley," Elizabeth giggled, and was surprised when Mr. Darcy laughed, for he had never laughed the entire time Elizabeth had known him.

"No, I am afraid she has become rather shy over the years, especially since our father's death. She spends all of her time with our mother, and I think it would be good for her to spend some time with someone besides Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst," Mr. Darcy replied, giving Elizabeth a look. "I did want to warn you, though, before you met my mother." Mr. Darcy added, not looking at Elizabeth.

"Warn me? About what?" Elizabeth said, becoming defensive.

"It is nothing - I am sure that she will like you as much as my sister will. I'm just afraid that Miss Bingley has been tarnishing your image to her, and it may take some time before she warms up to you," Mr. Darcy said quietly, almost in a whisper. Elizabeth knew that she should bite her tongue, but for once, she couldn't.

"What exactly did she tell your mother? I would sincerely like to know what image she has portrayed me as," Elizabeth spat bitterly.

"I don't know exactly, but something along the lines of your low connections in life. I believe she wishes to paint you as a fortune hunter," Mr. Darcy replied. "Although after meeting you, I doubt that my mother will believe that rumor."

"Miss Bingley ought to know the facts before she spreads false rumors and criticizes people," Elizabeth said angrily.

"Yes, well, it is Miss Bingley. She has always been uncaring, and out to ruin her competitors and make herself the victor as all costs, and she will probably always be that way," Mr. Darcy replied quietly. Competitors, though Elizabeth. What exactly does he think I am competing for? "But then, I probably shouldn't be criticizing her myself, since everyone has faults."

"What would your faults be, then, Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth teased happily, and Mr. Darcy was glad to see that she was in a better mood. He didn't want anything to go wrong today when she met Georgiana and his mother.

"Miss Eliza! What are you talking about? Mr. Darcy has no faults!" Caroline Bingley screeched, emerging from the hallway. "Mr. Darcy is perfect!"

"On the contrary, Miss Bingley, Mr. Darcy was just telling me that everyone has faults," Elizabeth replied bitterly but sweetly.

"Well, that may be true for some people," Miss Bingley replied, giving Elizabeth a glance over, "but people of a more refined and polished society do not have faults, right Mr. Darcy?"

"I am sure that even the most refined person will have at least one fault in his lifetime," Mr. Darcy said with a smile. Elizabeth could see that Miss Bingley's expression had changed from happiness to gloom, but was obvious that she would not let it affect her.

"Mr. Darcy, dear Georgiana has been wondering where you had gotten to, and made me promise to bring you to her," Miss Bingley said sweetly, with a sick smile. Elizabeth tried to hold in a laugh, as it reminded her of one that Mr. Collins flashed Jane every so often. Mr. Darcy, on the other hand, was trying not to grimace, for he knew that Georgie would never send Caroline out to look for me. If Georgie desperately needed to talk to me, she would come looking for me herself - she didn't trust anyone except for myself, our mother, and perhaps Fitzwilliam. It was obviously just another one of Caroline's lies.

Chapter 11

Posted on Monday, 6 August 2001

Mr. Darcy offered Elizabeth his arm, and Caroline the other, and escorted the two into the drawing room. Elizabeth recognized the Hursts, Miss Riley and Mr. Bingley, and immediately spotted Mr. Darcy's sister and mother. Georgiana was very tall for a girl of sixteen, and slender, with golden hair and very blue eyes. She was very well figured for so young of an age, and Elizabeth could see that she was very nervous and shy, yet her blue eyes shone with excitement.

Mrs. Darcy, on the other hand, was about the same age as Mrs. Bennet, but looked much younger than she seemed. She had light hair, like Georgiana, and the same blue eyes, but had Mr. Darcy's countenance and pride (assuming that Mr. Darcy had pride, which Elizabeth believed he did not.). Her eyes had the same sparkle as her daughter, but did not look upon Elizabeth in a friendly light. Elizabeth did not want to believe the worse, but it was obvious that something Caroline Bingley had told her had sunk in.

"Miss Bennet, may I introduce my mother, Mrs. Darcy, and my sister, Georgiana. Mother, Georgiana, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet," Mr. Darcy said formally, and hopefully, for he hoped that everything would go smoothly today. Actually, it was more than a wish. It was a prayer.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Bennet," Georgiana said, or actually, whispered nervously, and Mrs. Darcy gave a nod of acknowledgment. Elizabeth smiled back to Georgiana, hoping that it would relieve some of her nervousness and jitters.

"And you, Miss Darcy, for I have heard so much about you," Elizabeth replied friendly, which made Georgiana smile. Mrs. Darcy, on the other hand, looked positively deathly at Elizabeth's comment, and Elizabeth realized that perhaps it came across as if she and Mr. Darcy had been in company of each other quite a bit.

"And I about you," Georgiana answered.

"I understand that you are very fond of music, Miss Darcy," Elizabeth said cheerfully, hoping to get a heartfelt response from her, rather than a formal greeting.

"Yes, Miss Bennet," Georgiana replied quietly. "I am very fond of the piano, and of singing. My brother just bought me a new piano, which is very elegant. I do not deserve it, but I suppose he believes I do.

"An ideal elder brother then," Elizabeth added, raising her eyebrows.

"Oh, yes! I could not imagine a better, or a kinder one," Georgiana said, almost gushing with happiness.

"You are making me quite envious, for I have no brothers - only four sisters," Elizabeth answered with a smile.

"No brothers, Miss Bennet? I suppose then your family's estate is to be entailed away?" Mrs. Darcy asked grimly, while Miss Bingley looked on with a smirk of cruelty. Mr. Darcy, and Georgiana, on the other hand, looked appalled at their mother's response, and Elizabeth looked shocked at what she had said, but recovered quickly.

"Yes, it is - to our cousin, Mr. Collins, a clergyman for Lady Catherine de Bourgh. My eldest sister, Jane, is to be wed to him this Sunday, and I believe you are all to attend?" Elizabeth said quickly, hoping to have the subject dropped.

"Mr. Collins. Yes, I seem to remember him, always agreeing with what Catherine said. Such a short, toady man - he seemed very ill to my taste, and very annoying, but I suppose he suits Catherine very well. His patroness is my sister, if you haven't already heard," Mrs. Darcy said proudly, and Elizabeth could detect that she was trying to make the distinction of class present to her son. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were trying hard not to laugh out loud at these remarks. Elizabeth, on the other hand, would not give Mrs. Darcy the satisfaction of a defeat.

"No, Mrs. Darcy, I was unaware of that fact. I suppose I must tell Mr. Collins that you are in town - I am sure that he will be very glad to meet with his esteemed patroness' sister again," Elizabeth said with a smile, as Mrs. Darcy's face turned pale and Miss Bingley looked wide with horror. Miss Darcy, not wanting to have a fight between her mother and what she hoped would become a close friend, decided it would be best to separate the two.

"Miss Bennet, I would be honored if you would take a walk with me, for you know this countryside better than anyone else, and could point out some of the prettier spots," Georgiana asked shyly, and saw that Elizabeth's anger was lowering.

"Yes, Miss Darcy, but the honor would be all mine," Elizabeth replied, giving Mrs. Darcy one last look as she and Georgiana exited the room. It was not until they were a safe distance away did Mrs. Darcy start up on destroying Miss Bennet's image.

"Can you believe the manners on that girl! She is the most rude, unfeeling woman I have ever met! Miss Bingley, you were entirely right on the matter - William, I hope you pay heed to what Miss Bingley is saying - you said that Miss Bennet was nothing but a fortune hunter! She is obviously trying to lure you into her grasp, William, and I hope that you cut off all ties with that woman! Oh, my poor Georgiana, having to be stuck outside with her," Mrs. Darcy wailed, as Mr. Darcy rolled his eyes, and Miss Bingley smiled happily. The competition was gone.

"Mother, I don't see how Miss Bennet was any ruder than you were to her, and I am appalled at your behavior to her this very moment," Mr. Darcy said disapprovingly to his mother.

"I will not deny that I may have been harsh to her, but I just wanted to make myself clear that the Darcys do not associate with low classed fortune hunters," Mrs. Darcy said soothingly.

"You may believe her to be whatever you wish her to, but I do not find her to be a fortune hunter, and I believe that my opinion is the only one that matters in this discussion. Now if you will excuse me, I believe I will go upstairs and take care of some business," Mr. Darcy replied coldly.

"William!" Mrs. Darcy cried after him, but he did not turn and look at her. At that moment, he had never been more ashamed of his mother.

Chapter 12

Posted on Tuesday, 7 August 2001

Elizabeth and Georgiana continued on their walk, going nowhere in particular, and not speaking a word to each other. Georgiana was plainly too shy to speak with Elizabeth, and was in awe about how outgoing she was. Elizabeth was afraid that after her terrible manner towards Mrs. Darcy, that Miss Darcy would either be frightened of her, or would want nothing to do with her. Elizabeth almost cringed when she thought of how Mr. Darcy must despise her now, and never want to speak with her again. Elizabeth held her breath, for she knew that if she let it out she would start crying.

Georgiana made the first comment, the first breach towards friendship, between the two girls.

"This is such beautiful countryside, Miss Bennet, that I think I could be happy to live my whole life here," Georgiana commented, hoping to eradicate the silence between the two. Georgiana had hoped so much that Miss Bennet would become her friend, for her own sake and for her brother's, and Georgiana prayed that her mother's comments had not ruined any chance of friendship. She knew that her mother meant well, and only wanted her brother to not be trapped in a loveless marriage by a fortune hunter. But Miss Bennet seemed so genuine and caring, that Georgiana could not label her a fortune hunter.

"Thank you, Miss Darcy, but I believe your brother was telling me of the enchanting beauty of Derbyshire, and if what he says is true, then I believe I would never want to leave Derbyshire," Elizabeth replied back in a calming tone.

"Oh, of course, Miss Bennet, my brother would never lie. He always tells the absolute truth! Derbyshire is such a beautiful, charming place to live, but I have spent most of my life there, and coming to Hertfortshire was such a ... a wonderful change for me!" Georgiana said passionately, and Elizabeth began to feel sorry for Miss Darcy. "Although I wouldn't trade living at Pemberley for anything in this world!" Except maybe to see my brother happy for once, thought Georgiana.

"It must be a very elegant estate," Elizabeth said shortly, saying her thought more as a statement than as a question.

"Oh, yes! It is very elegant. You must visit me there some time, Miss Bennet, for I know you will love Pemberley as much as I do," Georgiana answered joyfully.

"If your mother permits me to, I believe I would like to," Elizabeth replied, and Georgiana could detect a hint of coldness in her voice. Why oh why did they have to get off to such a bad beginning, asked Georgiana to herself. Why couldn't my mother have just been polite to her.

"Miss Bennet, I would like to apologize for my mother's terrible behavior to you this past afternoon. It was unacceptable and rude, I know that myself, but you must believe that she had the best intentions in her mind. My mother worries a great deal about my brother, especially since our father's death. She knows of the large number of mothers, and daughters, in London whose main objective is to marry a man with a large fortune and not for love, and after so many years of this, my mother believes that all women are like that." Georgiana pleaded, her eyes welling up with tears. "Please, do not hold a grudge against her."

Elizabeth could feel all of her anger melt away when she saw Georgiana's tearful face looking at her.

"Do not worry, Miss Darcy. I have already forgotten about anything hurtful that your mother had said to me. I know that she must care greatly for Mr. Darcy, or she would not have said those hurtful things." Elizabeth said, trying to lie as best as she could. Georgiana seemed to believe her, and lost her sad disposition as quickly as she had gained it.

"Oh, look! That must be Meryton! Mother and I passed through it on our way to Netherfield, and I thought it was a delightfully quaint little town. It reminded me so much of Lambton," Georgiana gushed.

"You live near Lambton?" Elizabeth asked, and Georgiana nodded in reply. "My aunt grew up there, although I never remember her saying anything about Pemberley."

"Is she to come for your sister's wedding?" Georgiana questioned.

"Yes, I believe she is. Jane and I were always her favorite nieces, so I doubt she would miss Jane's wedding for the world." Elizabeth laughed.

"I hope you will introduce me to her, for I would very much like to meet the acquaintance of someone else from Derbyshire," Georgiana asked shyly, her eyes darting to the ground.

"Of course I will, and I believe she may be just as eager to meet you when I tell her you're from Derbyshire." Georgiana smiled. "Now, why don't we take a walk through town?" Elizabeth asked, and Georgiana nodded in reply.

The two walked up and down the wide streets, looking into the windows of the various dress and hat shops. Elizabeth observed that Georgiana was enjoying this trip, and concluded that she must not have been allowed outside much when in London, if she found so much pleasure in such a small town as this. Georgiana, on the other hand, was enjoying her company with Miss Bennet, and was trying to think of a way for her to meet with her brother, alone. Georgiana usually didn't play matchmaker, but she knew that Miss Bennet was a perfect match for her brother.

"Miss Darcy, it looks as if my two youngest sisters are in town! Would you like to make their acquaintance?" Elizabeth asked, as Georgiana peered around for the possible sisters. "If you are looking for my sisters," Elizabeth whispered, "they are the two young ladies over there, speaking with the three officers. They are obsessed with men in regimentals, as you will be able to tell once you've met them." Georgiana gave a small giggle at this response as they walked over to the party.

"LIZZY!" Lydia screeched. "You must meet our new friend, who has just joined Colonel Forster's regiment. He is the handsomest man you have ever seen," Lydia whispered to Elizabeth, and Kitty nodded.

"Yes, well, first I would like to introduce you to Miss Georgiana Darcy. Georgiana, may I introduce Catherine and Lydia Bennet, my youngest sisters." Elizabeth announced formally, as the three girls curtsied to each other.

"Well, Miss Darcy, are you fond of men in regimentals?" Lydia asked, not giving Georgiana any time to answer. "Well, you must come meet our new acquaintance, Mr. Wickham, who has just joined the regiment." Georgiana's eyes grew wide with terror, and she looked frightfully pale to Elizabeth.

"Oh, I am very sorry, Miss Lydia, but Miss Bennet and I have been out walking for almost an hour, and I believe we must hurry back before my mother wonders where we have wandered off to," Georgiana mumbled in a whisper, and Elizabeth was surprised that she had actually said that much to a new acquaintance.

"Lydia, Kitty, I will see you at home tonight," Elizabeth said to her sisters, but they had already begun walking back to their new friends. Elizabeth then turned her attentions to Miss Darcy, who looked very pale and had tears running down her face.

Not once word was said on the way back to Netherfield, except for the occasional mumbles of Miss Darcy. Elizabeth could only make out "He's here", and "He knows I'm here", and "What will William do when he finds out he's here?", and frankly, it confused her greatly. It was obvious that Miss Darcy and Mr. Wickham had a previous acquaintance, but were not on good terms. But what exactly had happened between the two of them. And most of all - were her sisters in danger with this man?

Chapter 13

Posted on Monday, 13 August 2001

Netherfield

Elizabeth tried to do her best to calm Georgiana, who by the time they reached Netherfield was shaking and crying heavily. Georgiana could not believe it - of all the places that Mr. Wickham could have been assigned, he was assigned here, only three miles from where she was staying. Georgiana knew that he wanted revenge against the Darcys - William had told her that himself - and with him so close ... Georgiana shuddered when she though of what he could do to them, to her. It was hard to believe that he could turn out to be so cruel and heartless, when he had been such a good person as a boy.

As the two walked through the home's entry, Georgiana could hear laughing coming from the front sitting room. Georgiana's pace quickened; if they heard that she was back, Caroline Bingley would be pouncing on her within seconds, and Georgiana didn't want to deal with her at the present moment.

"Miss Bennet," sniff, "I believe I'll go up to my room." Sob. " Thank you very much for escorting me home," Georgiana sobbed, while Elizabeth looked at her sympathetically, all the time trying to figure out what was wrong with her.

"Miss Darcy, are you certain that you'll be all right? Perhaps I should send your mother, or brother, to you?" Elizabeth questioned.

"No, Miss Bennet, I am fine. I just need some time to myself to think, that is all. I will be fine soon - you need not worry about me." Georgiana replied, as a tear rolled down her cheek. "I should be my old self again by tomorrow, and I would like to apologize for ruining our walk this afternoon. Perhaps I could make it up to you by inviting you to go riding with my brother and I, tomorrow at two?"

"I would be delighted to go riding with both of you, as long as you promise that you will have recovered from this afternoon by then," Elizabeth replied. "And on one condition."

"What is that, Miss Bennet?"

"That you stop calling me Miss Bennet," Elizabeth said with a smile. "It makes me think that you are addressing my sister. You may just call me Elizabeth."

"All right, Miss.... Elizabeth, and you may call me Georgiana," Georgiana replied, with a smile through her tears. "I will see you tomorrow, then?"

"I can hardly wait, Georgiana." Elizabeth replied, as Georgiana carefully made her way up the stairs. Elizabeth was worried for her - if just seeing this Mr. Wickham had made her burst into tears, then what could had possibly gone on between the two of them?

"Miss Bennet!" Elizabeth heard Mr. Darcy's voice say from behind her, as she turned to face him. "I though I heard your voice out here. I did not expect you and Georgiana be back from your walk so soon."

"Yes, well, we are both quick walkers, I suppose," Elizabeth replied quietly, her thoughts still on Georgiana.

"I was hoping that I would get another chance to speak with you before you left. I wanted to apologize for what my mother said to you earlier." Mr. Darcy said solemnly.

"Oh, that isn't necessary - I'm sure she was just being a protective mother," Elizabeth replied with a smile.

"Well, I would beg to differ. I didn't think that Miss Bingley had affected her opinion this much, but Caroline is always a surprise," Mr. Darcy argued with a smile. Elizabeth noticed this, and decided that he had a very beautiful smile. He really is a very handsome man, though Elizabeth, with a slight blush. "Where is Georgiana?"

"Hmmm?" Elizabeth asked, half in a daze.

"I asked where is Georgiana?" Mr. Darcy repeated, looking quizzical at Elizabeth, which snapped her back into reality.

"Oh, she went upstairs to her room. I was meaning to talk to you about this - I think that you should talk to her," Elizabeth said with concern, as Mr. Darcy's face showed a mask of worry.

"Whatever about?" Mr. Darcy asked, giving Elizabeth a look.

"Mr. Darcy, do you know a man named Mr. Wickham?" Elizabeth asked, and saw that as she said his name, Mr. Darcy's face began to pale.

"Mr. ... Mr. Wickham? Why do you ask?" Mr. Darcy asked, trying to remain calm.

"Georgiana and I walked to Meryton, and my youngest sisters were going to introduce us to a Mr. Wickham who had just joined the local regiment. Georgiana made some excuses, and started crying the moment we left town." Elizabeth replied, as Mr. Darcy started up the stairs.

"Excuse me, Miss Bennet, but I believe I will go speak with her," Mr. Darcy said hurriedly, but Elizabeth followed him up the stairs.

"Mr. Darcy, I can not leave until you tell me if he is a dangerous person. I mean, if he is, I should be able to warn my sisters against knowing him, don't you believe?" Elizabeth argued, as she hurried after him. Mr. Darcy stopped in front of a door, opened it, and walked in. Elizabeth followed him, and discovered that it was the Bingleys' library.

Chapter 14

Posted on Monday, 13 August 2001

"Close the door," Mr. Darcy said as he sat in an armchair, and motioned for Elizabeth to sit on the other. Elizabeth cautiously sat, looking at Mr. Darcy with a weird expression on her face. "You want to know about Mr. Wickham."

"Well, I think I'm entitled to know what kind of person he is," Elizabeth argued persuasively, and Mr. Darcy sighed.

"I suppose I had better start at the beginning then. Mr. George Wickham was the son of the late Mr. Wickham, who had for many years the management of all the Pemberley estates. After his unfortunate and early death, my father, who was Mr. Wickham's godfather, helped bring up George. We played together as boys, and Georgiana looked up to him to a degree almost as a brother. My father supported him at school, and later at Cambridge, which he attended for a year."

"At Cambridge, I believe he felt from the restraint of having to be perfect for my father, and began to gamble. At the summer holidays, when we arrived home, I discovered that he was in debt three thousand pounds, which he had charged to my father. My father graciously paid the debts, but disowned him as his god-son, and my father edited him out of his will. Furthermore, he forced Mr. Wickham, his mother, and elder sister to leave Pemberley, where they had been living, at my father's expense, in a small cottage."

"This is where Mr. Wickham's hatred for my family began. I believe he had always hoped that somehow my father would leave Pemberley to him, if he made himself a better son than I was. I know not how he lived for those years between then and last summer, although I have heard from many that it was lived in idleness and disposition, with thousand of pounds run up in gambling debts. I had always hoped that we would never again meet, but our paths did cross, last summer."

"Last summer, my sister was taken from school to Ramsgate, for my mother believed that it would do her some good to have a small holiday from school. With her we sent a Mrs. Younge, in whose character we were most unhappily deceived; and with her also went Mr. Wickham, obviously by design. It was later known that Mrs. Younge was Mr. Wickham's sister, who had recently been widowed. My sister was kept from the truth of Mr. Wickham's character. My parents and I had told her, whenever she asked, that Mr. Wickham had left to live in London, and that may have indeed been our biggest mistake."

"Mr. Wickham made my sister believe herself in love with him, and to consent to an elopement. I, fortunately, paid a suprise visit to my sister a few days before the intended elopement. Georgiana couldn't bear to think of losing a brother that she looked up to almost as a father, and relayed the plan to me in whole. You may imagine what I felt and how I acted. Mr. Wickham left the place immediately, and Mrs. Younge was removed from her charge. Mr. Wickham's chief object was unquestionably my sister's fortune, which is thirty thousand pounds; but I cannot help supposing that the hope of revenging himself on me was a strong inducement. His revenge ould have been complete indeed." Mr. Darcy concluded, never once during this speech making eye contact with Elizabeth. If he had, he may have noticed the concern, worry, and sympathy that Elizabeth relayed through her emotions.

Elizabeth did know what to say; she gingerly reached over and touched Mr. Darcy's hand, making him look up at her.

"I'm very sorry. It must have been very tragic for Georgiana to have been through, at such a young age too." Elizabeth said sincerely.

"She was just beginning to get over Mr. Wickham, and I believe seeing him shocked her. Georgiana worries too much about him - she believes that he may come after her, since he has been so set on revenge against our family." Mr. Darcy added quietly.

"I'm sure that she will be fine, but I would recommend that you speak with her about all this," Elizabeth added, hoping to cheer Mr. Darcy up. It was obvious that the pain Mr. Wickham had inflicted to Georgiana had also inflicted Mr. Darcy, for Elizabeth could tell he cared deeply for his sister.

"Miss Bennet, may I ... I may be assured of your secrecy in this matter, correct?" Mr. Darcy asked worriedly.

"Of course! I wouldn't dream of telling anyone what you told me, not even my sisters." Elizabeth replied assuringly, making Mr. Darcy feel a bit better about what he had told her.

For a few moments they both sat in silence, looking at each other deeply. Elizabeth sat there, observing what a handsome, caring man he was, and wishing that he would kiss her, and Mr. Darcy sat there, observing what a beautiful, sweet woman she was, and fighting the urge to kiss her. Mr. Darcy assumed that she just felt sorry for what had happened, and that kissing her would push her away. Elizabeth assumed that Mr. Darcy was too upset over what he had told her to kiss him, and if she kissed him it would seem that she was taking advantage of his state. Finally, Elizabeth let out a sigh.

"I suppose I should be getting home before it gets dark." Elizabeth said, reluctantly letting go of Mr. Darcy's hand. "There is no need for you to escort me out. I would rather you went directly to Georgiana and spoke with her about this afternoon." Mr. Darcy nodded at this, and gave Elizabeth a small smile. Elizabeth smiled back, and walked quietly out of the library. And at the same time, both couldn't have been happier at the time they had spent together. They both only wished it could have lasted longer.

Chapter 15

Posted on Monday, 13 August 2001

Longborn: Tuesday evening, five days until the wedding

Mrs. Bennet didn't react well when Elizabeth arrived home for dinner - in fact, she was furious. Mrs. Bennet immediately took Elizabeth into her room, and scolded her for leaving without having dinner, and therefore ruining her chances with Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth, on the contrary, didn't hear a word of what her mother was saying - she was still thinking about how perfect it had been in the library with Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth wished with all of her heart that she was back there right now, instead of being locked in her mother's room, and having to eat dinner with the toad, Mr. Collins.

"Well, Elizabeth, I hope you are pleased with yourself. You have ruined your chances with a respectable man like Mr. Darcy, and now your sisters will never be able to meet and marry rich men." Mrs. Bennet shrieked, glaring at her daughter. "Thank heavens that Jane was smart enough to accept Mr. Collins proposal!"

"Mama ..." Elizabeth started, but was interrupted by her mother.

"Oh, Elizabeth, why could you have not stayed at Netherfield! Mr. Darcy might have proposed to you if you had, but now we will never know!" Mrs. Bennet cried. "You are the most selfish girl I know, and yet I have the misfortune of being your mother! You obviously care nothing for your family, and most of all your sisters, who were counting on you to make a good match with Mr. Darcy to raise the family's fortunes."

"Let me remind you, mother, that I already have a fortune, so I need not worry about who and when I marry. When I find the man I want to spend the rest of my life with, then I will marry and make a good match - but not until then. And don't think that you can guilt me into it." Elizabeth replied, angry at her mother for placing so much of the blame on her. Elizabeth knew it was more of her parent's fault for not putting aside money for a dowry for each of the daughters, and Elizabeth was only lucky that she had inherited a great deal of money.

Elizabeth decided that she couldn't take anymore of her mother's comments, and left her mother's room to venture downstairs. But Mrs. Bennet was not finished with her, and continued to follow her down the stairs, shouting at her.

"Elizabeth Marie Bennet, stop right there! I am not finished speaking with you," Mrs. Bennet clucked. "How dare you speak to me like that!"

"And how dare you speak to me like that!" Elizabeth retorted. "For the past six years that is all you have talked about to me - 'You must raise our fortunes', 'You must make a good match' and 'It is up to you to help your sisters marry rich men'. For six years you have blamed me for not marrying so I could ruin the lives of my sisters. For six years you have pushed me at every rich man that came to Meryton, and yelled at me when I did not stand next to him, laugh stupidly, and bat my eyes at him. For six years, Mama, and I'm tired of it!"

"How dare you say that to me! I am the one looking out for my family, and ensuring that when your father dies we will be taken care of, and this is how you thank me!" Mrs. Bennet crowed angrily.

"Well, if you must blame someone, blame yourself for not telling our father to save money aside for our dowries. Perhaps if you had, we wouldn't be in this mess." Elizabeth replied as she ran down the stairs and into the dining room. Mrs. Bennet followed her, and was about to comment, but decided against it. Mrs. Bennet didn't want Mr. Collins to hear what she had to say, and in turn break off his engagement to Jane.

"Elizabeth! I did not know that you were home yet. I dare say, we were not expecting you for another two hours!" Mr. Bennet said, for he was surprised to see his favorite daughter home so soon. "Nothing is wrong at Netherfield, I hope?"

"Of course not! I just decided not to impose on their good hospitality any further, that is all, Father," Elizabeth replied, looking at her plate.

"Oh, my dear cousin Elizabeth, I understand that you met with Mrs. Darcy, her son, and her daughter while you were at Netherfield!" Mr. Collins asked, hoping for an opening so he could praise his patroness, Lady Catherine de Borough.

"Why, yes, Mr. Collins, I did," Elizabeth replied quietly, praying silently that he did not start talking about Lady Catherine de Borough.

"Mrs. Darcy is such a kind, generous lady, is she not. I had the pleasure of meeting with her last Christmas, when she and her family visited Rosings Park, the home of my noble patroness. Mrs. Darcy is the sister of Lady Catherine, and Lady Catherine was telling me how wonderful it will be when her daughter, Anne, marries Mr. Darcy," Mr. Collins said in a sort of awe. Mrs. Bennet clucked down her spoon into her soup bowl, and stared wide eyed at Mr. Collins.

"Mr. Darcy is to marry his cousin?" Mrs. Bennet asked in shock, but Mr. Collins did not pick up on this. He assumed that Mrs. Bennet was happy for the daughter of Lady Catherine - but then, to Mr. Collins, who wouldn't be?

"Why yes, Mrs. Bennet, although he has not formally proposed to Miss Anne de Borough yet, but from what I heard from Lady Catherine, it will most likely be soon. I believe it is the wish of both mothers for the engagement to take place, which would unite the Darcys and de Boroughs." Mr. Collins replied, happy that he could continue to be the center of attention, and speak about his wonderful patroness.

"But they are not formally engaged?" Mrs. Bennet asked hopefully.

"No, no. But it will likely be soon. I would not even be suprised if he asked Miss Anne de Borough this coming Saturday, when my noble patroness, Lady Catherine, arrives. She is to attend our marriage, my dear Jane, with her daughter, and they are to stay at Netherfield while they are here." Mr. Collins added, with a sickly sweet smile. "But do not worry, my dear Jane - I am sure that she will be very pleased with you and your wonderful family."

"Well, that would be a great honor," Mrs. Bennet said happily. There's still time, she thought, for Mr. Darcy to propose to Elizabeth before his cousin. Oh, if she had only stayed there this evening! But Elizabeth does enjoy vexing me and my nerves greatly.

"Mama, you must let us tell you of the new officer we met in town today," Lydia asked her mother, while Mr. Collins' face grew long when he realized he could say no more about his high connections to a noble lady. "His name is Mr. Wickham, and he just joined the regiment here in Meryton."

"Aye, and he is fiercely handsome," Kitty added with a smile. "Especially in hisregimentals."

"Lizzy saw him, did you not, Lizzy?" Lydia replied with a smirk. "And I believe Miss Darcy was jealous of Kitty and myself for knowing such a handsome man, for she would not come and speak with us, even with Wickham asking us questions about her."

"He was asking about her?" Elizabeth quizzed Lydia, hoping to get more information out of her.

"Yes, which I found very distasteful. But I made him promise to save the first dances for myself and Kitty at the next assembly, which he promised to attend. Then you can meet him, Mama!"

"Oh yes, Lydia, I should love to meet Mr. Wickham." Mrs. Bennet cooed, while Mary rolled her eyes, and Lydia and Kitty giggled happily.

"Lydia, I don't think Mr. Wickham is a very reputable gentleman. To me he seemed very wild," Elizabeth cautioned, wishing that she could come right out and say what was wrong with him. But she had promised Mr. Darcy, and knew that she couldn't.

"Oh, you're just jealous, Lizzy. I say, I know he isn't as rich or handsome as some men are, but you mustn't be jealous that we have found a handsome gentleman," Lydia smirked, and Kitty nodded.

Elizabeth was about to comment, but decided against it. Lydia raised her head proudly, obviously thinking that she had won this round against her sister. Kitty gave out a happy giggle, and Lydia followed, and both were overjoyed with the prospects of their new acquaintance, Mr. Wickham. Mr. Collins, breaking the ice, noticed Lydia and Kitty's behavior and commented on it.

"It is so nice to hear laughter. My dear patroness, Lady Catherine de Borough, is very fond of laughing," Mr. Collins said proudly. Elizabeth, Lydia and Kitty, all remembering the conversation a few days ago, burst out into hysterics, leaving a confused Mr. Collins to wonder what was so humorous about what he had said.

Chapter 16

Posted on Friday, 17 August 2001

Netherfield
Wednesday: Four days until the wedding

Elizabeth had arrived bright and early at Netherfield to go riding with Georgiana, and her brother, for two reasons. First, she was excited about seeing Georgiana, and, of course, Mr. Darcy, again, but secondly, Elizabeth couldn't take her mother's comments and helpful hints any longer. Mrs. Bennet had, for once, been up before Elizabeth had waken, and spent every moment of the morning telling her what she must to in order to Mr. Darcy to propose to her that very afternoon. Somehow, Elizabeth didn't believe that eyelash batting and cooing would ever get her a husband.

It was obviously a bit too early, since Georgiana had just woken up not five minutes before Elizabeth had arrived. Elizabeth thought that eleven o clock was a bit too late to be waking, but after what Georgiana had gone through yesterday, Elizabeth decided that she probably deserved a long rest. Elizabeth just hoped that Mr. Darcy had spoken to his sister.

That was why Elizabeth was standing in the front entry when Mrs. Darcy came upon her that morning. Mrs. Darcy had no idea that her daughter had invited Miss Bennet to go riding with her, and was very curious as to why this wicked girl was in Mr. Bingley's home. There was nothing wrong with her, Mrs. Darcy had concluded the night before, but a mother cannot be too friendly towards a fortune hunter like Miss Bennet, or Miss Bennet may think that she was allowed to pursue her son further.

Mrs. Darcy did feel compassion for the girl, for she knew what would happen when Catherine heard Miss Bingley's account of Miss Bennet's pursuit of her son. Catherine had been very open to a marriage between Fitzwilliam and Anne, and Mrs. Darcy could not help feel it was because Catherine knew no one else would want to marry Anne. Sure, maybe a man looking to increase his fortune may take her as a wife, but he would have to already have an heir to his estate, considering the fact that it was quite possible that Anne, in her sickly state, would never bear any children.

Of course, it was entirely Fitzwilliam's decision of whom he married - if he could some how find happiness with Anne, Mrs. Darcy would be happy for him. But Mrs. Darcy couldn't help not liking her son's choice in Miss Bennet. Mrs. Darcy knew that her son obviously felt something for her, and that he was obviously debating when to propose to her. Well, not if I have anything to do with it, he won't, though Mrs. Darcy as she saw Elizabeth staring into space with a smile on her face. It will be over my dead body that poor Miss Bennet will become mistress of Pemberley.

"Miss Bennet, I did not expect to see you here today," Mrs. Darcy stated calmly.

"Mrs. Darcy. I am here to go riding with Georgiana," Elizabeth replied coldly, giving Mrs. Darcy a small look, as if encouraging her to say something else to her.

"Georgiana did not speak of going riding today," Mrs. Darcy said, hoping that she would just leave her son and daughter in peace. "She seemed very ill last night, and I doubted very highly that she would leave the house today."

"Georgiana invited me yesterday, while we were on our walk," Elizabeth said simply, not offering any more information, such as why Georgiana had arrived home in such a foul mood.

"Miss Bennet, would you take a turn with me in the gardens? I don't believe that you have seen them yet." Mrs. Darcy asked, and Elizabeth gave a small nod of approval. Elizabeth was curious - she could tell that Mrs. Darcy wanted to tell her something, but what?

They walked for a few minutes in complete silence through the green shrubs and flowery bushes. They passed one of Netherfield's two mazes, and Mrs. Darcy pondered on losing Elizabeth in one. Finally, Mrs. Darcy knew that she would have to say something sometime to this girl.

"Miss Bennet," Mrs. Darcy said, and Elizabeth stopped and turned to look at her. "I would like to apologize for my rude behavior yesterday. It was very wrong of me to behave like I did, and I hope you can forgive me." Mrs. Darcy could see Elizabeth's guard being lowered.

"I suppose so, but you must forgive me for some of the rude comments I made to you," Elizabeth replied with a small smile. Mrs. Darcy could have laughed - Miss Bennet believes I want to be friends with her, though Mrs. Darcy. Ha, is she ever wrong.

"Now that that is out of the way, I must speak to you about something more ... important and serious, in nature," Mrs. Darcy added firmly, while Elizabeth gave her a quizzical look. "It has to do with my son, Fitzwilliam. Tell me honestly, Miss Bennet, do you love my son?"

"I ... yes, Mrs. Darcy, I believe I do." Elizabeth answered honestly.

"I see. And you would do anything for my son, would you not?" Mrs. Darcy asked.

"Of course, but I do not see what these questions are pertaining to, Mrs. Darcy." Elizabeth asked, obviously confused.

"Well, then, Miss Bennet, if you truly love my son, then you will agree to never speak to my son again," Mrs. Darcy said with no emotion as Elizabeth looked at her in shock.

"I ... I ... WHAT!! What do you mean, if I truly love him? How could you ask me to do something like that?" Elizabeth screamed angrily.

"Oh, don't play innocent with me, Miss Bennet! I have seen others like you in my lifetime - you're after one thing, and one thing only, and that is my son's fortune - and you will do everything in your power to marry him, ruin him, and make him the disgrace of the world!" Mrs. Darcy argued.

"I love your son - not his money, or his connections, or his property - just him. If you cannot accept that ..." Elizabeth said coldly, before being interrupted.

"Fine, I suppose that is a bit harsh. And Fitzwilliam will wonder why you have all of a sudden stopped talking to him. If you will not promise me that, then you must promise me to never enter into an engagement with my son!" Mrs. Darcy yelled.

"Never." Elizabeth said shortly, aghast at what this woman was asking of her. Mr. Darcy had always told Elizabeth that his mother was very kind and sweet, but it was obvious that she had a mean side to her. She reminds me of an overprotective mother crocodile, Elizabeth thought with a laugh.

"Then you really are a fortune hunter, set out to trap my son in a loveless marriage so you can become rich," Mrs. Darcy stated shortly and sharply. "I know all about you! Miss Bingley has told me of your mother's obvious plots to marry off you to my son, and hopefully your sisters to other rich men! She is a disgrace to be called a gentleman's wife, although she was probably a fortune hunter herself."

"If you are worried against fortune hunters, then I suggest you worry yourself more with Miss Caroline Bingley and Miss Emma Riley than myself," Elizabeth argued.

"Miss Bingley is an old friend of the family who only thinks of my son as a friend, and is a great companion to my daughter. And Miss Riley is to marry Mr. Bingley, and would not do so if she loved my son, which she does not." Mrs. Darcy replied proudly.

"All Miss Bingley is concerned with is ruining anyone who tries to get between her and your son. And Miss Riley loves your son, and the only reason she is to marry Mr. Bingley is so she can stay close to your son, in attempts that he will propose to her before her wedding!" Elizabeth screeched. "I bet she breaks off the marriage the morning of the wedding, and you can believe me on that!"

"Miss Bennet! How dare you say something like that to me! I have heard from Miss Bingley that your sister pursued Mr. Bingley before he announced his engagement, and I find it hard to believe that you are worried about my son." Mrs. Darcy said coldly.

"What exactly are you implying, Mrs. Darcy?"

"I believe that you are trying to break up a happy couple so your sister can pursue Mr. Bingley without feeling guilty. And don't you try to deny it, Miss Bennet - I know it to be true. I know all about your family, and what a disgrace they are to England," Mrs. Darcy added firmly. "I don't think I could call your family a gentleman's family, even if your father was the King of England himself!"

"Well, Mrs. Darcy, I believe you have made yourself quite clear on your feelings on this subject. Let me be frank with you - I will not stop talking to your son, nor promise never to enter into an engagement with him. If I were you, I'd worry more about Miss Bingley and Miss Riley than about myself. And I'd stop trying to ruin my son's life and his happiness all for your silly accusations." Elizabeth replied with tears streaming down her face, as she turned on her heel and headed back towards the entrance of Netherfield. The sooner she go there, the sooner she could get home and far away from Miss Bingley, Miss Riley, and Mrs. Darcy.

I've spoken too soon, thought Elizabeth, as she walked towards the entrance of the house. For there, on the bottom step of the stairway, was Mr. Darcy.

Chapter 17

Posted on Friday, 17 August 2001

Of all the times to meet Mr. Darcy, it has to be now, cursed Elizabeth under her breath, when I have just had a huge argument with his mother, and I have tears streaming down my face. Oh, why did I even come to Netherfield today? Elizabeth though angrily, as she kicked a small pebble, which stopped a few feet from Mr. Darcy's shoe.

"Miss Bennet," Mr. Darcy said with a bow. "I thought it was you. One of the servants said that you went for a walk and I .... " Mr. Darcy noticed the disheveled state that Elizabeth was in, and his tone suddenly changed. "Good God, what is the matter?"

"Nothing," sniff, "Mr. Darcy. I am quite," sob, "well." Elizabeth replied, trying to convince herself rather than Mr. Darcy that she was indeed well. Mr. Darcy, having a sister of his own, saw through her response, and knew that something was obviously wrong. Why else would she be crying, he thought.

"I hope nothing is wrong with your family?" Mr. Darcy asked, at which Elizabeth immediately shook her head.

"No, no. My family ... they are all fine." Elizabeth replied with a weak smile. "Really, Mr. Darcy, I am fine."

"Was it something my mother said to you?" Mr. Darcy asked cautiously, at which Elizabeth froze and nearly choked on a sob. Her eyes filled with anger, and yet her whole body turned pale and timid. Oh, God, though Elizabeth. I hope, no, I pray that he did not hear our conversation earlier. Oh, what would he think of me!

"What makes you say that, Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth asked weakly, suppressing the urge to scream.

"I heard some yelling towards the maze, which I can only assume was my mother and you, and it did not seem to be pleasant," Mr. Darcy answered, as Elizabeth held on to the small hope that he had not heard.

"Yes, that was your mother and myself," Elizabeth replied, her eyes fixed on Mr. Darcy's shoes.

"I must apologize for her rude behavior, then, for she is not normally like that. She is, I suppose, over protective - she always has been," Mr. Darcy said sincerely, hoping that whatever his mother had said would ruin his and Miss Bennet's relationship.

"You don't need to apologize for your mother. Honestly. We just had a ... misunderstand about a few things," Elizabeth choked out, as she started to cry again. This time it was not about what Mrs. Darcy had said, but what Mr. Darcy had said. He had sounded so sweet, so sincere, and Elizabeth hoped he meant what he said.

"Miss Bennet, would you like to take a turn with me in the woods, while you clear your head?" Mr. Darcy asked sweetly, and Elizabeth nodded in reply. The two of them walked peacefully along the path by Netherfield, not speaking for quite some time. Finally, after Elizabeth had composed herself, and her feelings, she spoke.

"She called me a fortune hunter."

"What?" Mr. Darcy asked, for he had not been paying attention, since he had not assumed Elizabeth would openly tell him what they had spoken of. Mr. Darcy had concluded that he would have to speak with his mother about what had upset Elizabeth ... Miss Bennet.

"She called me a fortune hunter."

"My mother?"

"Yes."

"Well, what did you say to her? I hope, honestly hope, that you didn't just let her get away with say that to you," Mr. Darcy said with a small smile.

"And I told her that if she was worried about fortune hunters, she should really watch Miss Bingley and Miss Riley ,but she didn't believe me one bit. And then we ..." Elizabeth said angrily, before she was interrupted.

"Miss Riley? What does Miss Riley have to do with anything?" Mr. Darcy questioned, confused with what Elizabeth had said. Miss Riley is to marry Mr. Bingley, he though. What could she possibly have to do with being a fortune hunter.

"Mr. Darcy, have you know Miss Riley very long?" Elizabeth asked with a curious glance, and Mr. Darcy looked confused by the question.

"Yes, for about a year. She was a good friend of Caroline Bingley's, and became an acquaintance of my sister about two years ago. We met at a party in London, and she was a very friendly young lady." Mr. Darcy answered with a queer look at Elizabeth.

"I suppose she and Mr. Bingley must have been very close then," Elizabeth asked without looking up.

"Actually, I suppose not. I never really saw any attachment between the two of them, and was, honestly, quite shocked when they announced their engagement. They seemed like the two most different people that ever could want to marry." Mr. Darcy confessed weakly, hoping that his friend never got word of this.

"Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth said, turning towards him with a determined look on her face. "If I tell you something, will you promise not to be mad?"

"What?" Mr. Darcy asked, wondering what Elizabeth could possibly have to say to him. Elizabeth took a deep breath, as if mustering up all the courage she had to speak, and said quickly:

"Miss Riley doesn't love Mr. Bingley."

Darcy stood there, stunned, and didn't move for almost half a minute. He slowly tried to comprehend what Elizabeth had just told him. Miss Riley doesn't love Mr. Bingley, her fiancé? No, that can't be right - why else would she marry him?

"What? What do you mean, she doesn't love him?" Mr. Darcy asked angrily, and Elizabeth winced as she continued on with her confession.

"Miss Riley doesn't love Mr. Bingley - she never has," Elizabeth repeated quietly.

"Well, why else would she be marrying him!" Darcy replied, almost yelling at Elizabeth. He couldn't believe the accusations that she was making.

"Because she's in love with you." Elizabeth added solemnly, not meeting his gaze.

"What! Miss Bennet, I believe you are mistaken on the matter. Miss Riley loves her fiancé, and ..."

"No she doesn't! Miss Riley never has, never did, and never will, so long as she shall live! It is so obvious that ..." Elizabeth argued before she was cut off by Mr. Darcy.

"Miss Bennet, how could you make these accusations, when you have only known Miss Riley for less than a week! How could you accuse my friend of being engaged to a woman who does not love him! Why, the idea is preposterous!" Mr. Darcy yelled, and Elizabeth thought that at that moment, he was almost a mirror image of his mother.

"Because it's true! Miss Riley is only here, biding her time, because she believes that either you will stop the marriage, or if not, that she will stop the marriage. She hopes to make you fall in love with her, so she can marry you and not Mr. Bingley!" Elizabeth cried angrily, but this did not sway Mr. Darcy.

"I don't believe that you would be worried about Mr. Bingley. I believe that you are worried about your family, and that you are jealous of Miss Riley's engagement to my friend." Mr. Darcy replied.

"What! That is outrageous! I ..."

"I believe that you are doing whatever you can, in your power, to stop the wedding, so it will leave my friend open to marry your eldest sister." Elizabeth opened her mouth in protest, but Mr. Darcy silenced her. "I believe, Miss Bennet, that you and your family want nothing more than to see Jane Bennet as Mrs. Bingley, and that you will do everything in your power to break up a happy couple."

"Mr. Darcy, you are mistaken. I am only worried about your friend, for when he realizes that his fiancé loves his best friend ..." Elizabeth yelled.

"Let me tell you this once and for all, Miss Bennet. Miss Emma Riley loves Mr. Bingley, and the two will be married in a little over a week. I am sorry that you cannot share in their happiness, and I bid you good day," Mr. Darcy replied bitterly, as he turned and walked back towards Netherfield. He stopped briefly, turned around, and added:

"I will inform my sister that you were feeling ill, and could not go riding with her today. Your carriage will be waiting for you when you return to Netherfield."

And with that comment, he turned and walked quickly back to Netherfield, his thoughts all in a jumble. How could she, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the woman that he had come so close to proposing to, turn out to be out to ruin the happiness of his closest friend? He never would have assumed Miss Bennet to be like that, but maybe ... maybe his mother was right. Maybe Miss Bennet was a fortune hunter.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth had collapsed into tears as she fell to the ground, sobbing. She sat there for close to half and hour, while she cursed herself for being so foolish. Why did I ever tell him about Miss Riley? Perhaps I was wrong, and she does love him! Oh, how could I have been so foolish, to lose the man that I love the most.

That night, in two separate estates, two people fell asleep with broken hearts and shattered dreams.

Chapter 18

Posted on Friday, 17 August 2001

Meryton The Olde Inn Pub and Brewery Friday: Two days until the wedding (Yes, Jane and Mr. Collins are still engaged.)

"Bartender, I would like a beer for myself and for my friend here," Mr. Wickham said with a devilish smile to Lieutenant Richards, as they walked into the Olde Inn Pub and Brewery, a small Bar near the outskirts of Meryton. It was a great favorite of the officers in the nearby regiment, and they went there almost every day, no matter what time it was. Wickham and Richards had today snuck off of the premise at lunchtime for some quick 'motivaters', as Wickham called them.

"Well, Wickham, this is a surprise. Usually you're trying to get me to buy you a beer." Richards replied with a laugh.

"Sorry, Rich, but I'm in a generous mood this bright, shining afternoon," Wickham smiled as he ran his hand through his wild hair.

"What, did you finally drop into some serious money? Because you'll need some, to get yourself out of the huge debt that you're in. What is the finally total now? Twelve? Thirteen thousand." Richards said, banging his hand on the table and hooting out a laugh.

"If you must know, it's fourteen thousand pounds. And no, I haven't come into any serious money to pay them off," Wickham grumbled unhappily.

"Well then, what has gotten you into such a rare good mood, my dear friend?" Richards asked, giving his friend a serious look.

"I have discovered a way to pay off all of my debts and still have money left over," Wickham answered with a huge grin. Richards was in shock.

"You know, Wickham, debts just don't disappear on their own, if that's what you're thinking. Or perhaps you're hoping that the debt fairy will visit you and pay off all of your debts. You're such a dreamer, Wickham," Richards replied with a laugh.

"I'm being serious, Rich. I have actually thought of a plan to make some serious money," Wickham answered sternly.

"Well, well, well, what would this plan be exactly, Wickham?" Richards said with a laugh. Wickham always had some devilish, harebrained scheme to get money, and none of them ever worked. "Rob a bank?"

"I'm going to elope with Miss Lydia Bennet this weekend." Wickham responded, as if people eloped every single day. Richards, who had just taken a sip of his beer, spat it out onto the floor.

"WHAT! You're going to what!" Richards yelled, confused beyond belief.

"Shhhh. I'm going to elope with the youngest Bennet daughter," Wickham whispered, and Richards raised his eyebrows at his friend.

"I'm sorry, Wickham, but the family isn't that rich. The father has about two thousand a year, at the most, which is not enough to pay off your debts any time soon," Richards said with a small laugh.

"No, Mr. Darcy will be paying off my debts, not Mr. Bennet," Wickham angrily spat.

"What? How are you going to manage that?" Richards asked, curious to Wickham's plan.

"Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet are very close, and it has been rumored that they may even become engaged shortly. Mr. Darcy, however, wouldn't ruin his reputation by marrying into a family where the youngest daughter disgraced her family and eloped, now would he? He is too proud to do so, and risk ruin at the hands of his fellow society."

"Yeah, so?"

"I will hold the girl ransom - promise not to marry her unless he pays me twenty thousand pounds," Wickham said with a smile. "And then I ditch the girl and it's hello to easy street."

"I get it! You make him pay you to marry Miss Elizabeth Bennet!" Richards laughed. "Wickham, you're a genius! No one will ever suspect a thing with this plan!"

"Thank you, thank you," Wickham replied with a smile of false modesty.

"I must ask you, though, why Lydia Bennet? She's such a silly little girl, and will talk off your ears before causing you to go deaf with her high shrieks," Richards whispered. "Besides, she is nothing of a beauty - she's barely an inch over five feet, and is rather plump."

"Her silliness, Rich. The other girls are too sensible to elope with a man - they can understand what ruin and disgrace would come to their family," Wickham replied.

"Well, if it was up to me, I would chose Catherine Bennet. Lydia's too much of a twit for my taste," Richards said with a laugh.

"But you must remember, Rich, that I don't plan on ever marrying her. I'll drop her the minute I get my check and head for France. Perhaps I can find a French beauty to share my life with," Wickham said with a devilish smile.

"Perhaps. But just make sure she has a sister for me," Richards added, and the both of them burst into laughter, which mostly came from the drunk stupor they were in.

The two men sat, drinking until almost two o'clock, while Richards congratulated over and over Wickham for devising such a good plan, oblivious that someone in the shadows had overheard Wickham's entire plot. And that man was Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.

Chapter 19

Posted on Tuesday, 21 August 2001

Mrs. Bennet could be described as a busy body - she always had to know the latest gossip of the neighborhood, and was well aware of everyone's doing. Mrs. Bennet was always one of the first to know about any new, rich young gentleman additions to the neighborhood, and there had been many in her time. Her sister, Mrs. Phillips, informed her of all the going-ons in town, but for the country estates, Mrs. Bennet spent her mornings sitting in her favorite chair in the family's west sitting room. Her favorite, plush armchair was positioned towards the window that faced directly towards the passing road, and Mrs. Bennet would sit there for hours, watching to see if any carriages went by on their way to one of the neighboring estates, such as the Lucases or Milforts. Usually her efforts were in vain, but not today.

Mrs. Bennet had been sitting there ever since the family's early breakfast at ten o'clock, and now, as it was nearing three, Mrs. Bennet observed her first sign of life on the narrow, dusty country road. A lone horseman was riding on a white stallion down the path to Longbourn, and as he neared, Mrs. Bennet discovered that it was none other than Mr. Darcy.

Mrs. Bennet had heard no word of him since Wednesday, when Elizabeth had arrived home after spending only an hour at Netherfield. Elizabeth had mentioned that Miss Darcy was not feeling very well that morning, and gave notice of having seen Mr. Darcy or have spoken with him or any other inhabitant of Netherfield. Mrs. Bennet rather wished that Lydia or Kitty had been invited to Netherfield - they would have obligingly given their mother more information on the inhabitants of that great estate. Besides, Lydia deserved to marry Mr. Darcy and become a mistress of a great estate more than Elizabeth did.

Mrs. Bennet's first and only thought was that he had come to propose to Elizabeth, and Mrs. Bennet jumped out of her seat and hurried over to Elizabeth, who was seated around the sitting room's table with her sisters, sewing a piece of embroidery. Mrs. Bennet winced when she realized that Elizabeth was wearing her pale red dress - it was not a suitable dress to be proposed to in, but she supposed it would have to do. There was no time to change now, when Mr. Darcy was hard upon their heels.

"Elizabeth! Girls! Quick, make yourselves more presentable! Mr. Darcy has just ridden up on horseback, and I am sure he has come to propose to you, my dear Elizabeth." Mrs. Bennet tweeted, as she bustled over to Elizabeth and attempted to 'fix' her hair. Elizabeth swatted away her mother's hands, and went back to her embroidery.

"Mama, really, I am sure that he only means to pay us a visit," Elizabeth replied sternly, and her mother rolled her eyes.

"My dear, it is obvious that you are ignorant in the affairs of courting. Now, shoulder's back - a man could come a long way for a girl with good posture. Hurry, he is probably being shown in right now!" Mrs. Bennet screeched as she flounced herself into the chair facing the door. The girls sat in silence as they heard the door close, and two sets of footsteps walk past the door to the back of the estate.

Many minutes past, and it soon turned out that Mr. Darcy had been at Longbourn for over a quarter of an hour. Mrs. Bennet began to fidget in her chair, peering around as if Mr. Darcy would magically appear in one of the room's corners. Lydia began to murmur to Kitty under her breath, and Mary sighed and opened her book to read.

Mrs. Bennet huffed, and retorted "Where is that man! He has been here for so long, without paying us the honor of a visit! That is not very gentlemanly, now is it girls."

Elizabeth gave her mother a silencing glance, and deep down was happy that he had not visited with her mother and sisters. Elizabeth knew that he must despise her for what she said to him two days previous, and she could almost kick herself for saying it to him. Elizabeth had cried herself to sleep the past two nights, after realizing that she had probably lost his love forever. Elizabeth couldn't bear to see the man that she had loved, and still loved, so dearly, speak with her family, while deep down hating Elizabeth and thinking her out to ruin his friend's happiness.

Time flew slowly by, and Elizabeth soon heard one set of footsteps walk by the door, and then the entrance to the estate open and close with a sharp crash. Mrs. Bennet rushed towards the window, and peered out of it nosily, huffing and sighing over and over.

"The nerve of that man! To visit with Mr. Bennet and not pay one respect to the mistress or the daughters of the estate." Mrs. Bennet clucked angrily, and then took it upon herself to blame Elizabeth for what had happened. "You must have done something very terrible, Elizabeth, if he will not even see your sisters or myself. If he has given up marrying you, then the least he could do is visit with your sisters, and find another suitable, more deserving bride amongst them."

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes at her mother, and tried to keep the tears back. As relieved as Elizabeth was not to see Mr. Darcy, it sparked a whole new thought in her mind - he didn't care about her, not one bit. Even a man who had been rejected would have paid his respects to my mother, Elizabeth thought, and he did not. Oh, why did I ever say those terrible things to him! I have lost him forever. Even the thought of Mr. Darcy finding happiness with someone else, or, heaven forbid, one of her younger sisters, made Elizabeth's blood run cold.

About half an hour after Mr. Darcy had left Longbourn, Mr. Bennet emerged from his library and ventured into the sitting room. Upon seeing him, Mrs. Bennet rambled on into a long, detailed complaint about how rude Mr. Darcy had been on his most recent visit. Mr. Bennet quickly silenced her, ignored the various noises she made, and turned towards his youngest daughters.

"Lydia, Kitty, I wish to speak with you. I understand that you have been in the company of some officers in Meryton lately, in particularly Mr. Wickham." Mr. Bennet asked, and the two girls nodded. "I see. Well, from this day forth, neither of you are allowed to go into town unaccompanied without one, no, two of your sisters, and will not be allowed to speak with an officer unless I am present during the conversation." Lydia and Kitty let out sighs of exasperation, and opened their mouths to comment (or in Lydia's case, whine), but Mr. Bennet continued on.

"Balls will be prohibited unless no officers are present, and you attend with your sisters and mother. You are not to dance with anyone that I have not already met, or speak with any men that are not friends of the family. And finally, all officers are forbidden from coming within a two mile radius of our estate." Mr. Bennet announced formally, glaring at his youngest daughters, who at the moment were absorbed into tears.

"But ... but ... Papa!" Kitty wailed as tears streamed down her face.

"No, that isn't fair, Father!" Lydia sobbed angrily. Elizabeth just looked at her father in surprise - that was the most restraint he had ever put on her youngest sisters, and Elizabeth was quite proud of her father at that moment. But what could have brought on such a change?

"Mr. Bennet, I believe that you are being very outrageous in manner to your daughters, and I demand to know why you are placing such restrictions on their life," Mrs. Bennet clucked, walking over to comfort her two favorite daughters.

"If you must know, Mrs. Bennet, it is because I have just heard a report of an alarming nature. It seems that Mr. Wickham had a plan to elope with Lydia this weekend in order to increase his fortune to pay off his debts. He would hold Lydia ransom, refusing to marry her unless he gained twenty thousand pounds, and when he did, he would drop her and head to France. After hearing a report of that manner, I will take every precaution to make sure that not one of my daughters ever elopes with a man as vile as Mr. Wickham, or any man, for that matter. He is the worst fortune hunter that I have ever known, and I forbid any of you from associating with him. And frankly, I hope you tell all of our neighbors about his scandalous nature, so they may be warned of his vicious character!" Mr. Bennet replied, his voice growing louder and angrier with each sentence.

Mrs. Bennet looked stunned at the report which her husband has just given her, and Lydia and Kitty stopped crying and looked curiously at their father. Elizabeth was shocked - it was obvious that Mr. Darcy had told their father about Mr. Wickham, for no one else had come to see their father today. But why? If he really did feel nothing for Elizabeth, then why would he go to the trouble of protecting his youngest sister from ruin and disgrace. Maybe, quite possibly, he still feels something for me, Elizabeth hoped.

Chapter 20

Posted on Tuesday, 21 August 2001

Longbourn
Saturday: One day until the wedding

It was a very sunny Saturday morning which showed promising signs that no rain would fall on the wedding the following day, but none of this was a concern to Elizabeth, who sat on a bench in Longbourn's garden trying to figure out the thoughts which had kept her awake most of the night. Did he love her, or didn't he? Every single action, every single thing he said or did seemed to contradict each other. He must despise her, Elizabeth thought, because he did not speak with me yesterday, but he did warn our father about Mr. Wickham, and why would he do that if he hated me? Oh, why does love have to be so complicated.

Elizabeth was so deep in thought that she did not see Jane come outside and gingerly sit next to her. Jane and Elizabeth sat in silence for a few moments, before Jane decided to break the silence which had hung over the two of them since their argument a week ago.

"Lizzy, what is wrong? You have hardly spoken two words to me this past week, but I cannot go on my honeymoon tomorrow knowing that my dearest sister is in pain," Jane asked quietly, and Elizabeth sighed.

"Jane, why does love have to be so complicated?" Elizabeth grumbled, raising her eyebrows at Jane.

"I would suppose that you are speaking of Mr. Darcy and yourself?"

"Oh, Jane, I love him so much, and yet I believe he no longer cares for me. A few days ago I would have thought he would propose to me, but now I don't know!" Elizabeth said as a tear rolled down her cheek.

"What happened between you two, Lizzy?" Jane asked, with worry in her eyes.

"On Wednesday, while I was waiting for Mr. and Miss Darcy, I spoke with Mrs. Darcy. She made me promise her to never enter into an engagement with her son, and I refused, and we got into such an argument!" Elizabeth sobbed. "She even called me a fortune hunter, which would have made me laugh if it was not so cruel of her to say! Imagine, Jane - me, a fortune hunter! And then I saw Mr. Darcy, and we got into a huge misunderstanding over something I said to him, and after that I supposed that he no longer wanted to be associated with me!"

"Oh, Elizabeth, I am so sorry. I know that you two seemed to care about each other very much." Jane replied, putting her arm around Elizabeth and trying to calm her down, as Elizabeth rested her head on Jane's shoulder.

"But yesterday! If he did not care for me, then why would he have told Father about Mr. Wickham's plot to elope with Lydia? Why would he take it upon himself to make sure Lydia and Kitty's behavior was checked so the elopement could never take place?" Elizabeth asked, and Jane just shook her head.

"I'm sorry, Lizzy, but for once I have no clue why. But I think that deep down he still loves you as much as you love him, and is probably just as eager to resolve this disagreement so you two can be friends again," Jane said calmly.

"Oh, Jane, you are too good to sit here and listen to me complain after I was so horrid to you. Do you think you can ever forgive me and my terrible behavior to you?" Elizabeth asked hopefully and sincerely, and Jane just smiled.

"Elizabeth, I could never be cross at you. I know that you do not like Mr. Collins particularly, but I am sure that you two will become close as the years go by. He is a very good man, and I am starting to believe that I will make him a very good wife," Jane said forgivingly.

"I suppose you will. But you must promise me that I can visit you as often as I'd like, or else I shall go mad being stuck in this house with only father to talk to sensibly." Elizabeth smirked, and Jane burst out laughing.

"You had better, or I will have to come down here and drag you to Kent," Jane replied, and the two burst into laughter just as a huge carriage came down the path. Elizabeth looked at the crest, and identified that it was not one of the carriages at Netherfield, nor were the horses familiar. Elizabeth just looked at Jane and raised her eyebrows.

"Perhaps we had better go in and greet our guest," Elizabeth smirked as she and Jane linked arms and walked back into Longbourn. They entered the sitting room just in time to hear Hill announce 'Lady Catherine de Borough', and Mr. Collins stutter a welcome to his noble patroness.

"Oh, Lady Catherine! It is indeed an honor for you to visit myself and my cousins at Longbourn! Oh, and here is my dear fiancée, Jane Bennet! Jane, may I introduce to you my noble patroness, the Lady Catherine de Borough of Rosings Park in Kent." Mr. Collins said with a deep bow and a sick smile plastered on his ugly face. Lady Catherine gave an acknowledging nod, and Jane curtsied in response. "How was your trip, Lady Catherine?" Mr. Collins squeaked out.

"Mr. Collins, I came here to speak with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, not speak to you about the condition of my trip. Which one of these girls is she?" Elizabeth stepped forward and curtsied to her ladyship, all the time wondering what Lady Catherine would want with her, since she wanted nothing to do with her.

"Miss Bennet, would you do me the honor of showing what I believe is a garden outside there. It looks very pretty, and after being in a carriage all day, I am in dire need of taking a turn about," Lady Catherine stated, not as a request but more of a command. Elizabeth nodded, but before she could reply, Mr. Collins did.

"Lady Catherine, what a wonderful idea! I am sure that you will love the garden that Longbourn has to offer, even though it is not as extensive as the ones at Rosings Park. Why, why don't we all go out into the garden, for it is such a nice ... " Mr. Collins rambled, as Lady Catherine glared at him and said "I wish to go with Miss Bennet, Mr. Collins, and just Miss Bennet." This shocked Mr. Collins, for he assumed that she would wish to talk with his wonderful, beautiful, dear fiancée, Jane, and not Elizabeth, who was nothing but his cousin. What was the world coming to? Perhaps he did not praise Lady Catherine enough when she entered the room, he concluded, and promised to praise her good health more when she returned to the room.

The two walked into the garden, and when they were safely away from prying ears, Lady Catherine made her reason known for her visit.

"Miss Bennet, you can not be unaware of why I am here," Lady Catherine announced, peering at Elizabeth curiously.

"No, your Ladyship, but it is indeed a great honor to meet you, after all the wonderful things that Mr. Collins has said about ..." Elizabeth started politely, before being interrupted.

"Enough with the false sincerity, Miss Bennet - I can see through it. I am here to speak with you about my nephew, Mr. Darcy. Miss Bingley has informed me that you are using your alluring arts to trap my nephew into marriage," Lady Catherine said angrily, and Elizabeth just raised her eyebrows.

"If I was, Lady Catherine, I would be the last one to make it known, especially to you," Elizabeth said sweetly, while inside trying to keep herself from hitting this woman.

"Upstart young girl, Mr. Darcy will never marry you! He is to marry my daughter, Anne, and both myself and his mother wish it to occur! What do you have to say to that!" Lady Catherine argued.

"If that is true, then I wonder why you took all of the trouble of coming to Longbourn to see me?" Elizabeth retorted.

"To make my sentiments know on this matter! Mr. Darcy would never marry a girl like you, with no connections and no fortune! It shall not be born! Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted with the likes of your family!" Lady Catherine said, her voice growing louder and angrier.

"I believe that it is up to Mr. Darcy to decide who he will marry, and if he does not mind my connections, then they must be fine. He is a gentleman, and I am a gentleman's daughter, so for that part, we are equal," Elizabeth replied, and Lady Catherine gasped.

"But who is your mother, and who are your aunts and uncles! They are nobodies, nothings, with not even a bit of sense, as I have observed with your mother. I am almost ashamed at Mr. Collins for marrying into your family, but he is only a clergyman and can afford to marry into a low family," Lady Catherine replied conceitedly.

"Your nephew has met my family, and has a high opinion of them. I do not believe he cares who my mother or aunts and uncles are. But in my opinion, I believe they are much more refined and well-mannered than his side of the family," Elizabeth retorted angrily, and Lady Catherine opened her mouth in shock.

"I am not accustomed to this language, nor will I allow you to be so rude and degrading to myself and my family! I am almost the nearest relation that he has, and am entitled as his future mother-in-law to know all of his nearest doings ..."

"But you are not entitled to know mine, nor will such behavior induce me to tell you!" Elizabeth replied angrily.

"Miss Bennet, I want you to promise me never to enter into an engagement with my nephew!" Lady Catherine shouted, and Elizabeth wondered if Mrs. Darcy put her up to this.

"Never." Elizabeth replied shortly as she turned and headed back towards Longbourn. Lady Catherine followed her closely, angry that the upstart Miss Bennet would not agree to never marry her nephew, but did not talk to her once more. Lady Catherine angrily entered into her carriage, next to her daughter Anne, and did not acknowledge Elizabeth's presence except for a small glare at her as the carriage pulled away.

Elizabeth was relieved that Lady Catherine had left, until Mr. Collins ran out onto the path and was surprised to see that Lady Catherine, his noble patroness, had left. He stood there stunned, his eyes wide and his greasy hair plastered down to his face. He gasped his chest, for he was obviously out of breath from running the short distance from the sitting room to the front of the house. The pig, though Elizabeth. I just feel sorry for his children, when they realize what a creepy father they have.

"Cousin Elizabeth, what did you say to Lady Catherine to cause her to leave in such a hurry! I hope that you have not said anything to upset her!" Mr. Collins scolded angrily, hoping his patroness would not hold his insolent cousin's behavior against him.

"On the contrary, Mr. Collins, I do believe she mentioned she was upset with you." Elizabeth smirked as she turned and walked into Longbourn, while Mr. Collins moaned and cried in the estate's main entry way. Elizabeth knew it was cruel, but she was tired of Mr. Collins. At least he would be gone tomorrow, Elizabeth thought, even though he will be taking Jane with him. Oh well, I suppose there is always one good things for every bad one.

Chapter 21

Posted on Thursday, 23 August 2001

Hertfortshire
Lady Catherine De Borough's Carriage
One Mile from Netherfield

"Mama, what did Miss Bennet say? Did she promise?" Anne asked hopefully as her lip quivered, and her mother glared back at her angrily.

"No - that little upstart had the nerve to refuse to promise me anything, and was indecent and rude to me, no less. If only Darcy was there, he could see the true colors of that Bennet girl, with her shameful, alluring arts," Lady Catherine roared loudly, and Anne cringed. "Are the shades of Pemberley to be polluted by the likes of her and her family!"

"But...but he's not going to marry her, is he, Mama? He is going to marry me," Anne questioned curiously, and Lady Catherine's temper softened.

"Of course he's going to marry you, my dearest. Why wouldn't he? I wouldn't be surprised if he proposes to you as soon as we arrive at Netherfield, for he has always been so fond of you. I do believe you will make a very handsome couple." Lady Catherine agreed with a smile.

"But Miss Bennet....." Anne questioned, before being interrupted by her mother.

"You leave Miss Bennet to me. By morning, she will be out of the picture." Lady Catherine replied with a smirk, which made Anne happy once more. Finally, she and William would be able to marry, and be together - forever.

Netherfield Saturday

"Fitzwilliam, did Jeeves say what Lady Catherine wanted to speak to us about?" Mrs. Darcy asked curiously, looking at her son as they walked towards the library together. Mr. Darcy shook his head.

"No, all the butler said was that Lady Catherine requested our presence in the library immediately. I suppose she's probably going to lock me in there until I propose to Anne, or something harebrained like that," Mr. Darcy replied, causing his mother to laugh. It would be just like Catherine to do something like that - she had always been the schemer in the family, and she had always plotted to find some way for Fitz and Anne to marry. Mrs. Darcy just prayed that she wasn't in the room when her sister realized that a union between Fitzwilliam and Anne just wasn't going to happen.

"If I had known she was serious about you two marrying, I never would have jokingly agreed to it, Fitz. You know that," Mrs. Darcy replied, and Mr. Darcy cringed in response. Mrs. Darcy just rolled her eyes at him and continued on talking. "At least Anne will be able to keep Georgiana company. She is a better influence than Miss Bingley or Miss Riley, even if she can be rather snobbish, and pretends she is sick to get her way. It's so obvious, I don't know how Catherine cannot see right through Anne's charades," Mrs. Darcy replied as the two of them reached the library. Mr. Darcy knocked on the door, and after hearing Lady Catherine's muffled voice, proceeded to enter the room, his mother in tow.

"Ah, Darcy, Anne, it is good to see you again. Please, close the door and take a seat," Lady Catherine said cheerfully from a chair by the library's large fireplace. Anne sat on the sofa to the left of her, looking fondly at her cousin and wishing for him to sit next to her. Mr. Darcy, on the other hand, sat on the sofa to the right of his aunt, with his mother sitting next to her, and both gave their attention to Lady Catherine, curious of what she had to say that was so important.

"How was your trip, Catherine?" Mrs. Darcy asked.

"I will not bore you with the details of our journey, Anne - you know I don't like to travel. I would rather get to the point of why I wished to speak with you and William in private." Lady Catherine stated bluntly.

"Well, I must say, Fitz and I were very curious as to what......" Mrs. Darcy began, before her sister interrupted her.

"Two days ago, I received a letter, from who I shall not specify, of an alarming nature! It warned me that a Miss Elizabeth Bennet was supposedly trying to trap my nephew into a marriage. Naturally I immediately set out for Longbourn, where I spoke with a Miss Elizabeth Bennet and made my sentiments known on that subject." Lady Catherine announced forcefully, while Mr. and Mrs. Darcy looked at each other in shock and confusion. "A most upstart and rude young lady if I have ever met one. Would you not agree, Anne?"

"Well, I ... well, she does speak her mind, Catherine," Mrs. Darcy said hesitantly, throwing a glance at her son to help her get out of answering against Miss Bennet.

"Why do you say that, Aunt? We have known her to be pleasant and very agreeable," Mr. Darcy replied, and Lady Catherine opened her mouth, aghast at what her nephew had just said.

"A very fine actress she is, I believe, for she has had enough talent to fool you both! It is a good thing I am here to speak with you, William, and warn you of the trap that Miss Bennet is setting, in hopes that she will become the next mistress of Pemberley!" Lady Catherine answered angrily.

"Catherine, really. I have spoken with Miss Bennet many times, and I don't believe that she would, as you call it, set a trap to become the next mistress of Pemberley. Whoever told you that must have been mistaken of the matter," Mrs. Darcy replied calmly, and Lady Catherine gaped at her sister.

"My dear Anne, you and your son must already be trapped in my her alluring arts. Well, I shall not give in so easily on this subject, and I hope that the two of you reconsider your opinion of the girl." Lady Catherine retorted angrily.

"Catherine, if Miss Bennet was trying to trap Fitzwilliam into the type of marriage you speak of, then wouldn't I, as his mother, be the first to know of such a plot? Wouldn't I be the first to confront that young lady, and make sure that such a marriage did not take place?" Mrs. Darcy replied calmly, and Lady Catherine's guard began to lower.

"Yes, of course, Anne. You are right - it is only natural that a mother would be the first to observe if anything terrible were to come to her son," Lady Catherine replied with a smile as she stood up and headed towards the door with her daughter in tow. "But just be warned - Miss Bennet will stop at nothing to trap your son into a loveless marriage, and I, as his aunt, do not want to see that happen to my nephew." And with that, Lady Catherine and Anne exited out of the library, while Mr. Darcy exhaled loudly.

"Well, that was unexpected," Mr. Darcy replied with a small laugh, although his eyes were wide with shock.

"Let me warn you, Fitz, this is one visit from your aunt that will not be pleasant," Mrs. Darcy replied solemnly. "I've never seen Catherine so defensive, which means that she sees Miss Bennet as a threat. A threat that could come between you marrying her Anne."

"I just wish she would understand that I'm never going to marry Anne, so that she would let me be happy and get married in peace," Mr. Darcy grumbled angrily.

"If I were you, I would worry more about Miss Bennet than about your aunt. Whatever are you going to do about Miss Elizabeth?" Mrs. Darcy asked with concern.

"I don't know - I really don't. I mean, even after everything I said to her, I still care about her," Mr. Darcy replied quietly. "But I know that she probably wants nothing more to do with me." Mrs. Darcy just smiled and put her arms around her son.

"I believe, from a woman's perspective, that she is still madly in love with you, just as much as you are with her, and if I were you, I would get to Longbourn as quickly as I could and speak with her so you can work out your differences and move on with your lives," Mrs. Darcy replied kindly.

"What do you mean, she's madly in love with me?" Mr. Darcy asked, raising his eyebrows.

"Why wouldn't she be? You're my son, after all," Mrs. Darcy joked, which did not amuse her son. "Fitz, I can tell these things - it is as obvious that she is in love with you as that you are in love with her. Besides, I asked her if she loved you, and she said that she did."

"When was this exactly?" Mr. Darcy asked, confused at what his mother had said.

"Last Wednesday, when she came over to go riding with you and Georgie." Mrs. Darcy replied, and Mr. Darcy groaned.

"Somehow, I don't believe that is all that you asked her," Mr. Darcy added miserably, and Mrs. Darcy darted her eyes to the floor.

"Well, I just ran a ... a few ... tests, as you may call them. Just to make sure that she wasn't a fortune hunter, and that she really loved you," Mrs. Darcy admitted guiltily.

"What sort of tests, mother?" Mr. Darcy asked, his voice rising at every word.

"I asked her to promise me that she would never become engaged to you, and she refused. I knew that if Miss Bennet answered yes to that question, she was a fortune hunter, because fortune hunters can be easily discouraged - if they know that a marriage will not take place, they will immediately set out on another person of large fortune to pray on. Since she refused, I knew that she was in love with you." Mrs. Darcy replied quietly.

"You WHAT?" Mr. Darcy asked angrily.

"I was only doing it for your sake, Fitzwilliam, and don't you dare take that tone with me." Mrs. Darcy replied in defense.

"She must despise me now, plus believe that I have a family full of lunatics," Mr. Darcy added, as he paced around the fireplace.

"If it helps any, Fitz, I'll apologize as soon as I see her. I just believe it to be the best thing to do in that situation," Mrs. Darcy added sympathetically, and Mr. Darcy sighed. "Besides, I'm not the lunatic in the family - that was always your aunt Catherine."

"I know, I know. I'm not mad, I'm just ... concerned. I mean, after Lady Catherine's comments, yours, and mine, Miss Bennet will probably not want to look at me ever again, let alone marry me," Mr. Darcy replied, putting his head into his hands. "I mean I practically accused her of trying to split up Charles and Miss Riley."

"It was an honest mistake, Fitz - I was even shocked when I heard of their engagement. From the outside, they do seem like two very different people, and that can lead others to think the worst of their marriage." Mrs. Darcy replied calmly. "I think the best thing to do now is to apologize to Miss Bennet, for I'm sure that the two of you can work out your differences."

"You're right. I'll speak to her after the wedding tomorrow, and make everything right again," Mr. Darcy said with a smile, and Mrs. Darcy just sighed. Her little boy was growing up before her eyes all over again, and Mrs. Darcy had to do her best to contain her excitement of finally seeing her son married and settled down. If only his father was here.

Chapter 22

Posted on Thursday, 23 August 2001

Netherfield
Sunday: Half an hour until the wedding

"Emma, will you go up and tell Darcy that we are all waiting on him. Tell him if we don't leave now, we'll be late for the ceremony, and it is terribly rude to arrive at a wedding during the ceremony," Mr. Bingley replied impatiently to his fiancé. "I believe it has been rumored as bad luck to interrupt marriage vows."

"Mr. Darcy, oh of course, I ... oh, silly me. I forgot to tell you," Miss Riley replied as she put her hand to her forehead. "Mr. Darcy has a pressing matter of business and will be unable to attend today's ceremony. I'm not sure what it is exactly, but he said that it could not wait and had to be attended to immediately. He sends his best wishes to the bride and groom, though."

"Just like Darcy, isn't it, to be always working. I wouldn't be surprised if he's like that on the day of his own wedding. Well, are you sure that you are not feeling well enough to go to the wedding? I know that the Bennets will be very upset that two of our party could not attend their daughter's wedding." Mr. Bingley asked with concern.

"I am sorry, Charles, but I do feel a bit fatigued, and I have a splitting headache. I think that I shall rest for a bit, for I don't want to become sick a week before our wedding," Miss Riley replied.

"Should I send for the doctor, my dear?" Mr. Bingley asked, and Miss Riley shook her head.

"No, no, I shall be all right. I don't wish to disturb the doctor for something so trifling. You go on ahead with the rest of the party, and when you return, I wish to hear all of the details," Miss Riley replied, as Mr. Bingley smiled and went outside towards the awaiting carriages. He seems so happy, thought Miss Riley as she smirked joyfully. He won't be so happy when he returns home to find that he will no longer be married.

Miss Riley laughed at the thought and bounded upstairs to the library, where Mr. Darcy was reading. She knew that he would be up there - he had told her that he would be upstairs, reading, until it was time to leave for the wedding. She quietly crept up the stairs, and softly opened the door to the library. Miss Riley noticed Mr. Darcy sitting by the window, reading, and she gingerly slipped into the room and locked the door.

"Oh, Miss Riley. Is it time to leave for the wedding?" Mr. Darcy asked, looking up from his book and glancing at the clock over the fireplace. "It's terribly late, though. I do hope we make it in time for the ceremony."

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. Mr. Bingley and the rest of them have already left for the wedding about five minutes ago." Miss Riley replied innocently.

"Whatever for? Bingley knew that I wished to go to the wedding, so I cannot think of what would possess him to just leave without me," Mr. Darcy murmured in surprise.

"I believe he thought that you had a pressing matter of business to attend to, and did not want to disturb you from it," Miss Riley added as Mr. Darcy put down his book and headed towards the door.

"Well, I do believe I can still make the ceremony, if I hurry. I'll just have my horse readied ..." Mr. Darcy said as Miss Riley moved over the doorway, preventing him from leaving the library. He's not going to get away so easily, thought Miss Riley with a smile.

"Why ever would you want to go to the wedding of Mr. Collins and Miss Bennet. They are not exactly people of fashion." Miss Riley smirked.

"It does not matter who the couple is - I was invited to a neighbor's wedding and shall attend. And, although it is none of your business, I need to speak with someone there," Mr. Darcy replied impatiently. "Now, will you please move out of the doorway?"

"What, Miss Elizabeth Bennet? That little country girl? She's a nothing, Mr. Darcy - she has no fortune, no connections, and not even a title to her family," Miss Riley laughed. "To marry her would be a disgrace. You would pollute your family's good name for years to come."

"Miss Riley, I would rather not stand here and speak to you about this subject. I ..." Mr. Darcy angrily started, before he was interrupted.

"I would have at least thought that your aunt would have made you realize what kind of a person she was," Miss Riley added.

"What?" Mr. Darcy questioned, confused at what she had just said, before he remembered his conversation with his aunt last night. "So you were the one who wrote to my aunt about Miss Bennet."

"Yes, I suppose I hinted at the matter slightly when I wrote to her a few days ago. I sincerely hope that she put some sense into you about Miss Eliza Bennet and her alluring arts." Miss Riley replied sweetly.

"Miss Riley, it is no concern to you who I am aquatinted with or who I wish to marry, and I hope that you ..."

"But Mr. Darcy, really, it would be disgraceful to marry into such a low family, with a girl of no dowry or connections in life. Why marry Miss Eliza Bennet when you could marry someone, well, someone like me, with a fortune, connections, and a father who is a Lord?" Miss Riley replied, batting her eyes at Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy, on the other hand, couldn't believe it. She was right, he thought. Miss Bennet was right about Miss Riley.

"Miss Riley, why would I marry you, when you are currently engaged to my best friend, Charles Bingley?" Mr. Darcy replied, backing away from Miss Riley.

"Oh, yes, Mr. Bingley." Miss Riley said sarcastically. "You didn't actually think that I cared about him, did you? He's so gullible, he actually thought that I was in love with him."

"Miss Riley, I would advise you not to speak so lowly of your fiancé, especially when you are to be married in a week's time," Mr. Darcy warned.

"Like I would marry someone like him - he only have five thousand a year! Why would the daughter of a lord marry someone so low - he's almost as bad as those Bennets!" Miss Riley replied with a laugh. "Besides, why I would I marry him when I could marry you?" Miss Riley flirted as she moved towards Mr. Darcy.

"Miss Riley, are you suggesting that the only reason you accepted Charles' proposal is because I am his best friend?" Mr. Darcy asked quietly.

"Why of course, Mr. Darcy. Why else would I? You're the only one that I want to marry," Miss Riley replied calmly as she crept over to where Mr. Darcy was sitting. He, on the other hand, got up and moved towards the door, only to realize that it was locked.

"Miss Riley, I do not feel the same way about you as you do about me. I think of you merely as one of my sister's acquaintances, and nothing more. Now if you will please unlock this door so I may proceed to the wedding ..." Mr. Darcy argued angrily.

"But why would I want to do that? You have not yet proposed to me." Miss Riley replied sweetly, batting her eyelashes.

"Miss Riley, I will never propose to you. Now GIVE ME THAT KEY!" Mr. Darcy yelled, and Miss Riley shook her head. Mr. Darcy had begun to believe that he would be trapped in the library with her for the rest of the day, until he heard a voice on the other side of the door.

"Mr. Darcy? Is that you, sir?" the housekeeper, Mrs. Richards, asked loudly. "I thought I heard some yelling, sir."

"Mrs. Richards, I believe I have locked myself in this room. Could you please open up the door," Mr. Darcy asked, and Miss Riley's face turned into a mask of shock. No, she thought. He cannot leave me! He must marry me!

A moment later the door opened, and Mr. Darcy hurried out, thanking Mrs. Richards over and over. He could hear Miss Riley yelling at him, telling him that she loved him, but Mr. Darcy did not stop. He had to hurry to the stables so he could stop that wedding. Mr. Collins couldn't marry Miss Bennet - Mr. Bingley had to. Mr. Darcy just hoped that he wasn't too late to stop the wedding.

Chapter 23

Posted on Saturday, 25 August 2001

Sunday
Longbourn Church

Mr. Darcy rode as fast as he could to the church, but time seemed to stand still that day. For the five minutes that it took him to travel the three miles to Longbourn, it seemed like five hundred. Mr. Darcy just hoped that he was not too late. He knew how much Mr. Bingley admired Miss Bennet, and how well of her he thought, and Mr. Darcy was sure that Miss Bennet felt the same way about Mr. Bingley. Mr. Darcy even knew that if Mr. Bingley had not been prior engaged to Miss Riley, he would have furthered his attentions, and proposed to Miss Bennet.

But the other wedding.....? Had it begun, or was it taking place as he rode through the crisp fall air. Or perhaps .... no, Mr. Darcy thought sternly. I will not think of that possibility. And with that thought he focused his attentions on getting to Longbourn as quickly as he could. He didn't want to think about what might happen if he was late arriving.

As he neared Longbourn Church, Mr. Darcy noticed a figure standing outside of the church, gazing blankly at the road that passed by it. As his horse grew closer to the church, Mr. Darcy noticed that it was Miss Elizabeth Bennet who stood there, wrapped up in a shawl and staring aimlessly into space. Mr. Darcy urged his horse to quicken it's pace, and was by her side in moments.

Miss Bennet was shocked to see Mr. Darcy, since she had understood from Georgiana that he would not be attending the wedding, due to some urgent business. Elizabeth instead believed that he just didn't want to be in her presence after their previous encounter (or as she would call it, argument), and was surprised to see him after all. Mr. Darcy quickly dismounted and stood next to her, and both stood for a moment in an awkward silence.

"Miss Bennet, I came here to apologize," Mr. Darcy began, and Elizabeth gave him a curious look.

"Mr. Darcy, you startled me. What are you apologizing for?" Elizabeth asked softly.

"You were right about Miss Riley, and rather than believing you, I nearly tore your eyes out." Mr. Darcy replied with a small smile.

"What? What do you mean, I was right?" Elizabeth questioned, her eyes becoming fearful at what she knew he would say.

"She is, has always been, and will never be anything but a fortune hunter out to advance herself in life, Miss Bennet," Mr. Darcy replied.

"A ... a fortune hunter?" Elizabeth repeated, and Mr. Darcy nodded.

"It's amazing I didn't see it before, since most of the women in London are fortune hunters." Mr. Darcy replied with a laugh. "I used to be so good at figuring out people's characters. I believe I'm losing my touch in the country."

"But, how do you know? Are you certain she is a fortune hunter?" Elizabeth urged, hoping that perhaps Mr. Darcy was wrong. Elizabeth didn't want to believe that now Mr. Bingley was not going to marry. Not now.

"This morning, less than half an hour ago, Miss Riley confessed to me that she never loved Mr. Bingley, and that she only loved me. That was the only reason she entered into an engagement with Mr. Bingley - not because he loved him, but because I was his best friend and closest confidante." Mr. Darcy replied, his eyes darting to the ground briefly. "So I have come to apologize to you, Miss Bennet, for the accusations I made and the comments I said about you and your family."

"Really, Mr. Darcy, you do not need to apologize for what you said, for I understand why you said it," Elizabeth answered quietly, but that was not good enough for Darcy.

"Miss Bennet, really, I must insist on apologizing. It was wrong of me to speak of you and your family such as I did." Mr. Darcy replied forcefully. "And now, for the real reason I hurried here from Netherfield on horseback - to stop the wedding of your sister to Mr. Collins."

"To stop the wedding." Elizabeth repeated blankly, and Mr. Darcy nodded.

"We have to stop the wedding so your sister can marry my friend. I do believe they are perfect for each other." Mr. Darcy added with a smile. "Your sister does care about Mr. Bingley, does she not?"

"My sister? Jane? Yes, she does think .... highly of Mr. Bingley," Elizabeth said softly, and Mr. Darcy smiled.

"And Mr. Bingley thinks highly of your sister. Now, we must go stop the wedding," Mr. Darcy replied, pulling Elizabeth towards the church. Elizabeth, on the other hand, stopped where she was and collapsed into tears, leaving a confused Mr. Darcy to wonder why she was so upset.

"Miss Bennet, whatever is the matter? Don't you want to stop your sister's marriage from Mr. Collins?" Mr. Darcy asked. Maybe Miss Jane Bennet really wanted to marry Mr. Collins, so Elizabeth doesn't wish to break up the wedding, though Mr. Darcy unhappily. Poor Bingley, then.

"Mr. Darcy...." sob "you're ... you're too late," Elizabeth cried.

"Too ... late?" Darcy repeated as his face became pale and sickly, while Elizabeth nodded.

"Mr. and Mrs. Collins have left for ... for Kent ... a ... about ten minutes ago. It was a" sniff, sob "beautiful wedding." Elizabeth sobbed as she burst back into tears. Mr. Darcy just looked at her for a few moments. She looked so small and helpless that all he could do was murmur,

"I'm sorry" to her and hold her in his arms.

That's how the two of them were, neither moving or speaking - just standing next to the church in each other's arms, knowing that the wrong couple had been married in Longbourn Church that morning.

Chapter 24

Posted on Monday, 27 August 2001

Netherfield
Sunday

After spending almost an hour outside of Longbourn Church with Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy reluctantly left her company to return to Netherfield. He knew that he had to confront his friend about Miss Riley before she did, for Mr. Darcy knew that Miss Riley could be an excellent liar when she put her mind to it (it was one of the few talents the Rileys' could boast of.) With that thought, Mr. Darcy hurried back to Longbourn, trying to clear his thoughts of the wedding that had just taken place.

Mr. Darcy found Bingley in his study, which was unusual for Bingley on a Sunday. Bingley was quietly sitting reading a book, his face emotionless, which Mr. Darcy took as a bad sign.

"Bingley, I have something urgent I need to tell you about Miss Riley," Mr. Darcy said, and Bingley just raised his eyebrows at him.

"I was wondering when I'd get your side of the story, Darc, for I am very interested in knowing why you made advances on my fiancé this morning." Mr. Bingley replied sarcastically, but angrily. "I hope you have a good reason too, before I throw you out of my home."

"I ... WHAT? I never made advances on your fiancé!" Mr. Darcy yelled, and Mr. Bingley just sighed in laughter. "Why on earth would I make advances on her?"

"I don't know how your mind works, Darcy, but I would go with jealousy." Bingley replied with a glare.

"She made advances on me, Bingley, not the other way around." Mr. Darcy angrily retorted.

"Emma told me you would say that. That since she rejected you, you would try and place the blame on her instead of on yourself." Bingley added. "I am surprised at you, Darc. I never knew you to be a backstabber."

"Bingley, you have to believe me - your fiancée is lying! If you only could of heard the things that she said to me about you!" Mr. Darcy replied desperately, somehow hoping that his friend wouldn't believe the lies his fiancée was telling him.

"Darcy, I am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt and hear your side of the story before I take any further action." Bingley answered, after a few moments of silence. "After that, I will decide what is to be done on the matter."

"Bingley, I did not do anything to your fiancée! This morning, I sat in the library, reading, and waiting to leave for the wedding. Miss Riley came in later and informed me that you and the rest of the party had already left for the wedding, and when I tried to leave and hurry to the wedding on my own, I discovered that she had locked the door. Miss Riley, instead of letting me leave, starting going into a whole confession of how she loved me and not only said terrible things about you, but also about the Bennets." Darcy confessed, but Bingley looked unmoved. "I pounded on the door, and Mrs. Richards heard me and opened the door, and I hurried onward to the wedding."

"Well, that is quite different from the account I received from Emma. You say Mrs. Richards let you out?" Mr. Bingley asked, and Mr. Darcy nodded. "If she indeed let you out, then it would prove that you were telling the truth. If not, you were lying. So, I believe I will call her in and ask her."

Mr. Bingley went out of the room for a few moments, and returned with a very confused and dazed Mrs. Richards, who looked between the two men curiously. Mr. Darcy sat, hoping that Miss Riley had not paid her off to lie, for he knew that Miss Riley would be capable of something so unjust as that.

"Mrs. Richards, you were here this morning after we left for the wedding, correct?" Mr. Bingley asked, and Mrs. Richards nodded in agreement. "Mr. Darcy was in the library, correct?"

"Oh, yes. I saw him in there when I passed by to get the carriages readied for the wedding." Mrs. Richards replied cautiously.

"Did you speak to him any other time during the day?" Mr. Bingley asked, and Mrs. Richards nodded.

"Yes, I walked by the library door later this morning, and there was a terrible racket coming from the door. I opened it, and Mr. Darcy rushed out (I believe to the wedding), and Miss Riley kept calling out to him." Mrs. Richards replied, her guard slowly softening.

"What exactly did Miss Riley say?" Mr. Bingley questioned.

"I would rather not repeat it, sir." Mrs. Richards answered, her eyes darting to the floor. "It would be rather upsetting to you, I believe."

"Mrs. Richards, what did she say!?" Mr. Bingley repeated, becoming angrier, and Mrs. Richards sighed.

"Miss Riley kept yelling to Mr. Darcy that she loved him, and that he couldn't marry the Bennet girl 'cause he had to marry her, sir." Mrs. Richards replied quietly, and Mr. Bingley's face went pale with shock as he looked at his friend.

"That ... that will be all, Mrs. Richards. Please send in Miss Riley immediately," Mr. Bingley added, and Mrs. Richards nodded, exiting the room quickly and scurrying down the hall in search of Miss Riley.

"I don't believe it." Mr. Bingley kept muttering, over and over, and Mr. Darcy just looked at him with concern. "How could she do something like this?"

"Bingley, perhaps it would be better if you spoke to her about this later. You are in no condition to do so now." Mr. Darcy replied, concerned over his friend's ill behavior and look, but Bingley shook his head.

"Darcy, I'm fine - just a bit shook up. Besides, the sooner I confront Miss Riley, the sooner I can have that ... that witch out of my house." Bingley replied, his anger rising once more as he sank into a chair and put his head into his hands. It was at that moment that Miss Riley entered the room, giving Mr. Darcy a cocky look.

"Charles, I see you have been speaking to Mr. Darcy." Miss Riley replied coyly, satisfied that Darcy would get what was coming to him for not agreeing to marry her. Mr. Bingley just looked up, and when Miss Riley saw the anger blazing in his eyes, she knew that she was wrong. This can't be good, she thought.

"Miss Riley, we were just speaking about you and of some of the finer points of the morning that you kept out in our conversation," Mr. Bingley replied, and when Miss Riley tried to comment, Mr. Bingley stopped her. "All I want to know is, how could you?"

"Charles, are you telling me that you believe Mr. Darcy? After everything he said to me, and tried to do to me this morning? I cannot believe you would believe this ... criminal over your own fiancée!" Miss Riley replied, tears coming to her eyes. No, she thought. This cannot be happening. I cannot lose my fiancé - I could never show my face in London again if I didn't have a fiancé!

"Correction, Miss Riley, you were my fiancé. Perhaps you still would have been if you had not tried to make advances on my best friend, but now all I want is you to get out of my house and never show you face in my presence ever again!" Mr. Bingley screamed at her, but Miss Riley wasn't going to give up that easily.

"You ... you can't just break off our engagement! You cannot do that to the daughter of Lord Riley of Walchester!" Miss Riley replied angrily.

"Miss Riley, at this current moment, my aunt is reading a letter of your behavior to myself and to my friend. And, knowing my aunt as well as I do, by this afternoon, everyone in London will know of your scandalous behavior to the Darcys and the Bingleys. Once they know of this information, your family will not be able to show their face in public ever again, and I believe you should worry about what your father will think of you rather than of your lost engagement." Mr. Darcy replied sternly while Miss Riley just gasped in horror.

"How ... what ... why ... you ... you ... you can't do that! Charles, say something!" Miss Riley gasped and pleaded in shock, but neither of the two men did anything but turn away and avoid her gaze. Miss Riley knew it was over, but would not give into defeat.

"Fine, Charles, I'll leave. But it's not over yet! You'll be sorry that you broke off your engagement, Charles, as well as you, Mr. Darcy." Miss Riley yelled as she turned out of the room and left to go pack up her belongings. Mr. Bingley let out a sigh of relief.

"Darcy, I hope you can forgive me for ever accusing you of trying to force yourself on Miss Riley. It was very wrong of me to do so." Mr. Bingley replied slowly, and Mr. Darcy nodded.

"Yes, well, only if you can forgive me for not telling you sooner about Miss Riley. Miss Bennet noticed Miss Riley's attentions earlier this week, and I should have told you about it." Mr. Darcy added quietly.

"Well, I guess everyone but me could tell how conniving she was." Mr. Bingley said with a small smile. "If only I had known sooner."

"Bingley..." Darcy began, but Mr. Bingley stopped him from speaking.

"You missed a great wedding today, Darc. It was ... very lovely." Mr. Bingley interrupted with a long face.

"Bingley, I'm sorry that everything worked out the way that it did." Mr. Darcy replied, and Mr. Bingley shook his head.

"I guess we were just not meant to be, Darcy. She belongs with Mr. Collins, not with me," Mr. Bingley added. "And you can just stop with trying to cheer me up. I'm sure that I'll fine Miss Right sometime soon. If I were you, I'd worry about what you're going to say to Miss Bennet when you propose to her."

"Bingley, what makes you think I would do something like that?" Mr. Darcy said sarcastically.

"Darc." Bingley replied with a laugh, but Mr. Darcy could see his pain. Bingley had obviously taken Miss Bennet's wedding harder than he thought he would. And right now, all Mr. Darcy could do was selfishly pray that Mr. Collins' carriage ran off a cliff and killed him, so that Jane and Bingley could be together. Finally.

Chapter 25

Posted on Thursday, 30 August 2001

Sunday, late evening (still the wedding day) About one mile from Netherfield

Darcy only went on a walk that day to clear his head, and to organize his thoughts. After everything that had happened in the past few weeks, it was like he was living in a fantasy world, like one of the stories his sister was so fond of reading (nowadays, it would be like a soap opera, but of course, Mr. Darcy didn't know that). Everyone was behind his marrying Miss Bennet - his mother, his sister, Mr. Bingley, and Darcy was sure that if his other relatives had met Miss Bennet, they would be behind him too.

The question now on Darcy's mind was when. When would he find the time to be alone with Miss Bennet? When would he be able to ask her to be his wife? Darcy wished that he had asked her the previous Wednesday, the day he had planned on asking all along, for he knew that he couldn't ask her today. Not after the wedding and Miss Riley's confession. Darcy felt like he had let Miss Bennet down when it came to her eldest sister's happiness, and that was one weight that Mr. Darcy didn't want on his shoulders at the present time. But how would he know when the time was right to propose?

Mr. Darcy was deep in thought, and if Miss Bennet hadn't accidentally stepped on a twig, which the noise that it did, the two of them would have unknowingly passed by each other without even a glance, for they were both deeply concerned with their own problems. But, luckily, Elizabeth did step on a twig, which jolted them from their thoughts and back into reality. They were both overjoyed to be in each other's company, but neither showed it.

"Miss Bennet, I hope you are well," Mr. Darcy said quietly with a bow, and Elizabeth curtsied in reply.

"Yes, Mr. Darcy, I am well. I believe the shock of this morning has finally worn off," Elizabeth replied with a small smile, while inside she felt positively sick at the fact that her sister was now the wife of Mr. Collins, and had to love and obey him for the rest of their life together.

"Would you care to take a turn with me?" Mr. Darcy asked, and when Miss Bennet looked hesitant, he added "I promise not to yell at you like I did previously." With that, Elizabeth just nodded and began to walk by his side. A long silence fell over both of them, neither of the two knowing what to say, in fear that they would offend one another.

"Mr. Darcy, did you speak with your friend about this morning?" Elizabeth cautiously asked Mr. Darcy, and he nodded.

"Yes, and it took a great deal of convincing for him to realize that I was not the one lying to him. I do believe that he and Miss Riley are finished, for Miss Riley was leaving Netherfield just as I began on my walk. At least, I assumed it was her carriage leaving when I set out." Mr. Darcy replied.

"I sincerely hope that Mr. Bingley is not upset over breaking off his engagement. I understood that he and Miss Riley were very close." Elizabeth added politely.

"Yes, well, Miss Riley did give that impression. The Rileys are known for two things - lying and their ability to act, and in my short time knowing her, I have seen both of those talents readily displayed." Mr. Darcy grumbled. "I am pleased, thought, that the truth came out about Miss Riley - I would hate to see my friend unhappy in marriage."

"As am I." Elizabeth agreed, as they both walked along in silence. Mr. Darcy couldn't help realizing how beautiful it was outside that afternoon - it was the perfect afternoon. And Darcy realized that, although Miss Bennet had been though a very tiring and upsetting morning, there was no time like the present to propose. And with that thought, Mr. Darcy stopped and turned to Miss Bennet, who cautiously turned towards him.

"Miss Bennet, I know that the timing for this question is probably all wrong in your mind, especially after the upsetting events this morning held, but I must ask it." Mr. Darcy began quietly. "Miss Bennet, would you do me the supreme honor of becoming my wife?" Mr. Darcy questioned hopefully, and it felt as if the world around him had stopped. Elizabeth just smiled at his question.

"Yes, Mr. Darcy, I will." She replied with a laugh, as she threw her arm around him and embraced him. "But I must say, the timing of your question was not at all wrong - I could not think of a better afternoon for it."

"I suppose I will have to speak to your father, and ask him for his consent. Unless you wish to just elope with me to Scotland?" Mr. Darcy replied, and Elizabeth just laughed.

"I am sure that my father will be delighted to give you his consent. Besides, an elopement sounds more like something Lydia would do to disgrace the family's name." Elizabeth replied, her eyes dancing happily in the fading sunlight.

"But, on a more serious note, I know that you have very little dowry, and will inherit very little on your father's death," Mr. Darcy began solemnly, and as Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak, he interrupted her. "I do not care, however, of your financial status in the world, or of your connections or family. I am rich enough knowing that you will be my wife."

"Mr. Darcy, as sweet as what you have told me is, I am afraid that what you have just said of my fortune is a lie." Elizabeth replied, while Mr. Darcy just gave her a curious look.

"What? What do you mean, a lie?" Mr. Darcy questioned quietly, not quite sure of what she was saying.

"I have a dowry, and quite a large one at that matter." Elizabeth replied quietly. "No one, except my immediate family, and Charlotte Lucas, know of it, for my father feared that if men knew of it, fortune hunters would be lined up outside of our door."

"It is of no importance whether or not you have a fortune, my dear," Mr. Darcy replied quietly, but Elizabeth shook her head.

"I believe we should get our engagement off to an honest start," Elizabeth answered. "That is why I am telling you about this. Have you ever heard of a Countess de Marlough?"

"Yes, I believe so. She died a few years back - the widow of a French Count, with no children or family to leave her estate to." Mr. Darcy stated with a smile. "She was a good friend of my parents before her and my father's deaths."

"She was also a great friend to my father's parents, and was named as my godmother when I was baptized. I would visit her every time I went to London, and I believe she thought of me as the daughter she never had." Elizabeth confessed. "The Countess was a great influence on myself, and on her death, she left to myself most of her large estate."

"I remember hearing about her death," Mr. Darcy replied with a small laugh. "I remember how half of London was furious that she left most of her fortune to an ' upstart young country girl', which is what I believe they called you."

"Yes, and the other half to some distant relatives on her husband's side." Elizabeth added. "I, on the other hand, received sixty thousand pounds as a dowry, and her large estate in Bath, which I usually visit in the summer. I do believe it angered her relations to discover I was given so much when they were given so little."

"I ... I'm shocked. That is a large sum of money to be left to someone, I must admit." Mr. Darcy. "I am surprised that you could keep it a secret for so long."

"I am sorry, though, that I didn't tell you about it sooner. I hope you can forgive me for not telling you, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth replied sincerely, and Mr. Darcy gave her a stern look.

"I will, on one condition." Mr. Darcy replied, his face stamped with no emotion, and Elizabeth's heart almost dropped into her stomach.

"What ... what would that be, Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth asked nervously, and Mr. Darcy burst out into a laugh.

"That you stop calling your fiancé Mr. Darcy, and start calling me William," Mr. Darcy replied, and Elizabeth just laughed.

"So I am not allowed to call you Fitz, like your mother and your sister?" Elizabeth teased, and Mr. Darcy just gave her a look.

"Elizabeth ..." Mr. Darcy answered as he pulled her in close and gave her a kiss. And as the two stood in a passionate embrace, it was obvious to both that this was the beginning of a beautiful future for the both of them. Elizabeth only wished that everyone, particularly her sisters, could be so happy.

Chapter 26

Posted on Sunday, 2 September 2001

Sunday
Netherfield

Mr. Darcy came home in a very good mood that evening. He was both relieved and overjoyed - relieved that he had finally rustled up the courage to propose to Miss Bennet and overjoyed that she had accepted him. The fact that she loved him in return was just too good to be true, and Mr. Darcy almost felt like singing out his happiness to the world.

The fact that Elizabeth had a fortune was also on Mr. Darcy's mind. Mind you, he did not care - Mr. Darcy would have married Elizabeth if she was a hundred thousand pounds in debt - but he was glad that she had a fortune of her own. The London society would more likely accept Elizabeth since she had her own fortune and estate, rather than if she had not. Mr. Darcy supposed that her only weakness in London would be that she grew up with a father that only had two thousand a year, but he was sure that no one would hold it against her once meeting her. True, it was very conceited sounding, but it was true of most of the noble families in London. Old money liked to mix with old money, not with newcomers to the batch.

Mr. Darcy arrived home late that evening, and was a good twenty minutes late for dinner. The only other time he had been so was when he had fallen off his horse at the age of six and had broken his leg, causing him to be stranded in the woods for most of the evening. He knew that Bingley, his mother, and Georgie would probably realize what had caused his delay and not overreact, but what about Miss Bingley and Lady Catherine?

Miss Bingley was just like Miss Riley, and would openly object to a marriage between himself and a Bennet. Not even Elizabeth's good stature in life could win Caroline over - she was the most determined fortune hunter in London, and had a very good reputation for being so. Mr. Darcy knew that Caroline had set her sights on becoming the Mistress of Pemberley ever since she was six years old, and he had Mrs. Bingley to thank for that. Once a Bingley woman had her sights set on you, they would do everything in their power to marry you, and not one Bingley woman had ever been rejected by the person they sought after. Until now, Mr. Darcy supposed.

Lady Catherine was another story. True, she would be mad when she discovered that Anne would not be marrying myself as she always intended, thought Darcy, but Lady Catherine was always civil to those of high standing. Why, Miss Bennet was better off in society than Anne de Borough was - she had better connections, fortune and estate, and was in much better health than Anne was. But still, Catherine always had her way, no matter what. No person was ever an obstacle in her plans, and Mr. Darcy knew that it would be hard to win over Catherine.

"My dear nephew! There you are! We had quite despaired over your absence from dinner this evening!" Lady Catherine announced quite formally. "Especially my dear Anne."

"Good evening, Aunt. I just went out for an evening stroll." Mr. Darcy lied through his teeth, hoping that Lady Catherine did not suspect anything out of the common to be wrong. Mr. Darcy knew that he would have to inform his aunt about his marriage, but he supposed his mother could do that. She had always been better at speaking to his aunt.

"I do hope that you are all right, my dear nephew. I don't know what myself, and Anne, would have done if something terrible had happened to you," Lady Catherine gushed, trying her best to win over her nephew. If only Anne was here, Lady Catherine thought grumpily.

"I ... thank you for your concern, Aunt Catherine, and I believe that I will now retire to my chambers. If you see my mother, please tell her that I wish to speak with her as soon as possible." Mr. Darcy replied stiffly, and hurried up the stairs to his room, far away from the prying of his aunt and of Miss Bingley. Unfortunately, Miss Bingley caught up to him on his way to his room, for she was determined to have him as her husband.

"Mr. Darcy, I had wondered where you had gotten to! You were not at the wedding this morning!" Miss Bingley said sympathetically. "I hope you are not ill?"

"No, Miss Bingley, I am quite well," Mr. Darcy replied with the twinge of a smile, which caused Miss Bingley's hopes to increase. "There was a small ... misunderstanding over this morning, which, in consequence, forced me to miss the wedding this morning."

"If you are despaired over missing the company of those ... Bennets, then I advise you not to worry. As you must know, Charles and Emma tragically broke off their engagement, and once Mrs. Bennet hears that Charles is single, she will be over here in full force with all of her daughters. I dare say she will not rest until she is the mother of the mistress of Netherfield, and I find that shows low breeding in a woman." Miss Bingley replied angrily, and Mr. Darcy had to note the irony in her speech.

"I suppose so," Mr. Darcy replied dryly, upset at what Miss Bingley had said, but also slightly agreeing with her. Mr. Darcy was just relieved that he and Elizabeth wouldn't be living so close to Longbourn, as to allow full access of frequent visits to Mrs. Bennet.

"You should have heard Mrs. Bennet this morning. She was bragging for all to hear of the good fortune of her eldest daughter in marrying Mr. Collins. Ha. He is not much of a catch, is he? But I suppose that those Bennets have to take whatever they can - even if it was Mr. Collins." Miss Bingley announced haughtily. "I do feel sorry for poor Jane, though. Do not think I am without feelings. But I do believe that she got what she deserved."

"Miss Bingley, I think you have said quite enough about the Bennets. Now, if you will excuse me ..." Mr. Darcy replied angrily, trying to get past Miss Bingley, but she wasn't about to let him get away.

"Mr. Darcy! I know what I said was cruel, but it is true - Jane accepted the man, and therefore, she has to pay the price of being his wife. It is no one's fault but her own. Besides, what good is it to you to defend the Bennets?" Miss Bingley said with a small laugh.

"For you information, Miss Bingley, I am just trying to protect the honor of my fiancé's family." Mr. Darcy replied angrily, glaring at Miss Bingley, whose face had begun to pale rapidly.

"Your ... your ... your ... fiancé?" Miss Bingley whispered, her voice choked up.

"Yes, Miss Bennet. I believe you know her." Mr. Darcy replied, and Miss Bingley nearly fainted. No, she thought. He cannot marry the upstart Eliza Bennet! All of my dreams, my hopes, my wishes - gone!

"FITZWILLIAM DARCY! What did you just say!" Mr. Darcy heard behind him, as Lady Catherine stormed up behind him, and Mr. Darcy cringed inside.

"Aunt Catherine, I ..." Mr. Darcy replied, before being cut off by Lady Catherine.

"What do you mean, you are engaged to Miss Elizabeth Bennet! How could you propose to a woman of that character, of that situation in life!" Lady Catherine yelled. "How could you do this to your mother, and your sister? How could you do this to myself, and most importantly, to Anne!"

"Aunt, I am never going to marry Anne - I never was -, and the sooner you realize that ..." Mr. Darcy added quickly, and Lady Catherine just gasped in shock.

"She has you under a spell! Miss Bennet has trapped you with her alluring arts, and has made you forget what you owe to this family! Are you ready to destroy the happiness of myself and your mother, whom both of us were planning on a union between you and my Anne! Are you willing to pollute the shades of Pemberley with the likes of that Bennet girl!" Lady Catherine spat angrily, but Mr. Darcy held his ground.

"Lady Catherine - I am going to marry Miss Bennet with or without your consent, but hopefully with." Mr. Darcy replied calmly.

"I will never give you consent to marry that girl! I would sooner drive a stake into Anne's heart, which is what you are doing right now! I forbid you to marry that girl! She has no connections, no fortune, and a most rude family, and it is my duty to see that she is never the mistress of Pemberley!" Lady Catherine argued.

"My mother has no problems with Miss Bennet, and neither does Georgiana, and those are the only two opinions that matter to me. Besides, Miss Bennet does have a fortune - a fortune of sixty thousand pounds and an estate in Bath - and with that I believe that no one in London will care who her family was or is." Mr. Darcy replied smugly, happy that he could belittle his aunt's argument towards his fiancée.

"I don't care if she's the Queen of England! Mark my words, Darcy - you'll regret ever choosing Miss Bennet over Anne!" Lady Catherine retorted, as she turned on her heel and hurried down the hall to her chambers, Darcy doing likewise.

Miss Bingley, on the other hand, was left confused and dazed in the hallway, not knowing whether to be happy or sad. To anyone else, they would have taken the argument as a negative sign and stopped their pursuit of Mr. Darcy. But not Caroline. She took it as a challenge. It wouldn't be too hard to pry Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet apart, but it would be done. Whether or not they were married.

Meanwhile, Anne looked at her mother curiously as she entered into her chamber in a state of distress. It was confusing to see her mother like this - in fact, Anne had never seen her mother so.

"Mama, whatever is the matter? Are you all right?" Anne asked quietly, with a small cough.

"No, my dearest! I am not, and will never be all right, for your cousin, Mr. Darcy, is to marry Miss Bennet without even a care for you or his family honor!" Lady Catherine spat angrily, and Anne's eyes filled with tears.

"Marry? Miss Bennet? But ... but ... he can't! He just can't! You promise me he would marry me!" Anne cried angrily, tears cascading down her cheeks. How could he do this to her, Anne thought bitterly. How could he betray me and marry such a lowlife tart?

"There, there, Anne! He will never marry Miss Bennet. Engagements can be as easily broken as they are made - you'll see. The day H*ll freezes over will be the day I see Miss Bennet marry Darcy, and take your place as Mistress of Pemberley!" Lady Catherine said soothingly, and Anne just gave a small sniffle.

"Are ... are you sure?" Anne questioned. "They can be easily broken apart?"

"Of course they can - with the right techniques. Don't worry, my Anne. Soon, Mr. Darcy will come running to you, asking for your forgiveness for being so stupid as to propose to Miss Bennet," Lady Catherine replied with a small laugh, and Anne couldn't help but smile. Her mother was so good to her - she would do anything just to see that her daughter married the man she loved. Even when obstacles presented themselves, her mother knew just how to deal with them. And Anne knew that the obstacle called Miss Elizabeth Bennet wouldn't be around much longer.

Chapter 27

Posted on Sunday, 2 September 2001

Netherfield
The Thoughts of Three Unhappy Residents
Sunday Night

Lady Catherine de Borough

Lady Catherine de Borough paced the length of the fireplace in her chambers, all the time muttering angrily to herself. How dare her nephew propose marriage to Miss Bennet, or any other woman for that matter? He was intended for Anne - everyone could plainly see that, except for Mr. Darcy, for that matter. Lady Catherine cursed herself for not forcing him to marry Anne sooner, when his mother had given her consent to the marriage. Then this whole mess would be over with - Anne would be married and settled, and I could live in peace, thought Lady Catherine.

The question playing on Lady Catherine's mind now was who would marry her Anne? She knew very well that no man of good sense would marry her. Even with her large dowry and being the heiress to Rosing's Park, no man would wish to marry a woman who would not be able to bear children, for every man needed an heir to his estate.

There was always her other nephew, Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was the second son, and of no importance to the Fitzwilliam family, unless his elder brother died. Lady Catherine stood there for ages, trying to persuade herself that Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne should marry, but it was no use - they just were not meant for each other.

It was concluded that evening that Anne and Darcy would have to some how marry - it was the only way Lady Catherine could insure that her Anne - her sickly, pale daughter - was taken care of when Lady Catherine was no longer around. It was obvious that if Darcy did not marry Miss Bennet, he would surely do his duty and marry his cousin. But how could she get rid of Miss Bennet?

Lady Catherine understood that she had to get rid of Miss Bennet, but how? She knew that Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet would go through with the wedding - there was nothing that could dissuade Mr. Darcy from marrying this upstart country girl. The wedding would take place on Sunday, and that was fine with Lady Catherine, for wedding bonds could always be broken.

Newlyweds were always unstable - never knowing what their life partner was thinking, and being new to the role of husband and wife was the beginning of the end for most couples. Lady Catherine knew of hundreds of couples that could be easily broken up - for one thing, it was how she got her husband, Lord de Borough. A few subtle hints and comments to his first wife, and she ran off to France without ever being heard from again.

Topic of the comments was the next most important thing - money was always a good one amongst the elite class in London. Miss Bennet could easily be persuaded to believe that her husband married her for her wealth and connections, and, being as gullible as she was, Miss Bennet would probably believe it and be on the first carriage back to Meryton. Anne could conveniently be there to comfort her heartbroken cousin, and the wedding would take place just as soon and Mr. Darcy could say 'divorce'.

Anne de Borough

Anne de Borough was in very sour spirits that evening - even worse than her mother. Anne was, of course, upset over the fact that her nephew, her beloved, her diamond among stones was to be married to another. After years of dreaming, wishing, and praying, the man she loved most was never going to be hers. But that wasn't problem number one on Anne's list.

Her mother had lied to her. Anne remembered that day, about five years before, when her mother had told her, promised her, that she and her cousin, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, would one day be wed, and unite the de Borough and Darcy lines forever. Anne had been unsure of the union at first, but had slowly grown to accept that she and her cousin were meant for each other. Two years back, Anne had grown to realize that she was in love with her handsome cousin, and realized that she not only accepted the marriage - she yearned for it to take place.

And up until now, Anne had believe that her cousin had wished the married to take place too. He had always been good and kind to her, listening to her play the piano (the few times that she did) and praising her highly on her accomplishes. Anne believed that the marriage was his idea, not her mother's, and knew that one visit he would propose.

But now this. After all her thoughts, hopes, prayers, wishes, inclinations, he was engaged to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, a nothing country girl who had the good fortune to be friends with a dying Countess. A leech, who prayed off of the wealth of others - it was disgusting to think of. And her cousin was willingly marrying this leech, which was more than Anne could bear.

She knew that somehow Miss Bennet had bewitched her cousin - that was the only way he could fall in love with her. Anne knew that she had to do something to break the two apart - for the sake of her cousin, it was necessary. But what?

Poison would always work, but Anne did not want to become a murder. Besides, murder always caught up with someone, no matter how far below it was buried. Accusations were always good, but would anyone believe that Miss Bennet had done something horrific or illegal in her past? Miss Bennet would probably just laugh and the whole town would believe she was innocent. No, those two ideas were sadly out.

Gossip was a good idea, though, thought Anne. Comments that just slip out and work their way to Miss Bennet, perhaps about Mr. Darcy marrying her for her money, or even that he had a mistress. Miss Bennet would believe them - she was the type that believed everyone, even if they had liar printed plainly on their faces.

Don't worry, Darcy, thought Anne. Soon I'll have you out of the clutches of the evil Miss Bennet, and you can marry me. And we can be together, like we belong, forever.

Miss Caroline Bingley

Miss Bingley didn't know how it could have happened. She had watched Mr. Darcy so closely, and she had never once seen any inclination that he had feelings for Miss Bennet. If she had, Caroline would have quickly made sure that his feelings were made opposite - but now they were to be married, and everything Caroline, and the other Bangles, had hoped for would never occur.

Miss Bingley couldn't let it happen. She had promised her mother she would marry Mr. Darcy, and could remember her mother's words echo in her head. 'It will be a good match,' her mother had said. 'It will insure that you live a rich life in the elite of London, even when the wealth of the Bingleys has run out.'

Miss Bingley knew that she couldn't live with her brother forever. The Bingleys had new money, and it was obvious to them and only them that the five thousand a year her brother had would slowly decrease to just three thousand a year, or even two. It had been obvious when Charles was just a toddler, and it had been obvious to Caroline when she was only six years old.

Miss Bingley didn't want to lose her place in the social crowd of London - she knew if she did, the parties and elegant affairs would be gone, along with all of the hopeful young suitors that she could lay claim to. But the only one she wanted was Mr. Darcy, and for years she had believed he wanted her too.

There had always been Anne de Borough in the way, but Caroline knew that Mr. Darcy would want nothing with her, especially when she was around. And for years, she had assumed that he wished to be her suitor. He had always been so nice and kind to her, praising her at the pianoforte and when she recited poetry at various gatherings. But now, to be engaged to the upstart Miss Bennet, would ruin everything Caroline had wanted.

Caroline was what you would call spoiled - she was the baby of the family, and was given everything that she wanted by her mother. When Caroline wanted something, no matter hat it was, she was given it. And since Caroline wanted to be the Mistress of Pemberley, she would have it.

The question was how, and the first thought was gossip. Gossip was what had gotten rid of others that went for Mr. Darcy, and gossip was what got Miss Riley and Charles engaged in the first place. A few correctly chosen comments and Miss Bennet and Mr. Darcy's marriage would be down the drain sooner that you could say 'divorce'.

That night, three happy people went to sleep that evening with smiles on their faces, happy to know that a certain couple would not be together in marriage for very long.

Chapter 28

Posted on Wednesday, 5 September 2001

You can image how the Bennets felt, and acted, when news of Elizabeth and Darcy's engagement was discovered. Mr. Bennet displayed his emotions calmly and good-naturedly, where as Mrs. Bennet proceeded to faint the moment Elizabeth told her she was engaged. But, upon wakening, Mrs. Bennet proceeded to squeal with delight for the following days, bragging so much to the neighbors, of her daughter's good fortune, that not one of them left their estates for the rest of the week.

Mrs. Darcy was also overjoyed that her son was finally getting married, although she did have some strong objections to the family of Miss Bennet. Mind you she had grown very fond of Miss Bennet, despite her previous comments and arguments, and was overjoyed at the fact that she would soon become her daughter-in-law. Mrs. Darcy just wasn't very happy with Mrs. Bennet's constant twittering and spouting of information at the wrong possible time. Elizabeth was happy that Mrs. Darcy was around - it made sure that her mother need not visit her at Pemberley and teach her how to be the Mistress of such a great estate, which was a comfort to more people than just Elizabeth.

Mrs. Bennet's comments were so annoying that Lydia and Kitty, who usually put up with their mother's strange antics, were often visiting Maria Lucas. Their father went along, of course - his excuse was that they needed to be closely guarded after the Wickham incident, but Elizabeth knew that her father was growing tired of his wife's silly outbursts. Elizabeth, of course, spent most of her time at Netherfield, much to the delight of Georgiana and the irritation of Caroline Bingley and Mrs. Hurst.

Mr. Bennet naturally gave Darcy his consent to the marriage, after many thorough questions to make sure that he was not marrying Elizabeth for her money. Once that was settled, and the paperwork was filled out, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth wasted no time in planning for the wedding. They had decided to marry the coming Sunday, on what should have been Mr. Bingley's wedding day. Everything that had been ordered and prepared for the Bingley wedding suddenly was used for the Darcy wedding, and most everything was sorted out for the big day.

The wedding went off without a hitch - no more threats were made, and no one dared to do anything to stop the wedding. It was a very small ceremony at Longbourn Church, with only a few close family friends from the neighboring areas, including the Lucases and the Bingleys, and, of course, the Bennets and the Darcys. Mrs. Bennet was upset over the small size of the party at the wedding, for she had hoped that many rich friends from London would visit, perhaps with sons that could marry Kitty, Lydia, or even Mary. Lady Catherine did not attend the ceremony - she and Anne were gone first thing Monday morning, for they were both displeased with what had occurred concerning the marital status of her nephew. Darcy's other aunt and uncle did not attend, but offered every invitation for the newlyweds to visit them at the townhouse in London when they were next in town.

Also absent from the wedding were the Collins, and most didn't know whether to be glad or upset over that couple's absence. Jane had written to Elizabeth a few days before the ceremony, offering her apologies. Her excuse was that she needed to be in Kent, so she could learn her duties as a clergyman's wife and mistress of the house, but Elizabeth knew that Mr. Collins probably forbid Jane from coming, due to Lady Catherine's disapproval of the wedding. Elizabeth cringed every time she remember that Mr. Collins was now her brother-in-law ... and Jane's husband, as disgusting as it could be. Elizabeth wondered what Jane had done in her life that made her deserve such punishment.

Directly after the wedding, the newly wedded couple headed directly for London. An invitation was extended from Mr. Bingley to stay at Netherfield for the evening, but neither Elizabeth nor Darcy felt right spending the evening there with Caroline Bingley under the same roof. Instead the couple left for the Darcy townhouse, where they would spend their first months as a happily wedded couple.

The next two months were spent in perfect bliss. Elizabeth met Darcy's aunt and uncle, the Earl of Matlock, and his cousin, the Colonel Fitzwilliam. Elizabeth had to agree that he was a very friendly man, even if he was not very handsome, but there was something unsettling about his manner. Elizabeth had heard that he was the younger son of the family, and Elizabeth concluded that his manner was more of jealousy towards his cousin than anything else. Elizabeth had heard her father mention that her fortune would sometimes be a burden, and she supposed that this was one time that it was.

Colonel Fitzwilliam did, however, mention that he was to visit Lady Catherine in a month's time, which sparked Darcy and Elizabeth's interest in joining him, both for separate reasons. Darcy's was for his mother, who had not spoken to her sister since the incident of their marriage, and Darcy knew that she wished very greatly to speak with Lady Catherine again. Elizabeth wished to visit her sister, Jane, and see how she was doing as the new Mrs. Collins, how terrible that it was. And so, Darcy and Elizabeth visited the couple a little over two months after their wedding, which proved to be a very interesting visit.

Chapter 29

Posted on Wednesday, 5 September 2001

"Oh, Elizabeth! I am so glad that you have come to visit me. I know that it must be so busy for you in London, but I am grateful that you have still remembered me," Jane replied softly to Elizabeth the day after she and Darcy had arrived. "It has been very boring with just Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins to speak to all day long."

"I can believe that," Elizabeth replied with a laugh. "Although it is perhaps a bit better than some of the people I've had to meet."

"Elizabeth, I am sure that they are very lovely people once you get to know them." Jane scolded, and Elizabeth laughed again. It was so good to see Jane again, like she had always been at Longbourn. Elizabeth had hoped that Mr. Collins hadn't sucked the happiness, good-naturedness, and joy out of her Jane, and it showed that her prayers had come true.

"Yes, well, that is the downfall of my marriage. I cannot stand some of the people who live near William's townhouse, and yet I have to socialize with them almost daily." Elizabeth replied with a sigh. "I still can't even believe I'm married. I refer to everything as William's - it's seems such a shock that I am to be Mistress of Pemberley and a house in town, even though I technically was the Mistress of Kennington for all of those years."

"Married life is so different than I thought it would be," Jane replied, looking out the window wistfully. "I never expected it to be like this."

"I always thought that you, at least, would marry for love rather than material things." Elizabeth added quietly, and Jane just nodded.

"Things never seem to turn out they way we think they ought to, Lizzy." Jane said softly. "I suppose Hertfortshire has gone back to the way it was, after so many weddings in such a short period of time. I can't believe it - three in one week."

"Yes, well, it wasn't quite that many." Elizabeth replied slowly, regretting that she didn't tell Jane sooner about the break up of Mr. Bingley and Miss Riley.

"What do you mean, Lizzy? I was married, you were married, and Miss Riley and Mr. Bingley were married." Jane questioned, and then a strange look came over her. "You don't mean to say that ... Mr. Bingley didn't get married?"

"I mean to tell you sooner, Jane. I honestly did, but ... I didn't quite know how to." Elizabeth answered sympathetically, and Jane just turned pale.

"How long?" Jane whispered, barely being heard by Elizabeth.

"He broke it off the day you married Mr. Collins. It turned out that Miss Riley was only using him to get to Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth added, and Jane just shook her head. "I'm sorry, Jane."

"It's not your fault, Elizabeth."

"But I suspected it! I suspected from the very beginning that Miss Riley did not love Mr. Bingley, and by the time I told someone, it was too late!" Elizabeth cried unhappily, and Jane just sighed.

"Elizabeth, it is not your fault, so don't blame yourself. I wouldn't do anything differently - I swear to you." Jane said, trying to convince Elizabeth of her happiness, but failing miserably.

"Jane, I can plainly see that you are unhappy with your marriage, and it pains me to see you so. Can't you write and try to have the marriage annulled somehow?" Elizabeth questioned. "Or run off with Mr. Bingley to France?" Elizabeth added, causing the two girls to laugh.

"Elizabeth, even if I could, I can't. I can't leave Mr. Collins now, or ever." Jane replied solemnly. "Elizabeth, I'm pregnant. I can't just run off with Mr. Collins' child, now can I?"

"Oh, Jane..."

"It wouldn't be right - a child deserves to know its father, and grow up in a happy family. I can't take that away from my baby now." Jane added forcefully. "I can't make it illegitimate before it's even born, and ruin its chance for a good life and happiness in the world."

"Jane, I agree with you, as horrible as it is for you to stay here with Mr. Collins. But Jane, it does make me very ill to see you so unhappy." Elizabeth lied through her teeth, trying to hold back the anger at Mr. Collins.

"Elizabeth, I chose to marry Mr. Collins - it was my decision, and I said 'yes' to his proposals. There is no one but myself to blame for my choice, and I have to live with the results of my choices." Jane replied, standing up quickly to ring the bell for tea. Elizabeth nodded slowly, but it really did pain her to see Jane like this. Hopefully, somehow, something would occur that would allow Mr. Collins and Jane to break apart, so that Jane could be with Mr. Bingley. Hopefully the death of Mr. Collins, thought Elizabeth selfishly and cruelly, so that no one else will have to suffer the fate of being Mrs. William Collins. Bleech.

Chapter 30

Posted on Friday, 7 September 2001

London
Darcy Townhouse
One Year Later

A lot happened over the first year of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth's marriage. The Darcys proved to be very close in their marriage, and were said by neighbors to be the perfect couple - young, rich, happy, and in love. They spend most of their time at Pemberley, spending only a month at Elizabeth's estate, Kennington, during April. Elizabeth gave birth to their first child and heir, a son named William George, exactly one year and one month after the couple was married, which to the happy parents was the perfect (late) anniversary gift.

Georgiana and Mrs. Darcy kept up permanent residence at Pemberley, but often came to London to stay when Darcy and Elizabeth were there. Georgiana became the perfect aunt to her new little nephew, and finally came out that summer, much to the worry of her mother, brother, and new sister. Mrs. Darcy tried to play her part as the loving grandmother, but could sometimes be very controlling and demanding on how William was to be raised, which upset Elizabeth greatly.

Unfortunately, to the dismay of many, nothing happened to Mr. Collins during the first year and two months of his marriage to Jane, although he did almost suffer a heart attack when his children were born. Jane gave birth a little over nine months after their wedding to twin girls, much to the happiness of Jane that the babies were healthy, and deep down that she had two little daughters to be just like her. Jane named them Catherine Mary and Elizabeth Lydia, after her sisters, even though Mr. Collins boasted to Lady Catherine that the eldest, Catherine, was in name sake of his noble patroness.

Both Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine were upset and greatly displeased over the fact that no heir was born, and that no only one, but two daughters had been born. It had even been heard amongst the servants that Lady Catherine had mentioned to Mr. Collins many times about having the marriage annulled, but Mr. Collins wasn't going to break up with his beautiful wife so easily. He wasn't sure he would ever find another beautiful woman who would accept his proposals, and decided to stay put in his marriage. Lady Catherine, however, made hints that God was unhappy with his wife, which was why he punished the Collins with two girls, and Anne just laughed at the misfortune the Collinses were going through.

Anne de Borough and Caroline Bingley were still unmarried - both still held onto the fact that Mr. Darcy could break off his marriage to Elizabeth, since there was no longer a need for a wife like her, since an heir to the Darcy line had so unfortunately been provided. Caroline had remained close to Georgiana, and was always coming for visits when the family was in London. Anne, on the other hand, had not spoken to the Darcys since their visit to Kent the previous year, but was still plotting the perfect plan in her head, and waiting for the right time to unleash it.

Do not forget about Mr. Bingley during this time - he was still alive, still around, although he remained guarded and quiet. Mr. Bingley sold Netherfield a month or so after Darcy and Elizabeth's marriage, and bought an estate only twenty miles from Pemberley, so that he could remain close to his friend. Mr. Bingley was not as sociable as he used to be, and was guarded in who he met, but did manage to meet a young lady during a party in London.

It was most certainly not love, although the two were merely attracted to each other. It was openly said that the two married for material reasons - both looking to increase their wealth by a good marriage, and the rumors were not denied by either family. So, one beautiful spring day, about six months or so after Darcy and Elizabeth's marriage, Mr. Bingley married Miss Delia Woodright, and with it came a dowry of twenty - five thousand pounds. The two played the happy couple, while just being glad that they did not remain single for the rest of their lives, and that they were both very comfortably situated in life.

The Bennets continued to live at Longbourn - not as happily as before, but almost. Lydia and Kitty were almost immediately sent to two good schools for young women - separate ones, of course - by their father to curb their behavior. Kitty began making rapid improvements without her sister around, but Lydia stayed the same, although her wild temperament began to become more tame. Mrs. Bennet had suffered a stroke shortly after Elizabeth's marriage, and had lost her hearing completely. Mary had the task of staying with her mother, and being a companion to her father, although the two of them were quite opposites.

Life was pretty much normal for the Darcy family - nothing out of the unusual happened, and the family was as happy as one could be. Darcy was usually busy with business, or going out to a club with one of his close acquaintances. Elizabeth was busy with William, for taking care of an almost two month old little boy was hard work. Elizabeth often felt sympathetic to her elder sister, for she had to take care of two five month old little girls, and Jane didn't have the help of a nurse.

That day, however, the Darcys got the shock of their life - but they would not know that at first. The day was like any other in early January - a light snow covered the ground outside, and the chilly London air nipped at the passers by the window. Darcy and Elizabeth were enjoying a quite afternoon at home, reading by the fire, with little William sleeping by Elizabeth. Georgiana was also at the townhouse, but was busy practicing on the pianoforte in another part of the house.

The first confusion of the day was when the Darcys' butler came into the room to announce a guest. This was odd, for the Darcys were not expecting anyone to visit them during that cold, bleak day, and both were silently praying that it was not Caroline Bingley on another one of her conquest visits. And the second shock of the day was seeing Jane rush into the room, both arms filled with her two daughters, and Jane's face being a mask of tears, confusion, and wonder.

"Jane? Whatever is the matter?" Elizabeth asked, running over to her sister and taking one of her nieces out of her sister's arms. Jane just sat down in the chair closest to her and burst into tears, and Darcy and Elizabeth patiently waited until Jane was finished crying.

"Jane, whatever is wrong?" Elizabeth asked again, and Jane just shook her head. "Jane, I know something must be wrong, or you would not be here alone. Where is Mr. Collins?"

"He's gone, Lizzie. I came back from a visit in town, and he was gone!" Jane sobbed with confusion, as Elizabeth and Darcy both exchanged a confused look.

"Are you sure, Jane? Perhaps he has just gone off to visit another church, or something reasonable like that." Elizabeth questioned, and Jane once again shook her head.

"He left me ... a ... a note that the housekeeper gave to me. It said that ... that I was to leave his house immediately, and never come back." Jane replied, as tears dripped down her cheeks. "But the worst part was that he ... he said that our children weren't his, and that he never wanted to see those illegitimate girls ever again." Elizabeth just gasped out in horror at what her sister had said, and Darcy walked over to the window and looked out it as if he was looking for the answer to the problem.

"Jane ... I'm so sorry." Elizabeth said quietly.

"How could he do that to them? They're his flesh and blood, and yet he refuses to make them known as his children! How could he just leave me ... leave our happy family?" Jane cried. "They're illegitimate in the eyes of the world, and no man will want anything to do with me, or my children now!"

"Jane, I'm sure that this is all a misunderstanding, and that Mr. Collins and you will be able to work this out." Elizabeth replied calmly.

"This is all my fault! Why did I ever agree to marry him! Why did I give up my dreams to be Mr. William Collins?" moaned Jane.

"Jane, you have to be strong - you have to get through this! You have to do it for your daughters - they can go on without their father, but not without their mother!" Elizabeth argued firmly, and Jane nodded. "Besides, you can say with William and myself until this whole mess has been sorted out."

"Thank you Lizzy. But I must ask you to promise not to tell Papa about this whole mess. I don't want to worry him - he has mother to look after now, and I would just be another burden to him." Jane replied with a small smile through her tears, and both Darcy and Elizabeth nodded in reply.

Meanwhile, Darcy was thinking of what he could do about this whole mess - there had to be something. He would have to track down Mr. Collins and find out why he had just suddenly left his wife and children. But he would need help, and he knew exactly who could help him. Mr. Collins wasn't going to get away with this act, and Darcy would make sure of that.

Chapter 32

Posted on Friday, 14 September 2001

Inn
Cheapside, London
Tuesday

Mr. Darcy's information had lead the men on a wild goose chase, and when they finally got the correct information, it was too late at night to pursue Mr. Collins any further, without their wives (actually, only Elizabeth) wondering where they had gone off to. The next morning, the two men set off to a small Inn in Cheapside, in a very run down part of town. Mr. Darcy doubted very highly that Mr. Collins would stay in such a place, but then again, Mr. Collins appeared that he didn't want to be found, so anything was possible. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy stayed close together, for many people on the sidewalks were looking at the two men very viciously, and both were afraid deep down of what the greedy people could do to them.

Mr. Darcy had other things on his mind, besides finding Mr. Collins. He was busy thinking about the cold manner in which Elizabeth had spoken to him the night before. Mr. Darcy supposed she was just mad at him for not being there when Anne visited, and he had apologized thoroughly, but Elizabeth had still been mad at him in the morning. She was very persistent in knowing where he was going, and looked at him in disbelief when he told her he was going to the Bingleys. Mr. Darcy just didn't know what was going on with the Bennet girls lately.

Mr. Darcy was just hoping that he would be able to find Mr. Collins and persuade him to take Jane back. Between Jane's blubberings and sobbings, and her two children crying every second of the day, Mr. Darcy was almost ready to throw them out of his house, even if they were family. Besides, Jane spent most of her time sleeping, gossiping, and, as already mentioned, crying, and left the responsibility of caring for her children to either Elizabeth, Georgiana, or William's nanny, and acting as if she didn't want her children anymore. It worried Mr. Darcy greatly that Jane would run off one afternoon and leave Mr. Collins' children with the Darcys, and Mr. Darcy didn't particularly want to take care of those two.

Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley walked briskly up to the innkeeper, who looked at the two men as if he had never seen anyone from the London elite visit his inn before. The innkeeper looked ready to pounce at any moment, and Darcy decided to speak with him, as Bingley was feeling very angry at that moment and Darcy was afraid he would do something rash.

"We're here to see Mr. William Collins, who I believe is staying at this inn." Mr. Darcy replied formally, and the innkeeper just raised his eyebrows.

"There's no Mr. Collins here, sir. Now be gone with you," the innkeeper said gruffly, while Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley exchanged a look. Mr. Bingley, in return, placed a few pounds on the table and slid them over to the innkeeper.

"My friend said we were here to see Mr. William Collins. Now where is he?" Mr. Bingley replied angrily.

"He's here, but he doesn't want to be disturbed, sirs." the innkeeper replied, scooping up the pounds as quickly as he could, as if he was afraid they would disappear. Mr. Darcy placed a few more pounds on the table and glared at the innkeeper.

"What room is Mr. Collins in?" Mr. Darcy grumbled.

"Room 4. Just down that hallway, the second door to your right, sirs. But you don't hear it from me, understood." the innkeeper replied calmly. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley just looked at each other, and walked down the hallway, hoping that the information the innkeeper had given them was valid. The came to a dark oak door, with a faded number four painted on it, and Mr. Darcy banged on the door with ample force. The two men heard some mutterings from inside, and the door quickly opened to reveal Mr. Collins standing there, looking disheveled, and shocked to see his brother-in-law there.

"Mr. ... Mr. Darcy. How good to see you again." Mr. Collins replied quickly, darting his eyes to the window.

"Mr. Collins. My friend and I are here to speak with you on a very important matter. May we come in?" Mr. Darcy replied, as Mr. Bingley barged into the musty room.

"Of course, but I don't know what you'd wish to speak to me about." Mr. Collins lied, and Mr. Bingley just glared at him. Darcy opened his mouth to speak calmly, but Bingley, unable to control his anger, lashed out.

"We want to know why you, the dog you are, threw your wife and two children out of your house, and called you two angels of daughters illegitimate!" Mr. Bingley shouted, and Mr. Collins cringed and ducked.

"Sir, I never mean any disrespect to Miss Bennet, but I could not stay with her anymore." Mr. Collins mumbled in reply.

"Why? WHY did you leave her!" Mr. Bingley argued back. "Did you realize she was too good for you! Had to ruin her chances of ever being happy in a marriage!"

"Mr. Bingley, I really do not wish to go into the details of why I left Miss Bennet, but I will tell you that I had a very good reason for doing so," Mr. Collins replied humbly, his eyes darting towards the door at every syllable.

"You'd better, you rat!" Mr. Bingley yelled, and Mr. Darcy threw him a silencing look.

"What is that reason, Mr. Collins? You'd better tell us, or we'll find a way to throw you in jail. No matter if you're my wife's sister's husband, and the father of my nieces." Mr. Darcy said calmly, and Mr. Collins sighed.

"You see, Mr. Darcy, I was married long before I married Miss Bennet. Her name was Miss Diane Allen, and together we had two girls, and a boy who died a few days after his birth. About three years before I married Jane, she took our children and left. I heard from her mother a year later, and she stated that Miss Allen had died and that she was taking care of our children." Mr. Collins confessed, and Mr. Darcy nodded. "So I began to look for another wife - a wife who could give me a son. I must have a son, if I am to inherit Longbourn, for I wish to keep the estate in the family."

"You married Miss Bennet. That is understandable." Mr. Darcy added, and Mr. Collins nodded.

"Yes, and she unfortunately gave me two daughters. But then, last week, I heard a rumor that a Miss Diane Allen was still alive, and I set forth to see if the rumor was true," Mr. Collins stated. "That is why I am in London - to find my wife, and continue to be her husband. She will give me a son - she did before, but he unfortunately was not healthy and died. But this is God's will, for me to find her again."

"So you left your wife for a rumor?" Mr. Bingley spat, and Mr. Collins nodded.

"I suppose you may say that, yes, I did. I believe she is still alive, and I will find her." Mr. Collins said nobly. "Jane Bennet was never good enough to be the wife of a clergyman, especially coming from a family like hers. She has her looks, I will grant you that, but that is all. I would have at least expected her to give me a son, and not those two loud-mouthed brats instead."

"How dare you call her children that! Do you know what you are doing to your two daughters? They will now be deemed illegitimate! Are you willing to do that to your own flesh and blood." Mr. Bingley roared in anger.

"They are not my concern anymore. My concern right now is to find my wife, and, if she is still alive, it will mean that Jane was nothing more than my mistress, and she can deal with her little brats on her own." Mr. Collins spat, and Mr. Bingley looked about ready to wring his neck. Darcy, however, stepped in before Bingley could.

"Mr. Collins, don't you believe that you are being a bit too hasty in your decision? It is only a rumor, and remember that Miss Allen's mother wrote to you herself about your first wife's death." Mr. Darcy replied calmly, and Mr. Collins shook his head.

"It is quite possible that it was a lie, since she was always against Diane and myself's marriage. You see, she was quite upset that we did not visit her as often as she wished us to, which to her was once a month for a week. As a clergyman, I was quite unable to do so, but Mrs. Allen never understood that," Mr. Collins confessed. "Mrs. Allen finally was able to brainwash her daughter into leaving me, and it would not be above her to lie openly to me about her daughter, in the means to keep us apart."

"Mr. Collins, I ask you now to go back to your wife, and your two daughters. They are real, and your rumor is only a rumor, and nothing more." Mr. Darcy pleaded, and Bingley shot him a deathly look.

"God's will will take me where I need to go, and right now that is to find my Diane. It may be possible that she is not alive, and then I will go from there. But for now, I must go to my Diane." Mr. Collins added finally, and Darcy and Bingley decided to leave at that moment.

Both were in the worst of spirits after their discussion with Mr. Collins. Mr. Bingley, although happy that Jane was no longer married to Mr. Collins, was angry at Mr. Collins for calling his children 'illegitimate' and 'brats'. Mr. Bingley kept wishing that he had never married Delia, for all he wanted was to marry Jane Bennet as soon as possible. Mr. Darcy was upset because it seemed that the Darcy family would never get rid of Jane and her daughters, whom Darcy did not think would be the best influence on his son and any future children.

Meanwhile, at the Darcy townhouse

"Father? Whatever are you doing here?" Elizabeth asked in shock, as she saw her father standing in the doorway of the sitting room. She and Jane had been in there, Elizabeth doing her needlepoint while Jane moaned and wailed about how terrible her life was. Elizabeth was using all the restraint she had not to throw her sister, and her two bratty girls, out of the Darcy house. But seeing her father in the doorway made Elizabeth's thoughts come to a stop.

"I came for a surprise visit, although it seems that I am not the only one." Mr. Bennet relied with a laugh, and Jane's face went pale. "Although you don't seem very happy to see me, Jane. Where is Mr. Collins?" Jane, at that comment, burst back into tears.

"He's gone." Jane wailed, burring her head in her hands while sobbing.

"Gone? Gone where?" Mr. Bennet asked confused, with a touch of anger on his voice.

"He ... left ... left me and our children, and said they weren't his! I'm a disgrace now, father, and no one will want to marry a girl without a husband and with two illegitimate children." Jane sobbed in reply.

"He said what!" Mr. Bennet yelled. "That man will not get away with this! I will hunt him down, and force him to stay with you. And if he will not, then we'll just have to annul this marriage, for I will not have a daughter of mine with that ... pig!" Elizabeth just sat there, looking down at her needlepoint, hoping that that wasn't the only annulment that would take place in the Bennet family.

Chapter 33

Posted on Sunday, 16 September 2001

Bingley's Townhouse
London
Tuesday Evening

"Where exactly have you been, Charles?" Delia angrily grunted, her hands on her hips and her eyes blazing with anger. Bingley averted the gaze, for he was afraid he would turn to stone if he looked at her any further.

"I went out, with Darcy." Bingley replied quietly, walking over to pour himself a drink.

"Well, you could have told me that in the first place. The girls came over for tea this afternoon, and all of them wanted to know where you were. I do say, they are the most gossiping, brown nosing bunch I have ever met," Delia twitted, and Bingley just sighed.

"Then why are you friends with them?" Bingley asked sarcastically, and Delia shot him another look.

"At least I'm looking out for us, and trying to push our name into society more," Delia replied angrily. "If I were you, I'd be trying to raise your fortune back up to five thousand, rather than following Darcy around like his shadow. He doesn't need to raise his fortunes - lord knows he already has twelve thousand a year, plus his wife's huge dowry, not a measly little three thousand a year from the Bingley name, and still dwindling downwards."

"Delia, you know that I've been trying to raise up my fortunes for the past year, but with the economy so unstable ..." Bingley retorted.

"It only seems to be unstable for you, Charles. Everyone else is getting wealthy off of it. You should have seen the diamond Amelia Hornswipe got from her husband - I swear, it was at least twenty karats!" Delia sighed. "For once, I'd like to be able to show off a piece of jewelry like that."

"Delia, I really don't need this right now." Bingley argued, but Delia just rambled on.

"You'd never guess what your sister told me, either. It seems that Mrs. Darcy's eldest sister is back in town, without her husband. Seems to me that he finally got tired of that old teapot." Delia said with a laugh. "I wouldn't be surprised - I'd die of pain if I'd had two screaming brats."

"Delia, you've said quite enough on this subject." Bingley added quietly.

"Oh yes, you and you're fancy for Mrs. Collins. I forgot about that. Somehow, I don't believe that you were out with Darcy." Delia inquired haughtily, and Bingley cringed.

"I was with Darcy - ask him yourself." Bingley retorted, and Delia just laughed.

"You were probably off on one of your hero rides. For goodness sakes, you were probably off looking for Mrs. Collins' husband, like he'd ever come back," Delia laughed, and when she saw Bingley look away, she knew that it was true.

"I don't get you, Charles. Why on earth would you want to look out for a little nothing like her. She's not even from a good family. I'll grant you that her sister, Mrs. Darcy, actually made something with her life - sometimes I forget that she only had money for six years, and not her whole life." Delia prattled. "But why you take such an interest in that girl is beyond me."

"Not everything in life is about you, Delia. For once in your life, just drop the subject." Bingley shouted, and Delia looked at him in shock.

"This is a strange world we live in, when my husband shows more attention to a married, poor woman than to his own wife! Well, Mr. Charles Bingley, I am sick of your attitude!" Delia argued angrily.

"My attitude, Delia? You're the one with the problem with everything I do!" Bingley retorted.

"Well, maybe that's because you're a nothing. When I married you, I thought you'd at least become something - raise the family fortune, be the socialite of the town's elite, but I suppose I was wrong!" Delia shouted. "I should have listened to my parents, and not married you. But I did, and I'm unhappy with our marriage, and I want a divorce."

"You ... what?" Bingley said, in shock, for he hadn't seen that coming.

"I want a divorce. I've met someone else, and we wish to marry ... soon." Delia replied calmly. "He's a Lord, with a fortune of fifteen thousand a year, besides the fact that we're madly in love."

"Where'd you meet him?" Bingley croaked out.

"At a party, at the Weelrights, one that you so unfortunately had to miss." Delia added with a happy grin on her face.

"Delia, don't you believe we should think this over, before we get to hasty with a divorce?" Bingley said shortly.

"Father's already prepared the papers. His lawyer will be by tomorrow morning, and you can sign them, give me back my dowry, and I'll be gone my noon. All of my things are packed, and it will make the divorce nice and quietly like. Richard and I will be married by this weekend, and you can go back to your little Mrs. Collins and take care of her brats for her." Delia laughed.

"Delia, I won't stand for this - we can't just get a divorce!" Bingley argued.

"For one you're actually worried about your fortune, aren't you. You know that our divorce will dwindle the Bingley name even further into despair. I'm sorry, but I will not have anything to do with this marriage anymore." Delia said with a sigh. "I hope you and Mrs. Collins are really happy, Charles."

With that, Delia walked back up the stairs to her room, where she slammed the door. Bingley cringed at the sound, wondering where his marriage had gone wrong. True, he would now be free - free to marry Mrs. Collins, as soon as she got an annulment. If she got an annulment. But still, marrying her would have no gain to his fortune, which is what he needed right now. So what would triumph - money or love? Somehow, Bingley could tell this would be a long night.

Chapter 34

Posted on Wednesday, 19 September 2001

Darcy Townhouse
London
Tuesday Evening

Elizabeth was not in a good mood when Darcy returned home that evening. She had spent the day consoling a weeping Jane, who was currently upstairs, lounging about and eating chocolates, while Elizabeth and Georgiana took care of her neglected children. Sometimes Elizabeth wondered how some people could be mothers, and that included Jane. Elizabeth did love her sister, but knew that she had somehow changed over the past two years.

Mr. Bennet had spent the day talking to various lawyers, trying to find some way to annul the marriage between Jane and Mr. Collins. They had all told him the same thing - Mr. Collins had to sign the papers, and since there was no sign of Mr. Collins, it was a hopeless case. Also, Mr. Collins had to file for the annulment, and have a good reason to, for any divorce to take place. Mr. Bennet had come home to tell Jane this, who in turn had a fit of nerves. Elizabeth, on the other hand, tried not to get a migraine from all of the screaming.

As you can see, Elizabeth was not pleased when Darcy strolled in, a good hour after dinner, truly suprised to see Elizabeth still mad at him.

"Where have you been all day?" Elizabeth questioned, her lips pursed together.

"Bingley and I went out for a bit, dear." Darcy replied calmly, as if nothing was wrong.

"Well, it's nice to know that you got some time off, while I was here taking care of Jane's two bratty girls while Jane lolled about eating chocolate and moaning about how bad off she was. I swear, I can't wait until we go back to Pemberley or Bath, just to give me so peace and quiet," Elizabeth stated bluntly.

"I'm sorry to hear that about your sister, dear," Darcy replied shortly, and Elizabeth just narrowed her eyes at him and rambled on.

"My father arrived today too, and you can imagine how shocked he was to find Jane here, husband less. He's been off trying to figure out a way for the two's marriage to be annulled, but has gotten nowhere. I told him that you'd help him tomorrow, since you had some connections with lawyers in the area." Elizabeth added.

"Oh, I'll be glad to see him again, although I've already made plans with Bingley for tomorrow," Darcy answered quietly. He had promised Bingley that they would talk to Mr. Collins again about coming back to Jane, before Mr. Collins skipped out of town. Elizabeth was not happy with this response.

"You've been spending so much time with Bingley that I hardly ever see you anymore. Surely you two can miss one day of each other's company." Elizabeth asked angrily, and Darcy shook his head.

"We have some very important business to take care of, that can not wait any longer," Darcy replied shortly, and Elizabeth just sighed.

"Really? What kind of business?" Elizabeth pressed on, determined to get an answer out of her husband, whether or not it was the answer she was looking for.

"I really don't want to go into the details, dear. It's very boring work, and you probably wouldn't understand it." Darcy added, opening up the newspaper and beginning to read from the headlines.

"Really? Try me. I can understand loads of things, Darcy, or did you think I was a brainless twit?" Elizabeth retorted, and Darcy looked at her stunned, wondering where all of her questions were coming from.

"Look, Elizabeth, I know that you're very tired and stressed out from your sister's visit, but I would rather not talk to you about my business right now," Darcy said solemnly, as he headed towards the door.

"Just tell me this - does she know you're married, or does she believe you to be a single bachelor?" Elizabeth shouted after him, and Darcy stopped in his tracks and turned around slowly, confused and dazed at her question.

"WHAT? What do you mean, does she know we're married? Who are you talking about?" Darcy argued back, and Elizabeth just laughed.

"Anne told me all about you, so don't play daft with me. I know you've got some mistress out in London that you're not telling me about." Elizabeth argued back angrily. "I just wanted to know if she knows about me, or does she think you're actually going to marry her?"

"Elizabeth, I don't know what you're talking about, since I don't have a mistress." Darcy replied through clenched teeth.

"I know that all men take up mistresses when their wives are expecting. I had a first hand account from your cousin, Fitzwilliam, and I do believe she knows something about London," Elizabeth said firmly.

"Anne is just angry and jealous that I married you instead of her, and that's all. I have never had a mistress, nor will I ever take one, Elizabeth, and you know that. Whatever made you believe Anne over myself, I'll never know," Darcy denied.

"Somehow I just don't believe you. If you weren't with a mistress, then where were you these past days?" Elizabeth snorted.

"Elizabeth, I can't say - it's personal business. But I promise you, I was not with another woman. I swear it on my father's grave, for heaven's sake!" Darcy argued.

"How am I suppose to believe you when you won't give me any reason to? Honestly, I'm really starting to believe Anne." Elizabeth said with a sigh. "But how could you do this to me? To William, for gosh sakes! He's not even 6 months old and you've already broken apart his family!"

"Elizabeth, I swear I am telling you the truth! I was not with a mistress, nor was I ever!" Darcy shouted back.

"Fine - you can lie all you want to, but it's not going to make a difference. When you're ready to tell me the truth, I'll be upstairs in my room," Elizabeth replied, turning on her heel and walking up the stairs to her room. Darcy could hear the door slam, which was an achievement since it was quite a distance away from the sitting room. The slammed door, of course, caused Jane's two daughters to start crying again, and Darcy was certain he could hear the loud moaning of Jane in the mixture.

Darcy wasn't sure what to do. He couldn't just let Elizabeth go on thinking that he had a mistress, and was shocked that she couldn't see through Anne's schemes to break the two apart, which were so obvious it was blinding. But he couldn't tell her that he had seen Mr. Collins, or Mr. Bennet would be in Cheapside immediately, trying to prove that he was Superman or something, and that he was the only one who could look after his daughters. Darcy knew that he was darned if he did, and darned if he didn't. Just which darned did he want to be at that moment, he didn't know - but he'd have to figure it out soon, before Elizabeth did something drastic and packed her bags for good.

Elizabeth sat on her bed and looked at the clock over her fireplace. She watched the minute hand move slowly around the clock's face, as first half and hour passed, then an hour, and then almost reached an hour and a half. Elizabeth felt like venturing downstairs to see where Darcy was - perhaps he had gone back to his mistress. Elizabeth knew that if he didn't come up, it was obvious that she was right, but what if she wasn't?

Chapter 35

All of a sudden, a knock at the door came. Elizabeth turned to look towards the general area, then moved quickly to one of the large armchairs by the fireplace. After placing herself and opening up a book, she proceeded to respond.

"Yes? Come in." Elizabeth replied cheerfully, and Darcy came into the room, looking very grave and distraught.

"I decided to tell you the truth." Darcy said quietly, and Elizabeth looked at him curiously, wondering what he had to say. What if he admits it? thought Elizabeth. She always had a suspicion, but Elizabeth didn't think she could handle it if William came right out and told her he had a mistress.

"Well, I'm listening," Elizabeth replied firmly.

Darcy sighed."See, Bingley would probably be mad that I'm telling you this, because we know that you'd tell your father and he'd place all of the responsibility on his shoulders. But I suppose I have to, since it's come down to this." Darcy began, and Elizabeth nodded. "But I want you to promise me that you will not tell your father what I'm telling you, until either Bingley or I do. Agreed?"

"Agreed. You may continue," Elizabeth added regally, raising her chin defiantly.

"You see, after your sister came to stay with us, Bingley and I went off to look for Mr. Collins. We found him staying at an inn in Cheapside, where we spoke to him this afternoon," Darcy replied, and Elizabeth looked at him with wide eyes.

"You spoke with Mr. Collins? I must tell Jane this!" Elizabeth said, getting up to go towards the door, but Darcy stopped her.

"You cannot. Not yet, at least, since we have no good news for her," Darcy added stiffly.

"Well, what did he tell you?" Elizabeth questioned.

"He said that he had heard a rumor that his first wife was still alive, so he is off looking for her. I do believe that he plans on divorcing Jane, somehow." Darcy answered.

"His first wife?" Elizabeth asked, her brow furrowed. "I never knew he was married."

"Neither did I, but I suppose so. Why else would he leave Jane?" Darcy replied exasperatedly.

"I must get my father - he can hunt down Mr. Collins and make him come back to Jane. Which Inn did you say he was staying at?" Elizabeth asked hurriedly.

"I didn't, and I won't. If you remember, you promised me that you wouldn't tell your father what I told you." Darcy said firmly. Elizabeth just gasped at him.

"Why not? This is something he needs to know! I can't believe that you're being so selfish at a time like this!" Elizabeth argued.

"Because I am sick and tired of your father butting into everything, then being praised for acting like a saint!" Darcy replied. "Every time a family crisis comes up, Bingley and I always figure out what to do, and then we blindly tell your father, and he takes all of the credit."

"Fitz......." Elizabeth started. "We have to at least tell Jane this, if not my father."

"I'll give you that at least. We can tell her now, if you'd like." Darcy added quietly, and Elizabeth nodded. As they both began to walk towards the door, Elizabeth stopped and cleared her throat, causing Darcy to look at her.

"Fitz, I'm sorry about what I said to you earlier - I should have know better than to believe Anne over you." Elizabeth said, tears welling up in her eyes.

"It's okay, Lizzy." Darcy said with a smile, putting an arm around her, as the two walked down towards the sitting room. On the way there, they encountered the butler.

"Sir, Mister Bingley stopped by a moment or two ago. He spoke with the Mrs. Collins for a while, and then said he would return tomorrow to speak with you." the Butler said with a bow.

"I wonder what Charles could want?" Darcy asked out loud, as they walked into the sitting room to see a very happy Jane sitting there.

"Jane! It's good to see you looking so bright and healthy," Elizabeth said happily. "I understand you and Mr. Bingley were having a very good chat."

"Oh, Lizzy! I'm so happy! Mr. Bingley told me that he talked Mr. Collins into filing for an annulment as soon as possible! And Mr. Bingley also told me that he and his wife are filing for an annulment, and asked me to marry him as soon as both divorces are finalized! We'll hopefully be married by the end of the month!" Jane replied joyfully.

"Jane! I'm so happy for you," Elizabeth said, reaching down to hug her sister.

"He said that he'd always loved me, and wished he could have stopped my marriage to Mr. Collins. He told me that he died the day he thought he'd lost me! Have you ever heard anything so sweet?" Jane replied, tears streaming down her face.

Elizabeth was too happy to express it in words at that moment. Jane was finally to marry Mr. Bingley, as soon as both were freed from their current life partners. Jane's children would have Mr. Bingley as a father, and would not be deemed illegitimate. Everything was too perfect, tho perfect, thought Elizabeth. Almost too perfect.

Chapter 36

Posted on Friday, 21 September 2001

Saturday London Darcy Townhouse

The following Saturday found Mr. Bingley at the Darcys' for dinner, seeing as the current Mrs. Bingley was busy shopping with her friends in town, and would probably not be back in time for dinner. Mr. Bingley, of course, was anxious to see Jane again - he hadn't been sure if he was dreaming when he had proposed to Jane, and she had accepted him. As far as he was concerned, he was the happiest man in the world at that moment, and he would be happier the day his marriage was annulled.

Mr. Bennet had been informed about his daughter's husband, and his daughter's fiancé. Mr. Bennet was all too eager to annul the marriage between Jane and Mr. Collins, and gave Mr. Bingley consent to marry Jane as soon as his annulment was finalized. Mr. Bennet decided that he and Jane could marry before her annulment was finalized, since it was not certain when Mr. Collins would be found to sign the paperwork.

Jane had snapped out of her depressions as quickly as she had entered into it. Jane was now playing the part of the wonderful mother, spending as much time as possible with her children. She had been overjoyed when Mr. Bingley had proposed to her, since she had always loved him, and was especially glad that her children would not be deemed illegitimate, since they would technically have a father. Jane would just have to be very particular not to tell them about Mr. Collins, their real father.

So that Saturday found Mr. Bingley, Jane, Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth and Darcy all having dinner at the Darcy townhouse. All Darcy and Elizabeth had wanted that weekend was peace, but with Mr. Bennet, Jane, and two twin daughters with very large lungs staying at the townhouse, they both knew they wouldn't get any peace and quiet for a while.

"I was thinking about having a small wedding at a nearby church, Lizzy. What do you think?" Jane questioned, before taking a bite of her dinner.

"How small are you thinking, Jane?" Elizabeth asked, knowing that if her mother somehow got involved, it would be a much larger number.

"You and William, father, and perhaps Mr. Bingley's sisters. Nothing to extreme - Kitty and Lydia won't need to be taken out of school, and Mary and Mama can stay at home." Jane replied quietly.

"I suppose that would do," Elizabeth said, nodding her head. "There's a small church nearby that would do. I'll see if you two can be married sometime soon there."

"You can pick out everything, Jane - as long as I don't have to sit and pick out china patterns all day, you can do whatever you want for the wedding," Bingley replied with a laugh, making Jane smile and blush. Elizabeth had to admit it was good to see her sister behaving so well after the previous days, but the manner was so shocking. For the two of them to be married, yet planning their own marriage, was shocking and unholy.

At that particular moment, the Darcy's butler entered the dining room, to announce that a constable was here to see Mr. Bingley at once. Constable Brown was shown in immediately, and decided to speak to the group as a whole rather than just to Bingley.

"Mr. Bingley, I presume?" Constable Brown asked, and Bingley nodded. "What I have to say will take no time out of your party, but I am afraid that it is bad news, sir."

"What? What has happened," Bingley asked, overcome with worry.

"Your wife was in a carriage accident, sir. It seems a branch crashed into the carriage near Gretna Green, killing Mrs. Delia Bingley and her companion, Lord Esselton, instantly, and injuring the driver very badly, it seems."

"Delia's ... dead?" Bingley asked in a whisper, his whole face turning pale.

"I'm very sorry, sir. Her family has been contacted, and I believe they will be planning the funeral entirely, if you wish to get into contact with them soon," Constable Brown added. "They gave me this letter to give to you, sir."

"Thank you," Bingley replied, as the Constable bowed and left the room. Bingley, in turn, opened up the letter and read it, during which his whole face turned an even paler white.

"What is it, Charles?" Darcy asked, putting a hand on his shoulder. Bingley handed Darcy the letter, and slumped into the closest chair to him, putting his head in his hands.

Darcy and Elizabeth stood reading the letter, and when Jane demanded to know what it said, Darcy read it out loud.

"'Dear Mr. Bingley. As you have already heard, my daughter, your late wife, was tragically killed in a carriage accident with her fiancé. We would ask that out of respect you do not attend our daughter's funeral, or make any contact with our family in the future. As of now, we believe that you and Delia are released from your marriage bonds, and you may get on with your life. Sincerely, Sir Allen Woodright." Darcy read verbatim, and both Jane and Elizabeth gasped simultaneously.

"That is a very harsh and cruel thing for them to say at a time like this, Charles," Elizabeth replied softly. "I would pay no attention to their harsh words - they are obviously upset over the loss of their daughter, and are willing to blame anyone they can for her death."

"All I wanted was for an annulment," Charles muttered. "I never truly wished her dead - or her fiancé. I just wished that she would get out of my life - soon."

"Charles, it's not your fault." Jane said soothingly. "It was something that you couldn't control."

"And look on the bright side, Mr. Bingley. You and Jane can be married as soon as possible, now that you are no longer married," Mr. Bennet added, and Elizabeth shot him a silencing glance.

"I suppose you are right, Mr. Bennet, except that Jane is still married," Bingley stated.

"Oh, who cares about that. As far as I'm concerned, she and Mr. Collins are divorced," Mr. Bennet said shortly.

"Well, then. I guess the wedding is on for next weekend," Jane added quietly.

"Yes, and nothing can stop us from getting married," Bingley said shortly. Elizabeth and Darcy, however, exchanged a worried glance, wondering what else could possibly go wrong in the lives of Mr. Bingley and Mrs. Collins.

Chapter 37

Posted on Sunday, 23 September 2001

The next week was spent planning the wedding of Jane and Mr. Bingley, who seemed to be in very low spirits that whole week. Elizabeth was wondering if he was having second thought on the marriage, but Darcy reassured her that he and Delia had been close, despite their outward appearance to society, and Bingley was still grieving over her loss. Mr. Bingley had been to Delia's grave the day after her funeral to put flowers on her grave, making sure to go at night when he wouldn't be seen by anyone of Delia's family. Mr. Bingley also visited her companion's grave, out of respect, although he didn't put any flowers on that grave.

The wedding plans had gone on after all, even with Elizabeth's concerns that the wedding would be unholy in the eyes of God, since Jane would be married to Mr. Bingley illegally (not considering the fact that she was still married). Mr. Bennet put her fears to rest by stating that he had heard some news from Mr. Collins' manservant, saying that Mr. Collins had found his first wife alive and was currently staying with her.

With this news, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Bingley, nor Jane could find any reason why the wedding shouldn't go on, but Elizabeth and Darcy were still unconvinced. They believed that Jane and Bingley shouldn't jump into a marriage until Jane's marriage was legally annulled, but neither of them would listen to the Darcys.

Saturday came as quickly as possible, and so did guests. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were in attendance at the church, their children at home with one of their servants. Colonel Fitzwilliam was there at Darcy and Elizabeth's insistence, along with Georgiana, while William stayed at home with his nanny. Besides Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth and Darcy, there were very few people in attendance to see Jane and Bingley tie the knot.

Kitty and Lydia did not attend. Both were in separate schools, without contact with each other, and Mr. Bennet was sure that if they were in the same room together, Kitty would return to her previous behavior, which had been influenced by Lydia. Lydia was still wild as ever, but the nuns, at the Catholic school she was sent to, had straightened her out a bit.

Mary and Mrs. Bennet did not attend either. Mrs. Bennet was not in the condition to travel, and Mary, as her companion, was forced to stay with her. Elizabeth was glad that Mary did not come, because she knew that Mary would be most insistent that the wedding not take place, due to Jane's marital status. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips did not attend either, mostly because they did not know about Jane's marriage, since none of the family wished to tell them about it. Elizabeth, especially, knew that if they were invited to stay at the Darcy townhouse, they would never leave.

Saturday turned out to be a very beautiful day, with the sun shining brightly in the sky, and not one cloud threatened the marriage. It was more beautiful than the day Jane married Mr. Collins, and everyone commented how a cloudless day insured a happy, healthy marriage.

Jane was a bundle of nerves, and Bingley was very fidgety, pacing back and forth in front of the altar. Elizabeth was to be her maid of honor, and stand by her at the altar, while Darcy was to be Bingley's best man. All of a sudden the music started, and the wedding began in a blur of lace and flowers. Elizabeth walked calmly down the altar, followed by Jane and Mr. Bennet. To Elizabeth, it felt as if she was getting married all over again, and seeing Darcy standing next to Bingley made her remember her own wedding.

Jane took her place by Bingley, and Elizabeth stood by Jane, while the minister began to begin the ceremony. Jane looked absolutely radiant, and Mr. Bingley had the hugest grin plastered on his face. Elizabeth had to smile - it looked as if Jane and Mr. Bingley would finally be married - it seemed as if nothing could ruin their wedding for them.

"We are gathered here today, in the sight of God, to join these two into holy matrimony." The minister began, his voice echoing throughout the church. "If anyone knows a reason why these two happy people cannot be joined in matrimony, speak now, or forever hold your peace."

Not a sound was made throughout the church, while both Elizabeth and Darcy held back the urge to say that Jane was already married. It was so quiet that if a pin was dropped, it would surely echo throughout the church. After a few moments of silence, the minister began to speak again.

"Jane Marie Bennet, do you take this..." The minister began, before being cut off by a loud yell.

"Stop the marriage! These two cannot marry!"

Elizabeth and Darcy turned around, their faces white with shock. Jane and Bingley turned around slowly, both of them looking at death's door, and Elizabeth was sure that Jane was about to faint. Mr. Bennet stood up and looked curiously to the back of the church, all the while looking ready to kill whoever had stopped his daughter's wedding. And at that moment, Mr. Collins hurriedly walked up to the minister.

"These two cannot marry." Mr. Collins puffed, out of breath from his short run.

"What reasons do you have for stopping this wedding, sir?" The minister questioned, raising his eyebrow.

"Miss Bennet is my wife! We were married over a year ago, and we have two children together!" Mr. Collins stated. "I have the marriage licence here, sir, if you need further proof." With that, Mr. Collins thrust a white piece of paper into the minister's outstretched hand. The minister looked over the paper very carefully, and then looked at Jane.

"Is it true, madam? Did you unlawfully try to enter into holy matrimony with this man?" The minister asked, gesturing to Mr. Bingley.

"Yes," Jane whispered.

"Did you know that to marry another while you are still married is against the law?" The minister questioned.

"Yes." Jane added. "But we had word from Mr. Collins that his first wife was still alive, which would legally mean that our marriage was invalid." With that, the minister looked at Mr. Collins.

"My first wife is indeed dead - she died three years ago. I have a copy of her death certificate, if you wish to see that too." Mr. Collins stated, thrusting another piece of paper to the minister, who read it and nodded.

"Well, Mr. Collins is indeed right - he and Miss Bennet are still legally married, and I will not sanction to a marriage between Mr. Bingley and Mrs. Collins." The minister replied, stepping down from the altar and walking towards the back of the church. Mr. Bennet stopped him.

"Sir, you must marry my daughter to Mr. Bingley. She and Mr. Collins are to get an annulment, so the marriage would technically be legal." Mr. Bennet pleaded, but the minister held firm.

"I will not go against the laws of God to marry your daughter to another, nor will any other minister in England. Good day, Mr. Bennet."

Meanwhile, Jane burst out into hysterics, while Elizabeth and Darcy slowly led her out of the church. Colonel Fitzwilliam followed with Georgiana, and the Gardiners also left. All that was left in the church was Mr. Bingley and Mr. Collins.

"How could you do this to Jane?" Mr. Bingley spat angrily.

"She's my wife, Mr. Bingley, and I wanted her back. Do you honestly think I'd let a beautiful girl like that get away?" Mr. Collins replied with a huge grin. Mr. Bingley felt like being sick.

"You're a monster. A dog, a pig, a beast - you name it, you're it." Mr. Bingley whispered. "How could you do that to your wife?"

"Oh, very easily, Mr. Bingley." Mr. Collins said with a laugh.

"Well, I don't think it's a laughing matter, Mr. Collins, and furthermore, I demand satisfaction for Miss Bennet!" Mr. Bingley argued, taking a glove and slapping it across Mr. Collins' pudgy face. "I challenge you to a duel!"

"You're on." Mr. Collins agreed. "Tomorrow at dawn, at the small park by the river. With shotguns."

"I'll see you there, Mr. Collins. And may the best man win." Mr. Bingley replied smugly, and Mr. Collins nodded. Finally, Mr. Bingley thought, he could free Jane from that pig.

Chapter 38

Posted on Wednesday, 26 September 2001

Saturday evening
Darcy townhouse

Darcy was very surprised to see Mr. Bingley at his doorstep that evening, especially after what had gone on that morning. Nonetheless, Darcy still invited his good friend into his house, wondering why he would be there. Bingley got straight to the point when he entered Darcy's study.

"I challenged him to a duel." Bingley said shortly, and Darcy just looked at him in confusion.

"You challenged who? The minister?" Darcy asked, thinking it was a very stupid thing for Bingley to do, especially to someone so holy.

"No, Darcy. Mr. Collins. Just after the ceremony." Bingley replied haughtily.

"You challenged Mr. Collins to a duel? Whatever for, Charles? You know that dueling is illegal in England, and can lead to death*!" Darcy said, shocked and aghast.

"Not if you sign the right papers, which I just had my attorney fill out this afternoon. Mr. Collins signs them, I sign them - it'll all be legal in the end, no matter who dies." Bingley said.

"You're willing to risk your life over something so trivial?" Darcy asked, speechless at what Bingley was going to do.

"It's Mr. Collins - I doubt he very well knows which way the bullet comes out of the gun. With any luck he'll shoot himself." Bingley said with a laugh. "Besides, I couldn't let him do what he did to Jane and her daughters without some reprimand."

"Bingley, are you sure you want to do this? What would Jane say?" Darcy questioned.

"You are not to tell a word of this to Jane, or Elizabeth, or anyone!" Bingley shouted. "If they were to find out, it would ruin everything."

"I promise. Just promise me that you won't get hurt." Darcy begged.

"On one condition - you come as my second." Bingley replied stoutly.

"I .... WHAT? I can't do that, I have a family to think of! I can't very well go out and perhaps get myself killed on your sake." Darcy argued back. "Over something as stupid as this!"

"Oh, Darcy, really. You won't even need to pick up a gun, with Mr. Collins there. Just come and be there for good luck." Bingley said, rolling his eyes.

"Oh, fine. What time and where is it?" Darcy asked hesitantly, and Bingley's face lighted up.

"At eight in the morning at the small park outside of town. I'll be by at seven thirty, and we can ride over together." Bingley replied, before he turned on his heel and walked out of the door. "And Darcy, thank you."

"What have I gotten myself into?" Darcy muttered to himself, wondering if Bingley was right in the fact that he wouldn't get hurt. He knew that Elizabeth wouldn't survive if he died, and he didn't want William to have to go through life not knowing his father. Oh, why did he ever agree to this?

The next morning, Darcy woke early and quickly dressed, careful not to wake Elizabeth up from her slumber. He did, however, as he bent down to give her a quick kiss on the forehead before he departed, and her eyelashes fluttered open as she gave her husband a small smile.

"Fitz, get back into bed." Elizabeth grumbled into her pillow, and Darcy just smiled.

"I'm going out with Bingley. I'll be back in a bit, Elizabeth." Darcy said with a small smile, hoping it to be true.

"Fitz, this is no time to disagree with me. It's freezing out there, so get back into bed." Elizabeth argued, not once lifting her head off of the pillow. Darcy knew that she wouldn't let him leave while she was awake, so he cautiously sat back on the bed to make it seem as if he was going back to sleep.

"Goodnight Elizabeth. I love you," Darcy murmured, and Elizabeth just made a soft moaning sound. When Darcy checked a few moments later, Elizabeth was fast asleep, and Darcy softly retreated from the room, outside to where Bingley's carriage was waiting for him. And with that, Darcy and Bingley continued on into the unknown, uncertain of who would live and who would die that day.

Chapter 39

Posted on Wednesday, 26 September 2001

Early Sunday morning
Darcy Townhouse

"Mrs. Darcy. We did not expect you until tomorrow! How was your journey?" Elizabeth asked, surprised to see her mother in law.

"Elizabeth, where's Fitzwilliam?" Mrs. Darcy asked, looking grave.

"I do not know, since he left so early this morning. I believe he was going out to meet with Mr. Bingley. Why do you ask?" Elizabeth inquired, as Mrs. Darcy's face paled.

"I received this letter from him this morning, with some rather shocking news, dear, and my thoughts immediately went to you. I know that you would want to read it, knowing what it has to say," Mrs. Darcy replied, thrusting over a small piece of paper to Elizabeth, who read:

Dear Mother,

I am writing you this under strict confidence that you will not tell anyone of this letter's contents. Charles Bingley, a good friend of mine, challenged Elizabeth's sister's husband, Mr. Collins, to a duel, and I am to come with him as his second. I did not tell Elizabeth this, as I did not want to worry her, but there may be a possibility, in the death of Charles, that I would have to step in as his second and duel. I am writing to you to tell you that if I do die, you make sure to tell Elizabeth that this is not her fault, and that I love her and William very much. Hopefully I, and Charles, will be seeing you shortly this afternoon.

God Bless You,
Fitzwilliam

Elizabeth just looked at the paper in shock. She didn't want to believe what it said, that there was a possibility that her husband might be killed over something so stupid as a duel. How could a righteous man like Bingley want to duel?

"Are ... are you sure this is correct?" Elizabeth asked, her voice wavering on the verge of a break down.

"I am positive. I received it early this morning, and I know that Fitzwilliam would not lie about something so serious as this," Mrs. Darcy replied.

"Do ... do you know where he is? We have to stop him!" Elizabeth said, getting her voice back, and Mrs. Darcy shook her head.

"No, I don't. But I am sure that in the end, all will be well. I know Fitz, Elizabeth - he wouldn't fight, even if he was forced to. He would rather disgrace his name than kill someone." Mrs. Darcy replied.

"I can't believe he didn't tell me about this," Elizabeth murmured. "Doesn't he care about me?"

"Yes he does. He cares enough to know that you'd worry yourself to death over him, and he doesn't want that," Mrs. Darcy replied softly. "Now, why don't we go out into town? I'm sure that it will rest your mind on the subject, until Fitz does come home." Elizabeth slowly nodded, but the whole time fearing that when she returned, she would be a widow.

"You're late, Collins." Bingley said angrily.

"I'm sorry, but I had a hard time finding my way here," Mr. Collins said nervously.

"You're ready to duel?" Bingley asked coldly, and Mr. Collins nodded his head in agreeance. "Good. Just sign right here, so we avoid any legal mishaps, and we can begin." Darcy watched as Mr. Collins nervously signed the paper, and whipped the sweat from his brow.

"Now what?" Mr. Collins asked.

"We duel. Here are the rules: we each receive a pistol with one bullet in it. We get one shot, after ten paces, and afterwards we can assess the, uh, damage." Mr. Bingley replied haughtily, and Mr. Collins just looked pale. "Agree?"

"I agree." Mr. Collins replied, as he walked over to his manservant, handed him a small piece of paper, and picked up his pistol, his hands shaking the entire time.

"Good luck, Bingley," Darcy whispered.

"Thank you, Darcy. You always were a good friend." Bingley replied, taking his place for the duel.

Both men turned and walked ten paces, Mr. Collins shaking the entire time. They slowly turned, both firing their weapons. Mr. Collins' gun seemed to shift during the firing, causing the bullet to go off direction towards the carriages, and Mr. Darcy never did see which way the bullet Bingley's gun fired went.

At that moment, a lifeless body hit the ground, and was dead on impact, while on the other side of town, Elizabeth and Jane both had sick feelings in the pit of their stomachs.

I have no clue about dueling, or anything related to dueling. I just made the laws fit with what I was going for in the story, so sorry if I'm a bit off in the procedure and punishments for dueling.

Chapter 39

Posted on Wednesday, 3 October 2001

Darcy Townhouse
London

Elizabeth sat in the parlour, looking helplessly out of the window, all the time watching, waiting, and hoping to see Fitzwilliam walked down the street. Until she saw him, she could only assume the worst, and that was that her beloved husband was dead. Elizabeth knew that it wasn't true until it was confirmed, but she still felt angry with her husband for making her worry so. And, quite possibly, for leaving her and her son, who would not even have one memory of his father implanted in his brain.

Meanwhile, Jane was upstairs when she heard a sharp knock at the door, followed by Mrs. Heward entering the room and placing a small envelope in Jane's hands. Jane turned the letter over and over in her hands, looking at the soft cream paper, and faintly recognizing the hand to be that of Mr. Collins. Curious and furious, Jane opened the letter to read what he had to say that could not be expressed in words.

My dearest Jane,

If you are reading this letter, which has been given to you by my manservant, it will be obvious to you that I have been killed during a duel with your beloved Mr. Bingley. I know that I never lived up to your ideals of the perfect husband, and that you regretted marrying me and not Mr. Bingley, but I hold no ill will to you. I pray that, not if but when you marry him, please do not let the girls forget about their real father. You do not have to glorify my picture - you may tell them anything you wish about me. Just tell them that I loved them will all of my heart - I honestly did, even if I did not express my love to them during the short time I knew them.

Do not regret doing anything in life without me. If you need my permission to ease your unsteady mind, I free you from all bonds of our marriage, and do allow you to marry again, if needed to provide for our children and as support for you. I hope that you will not forget me, though, as your first husband and the father of our two daughters. God Bless You.

Your Loving Husband,

William Collins

Jane just looked down at the paper, and was oblivious to the fact that tears were quickly streaming down her face. He knew, she thought. He knew that he was going to die today, just like he knew that I would most likely run to Mr. Bingley when our marriage was no more. He knew it all, yet I was too uncaring to know this. And he loved our daughters all along, and was willing to give up his life, knowing that he would never know our daughters and watch them grow up, and they would never get to see their father.

Jane had never thought she would miss Mr. Collins, as he had been a rat and a hog and a boar at some times. But now was one of those times when she really appreciated her first husband, and wished she had been closer to him.

This was how Elizabeth found her sister - her head in her hands, sobbing, the piece of crumpled paper lying next to her. Elizabeth immediately hurried over to her sister, wondering what could have distressed her so, and noticed the letter sitting there, with a few teardrops threatening to blot the ink.

Elizabeth slowly read the letter, and, in shock, reread the letter to see if it was true. Elizabeth could not believe it either, that Mr. Collins, the man that everyone had wanted dead a week ago, was dead. Elizabeth felt horrible that he was dead, for even though he was a mean, ugly pig, he was her sister's husband, and the only means of income and support for Jane and her two daughters. Elizabeth shuddered to think of what would happen to the family now.

"Jane, it will be okay, I am certain of that," Elizabeth said soothingly, and Jane just sniffed in reply. "Perhaps it has all been a mistake."

"His manservant," Sniff, "wouldn't just give this," Sob," to me, if it wasn't," Sniff Sniff, "True." Jane said hesitantly.

"Jane, perhaps he is still alive - maybe only wounded?" Elizabeth added. "You do not know yet."

"What if he is dead? What will I do? I have nowhere to go," Jane stated. "I admit that I might not have always been glad to have been Mr. Collins' wife, but at least it was a comfort to know that I was taken care of."

"Jane, you are welcome to stay here with us," Elizabeth corrected, and Jane shook her
head.

"I could not impose on you and William forever. You two want to raise your family here, and have more children. The girls and I would just be in the way," Jane answered.

"That is if William is still alive," Elizabeth grumbled unhappily.

"Oh, Lizzie, I am sure that he is alive and well. He's probably off comforting Mr. Bingley. Trust me - if he was dead, I'm sure that a constable would have notified you by now." Jane comforted between sobs.

"I'm sure you're right, but somehow I'm filled with a deep sense of the fact that I may never see Fitz again, and I don't know what I'd do without him," Elizabeth said, choked up. "And William too. The fact that he may never get to know his father ..."

"Elizabeth, please. Be calm - no news is good news, remember?" Jane said with a smile.

"You're right, Jane." Elizabeth added as another knock came at the door. Elizabeth hoped that it was Fitz, but it just turned out to be Mrs. Heward with another letter for Jane. Elizabeth looked at Jane curiously, who just shrugged her shoulders at the strange handwriting on the front of the envelope. Jane began to read the letter, and Elizabeth peered over her shoulder to see the neat penmanship.

Dear Mrs. William Collins,

I have been in charge of the estate of Mr. William Collins for over ten years now, as I have been his attorney all those years. I received a note this morning, informing me of the untimely death of my good client, and I felt it my duty to write to you with the information on the estate of Mr. William Collins.

Mr. Collins, to whom Longbourn Estate in Hertfortshire was entailed to, shall not receive the property, which will instead by left to the next oldest living male relative of the Bennet line, which would be Mr. William Bennet Darcy. Mr. Collins did, however, leave in his will a sum of one thousand pounds to his wife, Jane Bennet, and a dowry of two thousand pounds each to his daughters. The rest of his money will be used to pay off old debts. If you wish to see the will, you may stop by at my office sometime this week. I offer my deepest condolences to the death of Mr. Collins. God Bless You.

Signed,

Mr. Wallace Jorgensen

"Jane ..."

"Oh Lizzie," Jane sobbed, a new wave of tears cascading down her cheeks. "This is worse than I thought, but better than I expected."

"It is not that bad, Jane," Elizabeth comforted.

"One thousand pounds can afford a small house, perhaps one near the Gardiners. And if I get myself a job, I could easily afford to raise my daughters," Jane replied hopefully, but Elizabeth could see that she was torn apart inside.

"Jane, you don't have to do this. You can stay here, and everything will be fine," Elizabeth soothed.

"No, Elizabeth - I can't impose on you any longer. I must go speak to Papa directly on this matter." Jane said, wiping the tears from her eyes and walking towards the door. "I just hope that William is all right - I truly do."

"So do I." Elizabeth whispered to herself. No news is good news, she thought glumly. Ha. But as unhappy as Elizabeth was, she felt herself hoping that Mr. Bingley would propose to Jane again. Then at least one of the Bennet girls would be happy, for once.

Chapter 40

Posted on Friday, 12 October 2001

Darcy Townhouse
Sunday, late afternoon

Elizabeth was not the type to worry. In her childhood, she had never really had anything to worry about. Jane had usually handled anything that was a concern, and, according to their mother's ranting, that was finding a rich husband, securing an heir for him, and the worry of having Longbourn entailed away from the Bennet line. Elizabeth had already accomplished those things. She had found a husband, had William, and Longbourn was to stay in the family's line, as William would inherit it.

But still, Elizabeth was worried. It was growing dark, and there had been no contact from Bingley or, more importantly, Fitzwilliam. Elizabeth was giving up hope on ever seeing him again, alive. With this thought, she stood staring out the window of her bedroom, as tears began to fall freely down her cheeks.

"What are you crying about?" a voice behind her asked, causing Elizabeth to jerk sharply around. Her eyes looked up into the deep dark brown eyes of her husband, and Elizabeth was in shock that the only thing she could do was cry even more.

"Shhh...." Darcy murmured, engulfing his wife in a huge hug and slowly rocking her back and forth. "Everything's fine." After a few moments, Elizabeth's tears stopped, turned to look up at Fitzwilliam.

"I thought you were dead." Elizabeth whispered in a small voice.

"I'm surprised that I'm not. That stupid Collins' bullet was about three feet from hitting me. Hit a horse instead, but it wasn't from out carriage so it was no worry to Bingley and myself." Darcy cursed.

"Mr. Collins is dead," Elizabeth said blankly.

"Yes. I suppose Jane was already notified." Darcy asked, and Elizabeth nodded.

"Mr. Collins' attorney wrote to her, stating that she would receive one thousand pounds, and that Longbourn is now to be entailed away to William," Elizabeth added. "Mama will be pleased."

"One thousand pounds is nothing to laugh at," Darcy replied firmly. "She is very lucky, as the wife of a clergyman, to receive that amount."

"Mr. Collins wrote her a letter, too, which was delivered a few hours ago." Elizabeth responded. "He apologized for anything he ever did, said that he did not mind if Jane every remarried, as long as she kept the memory of him alive in their two daughters."

"That pig." Darcy spat. "Just like him to ask for forgiveness at his death."

"Jane was quite distraught at receiving it, and I could believe it. It was hard to comprehend, coming from Mr. Collins, after all he did to poor Jane and her daughters." Elizabeth said with a sniff.

"Now don't you start crying again. I've been trying to comfort Bingley all day, and I'm too tired to comfort you," Darcy said playfully with a laugh.

"Is Bingley okay?" Elizabeth asked with wide eyes.

"Besides being in shock, he is relatively well for a man who has just killed another in a duel." Darcy replied calmly. "It's been eating away at him, though. I had to stay with him to make sure he was well, or I would have been home sooner."

"It's all fine, now that you're home." Elizabeth responded. "I was just worried that William wouldn't get to know his father."

"Don't worry. I'd never leave you so foolishly, nor William." Darcy answered. "You're not mad at me for not hurrying home?"

"I'm glad that you stayed to comfort Bingley," Elizabeth said, resting her head on Darcy's chest. "He's lucky to be your friend."

"I suppose," Darcy replied with a mischievous grin. "He's here, if you wish to speak with him."

"Charles is here?" Elizabeth asked, astonished. This was perfect, she thought. Now all she had to do was find Jane...

"Charles is downstairs, in the drawing room. I practically had to drag him over here. He's still in shock, you see, after the death of Delia and the fact that he killed a man this morning. Bingley's wondering what else is going to go wrong in his life." Darcy said in a soft, gentle tone, and Elizabeth could tell he was generally worried over the condition of his friend.

"Perhaps we can make him feel a bit better, dear," Elizabeth replied, taking Darcy's arm as the two walked downstairs towards the drawing room. Nearing the room, Elizabeth could hear the laughter of not just Bingley, but of Jane as well. Elizabeth raised her eyebrow at Darcy, who just laughed.

"Elizabeth, let Charles be. He's had a turbulent day as it is, without having to put up with you pushing Jane at him," Darcy reprimanded sternly. Elizabeth just smiled.

"They were almost married, you know," Elizabeth pointed out. "Perhaps they'll marry now that there's no other spouse in the way."

"We'll let time tell us that," Darcy responded, opening the door to the study. Jane and Charles were sitting near each other, talking merrily, and looked at Elizabeth and Darcy unhappily, as if angry that their private conversation was to be broken up.

"Sorry if we're interrupting your conversation," Elizabeth apologized, and Jane shook her head.

"No, it's fine," Jane said meekly, but Elizabeth could see her eyes were enflamed with a slight bitterness at being interrupted.

"Besides, what I have to say can be said in front of you both," Bingley added with a huge smile. Elizabeth and Darcy both exchanged a confused look, along with Jane, who seemed to have no idea what was going on.

"What exactly would that be, Charles?" Jane questioned, giving Bingley a confused look.

"Well.... I mean, it is no secret that I do love you, Jane," Charles said, his cheeks reddening at each word.

"Yes, and I do love you to, but...." Jane began, before being interrupted by a smiling Charles.

"Well, then, Jane, will you marry me?"

Conclusion

Posted on Tuesday, 16 October 2001

The Darcy Townhouse

"What?" Jane exclaimed, obviously surprised by what Bingley had just asked her.

"I said, will you marry me?" Bingley repeated, slightly irritated by Jane's surprised tone and her lack of speechlessness, plus the fact that she had not jumped up into his arms, screaming 'yes' while careening his face with kisses.

"I'm sorry, Bingley, but you caught me by surprise. I had not expected you to renew your addresses so soon after my late husband's death," Jane said softly, but Bingley looked unmoved.

"I thought that you obviously would. You must remember that we were to be married only a few days ago," Bingley stated simply, and Jane nodded.

"But things were very different back then," Jane replied almost in a whisper.

"Different how?" Bingley questioned, then rambled on into his inquiries before she could answer. "You still have not answered me, Jane."

"Bingley, you do know that I care very deeply about you." Jane said after a few moments' pause.

"Yes, and you must know that I care about you." Bingley added, with a violence of emotion and affection.

"But I cannot marry you." Jane answered quietly, diverting her eyes to the ground. Bingley just looked at her as if she had grown three heads instantly. Elizabeth and Darcy were also looking at Jane in a state of confusion, since they had both assumed that Jane would wish greatly to marry Bingley, especially since there was nothing to stop the union now.

"Jane? Are you feeling all right?" Elizabeth asked with concern, and Jane nodded.

"I don't understand. Why ever not?" Bingley questioned his voice full of sorrow and confusion. Jane looked tearfully at Bingley.

"I am positive. There is no possible way that I can marry you now. To do so would be to go against my own conscious and morals." Jane answered mutely.

"Against your morals?" Bingley repeated softly.

"I'm sorry, Charles, but it is the truth. As much as it hurts, it would be impossible for me to enter into a marriage with you," Jane answered hesitantly.

"Well, do I at least have the honor of knowing why I am to be rejected?" Bingley asked angrily.

"I want with all of my heart to marry you, Charles. You must know that. But I would betray my daughters and our good name by doing so." Jane sobbed, unable to keep her composure any longer.

"What?" Bingley said angrily with astonishment.

"They'd look up to you as their father, Charles, and love you will all of the hearts. And I would encourage that relationship too." Jane said tearfully.

"You don't wish me to be their father?" Bingley questioned, bewildered and dazed.

"There is nothing that I want more than that, Charles," Jane said quietly.

"Then what is the problem?" Bingley pressed, very offended.

"Think of the day when they ask about their real father. When they ask me how he died, Charles. I cannot lie to them," Jane bawled. "How could I tell them that the man they've called their father all of these years is the reason their real father, their flesh and blood, is dead. They'd be crushed, Charles, and no matter what, I could never do that to them."

"Jane, they'd understand." Bingley soothed, but Jane shook her head.

"You don't know that, Charles, and I'm inclined to think that they wouldn't accept that bit of information with open arms. As much as I love you, I have to think of what's best for my daughters." Jane replied unhappily.

"So that it, then. After all of this, you're just going to walk away from what we had and push me out of your life?" Bingley retorted. "Is this how I am to be treated?"

"Charles, please don't do this. I know you're angry and hurt, but this is not the answer to your pain." Jane sympathized. "I hope that we can remain good friends in the future, and I do wish that you visit my girls every so often."

"Please. Just give me the smallest hope that I may still be able to become your husband and I'll be happy. Please," Bingley pleaded. "I'll wait forever if I have to."

"Charles, I can't. You must understand." Jane begged.

"Fine. Have it your way," Bingley angrily responded.

"Charles, for my daughter's sake, don't let it end this way." Jane implored. "They need some male influence in their life. Please let us remain friends, good friends, for their sake."

"So you're willing me to be their friend rather than their father?" Bingley retorted. "Do you believe they'll accept a family friend, instead of their new father, killing their real father?"

"Charles, it will be easier on them this way. Please, promise that we can stay friends." Jane begged, and finally, Bingley's resistance wore down.

"Yes, I promise." Bingley mumbled, and Jane rushed over to give him a hug.

"Thank you. You won't regret this promise." Jane gushed. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go check on my daughters. Lizzy, will you come with me?" With that, Elizabeth and Jane hastily exited the sitting room. Darcy went to comfort his friend, who was not looking pleased with his recent conversation.

"Don't worry, Bing. It will be all right in the end." Darcy replied cheerfully.

"Don't worry about me, Darcy." Bingley replied with a grin. "I'm not going to give up until I've married Jane Bennet Collins, and that's one promise I intend to keep. You can be assured of that."

The End

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