Chapter 1

Lizzy hurried towards Netherfield, cursing for not listening to old Tom. She should have known better than to question Old Tom's weather prediction. She had left for Netherfield as soon a she could after receiving her sister's note, stating that she was ill. When Lizzy stepped out, the skies were clear and the air completely still.

She had gone past old Tom, their gardener, who had looked up from his work to tip his hat to Lizzy. “I'd hurry, the weather isn't going to hold.”

Lizzy had laughed. “I think you are wrong this time, Tom. I could not ask for better autumn weather.”

“I tell yah, Miss Lizzy, it’s like when I was in the Navy and sailing in the America’s. The storms were colossal. It feels the same. They called them storms hurricanes.”

The wind had picked up and the skies threatened to open up on her any moment. She raced to the front of Netherfield, barely making it in before the rain started.

She asked to be let in to see her sister, and as she turned away, she could see the look of derision in the Bingley sister’s eyes.

Jane was delighted to see her, and Lizzy was dismayed to see her so ill. Lizzy spent the day providing what comfort she could to Jane. The Bingley sister's also spent some time with Jane and Lizzy had never seen them more agreeable, that she could almost forget her dislike. As it approached the afternoon, Lizzy reluctantly arose to depart, but Jane expressed such distress with her sister’s departure that Miss Bingley was forced to reluctantly change her offer of the carriage to an offer to stay the night.

Lizzy spent as much time with Jane as possible, but went down for dinner where she was fully ignored by all except Mr Bingley, who demonstrated that he was a true gentleman. She returned to her sister immediately after dinner and stayed with her till late when Jane had fallen asleep. At that point she joined the others who were playing cards. There she had decided to read, as she suspected the stakes too high for her, and had enjoyed a debate about the merits of an accomplished woman. It had been a revealing debate. It was clear that Bingley was a man that was easily pleased and certainly explained why Mr Darcy was yet to be married. Mr Darcy’s requirements for perfection in a woman were impossible to meet. And Lizzy was of course satisfied in having the Superior sisters contradict themselves in the debate, leaving her the winner to her own quiet satisfaction.

Lizzy had left to join Jane again, who was doing worse, and spent the majority of the night in Jane’s room. It was a rough night for both, as the wind rattled the window for a good portion of the night.

Chapter 2

The next day Jane was no better and Lizzy unfortunately decided that her mother was called for, in addition to the local apothecary. Mrs Bennet arrived, along with Kitty and Lydia, and was satisfied that Jane was in no immediate danger. She sat with Jane for awhile, then left to meet with Miss Bingley in the breakfast parlour.

“I hope Miss Bennet was not worse than you expected?” asked Mr Bingley.

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

“Removed!”cried Bingley. “It must not be thought of. My sister, I’m sure, will not hear of her removal. “

“You may depend upon it, Madam,” said Miss Bingley, with cold civility, “that Miss Bennet shall receive every possible attention while she remains with us.”

“Oh thank you, Miss Bingley, you are too good. I am sure, “ she added, “if it weren't for such good friends I do not know what would become of her, for she is very ill indeed, and suffers a vast deal, though with the greatest patience in the world, which is always the way with her, for she has, without exception, the sweetest temper I ever met with. I often tell my other daughters they are nothing to her. You have a sweet room here, Mr Bingley, and a charming prospect over the gravel walk. I do not know a place in the country that is equal to Netherfield. You will not think of quitting it in a hurry I hope, though you have but a short lease.”

“Whatever I do is done in a hurry, “ replied he; “and that if I should resolve to quit Netherfield, I should probably be of in five minutes. At present, however, I consider myself as quite fixed here. “

“That is exactly what I should suppose of you,“ said Lizzy.

“You begin to comprehend me, do you?” cried he, turning towards her.

“Oh yes-I understand you perfectly.”

“I wish I might take this as a compliment; but to be so easily seen through I am afraid it's pitiful.”

“That is as it happens. It does not necessarily follow that a deep, intricate character is more or less estimable than such a one as yours.”

“Lizzy,” cried her mother, “remember where you are, and don't run on in the wild manner that you are suffered to do at home. “

“I did not know that you are a studier of character. It must be an amusing study.”

“Yes; but intricate characters are the most amusing. They have at least that advantage.”

“The country,“ said Darcy, “ can in general supply but few subjects for such a study. In a country neighbourhood you move in a very confined and unchanging society.”

“But people themselves alter so much, that there is something new to be observed in them forever.”

“Yes, indeed,” cried Mrs Bennet. “I assure you that there is quite as much of that going on in the country as in....”

Whatever else Mrs Bennet was going to say was soon forgotten, as everyone jumped as a strong guest of wind rattled the parlour windows with a force and noise that precluded all other conversation.

“Mrs Bennet, is it always so windy here? With this wind, I'm afraid to walk outside – is it quite safe?” asked Miss Bingley.

“Not at all, this weather we've been having these last few days has been so peculiar. One moment sunny, the next blowing and rainy. I've never seen it quite like this before, and I have lived in Meryton most of my life. Though it was an unusually hot summer, and a warm fall we've had.”

Mr Darcy, who was at his usual place at the window, was looking to the North. “The clouds to the North look like they will bring a fair amount of rain, and they are fast approaching. Mrs Bennet, there is a small window where you may make it home before it starts to rain, if you leave now.”

Mr Bingley also approached the window. “Yes, I agree, those clouds are approaching fast. It will probably start raining within the hour.”

“Half hour, I’d say,” said Mr Darcy.

“I'll tell the servants to bring your carriage to the front,“ said Miss Bingley solicitously, delighted to be rid of Mrs Bennet and the two girls. She called and issued the order to a servant.

“I’d say that you must definitely want to be home before this rain hits. The roads are already in a soggy state from the rain we've had. You don't want to risk getting bogged,” said Mr Bingley.

As if to enforce the men's prediction, the wind rattled the window again. “There's nothing that puts your day out quite so much as a bogged carriage,” added Miss Bingley. “I absolutely abhor it.”

“Yes, yes, we had best be off before the weather sets in. Mr Bennet will be worried if we tarry, or if it starts to rain whilst we are out.”

There was an uncomfortable silence. In looking for something to say whilst waiting for the carriage, Lizzy asked, “has Charlotte visited whilst I've been away?”

“Yes, she called yesterday with her father. What an agreeable man Sir William is, Mr Bingley- is he not? So much a man of fashion, so genteel and so easy! He always has something to say to everybody. That is my idea of good breeding; and those persons who fancy themselves very important and never open their mouths, quite mistake the matter.” Mrs Bennet said the last with a pointed look towards Mr Darcy.

“Did Charlotte dine with you?”

“No, she would go home. I fancy she was wanted about the mince pies. For my part, Mr Bingley, I always keep servants that can do their own work, my daughters were brought up differently. But everybody is to judge for themselves, and the Lucas's are very good sort of girls, I assure you. It is a pity they are not handsome! Not that I think Charlotte so very plain- but then she is our particular friend.”

“She seems a very pleasant young woman, “ said Mr Bingley.

“Oh! Dear yes- but you must own she is very plain. Lady Lucas herself has often said so, and envied me Jane’s beauty. I do not like to boast of my own child, but to be sure Jane, one does not often see anybody better looking. It is what everybody says. When she was only fifteen, there was a gentleman at my brother Gardiner’s house in town, so much in love with her, that my sister- in-law was sure he would make her an offer before we came away. But however he did not. Perhaps he thought her too young. He wrote her some verse for her, and very pretty they were.”

“And so there ended his affection,” said Lizzy impatiently. “There has been many a one, I fancy, overcome in the same way. I wonder who first discovered the efficacy of poetry in driving away love!”

“I have been used to consider poetry as the food of love,“ said Darcy.

“Of a fine, stout, healthy love it may. Everything nourishes what is strong already. But if it is only a slight, thin sort of inclination, I am convinced a good sonnet will starve it away entirely.”

Mr Darcy only smiled and there was a pause, which was interrupted thankfully by the servant coming to advise that the carriage was ready.

As Mrs Bennet prepared to depart, Lydia put herself forward asking for him to keep his promise to hold a ball. “It would be most shameful, Sir, if you don't keep your promise.”

“I am perfectly ready, I assure you, to keep my engagement, and when your sister is recovered, you shall if you please, name the very day of the ball. But it would not do to be dancing whilst she is ill.”

Lydia agreed and sprouted nonsense on forcing Colonel Forster to host a ball. It was with relief to all at Netherfield that the Bennet’s left. Lizzy returned to Jane and left the others to their own comments.

Chapter 3

The day passed slowly. Miss Bingley joined Jane and Lizzy and kept them company for a few hours. In the evening Lizzy joined them for dinner and in the drawing-room. Lizzy did needlework rather than join the loo table. Mr Darcy slowly wrote a letter to his sister, often interrupted by Miss Bingley. It resulted in a discussion of the merits of yielding to the request of a friend. In the end Mr Bingley asked Lizzy and Mr Dacry to argue elsewhere.

Miss Bingley was applied to lead the way with music. Miss Bingley, very politely, asked Lizzy if she would like to start, which Lizzy, equally as politely declined.

Lizzy browsed the music scores whilst Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst played and sang. She was puzzled by the fact that Mr Darcy looked at her often. She could not suppose herself to be an object of admiration to such a man, but that he would look at her because he disliked her also made no sense. She could only conclude there was something reprehensible about her which caught his eye.

After playing some Italien songs, Miss Bingley varied the charm by playing a lively Scottish air. Soon afterwards Mr Darcy approached Lizzy. “Do you not feel a great inclination, Miss Bennet, to seize such an opportunity of dancing a reel?”

She smiled and made no answer. He repeated the question, with some surprise at her silence.

“Oh, I heard you before; but I could not immediately determine what to say in reply. You wanted me, I know, to say ‘Yes’ that you may have the pleasure of despising my taste, but I always delight in overthrowing those schemes, and cheating a person of their premeditated contempt. I have therefore made up my mind to tell you that I don't feel like dancing a reel at all- and now despise me if you dare. “

“Indeed I do not dare.”

Lizzy had expected to affront him and was amazed at his gallantry; but there was a mix of sweetness and archness in her manner which made it difficult for her to affront anybody, and Darcy had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was by her. He believed, if it were not for the inferiority of her connection, he would be in some danger.

The wind soon after this started to increase, shaking the windows and making it hard to hear the music. Lizzy decided to retire and was soon followed by the others.

Chapter 4

The wind had howled throughout the night, but with only a little rain. The next morning after breakfast was calm and clear, with hardly a cloud in the sky.

Miss Bingley took the opportunity to convince Mr Darcy to go out for a walk in the garden with her where she teased him mercilessly about his admiration of Miss Eliza.

Meanwhile, after Lizzy had seen to Jane’s comfort and Jane had returned to sleep, Lizzy went down to the drawing room where she found Mrs Hurst. After spending a few minutes making awkward conversation, Lizzy was feeling like a caged bird, especially as the sun was shining outside. The suggestion of a stroll around the gardens was made and accepted, and after the women were ready with their bonnets and gloves, they went outside.

It was calm and clear, but within five steps, a light breeze stirred and a cloud passed over the sun. Within a hundred yards of the front door, there were strong gusts of wind. By this stage, their conversation had deteriorated to “Pardon, can you repeat that?” as the wind drowned their voices.

At the fifth time Lizzy had said this, they ran into Mr Darcy and Miss Bingley. Miss Bingley, who was hanging tightly to Mr Darcy’s arm, blushed red as they nearly ran into Mrs Hurst and Lizzy coming around a corner in the hedge.

Mr Darcy might of said “This wind has become strong, should we return inside?” No one answered as noone heard the question.

“You should have told us you were going out, and we could have joined you earlier,“ reprimanded Mrs Hurst, moving towards the opposite arm of Mr Darcy that Miss Bingley was on.

It was at this very moment, the wind blew harder than earlier, that each of them grabbed their hat or bonnet to keep it from flying off their head. Mr Darcy heard a creak, and just in time saw that a nearby pine tree was about to be pushed over. He immediately yelled “Watch out!” and moved to push Miss Bingley out of the way as the giant pine fell towards them.

Lizzy too had seen the pine start to fall, and instinctively had grabbed Mrs Hurst’s arm to pull her out of the way. Miss Bingley tripped and fell, her head hitting the ground with an audible smack. The pine tree fell right in front of Lizzy and Mrs Hurst, with Miss Bingley at their feet.

Mrs Hurst went immediately to her sister. Miss Bingley was groggy and tried to raise herself. “Caroline, are you alright?” Both Lizzy and Mrs Hurst, offered her a hand to help her up from the gravel footpath.

Once she was up, they could see that Caroline had a gravel rash gash to her forehead that was just starting to bleed. Her hands had suffered the same fate. Her dress was ripped at the knees and her been was torn at the back where a branch had caught it.

Lizzy then turned her focus to Mr Darcy, who could not be seen under the tree. With trepidation Lizzy called “Mr Darcy, are you hurt? Mr Darcy?”

There was no answer.

Chapter 5

“Mr Darcy!” called Lizzy.

Miss Bingley realised there was no sign of Mr Darcy. She called out hysterically “Mr Darcy! Mr Darcy!” and clung to her sister.

Lizzy heard something muffled. “I hear something, ssshh,” she said in an attempt to quiet Miss Bingley. She kneeled next to the tree. “Mr Darcy, can you hear me?”

“I’m stuck,” Lizzy heard faintly.

Lizzy got up. Miss Bingley was clearly holding back tears and attempting with difficulty to look dignified. “Mrs Hurst, Miss Bingley needs to see the apothecary. Take her back to the house and send the garden and stable staff out here. We need them to bring axes and saws. Maybe a
crowbar, to lift the tree off Mr Darcy. Don’t forget, axes and saws. I'll stay here with Mr Darcy until the other men get here.”

Mrs Hurst gathered Miss Bingley and hurried her away. Lizzy went to kneel next to the tree to talk with Mr Darcy and to see how she could help. “Are you hurt?”

“I don't think I am, besides a bruise. But my back is pinned down, as it my left foot.”

“Can you move all the fingers and toes without pain?” asked Lizzy.

She waited a moment as Mr Darcy tried. “Yes, I'm fairly certain nothing is broken.”

Lizzy scanned the thirty foot pine tree that was on top of Mr Darcy. From what she could recall, he would be ten foot from the base of the tree, so there would be no hope that she could move it off him. She started to break the branches off from the area she thought he was lying under.

“What are you doing?” asked Mr Darcy.

“I know I can't lift the tree of you, but I am hoping to at least see where exactly you are under the tree and how badly you are hurt.“ The fresh branches would bend and then suddenly snap. The second branch whiplashed straight into her face as it snapped, making it sting.
The wind continued to rise around her, but now it started to rain as well, driving cold rain straight into her eyes. “You should return to the house,“ said Mr Darcy. “It's dangerous for you out here.”

Lizzy was busy snapping branches. “I'm not going to leave you here alone whilst you are in need.”

“I really must insist, “ said Mr Darcy firmly.

“That's nice that you insist, “ laughed Lizzy. “But you are in no position to insist on anything.” Without thought she said “I know we don't like each other, but don't think you can be rid of me that easily.”

Mr Darcy was stunned. “Why do you think I don't like you?”

As Lizzy snapped away another branch, she could see other trees nearby bending in the wind. One fifty yards ahead of her dropped a large branch with a thundering crash. “This is not the time to talk about it.” She snapped away another branch and now she was able to see the top of Mr Darcy’s head. What gave her pause was the pool of blood she saw. “We can speak of it if you get out.” Lizzy then cursed herself for her slip of the tongue.

Mr Darcy was feeling light headed, he thought from the shock of finding out that Lizzy did not care for him, that he quite missed the word ‘if’. “I'm not going anywhere,” he said wryly.

Now that she had sight of him, she set to snapping branches with renewed energy. She ignored the fact she was soaked to the core. Focused on her work, she didn't pay too much mind to what she replied back, so the honest truth came out. “You should pay mind to the fact that what you say in a ballroom can be heard by others. ‘She’s tolerable, I suppose, but not handsome enough to tempt me.’” In saying it, it sounded rather childish and churlish of her, resenting him for those words.

She could now see the source of the blood. One of the lower branches had shattered with force as the tree fell, cutting Mr Darcy’s coat and shirt on his upper left arm. An angry, red gash on his arm was bleeding profusely. She could also see that a heavy branch pinned Mr Darcy across the back. She would need to wait for men with saws to cut it off him before he could be moved.

Mr Darcy’s mind was reeling. He never really thought that his comment had been overheard, and hearing it now made him feel how incredibly rude and pompous it sounded. “Have you never once said something, anything so foolish that you regret? I'm sorry, those are words I never should have said. I was in a foul mood that night- I sought only to discourage Bingley.”

“It is no matter,” she said, clearing away another branch. She now had some access to his wounded arm. “Your arm is bleeding. Your coat and shirt have been ripped, and your arm is bleeding quite badly.”

Now that the foliage had been cleared, Mr Darcy could, whilst bending his head up, see Lizzy. She was completely wet and her clothes clung tightly to her body in an incredibly flattering way. However, it was hurting his head to hold it up like that, and he had to look down.
Lizzy tried to work out what she could use to stem the bleeding. Mr Darcy’s cravat would be the best option, but with Mr Darcy lying face down, it wasn't feasible to remove it. Lizzy took her bonnet off her head. “I can use the ribbon from my bonnet to try and tie around the wound and hopefully slow the bleeding.”

“You would ruin your bonnet.”

Lizzy laughed at that. “That's hardly a concern for the moment, Mr Darcy. The bonnet is most likely already ruined and the ribbon was ugly in the first place,“ she said, ripping the brownish- green ribbon off. She started wrapping it around Mr Darcy’s arm around the wound. “I originally had a nice ribbon on the bonnet, except Lydia wanted it herself and took it off, replacing it with this ugly one.”

“Were you not angry with her for stealing your things?”

Lizzy finished tying the ribbon and was pleased to see the wound stop bleeding. “Of course, but I could not let Lydia know that. So I wore the bonnet and pretended to like the ribbon and praise it. In all honesty, I really did not care that much about it. It's just a bonnet.” She smiled as she observed her handiwork. “And it looks much more fetching on you than it ever did on my bonnet.”

She stepped back and as she did so, she could hear the gardeners and stable hands approaching. “Over here,” she waved to them.
They rushed over and she advised them of the situation. They directed her back to the house and they set to work. Relieved that she had contributed all she could, she ran back to the house.

Chapter 6

After being helped out of her wet clothes and thoroughly dried, Lizzy went to her sister to tell her what had occurred. Jane was feeling much recovered and now felt a great deal of shock at what had occurred. Jane was feeling considerably better, so much so that Lizzy assisted her to a chair by the fireplace where she could quietly read and look outside as the wind bent trees and rain pounded the window. On Jane’s request, Lizzy sought out Mrs Hurst or Mr Bingley to find out the condition of the two injured parties.

She found Mr Bingley. “The apothecary has just finished with Caroline and is now with Darcy. Caroline has had a nasty knock to the head and he has advised her to rest in bed for a few days. Louisa is with her now. Do you know that Caroline says she can't recall the entire incident? The last thing she can remember was walking outside with Mr Darcy and can only remember re-entering with Louisa. She can't recall the tree falling at all. Mr Jones says it's due to the shock and possibly the head knock.”

At that moment Mr Jones joined them. “Mr Darcy is exceptionally lucky he hasn't broken anything. He has many minor cuts and will bruise quite badly, and he'll be incredibly sore for the next couple of days, but otherwise he’ll be fine. Miss Lizzy, your temporary bandage was a good idea. He has suffered a fair amount of blood loss, but your bandage did stop some of the bleeding. I've just finished cleaning his wounds. I recommend he stays in bed and rests for today, and probably tomorrow as well. He'll likely have a headache. I've given Miss Bingley laudanum, and I've provided some for Mr Darcy, though at this stage he has refused to take it.”

“I’m not surprised,” said Mr Bingley. “He is very stubborn.”

Lizzy returned to Jane and they both spent the time conversing and watching the weather. “I've never seen it like this before,“ said Jane quietly as they watched another branch snap from an oak tree.

“No, maybe old Tom was right. He said it would get worse.” Rain pelted their window. “I wonder how long this will last?”

Jane sighed. “I had hoped to feel well enough to return home tomorrow, but there's no chance we could leave here. The roads will be too wet for many days for a carriage to pass. I think we will be stuck here.”

After a few hours Jane was ready to sleep again, so Lizzy went downstairs where she found Mrs Hurst embroidering.

“How is Miss Bingley?” asked Lizzy.

“Asleep, she has taken some laudanum. She was in quite a lot of pain.” Mrs Hurst paused. “I must thank you for pulling me out from harms way. If not for you, I might have suffered like Caroline.”

“I'm certain if our places were switched, you would have acted the same.”

“No,” said Mrs Hurst shaking her head slowly, “I don't think I would have. I don't think I could have acted so quickly. I think I would rather have frozen.”

“What would you have done, were you in London, and you had seen me step on the road and you saw a carriage coming that I had not.”

“I don't think I would have pulled you back. But I may have called out and warned you.”

“Think no more of it. I was glad that I was of use,” said Lizzy with a smile, grasping Mrs Hurst's hand in friendship.

“You must call me Louisa,” said Mrs Hurst.

“Only if you can me Elizabeth or Lizzy. And not Eliza, that is reserved purely for Charlotte and her family.” And the two fell to chatting. When Lizzy had entered the house, Mrs Hurst was an acquaintance who had the ability to entertain. But after two hours, Lizzy considered Louisa to be a friend.

Chapter 7

After the apothecary had left him, Mr Darcy spent his time resting contemplating a fine set of eyes wearing a very wet and form fitting dress. Never had be seen a more beautiful sight than Elizabeth soaking wet, her hair loose and mud on her face and eyes shining. Her fingers were showing through her lady's gloves, as lady's gloves were not meant for work.

The thought of leaving her and not seeing her again was painful. In his mind's eye, he could see her at Pemberley, sitting in the mistress’s place at the dining table, a glint in her eye as she spoke with guests but looked at him. He could imagine her with Georgiana at the piano, or walking the grounds with him, or playing with their future children. The hardest images to shake were his fantasies of her in his bed. When he thought of her, the pain in his back and his foot faded away.

She had all the qualities he wanted in a wife, and the qualities he would want passed onto his children. Intelligence and wit, ease with people, an active lifestyle, kindness, integrity and loyalty. The fact she stayed out with him, even though it was dangerous and she was clearly scared, showed she was determined to stay true to her word. She was the type of woman who no matter how hard things got, would stay loyal and would be determined to see things through.

The more he thought of her good qualities, the more unfair he considered society to be, who would look down on the qualities that he valued. Society valued qualities that weren't part of an individual’s character. He despised the shallowness of the Ton.

Then he had an epiphany. Why should he care? He who looked down on the women the Ton produced; he who tried to stay as far away from society as he could, who despised the shallowness and the games that were played, the gossiping and insipid nature of the ladies there. Why should he be surprised that he found what he wanted in someone outside of the Ton? It made perfect sense. He could never be happy with a lady of the Ton. Why should he take a wife the Ton found suitable when he despised the values of the Ton? Every feeling forbade it.

He spent some time mulling over all her admirable qualities. Then the words she had said came back to haunt him. She had said that he didn't like her. Considering what she had overheard he could not blame her for that opinion. He recalled his acquaintance with her, but this time he looked at it from her viewpoint. He was not satisfied. She was open to all, speaking with all and making all feel welcome. He could watch her, understand and admire her character. But he had been stand-offish barely uttering a word. If she had not overheard him speak at the assembly, he wouldn’t have been surprised if she had considered him a mute. He had seen her loyalty to her family and to her friends – his disdainful behaviour towards the Meryton township could only offend her.

He had spent all his effort ensuring he didn’t raise any expectations, but in doing so, he had created enmity. He had been more successful in Elizabth’s case for her to believe that he did not like her.

He would just need to change her opinion. First step was for her to see the real him and to understand him. Once she liked him, then he would court her.

His valet, Johnson came in and took up his dirtied clothes and the bloody ribbon. “Shall I dispose of these, Sir?” asked Johnson. “The shirt and coat are ripped too badly for repair."

A moment of panic caught him. Elizabeth’s ribbon was a prize that could not be lost. “Please have the ribbon cleaned. I should return that to Miss Bennet.”

Johnson tried his hardest not to raise an eyebrow. “Of course, Sir,” he said, bowing slightly as he left the room with the clothes.

Mr Darcy felt better, the decision made. He will change Elizabeth’s opinion of him and court her. He looked out the window at the rain pounding the window. He knew her sister was recovering. Hopefully this rain will prevent them from leaving.

Chapter 8

After dinner, Jane came down to join Lizzy and Mrs Hurst. The conversation was incredibly pleasant. Once Mr Bingley rejoined the ladies with Mr Hurst, he had eyes only for Jane. He ensured she was positioned near the fire, and nothing was not done for her that he could not do himself. They spoke almost exclusively with each other for the evening.

Mrs Hurst continued her conversation with Lizzy. It was only ten minutes later when they were surprised to see Mr Darcy join them.

“Darcy, I say, didn’t the apothecary tell you to rest?” asked Bingley.

“I’m a little sore, but I’m hardly exerting myself by walking down the stairs to sit here, rather than sitting alone in my room,” replied Darcy.

“How are you feeling?” asked Lizzy with concern. She had noted that he had limped into the room.

“I’m merely a little bruised, nothing that won’t heal in a few days,” he answered.

“But wearing a shoe on your foot can hardly be comfortable.”

“It is on quite loosely, I assure you. It is not pressing on my foot at all.” At that moment, he noted that Jane was in the room. He went over, and attempted to bow, but the bruise on his back made him grimace in pain. He cut his bow short and expressed how glad he was to see that Miss Bennet was better. He then quickly went to sit down on the couch next to Lizzy to relieve his pain.

On sitting down, he realised the Miss Bingley was missing. He had completely forgotten that she had been hurt. “Mrs Hurst, how goes your sister?”

“Her head and hands are grazed badly, and her head is giving her a horrendous headache. She’s had some laudanum and is fast asleep.”

“I hope she recovers quickly,” he said.

Mrs Hurst nodded her agreement and said she’d pass on his best wishes to her sister when she looked in on her next. “Unfortunately she can't remember the incident at all. I informed her that you had saved her in time by pushing her out of the way, and she was very grateful to you. She hopes to be able to tell you that in person once she is recovered.”

Mr Darcy turned to Lizzy. “Miss Elizabeth, I must thank you for your assistance this afternoon. It showed great bravery on your part to stay and help. I am in your debt.”

“You know I could not abandon you when you needed me most. It would be unthinkable.”

To this Mr Darcy smiled at her. “I know, which is why it is so remarkable.”

Lizzy shifted under his intense look. She could not mistake his look for censure; it was clearly admiration and she found herself caught in his gaze. She broke the gaze first.

“Is there anything we can do to relieve your discomfort? Do you need your feet raised?” asked Lizzy.

It had not occurred at all to Mr Darcy to sit in any way other than the normal way. But on her words, he realised it would relieve the pressure on his foot and back. “I thank you, yes.”

In short order, Lizzy had dragged a footstool over. Mr Bingley looked away from Jane to fuss over his friend, declaring it a good idea and asking if he needed extra cushions. At last, Mr Darcy was comfortably positioned.

Mrs Hurst had moved over to talk with Jane and Mr Bingley soon returned to his seat. Mr Hurst was asleep on another sofa. This left Lizzy with Mr Darcy for company.

“You said earlier that outside was not the place to carry on with our conversation. Again, I’d like to apologise for the ungentlemanly words that you overheard. I should not have said them.”

“Are you apologising for expressing the words aloud, for thinking those thoughts or that you were wrong?”

“I'm sorry for all three. I am not comfortable in crowds, especially where I know so few people. I do not perform for strangers.”

“And of course no one can be introduced in a ballroom?” she said with an uplifted eyebrow.

“I do not have the talent some people possess of conversing easily with those I have never seen before. I cannot catch their tone of conversation, or appear interested in the concerns, as I often see done.“

“My fingers do not move over a piano in the masterly manner I see so many women's do. They have not the same force or rapidity, and do not produce the same expression. But then I have always supposed it to be my own fault- because I would not take the trouble of practicing. It is not that I don't believe my fingers as capable as any other women's of superior execution.”

“No one who has had the privilege of hearing you could find anything wanting. You have used your time much better.”

“You are flattering me to distract me from our original topic,” said Lizzy in answer to Mr Darcy’s smile. “Our topic was why you said words you did not mean.”

“Will you punish me forever?”

“It is only by understanding the heart of the problem that we can ensure you do not reoffend. What should you have said to Mr Bingley to move him on.”

Mr Darcy thought for a moment before speaking next in a low voice. “If I was honest, I should have said the following to Mr Bingley. ‘Bingley, you know I’m uncomfortable at these sorts of events. You know I don't like dancing with women I don't know well, and I've already danced with your sisters. Please leave me be and return to your own partner.“

Lizzy nodded as she considered the response. “That is a more suitable response that does not insult me.” She considered him again as a new revelation hit her which seemed to answer the question that was Mr Darcy. “You are very introverted.”

“That is true. Both my parents were introverts, as are my sister and myself. The more people around me, the less comfortable I am, especially if they are unknown to me. I do not make friends easily, and take a long time to trust people.”

“And this drives you to have a tendency to hate everyone.”

“And you have a tendency to willfully misunderstand me,“ he said with a smile. He became contemplative. “Many people rely on me, my sister, my staff, my tenants. I have many who approach me with ulterior motives or self-interest. I have been betrayed by some who I have trusted, so I am cautious in my associations.”

“You may be cautious in whom you trust, but that does not mean you need be dismissive of new people or of their worth, even if they are not of the same sphere as you. How else do you find out if someone will be a worthy or at least entertaining acquaintance?”

“Your logic is sound. But I go back to your point that it would be easier if I had more practice. I think practice only helps to a point. It can provide a level of competence, but one must have a natural talent or inclination for it to achieve greatness. It doesn't matter how many times I am out in company - my natural introversion makes me reserved in company. The more people, the greater the reserve.”

“That’s why you seem far more relaxed in a smaller group, such as now.”

“I do not have your extroversion.”

“You think me extroverted? I'm certainly an introvert, though clearly not as much as you are. My father, Jane, Mary and I are all introverted. Mama, Kitty and Lydia are the extroverted ones.”

“But you have an ease in company and amongst people.”

“My father instilled in me a fascination with studying people and their character. So being in company is always interesting. However, I greatly appreciate my time alone. I like to walk to find peace.”

And so they talked about the different characters in their families, continued the debate on the merits of ‘accomplishment’, then spoke of favourite books and plays. Before Lizzy knew it, two hours had passed. Jane had started to yawn and Mr Bingley insisted she go to bed so she not overdo herself.

Lizzy rose and assisted Jane to her room and then to bed.

Chapter 9

Lizzy lay in bed whilst the rain and wind beat at her window, thinking over the day. If you had told her yesterday that she would not only help rescue Mr Darcy, but also spend an entire evening enjoying his company, she would have laughed at the absurdity of the notion.

She reviewed her opinion based of her first impression and realised how faulty it was. With her improved understanding of the man, she could see that his behaviour was driven by his natural reserve. Looking at the assembly from his point of view, Lizzy could understand why he would wear a mask at such an event.

Now that she felt she had answered the question that was Mr Darcy, she felt ashamed of her initial judgement. She, who had prided herself on her abilities of discernment had been blinded by prejudice all because she had been offended by an off-hand remark not meant for her ears. Until this moment, she had not known herself.

Now that Lizzy could look past her poor judgement, she could give merit to Mr Darcy. He was kind, intelligent, had a wry sense of humour not dissimilar to her father's, not to mention frightfully handsome, especially as he looked into her eyes. Lizzy could no longer fool herself into believing his looks were anything other than looks of admiration. He was, in short, everything she was looking for in a husband. If she were not careful, she may be in very great danger of falling in love. Of course, she was not foolish enough to think she was in love with the man, but she understood it was a possibility.

And that clearly would not do. Grandsons of earls with extensive property and connections did not marry daughters of simple country gentlemen with no dowry. Though there was nothing to suggest he would act dishonourably, she could however not be certain that his admiration was anything more than that. She would have to guard herself, and content herself to enjoying his company.

With this she resolved to go to sleep thinking pleasant thoughts about a certain gentleman, except the rain was driving into her window, and the wind was howling so loudly, she could not fall asleep.

She let her mind wander....

She was outside walking arm in arm with Mr Darcy, continuing their conversation. She would look at him and admire his tall, athletic figure, handsome face and intense, brown eyes. They had stopped in the garden. The wind was whirling up around them, blowing her hair, which was bonnet free, and making her skirts float around her. Mr Darcy leaned in to brush a hair from her face and they stood there staring at each other. Lizzy’s heart beat wildly as the rain started and he tilted her face up, his lips meeting hers. Suddenly there was a crashing sound as a pine tree fell towards them and he pushed her out of the way, along with the sound of tinkling glass...

Lizzy blinked her eyes. There was rain running down her face. She sat up in her bed, trying to work out where she was and why she was wet. What had been that shattering sound?

It was completely dark, her fire having gone out as rain blew into and down the chimney. She could hear the wind howling from her window and could hear glass shattering. She could only surmise that something had blown against the window, breaking it open.

She could hear Mr Bingley outside calling out ‘Miss Bennet, are you alright, we heard a crash?’

Lizzy could now see a little candle light shining from the gap underneath her door. In that meagre light, Lizzy could make out that the branches from a tree were now in her room, nearly reaching her bed. Lizzy climbed out from her covers, and went to reach for her robe, which was damp to touch. Rain was blowing in, making her cold and wet. She jumped out from under the bed covers and stumbled her way out the door.

“Miss Elizabeth,” cried Mr Bingley as she opened her door and stumbled into the hallway. “What has happened? Are you alright?”

At that same moment, Jane, who’s room was opposite Lizzy’s room, came out wrapping her robe around her. Mr Darcy, too, appeared, coming up the hallway holding his own candle. “I heard a crash.”

Lizzy hugged herself. “I believe a tree has fallen against the house. It has broken the window in my room.”

Mr Darcy, noticed the fact that she had started to tremble with cold. He took his own robe off and put it over her shoulders, which she gratefully took.

The housekeeper appeared at the end of the hall with a candle. Mr Bingley took charge. “We’ll need to get you dried and into another room. Mrs Wells,” he said, turning to the approaching housekeeper, “can we please get a servant down here to help Miss Elizabeth get dry and set up another room.”

Mrs Wells looked worried. “Of course we can, Sir,” she said. “I came down here to inform you that we have several leaks in the roof. There is water coming into many of the servant’s rooms. We’ve organised buckets to collect the water.”

“Mr Bingley, don’t worry about organising another room. I will join Jane in hers. The servant’s sound like they have enough troubles and that many will be up throughout the night.”

With a little more talk, Lizzy went into Jane’s room. As Jane led the way, Lizzy wrapped Mr Darcy’s robe tight around her. There was something comforting about his scent that made her feel better.

A servant came down to help get Lizzy into dry clothes, then Lizzy climbed into bed next to Jane.

The wind buffeted their window, but now being on the west side of the house, it wasn't rattling as much as it had in Lizzy’s room. Lizzy closed her eyes to try and fall asleep, but it was impossible with the wind whistling.

Jane rolled over to face Lizzy. “Can you get to sleep?”

Lizzy rolled to face Jane. “No, it is just too loud.”

Jane looked worried. “How do you think everyone else is fairing at home? If trees are being knocked over here, surely it can be no different at home.”

Lizzy grabbed Jane’s hand under the covers. “I'm sure they are all fine, Jane. There might be a leak or two, but Longbourn is strong. It will still be standing when we return. And with this wind, all the big trees are being blown to the West. So I think most of the trees that fall will fall away from the house.”

“When do you think we could go home? I'm feeling better, and I would have suggested we return tomorrow. But with this rain, there is no way a carriage could travel anywhere.”

Lizzy agreed with that assessment. She smiled teasingly at Jane. “Mama’s plan has worked too well to keep you here. Unfortunately, you will have to just spend more time with your Mr Bingley. I'm certain Mama contrived this storm and she will not let it abate until you are engaged.”

Jane giggled at the thought. “Good night, Lizzy.”

“Good night, Jane.”

Chapter 10

Lizzy woke late the next morning and tried to think what was different. After a few moments of silence, she realised it was that. It was now quiet and there was sunlight peaking through the window.

Lizzy rose, trying not to disturb Jane. Lizzy tiptoed to the window to look out the curtains. She drew the curtains aside and her hopes were confirmed. The sky was clear with not a single cloud and the air still.

Jane awoke then. After confirming that she was in fact well, both women got dressed and went down to breakfast. They saw Mr Bingley there being cheerful. Mr Bingley immediately rose on their entrance and insisted on preparing Jane’s breakfast from the sideboard. (Lizzy was of course forced to fend for herself and serve her own breakfast having been completely ignored by Mr Bingley. Neither Jane nor Mr Bingley noticed the slight, and Lizzy was amused by it).

Everyone else was still asleep. Mr Bingley said that he would meet with workers after breakfast to assess the damage from the previous night. Jane and Lizzy said they would also accompany him outside out of curiosity to see the damage.

Their conversation stalled. Jane said “as I'm now better, we would have approached you about returning home, however we're certain that the roads would be quite impassable.”

Mr Bingley looked distressed. “You absolutely mustn't think of leaving any time soon. I'm certain it will be days before the roads are in any condition to travel on safely. No, we couldn't have you leave. We're very happy to have you and Miss Elizabeth. You make our party far more merry.”

They soon finished their breakfast. Jane and Lizzy fetched their bonnets (their maid had the sense to pack a spare one for Lizzy), coats and gloves. Alas, Lizzy only had the one ruined pair which she showed to Jane. Soon enough they were descending the stairs, where Mr Bingley awaited them. He offered his arm to both and they tentatively stepped out onto the soggy ground. Even the gravel path had deep puddles in places where the water had not drained.

They walked along the front of the house and it was immediately evident what had happened. Lizzy gasped at the sight in front of her and considered herself lucky.

A massive oak tree, one and a half times the height of Netherfield, was now leaning at a 30 degree angle against the side of the house, its roots exposed. The tree could very well have broken the wall, and had appeared to damage the roof and the servant’s room above her own. Not only had her window been broken, but the window next to hers and a window below her room as well.
The stable hands and groundskeeper were up ladders trimming branches off the tree and tying ropes around the trunk. Mr Bingley approached the steward, who was directing the workers efforts from the ground. “Mr Grimly, how goes the cleanup?”

“Slowly, we’ve had a fair amount of damage here. This tree is currently being supported by the house. We’ll need to be quite careful in removing it so that it doesn’t damage the house further.”

“What’s your intent with the ropes?” asked Mr Bingley.

“We’ll need to turn the tree away from the house to bring it down. It will then be easier to chop up. Once we’ve removed as much of the weight as we can, we’ll pull the tree away from the house.”

Lizzy looked with concern at the servant’s room that looked to have been partly demolished. “I hope the servant wasn’t in the room at the time the tree came down.”

“No, luckily the roof had already started leaking right on top of poor Sally. She was awake and downstairs looking for a bucket when the tree came down. Lucky for her – she might not be with us now if not for that leak.”

“How have the tenants fared?” asked Jane with concern.

“I’ve got my boy checking on all the tenants now. I’ve already had a report that the roof was blown off the Black’s house, and a tree has blown onto the barn at the Smith’s place. Hopefully he’ll be back with a full report before it starts to rain again.”

“Surely the rain is at an end,” said Jane.

Mr Grimly just pointed to the north-east. They all turned as a light breeze whipped Jane and Lizzy’s hair. Lizzy’s heart sank as she saw the dark grey clouds gathering.

They returned to the house to find Mrs Hurst having breakfast. “Have you checked on Caroline yet?” asked Mr Bingley.

“I was going to do so after breakfast. Her maid said she was still asleep.”

Mr Bingley asked a servant to check on Mr Darcy. He reported back shortly that Mr Darcy was breaking his fast in his room.

Lizzy was advised that the servants had prepared a room for her, so she and Jane returned upstairs. At the top of the stairs, they met with Mr Darcy, who was limping along the upstairs hall. “Not resting, I see,” teased Lizzy with a smile.

“Staying in one position makes me stiff. It might be uncomfortable, but it does make the bruises feel better to move them gently,” he said gruffly.

“We had hoped we might be able to leave soon, but it looks like it will soon start to rain again.” To accentuate what Lizzy had just said, the wind howled outside, making windows shake.

“I’m sorry to say, but I don’t think you’ll be able to leave for quite sometime. Follow me,” said Mr Darcy and starting limping down the hall of the family quarters. Presently they reached the last doorway in the hall. He opened it for them to enter.

“What room is this?” asked Jane, as they entered a large space which had two doorways adjoining it.

“I believe it is the nursery,” replied Mr Darcy. He was interested to note that Jane blushed at this whilst Lizzy was completely unaffected.

Lizzy had walked straight to the window. Being the most North-easterly room, it had a good view down the gravel road leading away from Netherfield. The road lead downwards for a good five hundred yards where there was a bridge that crossed a creek. Lizzy could not see the bridge, but she saw flooding as the creek had swelled into a lake.

“I could just see the flooding from my own room. With your knowledge of the area, you must be able to guess how deep that water is. How long does it usually take to clear away flood water?” asked Mr Darcy.

Lizzy’s heart sank yet again as Jane also joined her at the window. “That must be a good three feet above the bridge. I’ve never in my life seen flooding this bad. Usually after a heavy rain it would take a couple of days to drain away. This….I just don’t know.”

“I think it best to make yourself comfortable here. I think you’ll be here for at least another week.”

Chapter 11

After this, Jane convinced Lizzy that they should check in on Miss Bingley. They approached her room and Jane knocked on the door. Mrs Hurst greeted them as Jane asked how Miss Bingley was feeling and if she would want company. Soon they were showed into Miss Bingley’s room.

Miss Bingley was propped up in her bed, her breakfast dishes were being cleared away by the maid and only half consumed. Her head was wrapped up in a bandage, as were both her hands.

“How do you feel, Caroline?” asked Jane with concern. “Do your wounds pain you much?”

“This is the worst I can ever remember feeling. I can’t hold a thing with my hands and my head aches. I’ve not taken any laudanum yet, as I fear it will upset my stomach. Is this storm finally over?”

They spoke on for half an hour, but it was clear that Miss Bingley was steadily feeling worse. Mrs Hurst reminded her that Caroline’s wounds needed to have the poultice reapplied. Mrs Hurst was going to call in the maid to do it, but Jane volunteered to do it. “I’ve plenty of experience. I had to help Lizzy with it for each time she fell off the horse.”

“And all of our other sisters each time they fell off. I can attest, Jane has the gentlest of hands.”

“Are you not fond of riding a horse?” asked Miss Bingley, with the hint of a sneer. “Louisa and I love to ride. Nothing quite beats riding out in Hyde Park.”

Personally Lizzy doubted this very much, as she had not seen either on a horse at Netherfield. “I would be if I wasn’t expected to ride side-saddle. Nothing will make me change my mind that it is an unnatural and unsafe way to ride.”

Jane gently removed the bandages from each hand to see the angry, red grazes, which were still weeping blood. The maid brought the poultice the apothecary had left and Jane started to gently apply it.

Miss Bingley took in a sharp breath with the pain and was going to provide a snarky remark at Jane to be more careful, but bit her tongue as she looked at the kind concern that was evident on Jane’s face.

“I know this is painful – in fact, there’s no way this can be done without it. Maybe it’s a good idea if you take some laudanum now to take off the edge, and we can finish with the poultice after the laudanum has taken effect."

The maid quickly went to get the laudanum, which Mrs Hurst administered to Miss Bingley. After a few minutes, Caroline’s eyes took on a glazed look and Jane continued on. As Jane tended Caroline’s hand and then head, Caroline contemplated the last time anyone had been kind to her. There was certainly no kindness at the lady’s seminary she had gone to, and none to be found amongst her friends in London. Even their mother, who had been the daughter of a well-off lawyer, had been more concerned with her daughters behaving like proper ladies and looking the part than displaying the kind concern of a mother.

Caroline drifted off with the uncomfortable feeling that she had missed displays of kindness, and how uncomfortable it was to accept it when she herself had shown none to anyone before.

Chapter 12

Mrs Hurst, Jane and Lizzy all left Caroline’s room once she was asleep. “I will check in on her again at luncheon.”

With that, Lizzy decided to go to the library to find something to read, whereas Jane decided to do some embroidery in the parlour. Mrs Hurst went to the music room to practice the piano.

It was to some surprise that Lizzy found Mr Darcy in the library, lying on the couch with his feet up. “Do you not know the meaning of rest?” asked Lizzy.

“Though the pain is uncomfortable, it is not unbearable. I was bored lying in my room. I’ve had no correspondence to deal with, as clearly none can get through. I can’t go outside. There is nowhere else for me to go.”

Lizzy browsed the meagre offerings in the shelves. At last, she settled on a copy of poems by Wordsworth. She sat down in an armchair, just as the rain started again.

Mr Darcy looked up, and they spoke for a bit on the merits of various poets, before they settled into companionable silence as they both read. At points they would look up and discuss what they had just read and exchange opinions. She was pleased that he spoke knowledgably and equally pleased that he appeared to listen and value her point of view.

They both started as Mr Bingley walked in to announce that luncheon was ready. Mr Darcy went to get up, but swayed as he arose, pain shooting up his leg from his foot. He supported himself with the arm of the couch, before righting himself fully. He offered his arm to Lizzy, and they slowly walked to the dining room. This is where Lizzy discovered that Mr Bingley had spent the morning in the parlour talking with Jane.

Jane was seated next to Mr Bingley at luncheon where they continued to talk exclusively with each other. Lizzy looked upon this with pleasure. It was looking very promising that there would be an engagement before they all left.

After lunch, Jane yawned and expressed a desire to nap for the afternoon. Considering the howling rain was making it dark and dreary, Lizzy helped Jane to her room to help her rest. Mrs Hurst, too, retired to her own room after confirming that Miss Bingley remained asleep.

Lizzy went to her own room with the intent of resting. Considering the disturbed sleep she had the night before, she knew she should. So she lay down on the bed and closed her eyes.

Immediately, all she could think of was Mr Darcy. She recollected each look of his intense eyes, the dimple he showed when he smiled and every conversation. She had never denied that she thought he was attractive. But she could no longer deny that she was attracted by him.
Her mind was far too busy, the sound of wind and driving rain was too loud, that there was no chance that she could rest. At least that is what she convinced herself of. Her time would be better spent reading. Of course, it had nothing to do with the fact that she might see Mr Darcy there. She was far too much a lady to chase after a gentleman so shamelessly.

She rose and trotted to the library. She entered and blushed to see that Mr Darcy was there on the same couch as before, just now facing the other way.

She smiled at him and tried to tease to get her equilibrium. “Still not resting? I'm certain the apothecary will not be impressed with you when he sees you next.”

“And I'm certain he won't be able to come here for a good week, so he will have forgotten about me entirely. I imagine he'll have more important visits to make after this is over.” In truth he was feeling sore and tired, however, as Elizabeth could not visit him in his room, he would prefer to be somewhere where she could and would go, and he guessed right that she would return to the library.

Lizzy smiled and went to browse the shelves. A copy of Shakespeare’s ‘Tempest’ caught her attention. She took it and returned to her armchair.
Mr Darcy looked up. “What is your afternoon choice? More poetry?”

“No, Shakespeare’s ‘Tempest’. It isn’t my favourite of his plays, but it seems fitting with the weather outside.” To accentuate what she was saying, the wind slammed and rattled the window as she ended her sentence.

“Pardon? I missed the last of what you said,“ called Mr Darcy over the noise.

Lizzy smiled and repeated what she had said. He smiled and nodded, and watched as she started to read. After a few minutes she looked up and caught him staring at her. Mr Darcy blushed at being caught out and quickly cast his eyes down to pretend to start reading his book.

Lizzy blushed at the scrutiny and cast her eyes down at the play, but it wasn't long that her eyes rose to observe Mr Darcy. Her eyes looked over his dark, wavy hair, then moved to study the masculine features of his face, his dark eyes, perfect nose and strong jawline. His shoulders were broad. As her eyes worked their way over his body, he looked up and caught her ogling of him. He was used to being ogled by women, but this was the first time in a long time that he enjoyed it.

She blushed and looked down at her book. Yes, thought Mr Darcy, blushing when caught staring is a very good sign, especially as she had admitted yesterday that she did not like him. This was most definitively progress. He watched her for a while longer before looking down at his book. Before long he felt his eyes become heavy.

Lizzy finally started to concentrate on the play. As the rain poured down and the wind raged outside, she could just imagine seeing Alonso’s ship caught in the storm. The image was so vivid, she could see it being tossed about by the magical storm...

It was as if the ship were just outside the window, floating on the rising flood that lapped against the walls outside the library. Mesmerized, Lizzy rose and walked to the window, watching as the ship rolled and righted itself amongst the monster waves of the flood.

She turned towards Mr Darcy. “You should look at this,” she said to him, indicating the view out of the window.

He rose from the couch and approached her, his eyes capturing hers. She shivered and turned back to look out the window. Next she could feel an hand wrapping itself around her waist, and she felt his breath on her neck. With his right hand, he played with a wisp of her hair. “I knew you could not resist me, Elizabeth. I knew you would seek me.” She then felt him kiss her neck and nibble on her ear.

“Oh, Mr Darcy,” she moaned.

“Elizabeth,” she heard him moan in return.

She sat up from her armchair, knocking her book to the floor. She blushed from head to toe from her dream, especially as the other person from her dream was quickly trying to sit up as well, looking most uncomfortable. Lizzy hoped that he had not heard her mutter his name aloud.

Mr Darcy had also been dreaming, but in his dreams Elizabeth had been sitting astride on top of him, and her clothes had been wet from the storm (though why she was wet inside the library is an unknown, but let's not look for logic in dreams). He had just suggested that she should not be in wet clothes else she might get a chill.... he was not that happy to be woken from the dream, and even more embarrassed by his state, especially as the subject of his dream was awake and looking at him. He quickly moved to sit up and cross his legs and school his expression back into its normal mask.

He needn't have worried. “Something is different, “ said Lizzy, rising and going to the window. He heard it to, it was quiet except for the fall of rain.

“The wind had stopped,” said Mr Darcy, rising slowly and strolling slowly to the window.

The rain was still coming down heavy. “With the wind gone, surely this rain must soon stop? How long can it continue to rain?”

He reached the window and stood just behind her. “Without the wind blowing it away, it might just sit above us.”

Lizzy felt nervous. They were in the same position as in her dream. “How long did we sleep for?” She went to turn to find herself looking at his chest.

“Only half an hour, “ said he. He was caught by surprise as she turned, and his left hand had automatically reached for her arm, coming to rest on her elbow. Her face was turned up to his.

Naughty Darcy whispered to him ‘kiss her!’ His head approached hers. Rational, gentlemanly Darcy on the other hand told him to move away and resist temptation. ‘If you kiss her now, you'll scare her and undo the good work you've done over the last day.’

The gentleman was too deeply ingrained in him. He stood there for a moment in indecision, then turned and stepped away. “I'm sorry.”

“For what?” asked Lizzy, feeling hot. Her heart was racing from his proximity, but now that he had moved away, she felt his loss. “There's nothing to be sorry about.”

They both looked awkwardly away from each other. “Um, I'm going to see if Jane is up. Excuse me,” said she, fleeing the room.

Mr Darcy was left confused as Naughty Darcy and Rationale Darcy fought it out in his head as to whether or not he had done the right thing. In the end this gave him a headache, so he decided to retreat to his room for the remainder of the afternoon and possibly rest like he was supposed to. And the image of Elizabeth so close to him with her face turned up was imprinted firmly in his mind.

Chapter 13

Lizzy went to Jane’s room, to find her still asleep. From there she thought she would rest in her own room. She lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling unseeingly whilst the dream and the incident at the window played out in her mind. Had Mr Darcy been about to kiss her? Did she want him to? Was she disappointed? Disgusted with herself, she left and went to the music room.

Distractedly she leafed through the sheet music, looking at each and discarding it. She eventually found a soft lullaby, which she thought would not disturb the house. She played, trying to concentrate on the music, but she would get distracted and stare out the window at the relentless rain. Was this what it felt like to be in love? Yesterday she had disliked him – could one fall in love that quickly?

Lizzy was startled when the door to the music room opened and Mrs Hurst entered. “Hello, Louisa, how is your sister?”

“She’s up now and had something to eat. Her maid is helping her with her toilette. Would you like to join us in Caroline’s room? I saw Jane on the way here and she said she would join once she freshened up from her nap."

So Lizzy, Jane and Louisa spent the afternoon with Caroline, who seemed a little better and more clear-headed. Lizzy brought ‘The Tempest’ with her, and the three women entertained Caroline with a rendition of the play, with each woman doing the various different parts. Jane treated her wounds again after she had taken some laudanum and Caroline was in quite a jolly mood. Lizzy was quite entertained with Caroline’s compliments to Jane “No, you are the prettiest. Noone in London is as pretty as you. Agree with me Loiusa, Jane’s the prettiest. And nicest, no one is as nice as her. All our friends are catty women. Snakes lying in wait -the lot of them.”

Louisa blushed at her sister’s words, and once the wounds were tended to, Lizzy suggested it might be best if she and Jane left Louisa and Miss Bingley to their own devices. Lizzy led the way out, trying to hide her smile.

As they left, they looked at the clock and realised it was time to prepare for dinner, so both retired to their rooms to get ready. Before long, they were walking arm-in-arm down for dinner. They found the men of the house awaiting them in the parlour. The moment Lizzy looked at Mr Darcy, she felt her heart skip a beat. His eyes and smile caught her and she found she could not look away. Mr Bingley had to repeat his greeting to get her attention.

Mr Bingley presented his arm to Jane to lead her to dinner. “Unfortunately Louisa won’t be joining us. She said she’ll have her dinner in Caroline’s room and assist Caroline with her meal.”

“Is Caroline not able to feed herself?” grunted Mr Hurst, not in the least upset by the absence of his wife and sister.

Jane shook her head. “The wounds on her hands are very bad and are still weeping. She won’t be able to hold a knife or fork for a number of days.”

“Yes,” agreed Mr Bingley. “The apothecary said she will have to stay abed at least three days, and she should continue to stay there until she is no longer dizzy.”

Mr Darcy offered his arm to Lizzy, and they quietly followed behind Mr Hurst into the dining room. Lizzy sat next to Mr Darcy, whilst Jane sat next to Mr Bingley at the head of the table, with Mr Hurst on Jane’s other side.

Though Mr Bingley attempted to start conversation with the entire table, his focus soon was taken completely by Jane to the exclusion of all others. Mr Hurst focused only on his dinner, leaving Lizzy to converse with Mr Darcy. For some reason she was nervous with his proximity to her, and conscious of every move he made. She searched for something to say, but nothing came to mind.

Mr Darcy was having a similar problem, but as he was now used to being affected by Lizzy, he was a little more prepared to start a conversation, and wondered about her quietness. “We must have some conversation. A little will suffice.”

“Do you talk by rule with your dinner companions, Mr Darcy?”

“It would look entirely odd for us to eat a complete dinner in silence,” said he with a smile.

“I could comment on how I prefer chicken to beef ragu,” replied Lizzy, slightly more at ease now she was on familiar territory, back to her natural teasing manner.

“And I could respond that smaller private dinners are far more pleasant than dinners at balls,” replied he with a half smile, showing his dimple. How had she never noticed that dimple before, thought Lizzy.

“Do you prefer a private dinner because the noise is less, or because you are more comfortable with less people around you?” asked she.

“Both, I imagine. However, it’s quite noisy tonight,” he said.

Lizzy naturally glanced towards the window, which was pointless as it was dark outside and the curtain was closed. The rain was bucketing down outside, making it more difficult to hear what was said inside.

Mr Bingley remembered the fact that other people were seated at the table. “I cannot believe its rained all day.”

“I wonder when it will let up?” asked Jane.

“The fields will all be flooded, at least the harvest has been brought in, so the crop losses from this won’t be so bad. But I imagine there will be a fair amount of lost stock,” said Mr Darcy.

The four conversed happily, with Mr Hurst occasionally throwing in a comment in between the courses.

At the end, Jane and Lizzy left, with Jane saying they would go and keep Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst company. The men left to go to the study for port.

Mr Bingley poured out the port for each of the men. He and Darcy spoke of the impact of the rain to Pemberley and its fields, then on the price of food, etc. Now Darcy was always ready to talk about Pemberley and business, however, even he was bored of Charles droning on. Mr Hurst had gotten bored awhile ago, having helped himself to three glasses of port and was comfortably snoozing on the couch. A snore escaped from him.

That seemed to be a signal to Mr Bingley. He stopped mid-sentence, looked to confirm that Mr Hurst was asleep, then turned back to Mr Darcy. “I'm going to ask Jane to marry me,“ he whispered eagerly.

Mr Darcy was surprised. “Are you sure? You have fallen in and out of love more times than I can count. Isn't she the third for this year alone?”

Mr Bingley smiled and shook his head. “None of the others compare to Jane. I've never felt this way before. This is different. You'll know when you meet the right woman.”

Mr Darcy knew exactly what he meant. “When do you intend to ask her?”

“I was going to ask after she comes down from Caroline’s room, or if I don't get a chance tonight, tomorrow morning,” said he grinning excitedly.

“Is that wise?” asked Darcy.

“What do you mean?”

“What is the rush to propose?”

“I've made up my mind and I want to secure her love as soon a possible.”

“And what are her feelings? Has she given you encouragement? Are you certain of a positive response?”

Mr Bingley looked less sure. “She always smiles at me, and we converse so easily.”

“What if she rejects you, and then she has to stay here for the next week. If this does not go well, she can’t leave. It would be very uncomfortable.”

Mr Bingley now looked less sure. “But what should I do?”

“What is the rush? She’s not going anywhere. Enjoy her company and get to know her better, and let her get to know you better, so that when you do ask, you are sure to be accepted. And Bingley, you need to be certain as well. What is to say you don’t fall out of love with her like the others.”

“This is different. I’ve never felt this way before. You’ll understand when you meet the one who is for you.”

Mr Darcy took a drink and both were silent for a moment. “Considering she is stuck here probably for the week, hold off. If you asked her now, and she continues to stay, there will be rumours that you might have compromised her.”

“I would never do that,” said Mr Bingley indignantly.

“Yes, but people like to gossip. If it's known you proposed just before she left and you sought her father’s permission immediately it will prevent rumours.”

“Of course, you counsel in this is sound.”

It was at that moment that they heard music from the piano, so the two of them left Mr Hurst asleep on the couch to join the ladies.

Chapter 14

Jane and Elizabeth went and visited Caroline. Caroline was finishing some dessert, which Louisa was feeding her. Caroline was no longer under the influence of the laudanum, and could talk coherently. After chatting for awhile, they decided to continue on with their recitation of the Tempest, which they continued with until they noticed that Caroline had fallen asleep.

The ladies left and went to the parlour, where Louisa organised tea and coffee. After drinking a tea, Louisa and Lizzy went to select some music for Louisa to play, whilst Jane took up her embroidery. Soon Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy joined them. Mr Bingley went to sit by Jane and monopolised her attention. Mr Darcy sat in an armchair and watched Elizabeth turn the pages for Louisa.

“You play so well,” said Elizabeth with admiration. “I wish I had the patience to practice to get that kind of skill."

“Well, Caroline and I had a very demanding music master who taught us. She was very exacting,” said Louisa, not looking up from the playing at all. "Was yours not so demanding?”

Elizabeth turned the page for her. “We had a couple of music masters over the years, but we’ve not had one attend us for three years now, not since Mary was fifteen. I could have benefited more from one. My technical proficiency is not the best, and I could do with more regular practice.”

Louisa finished her piece to polite applause. Elizabeth took over, having selected a simpler piece to play. Whilst she played, Louisa noticed Mr Darcy’s constant attention to Elizabeth. There was a level of admiration that she had never seen Mr Darcy direct towards her sister. However loyal she was to Caroline, Louisa was a realist. She could tell that Mr Darcy tolerated them without any further thought. She watched Mr Darcy’s open admiration. Elizabeth too, looked up once and noticed his attention. She nearly stumbled with her fingering and with dogged determination fixed her attention purely to the music. No matter what Caroline did, Louisa realised that Mr Darcy would never offer for her sister.

She then looked towards her brother, who was deep in conversation with Jane. Charles had always fallen in and out of love easily, but there was something in the way he looked at Jane that was different.

Caroline was the schemer and would undoubtedly be unhappy. She participated in her sister’s schemes, but was not one to initiate them.

Elizabeth finished her piece. Louisa quickly put another in front of her to play, which she did, which allowed Louisa to think. Maybe nothing might come of Charles’ latest infatuation, and then there would be nothing to worry about. Even if it did, Jane would certainly make her brother happy. Her beauty, grace and kind spirit would be of benefit to her brother and she would not embarrass him in London society. Her family was atrocious, but she did have the respectability of being the daughter of a gentleman.

As Elizabeth finished her song, Louisa felt no more clarity. She made a large demonstration of yawning. “This constant rain is making me tired. I think I'll retire for the night.”

Both Elizabeth and Jane agreed and retired with her. Louisa, once alone in her room thought through the dilemma. It was best not to upset Caroline at the moment. In the end, all she could come up with was to do her best to separate the Bennet women from the men of the house, and that was best done by keeping them in Caroline’s room, where the men could not follow. Louisa went to sleep satisfied with her plan.

Jane and Charles each went to sleep with dreamy smiles, thinking of their conversation together.

Elizabeth went to bed confused and excited by her feelings for Mr Darcy. Was this feeling love? Or was it lust? Or was she imaging feelings because she was trapped inside Netherfield? Would the feelings evaporate like the rain once she returned home? In the end she returned to fantasizing about various situations with Mr Darcy and what it would be like to be kissed by him.

Mr Darcy went to bed continuing on his dream he had had in the library. He slept with a smile on his face.

Mr Hurst woke up around midnight on the couch then stirred himself enough to return to his room.

Chapter 15

Louisa’s plan of keeping Jane and Elizabeth away from the men would have worked better if both she and Caroline were early risers. As it was Elizabeth and Mr Darcy woke around the same time; both were delighted to finally see clear skies.

Elizabeth dressed quickly and eagerly walked downstairs. Her heart jumped as she saw Mr Darcy at the front door, clearly with the same intention. He looked at her and smiled. “Good morning, Miss Bennet.”

“Yes, it finally is a good morning. Are you escaping the house as well?”

“Yes, I wish to survey the damage from the storm.” Mr Darcy held the door open for Elizabeth to exit.

She waited for Mr Darcy to close the door. “How are you feeling this morning?”

“Stiff and sore. I'm eager to stretch out my muscles.”

Elizabeth picked her way over the puddles. Mr Darcy went to offer her his arm, but she waved it away. “It is not practical for us to walk that way,” said she, hopping over another puddle. She led the way down the gravel drive away from Netherfield.

“Are you equally escaping the confines of the house?” asked he as he tried to keep up with her. His foot was too sore to keep up with her pace.

Elizabeth, noticing the difference, turned and slowed down. “Of course. I need to do something to release this energy. It's very gloomy being kept inside.”

“How do you fare when you visit London? I think I heard you have relations there you stay with?” he asked.

“Yes, my Aunt and Uncle live there. And I will admit I do not fare well. I enjoy the plays and concerts well enough, and seeing different people is interesting. However, a month or two is more than enough for me.”

“So what is your upper limit for London?”

“Three months at most, over winter. I would not wish to miss spring or summer in the country; the countryside is far too beautiful. And autumn must be spent in the country for the harvest and for the changing foliage. And it is best to spend Christmas at home. And you Sir?"

“What would you think for me?” asked Mr Darcy, highly amused. His opinion that she was his perfect match was further reinforced.

Elizabeth paused to think. “At first impression, I was certain you were one of those men who would spend only the summer months at their estate and the rest in London with ‘society’. Now that I know you better, I imagine you spend as much time as you can in the country.”

Mr Darcy inclined his head at the truth. “Sadly, business takes me to London more than I would wish. Being home at Pemberley – that gives me peace. I can walk or ride by myself for hours and not feel alone, but in London feel completely alone in a room full of people.”

Elizabeth smiled. “Yes, I can relate to that. I can walk for hours over the countryside and not feel it was long enough.”

They had now walked two hundred yards and could see the flood was another hundred yards away. They came up to the edge of the water. “I've never seen the water this high before. It must be a good three feet above the bridge.” She looked through the trees and across the flooded fields. “The Blackwell’s and Nielsen’s houses must have flooded.” Worry was written over her face. “It will be days before this water goes down and more before the roads are passable.”

As they stood there looking over the flood waters, they saw two men in a rowboat. Lizzy waved at them. “Hallo!”

The men turned and waved and started rowing towards them. Soon enough Lizzy could identify the men. “Those men are Sir William’s tenants.” As they got close enough that Elizabeth didn't need to shout, she said. “Mr Watson, Daniel, it is so good to see you. How goes it? Did your home survive? Is everyone alright?”

Mr Watson smiled back. “It's good to see you, Miss Lizzy.” He looked questioningly at Mr Darcy.

Elizabeth made the introductions. “Mr Darcy, this is Mr Watson and Mr Daniel Watson. This is Mr Darcy of Pemberley. He's a friend of Mr Bingley.”

Mr Watson turned back to Lizzy after tipping his hat to Mr Darcy. “We got by fine, not like others. A few leaks in the roof and that was it. Sir William sent us out to see how everyone else had faired, and to save any stray sheep that were swept away.”

“How are your flock?”

“All accounted for in the barn, which held up fine. Not like the Thomson’s. Their barn flooded, as did their house. They've lost everything.”

“How did the Lucas’s fair?”

“One broken window and leaks in the roof. All are safe.”

With trepidation she asked the next question. “Do you know how Longbourn faired?”

“Miss Lizzy, everyone at Longbourn is fine, though I did hear one of the trees fell on the house and broke the roof over the guest room.”

Lizzy breathed a sigh of relief. They spoke a little more on the damage and flooding before the Watson men said their farewells.
Mr Darcy watched the interaction. He saw the respect Elizabeth was treated with. He examined Daniel, who appeared to be about the same age as Elizabeth. He was a strapping young man, tall and it was clear he was muscular under his clothes; muscles formed from hard farm work. He was gazing wistfully at Elizabeth. Mr Darcy realised he was not the only one to see her worth; the main difference was that he was in a position to act on it, whilst young Daniel would be a decade away from when he could afford to take a wife.

Chapter 16

Mr Darcy and Elizabeth returned to the house to break their fast and found Mr Bingley and Jane already there eating and talking quietly together. Mr Darcy and Elizabeth helped themselves from the breakfast buffet and they joined in with lovely conversation. Mr Darcy wondered at the relaxed atmosphere when the Bingley sisters weren't there.

Elizabeth also saw the difference in his attitude in company with the absence of the sisters and realised what a strain it must be for him when he was in that kind of company.

An hour after the others had finished breakfast, Louisa woke with the resolution to keep the Bennet women occupied so that they could not spend too much time furthering their relationships with the men. Once she was finished getting ready, she descended to break her fast, to find out that all the others had done so over an hour earlier. Mr Hurst came and joined her as she was finishing. She asked a servant where the Bennet women were and frowned when she found one was in the library with Mr Darcy, and the other was walking in the garden surveying the damage with Mr Bingley. She also found that her sister had woken and was finishing her breakfast.

Louisa went to walk in the garden to find Jane, and subtly suggested they should see how Caroline was feeling. They then went by the library with Jane collecting Elizabeth. With a smile to Mr Darcy, Elizabeth excused herself.

They found Caroline with a clearer head and now grumpy for being confined, with a good mixture of self-pity for her ugly injuries. Jane and Louisa attempted their best to cheer her, but Caroline was in a snitty mood. Jane’s suggestion to read the bible as it was Sunday and they could not go to church was met with reluctant agreement.

As it approached the luncheon hour, Jane went to administer to Caroline's wounds, carefully unwinding the bandages that covered them. Both hands were now a bluish-purple colour. “Your right hand has stopped weeping and has scabbed. I don't think we need to apply any poultice to it anymore.”

“But the apothecary said we needed to apply the poultice to all the wounds for the next four days.”

“But we only have another day’s worth of poultice. We'll run out sooner if we apply any to it, “ replied Jane.

“But the apothecary will be back tomorrow to check,“ said Caroline.

“No, he won't be. The road to Netherfield is flooded and it will be days before anyone can pass either by horse or carriage. The apothecary won't be returning anytime soon,” replied Elizabeth.

The dismay on both women's faces was evident as the realised that that equally meant the Bennet’s could not leave.

Jane went and started to apply the poultice to the left hand, but yet again Caroline thought it stung too much. The laudanum was applied and once it took affect, Jane cleaned up the wounds and rebandaged them. Caroline soon drifted off to sleep.

The women left just as a servant came to advise them that luncheon was served. They adjoined to the dining room, where Jane took a seat next to Bingley, whilst Lizzy was at the end, next to Mr Hurst and opposite Louisa and Mr Darcy.

This meal was in direct contrast to a previous one. Louisa kept a constant conversation with her, speaking of music, embroidery and fashion. In truth she spoke of topics which excluded the participation of the men. Lizzy did attempt to turn the conversation to more general topics to allow the men to join in, to no avail. She did catch at least one look of frustration on Mr Darcy’s face.

At the end of luncheon, Mr Bingley rose. “How will you ladies occupy yourselves this afternoon? I need to meet with the housekeeper and steward to go over the damage and prioritise tasking with the staff.”

Louisa jumped in. “We’ll be going to the music room. Miss Elizabeth and I were talking about music last night and there's some compositions I'd like to show her.” Her tone made it sound like an order rather than a suggestion. “Jane, would you like to join us?”

“Yes, I'm happy to listen I'll bring my embroidery with me.”

“What of you, Darcy?” asked Mr Bingley. “Have you followed the apothecary’s order and rested? I've heard you groan as you move about."

“A proper rest will do you the work of good,” said Elizabeth with a raised eyebrow.

With Elizabeth now occupied with no choice of joining him, he relented. “Yes mother, I'll go rest,“ he said with a hint of a smile.

“There’s a good boy,” retorted Elizabeth, raising a laugh from Bingley.

They all rose, though Mr Darcy did groan and rise rather tentatively from his chair. The men left whilst the women went to the music room.

Chapter 17

Elizabeth spent an enjoyable two hours in the music room with Louisa, as each took turns to play. In the end they started working on a duet, and Elizabeth was grateful for the tips that Louisa gave her on improving her fingering.

Jane say and worked on embroidering a handkerchief and she interjected every now and then into the conversation. All in all, it was a comfortable afternoon.

In the afternoon, Mr Bingley entered the room, attracted by the sound of music. He stood by the door as he waited for Elizabeth and Louisa to finish playing their piece. He clapped as they finished. “Bravo ladies, that was wonderful.”

Elizabeth, who had noticed his approach into the room was amused when Jane, in catching sight of him, nearly dropped her embroidery.

“Thank you brother,“ replied Louisa. “How was your meeting with the steward and housekeeper?”

“We've gone and prioritised the list of repairs to be made, and what will be the owner's cost and what is mine. The same with the housekeeper. Louisa, would you mind terribly if you could talk with the housekeeper and sort out the meals for the next few days whilst Caroline is ill?”

“What was wrong with Caroline’s menus?”

“They were reliant on the housekeeper getting to the butcher for meat. Oh, and we don't have anymore eggs?”

“How on earth can we not have eggs?” asked Louisa with exasperation.

“The chickens probably stopped laying because they were frightened of the storm. That's completely natural,” said Jane.

“I imagine one or two might start laying again tomorrow, and the rest will follow in a few more days,“ supplied Elizabeth.

Mr Bingley looked at Jane and Elizabeth. “Would you ladies like to take a turn outside to see how the repair works are proceeding?”

Louisa seemed distressed. “Oh Charles, I was going to ask Jane to come see the housekeeper with me. I'm certain she could help me with ideas on the menu.”

Jane concurred and said she was happy to help in any way she could. Elizabeth smiled at Mr Bingley and said she was happy to walk outside. Elizabeth quickly went upstairs to retrieve her bonnet, coat and damaged gloves. As she went to descend the stairs, she found Mr Darcy there at the same time. “How are you feeling after a nap?” asked Elizabeth.

He smiled. “Refreshed. I think the pain is starting to lessen, even if the bruises are still gaining colour.”

“That’s good to hear.”

He quickly scanned her attire. “Are you walking out?”

“Yes, with Mr Bingley, to survey the damage and works.”

“I think I need to stretch. I’ll join you.” Mr Darcy offered his arm and they descended the stairs where they found Mr Bingley waiting.
They proceeded outside to inspect the gardens. Another four large trees had been blown over, though fortunately not near the house. Many branches and leaves littered their walk, and the ground was muddy and slippery. They could see workmen mounted on ladders on the walls boarding shut the broken windows.

They walked around the house to the stables, to see part of the roof blown off. “I was talking with the steward. Mr Grimly said he’d prioritise the roof repairs and the servants quarter repairs and then the stable repairs, before fixing the windows in the guest bedroom and starting the remodelling of the rooms. I’m sorry for the state of the garden, but cleaning up the garden will be their lowest priority – except for when they are using these fallen trees as wood for the repairs.” Mr Bingley spoke quickly, and Elizabeth was amused to note, looked nervously at Mr Darcy as he spoke.

Mr Darcy nodded. “That makes complete sense.” Mr Bingley broke into a smile of clear relief.

Elizabeth smiled. “Yes, clearly they can’t fix the windows until the flood is gone and they can get to a glazier.”

“Yes, I thought that too,” said Mr Bingley. He was at that moment distracted by Jane, who had extracted herself from Louisa and the housekeeper and joined them outside. Mr Bingley offered her his arm, and they walked ahead of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy.

Elizabeth walked with a bemused smile on her face, which Mr Darcy quizzed her on. “Mr Darcy, whilst Mr Bingley rents Netherfield, isn’t the steward responsible for all repairs, on behalf of the owner?”

Mr Darcy nodded. “That is correct.”

“So wouldn’t the steward merely have been informing Mr Bingley of the order of repair priority? Mr Bingley would have no say, potentially beyond saying that he might like the downstairs room repaired before the guest bedroom. The consultation was a courtesy.”

“That is correct. What are you getting at, Miss Bennet?”

“Mr Bingley seemed to rely quite heavily on your approval of the plans, even though it is no concern of yours. Why is that?”

“Mr Bingley is quite modest in his abilities and likes to seek council to confirm he is making the correct decision. This is his first foray into property. In London he either stayed at his club, my house or with his sister and brother-in-law. He had a townhouse up North which he inherited from his father, which he sold, as he intended to purchase a property, along with a London townhouse.”

They spoke more of the history of Mr Bingley’s and Mr Darcy’s friendship, as they walked around the house and up the gravel driveway to inspect the flooding.

Jane and Mr Bingley were already there looking at the water, which had receded another fifty yards since that morning. There was still over three hundred yards for the water to recede before the bridge would be revealed – presuming the bridge was even still there. Both men secretly rejoiced that it looked like the two women would be with them for at least another four days.

Elizabeth and Mr Darcy walked back arm in arm in companiable silence. Elizabeth spent the time mulling over the relationship between the two men.

Chapter 18

As Jane and Elizabeth walked outside, Louisa was checking in on Caroline. Caroline was awake and demanding some lunch from the maid. She was in a foul mood.

“The maid took forever to get here. I’m certain she will take forever to get me something to eat.”

“That could be true. I've had to redo your menus as the pantry is running out of food.”

“What do you mean running out?” asked Caroline sharply, sitting up straighter in her bed.

“We've run out of eggs and meat. Dinner tonight will be fine, but tomorrow the table won't be looking so full. The day after even worse.”

“Why don't they go out to the market to get some meat?”

“We’re flooded in. Noone can get in or out. But that is not the worst of it. Charles has opened up the house, so now one of the servant's family is staying here because their roof blew off. No wonder we are running low on food.”

“That's so like Charles. He gets taken advantage by everyone,” frowned Caroline, shaking her head.

The maid arrived with coffee. “Where's the milk, girl?” snapped Caroline.

The maid bobbed a curtsey. “I'm sorry, ma’am, but there’s no milk left.”

Louisa shook her head. “The people we get our milk from are cut off.”

The maid was dismissed and Louisa helped to feed Caroline. As they were finishing, Jane knocked on the door to see if they could visit. Louisa greeted them enthusiastically and bid them to enter.

They talked over all the flood damage and how long they thought it would be before the flooding would recede. As they spoke, Charles knocked on the door and entered, hearing Caroline and asking after her.

“I thought to let you know, one of the tenants, the Harrison’s, their house has been flooded and they can't stay there. Last night they stayed with another tenant, but they really don’t have the room to host an entire other family. I've let the steward know that they can take the nursery, as they have five kids all under the age of eight.” At the end of this statement his eyes had drifted to where Jane was to see how she reacted, so he missed the looks of horror that crossed Caroline and Louisa’s face. Elizabeth noticed this and hid her smile at the superior sister’s attitude. She was also amused to see that Jane smiled approvingly at the news, which just made Mr Bingley smile even more.

Before Louisa or Caroline could express their distaste for the idea, Jane spoke. “That’s very kind of you, and no one in the area would expect you to do more for the tenants, considering the fact that Netherfield is stranded by the flood waters.”

“What ever do you mean?” asked Caroline. “What more would be expected than to provide tenant families a roof within the manor house?”

“Oh, all the ladies of the neighbourhood would be chipping in to make sure those without homes would be cared for. I know our mother would be organising our kitchen to feed the unfortunate families, and blankets and dry clothing, and a place to sleep.”

“Yes,” agreed Elizabeth with a wry smile. “It would be our mother’s Christian duty to be seen to be as generous as Lady Lucas.” This remark earned a stern look from Jane which clearly meant for her to behave. Elizabeth just smiled innocently in return to this unspoken communication with Jane. She then added. “It is the responsibility of the landowner to look after their tenants.”

Louisa rose with this. “Well, I had best return to the kitchen to see how we will feed the extra mouths for tonight and tomorrow.”

Charles took the seat she vacated, with the notion of talking to his sister, but his attention wandered continuously over to Jane. Caroline kept inserting herself into the conversation, and Jane was very conscious to continue involving Caroline in the conversation and to not get too absorbed by Charles’ presence next to her.

It was some fifteen minutes later that the door to Caroline’s room opened. Everyone was expecting the return of Louisa, but instead there was a three-year-old girl with long dark hair standing in the doorway, sucking her thumb with a frightened look in her big, dark eyes.

“What on earth!” broke our Caroline in surprise. “You shouldn’t be here.”

Elizabeth could see that Caroline was about to yell at the poor child, and the child was clearly lost. She quickly rose. “You must be lost. Let me take you back to your mother.” Before anything more could be said, Elizabeth was at the door, scooping up the girl in her arms and closing the door softly behind her.

The girl just looked at Elizabeth with big eyes that were starting to fill with tears which would break at any time. “Would you like me to show you the way back to your family?”

The girl nodded her head as Elizabeth started walking down the hall. “That lady mean.”

Though Elizabeth agreed wholeheartedly, she replied softly. “That lady hit her head badly a few days ago, and it left her with a terrible headache. You need to be careful not to be too noisy as it will make her head hurt a lot. It’s not nice when your head hurts. Does your head ever hurt?”

And so the girl’s tears dried up and she talked with the nice lady who showed her where the nursery was and took her inside.

What Elizabeth didn’t know was that as she passed the door to Mr Darcy’s room, he had stepped out and was watching the enchanting sight that was Elizabeth carrying a young girl, a girl who was similar enough to Elizabeth that she could have been Elizabeth’s daughter. They were both smiling at each other, and Mr Darcy was imaging Elizabeth carrying their own daughter. He had heard Caroline’s outburst through the open door to Caroline’s room, and the contrast between the two women could not be starker. He gazed longingly at the woman that he was certain would be the mother to his children.

He returned to his room to read, sitting on the couch near the door with his legs up. He could hear the goings on in the hallway. He heard Louisa enter soon after Elizabeth had left, and hear Caroline’s complaint. He was not surprised in the least that Elizabeth stayed in the nursery for a good half hour, clearly in no hurry whatsoever to return. Eventually she did and Charles left.

She and Jane stayed in Caroline’s room for another hour, before they left to get changed for the evening meal. He was amused by their conversation that he could overhear.

“You know mama will be helping the poor souls who are homeless out of her charity and not as a competition with Lady Lucas,” scolded Jane.

“Of course,” replied Elizabeth. Mr Darcy could imagine the upraised eyebrow. “You know that this is exactly how things played out at home. Papa would have come down first and would have asked Hill about the damage, where she would have informed him about the status of the tenants. He would have told her to prepare extra food in the kitchen and to start looking for extra blankets. Later, Lady Lucas will come to visit after Mama is up. Lady Lucas would of course ask Mama to help her efforts in housing and feeding the homeless, where Mama would of course say she was too busy helping her own tenant’s here. When Lady Lucas left, Mama would rush to Hill to give her commands for tasks she was already doing. Mama would have had us to help in bringing the tenant’s into the parlour and finding spare space, but now that lies with Mary, Kitty and Lydia. Mary would try to recite some biblical verses which she imagines to be comforting, but will mostly sound patronising and annoy. Kitty actually would work hard at helping people, but she would get annoyed by Lydia, who would first complain about having to do anything at all, and then would do everything slowly, and would expect praise for providing the most miniscule level of help. Kitty will point out the fact that she has been four times as helpful as anyone else, of which Mama will say that no one wants to hear it.”

Mr Darcy chuckled softly at the fading voice, and was certain that he heard Jane try to hold in a laugh. As they continued down the hall, he missed Jane’s reply, but heard Elizabeth reply in return “you know it to be true, Jane.”

Yes, she was everything he wanted in a wife. Mr Bingley could keep the dull and proper Jane, even if she looked like an angel.

Chapter 19

Louisa found supper stressful. Mr Hurst was put out that there were only two courses and complained. Broth was served for the first course and meat and vegetables for the second course. Only her husband made a fuss, everyone else was understanding. Though the pantry was starting to run low, the wine cellar of course was not, and what Mr Hurst lacked in food, he made up with wine.

Louisa went to visit Caroline only to find that she had dosed herself with laudanum so that she could block out the crying of the baby in the nursery. Caroline had fallen asleep within minutes of Louisa arriving.

Back in the parlour, she found herself strangely annoyed by her husband, who after determining that noone wanted to play cards, passed out on the couch. The night did not last long after that and everyone soon retired to their own rooms. Louisa had a terrible night of sleep, punctuated by the crying of a hungry baby every three hours.

Louisa slept in late. She went down to breakfast to find no one there. After finishing her breakfast on her own, she poured herself a coffee and then the milk. It took her a moment to realise that they must have received milk from a local farm that morning. She asked the servant as to the whereabouts of the others. “Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy went to the Harrigan’s house with the Harrigan’s to assess the damage and help start cleanup. Miss Bennet is in the nursery.”

Louisa climbed the stairs and went to the nursery. She found Jane having a tea party with a doll and teddy bear and a three year old little girl, whilst a boy of nearly two was playing with a wooden puzzle. Elizabeth was nowhere to be seen. “Good morning Jane. Is your sister with you as well?”

“Alas, no, she went with the Harrigan’s. She said she would help with the older children.”

Louisa then went to see Caroline, who had had breakfast and was now standing in front of the mirror, looking at her head wound, which had a greenish-purple bruise surrounding the mostly dried scab. “Louisa, does this look terrible?”

“I’m sure it will look fine if we bandage it up,” rolled Louisa, trying not to make a face.

It was at that moment Mr Bingley entered without knocking. He took one look at Caroline’s forehead. “Oh, that looks ugly.”

“Have you heard of knocking?” said Caroline crossly. She stared harder at herself in the mirror. “I can't go out there and have Mr Darcy see me looking like this.”

“You don't need to worry about that, he wouldn’t notice,“ said Mr Bingley, oblivious to the look of dismay on Caroline’s face with the off-hand comment. “He's not here. He went to help the Harrigan’s clean up. Which reminds me, I came back to get buckets, brooms and firewood. I'd better get that and head back with the servants.” And with that, Mr Bingley departed as fast as he had entered, missing the astonished looks on his sisters’ faces.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth had walked with Mrs Harrigan to her home, whilst the men had walked ahead with the elder children. As they had approached the home, Elizabeth had looked wistfully to the east. She could see the Setton’s farmhouse, one of the Longbourn tenants. Just over one hundred yards of water separated her from her own home.

“You miss home?” asked Mr Darcy, who had looked back to see Elizabeth gazing towards her own home.

“The Longbourn estate is just on the other side of that water. So close, yet at this moment so far.” She turned to look at Mr Darcy, who looked at her with some sympathy. “I know my family is fine and they suffered only minor damage, yet I want to see it with my own eyes. And I am an uninvited guest here at Netherfield.”

Mrs Harrigan was at the door and Elizabeth rushed over to her as she held herself up. Elizabeth went and grabbed the baby from her as Mrs Harrigan looked around her home in shock.

Mud covered the entire floor. Judging by the waterline, six inches of water had flowed through the house. Elizabeth could see the tears welling up in Mrs Harrigan’s eyes. “Oh my goodness, it's such a mess, where do we even start?”

Mr Darcy watched as Elizabeth immediately went and gave her a hug. “I know it seems like a lot, but it isn't that bad. We’ll clean it up and sweep out the mud, dry it up and you'll be back home before you know it.”

Mr Darcy admired her compassion, just the right kind of attitude for the Mistress of Pemberley. Mrs Harrigan sniffed and wiped her eyes, before wiping her hands on her dress and carefully entering the house.

On inspection, it wasn't as bad as it could have been. The water had only gotten into the bottom shelves. The water had made the firewood pile float all over the house and the fireplace was filled with mud. Mrs Harrigan looked at her curtains with dismay, which now had brown mud for the bottom six inches.

Mr Bingley, eager to help, went back to Netherfield for more firewood, brooms and buckets. The curtains were removed and one of the servants took the curtains to Netherfield for washing and drying.

Elizabeth, who held the sleeping baby over her shoulder, was amused to see Mr Darcy rolling up his sleeves and helping to carry the furniture outside for cleaning and drying. She admired his form as he lifted and cheerfully carried tables, couches and cupboards out. There was no sign of the proud man she had once believed him to be.

He equally admired her as she held the baby and helped to guide the elder children in being helpful. With one hand holding a baby, she opened up windows to get airflow through the house.

They both watched each other, occasionally catching the other’s eye and exchanging a smile.

They worked to midday, when lunch arrived from Netherfield. Elizabeth had handed the baby back to its mother to feed and she helped to serve everyone lunch.

Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley (who had returned) were some of the last to claim their meal. Mr Darcy was thinking of something to say to Elizabeth when Mr Bingley jumped in. “I say, it feels good to help. And I see some of the other local families have sent their older kids to help as well. This house will be all cleaned out by the end of the day.”

“It will take longer to dry. They won't be able to return until everything is dried else they risk the house filling with mould,” stated Mr Darcy.

“I take it you have had to deal with similar situations in your estate?” asked Elizabeth.

“Fortunately, not whilst I've been master. But I recall there had been several weeks of rain when my father was alive which resulted in some of our tenants being flooded. Mould was the greatest concern. One property was so badly effected we had to knock part of the house down and rebuild it.”

He spoke more of some of the challenges he had seen, which further reinforced Elizabeth’s now favourable opinion that he was a thoughtful and considerate landlord.

With lunch over, they returned to work, sweeping the floors, cleaning and drying furniture and items that had gotten wet. Fires were lit to warm the house and help dry it out. It got quite warm in the house, and the men removed their jackets, including Mr Darcy. This was a good thing when Mr Darcy slipped, falling on his backside as his legs slipped out from under him.

At first people were concerned, until Mr Bingley laughed at his predicament. Mr Darcy smiled self-deprecatingly. “Are you going to stand there laughing, or will you be useful and help me up?”

Only Elizabeth saw the evil smile on his face as Mr Bingley extended his hand to help Mr Darcy up. Instead, Mr Darcy grabbed his hand and yanked on it so that Bingley fell down next to him. At this everyone started laughing.

All continued to work until the light started to fade. Elizabeth was contemplative. This was a side of Mr Darcy she had not seen, and certainly could never have guessed at. She felt the injustice of her former opinion of the man and berated herself for her own vanity on her ability to judge people’s characters.

Elizabeth walked back with the absolutely filthy Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy and listened to their relaxed banter, joining in every now and then. When they reached Netherfield, Elizabeth hung back. “I'm going to look at the flood level first, before going in. I'll let you two have your baths first.”

“I'll join you, if you like,“ offered Mr Darcy. Elizabeth nodded in consent.

“Excellent. I'm keen to have a bath. My valet won't be happy with the state of my clothes,“ laughed Mr Bingley and hurried towards the house.

Elizabeth and Mr Darcy walked up the road. “You act very differently when you are with Mr Bingley, or with the Harrigan’s to how you act when in a drawing room. You seemed infinitely more comfortable than I've seen you before. Why is that?”

Mr Darcy contemplated his answer "I am not the landlord here; hence I have no responsibility. There was no expectation on me, I was only there to help.”

“You have no responsibility in a drawing room,” countered Elizabeth.

“Ah, no responsibility is correct. But there is expectation.” He paused for a moment. “I am comfortable to be myself only when I feel I can trust those I am with. It takes me a long time to develop trust; I have been burnt before by people who have been close to me.”

Elizabeth understood that he meant he could not trust the Bingley sisters but said nothing. She also felt the unsaid compliment that he could trust her. They walked on in silence for awhile. “I am glad for the opportunity to have seen this side of you. I shudder at what my opinion would have continued to be of you. You are undoubtedly a complex character.”

He bowed slightly in response with a smile on his face.

By this stage they had reached the new flood line. Now there was only twenty yards of water to reach where the bridge should be, but Elizabeth spotted wooden boards stuck in a tree downstream and suspected they had been ripped from the bridge.

“I imagine by tomorrow morning the water should have exposed the bridge,” said Mr Darcy.

“Yes, if it is still there,“ said she, nodding towards the tree.

“I'm going to head inside and get cleaned up. I'm looking forward to a warm bath. I'm still a little sore,“ said Mr Darcy.

“I'll follow soon. I just want to spend a little while longer out here.”

“Don't try to swim home, “ joked Mr Darcy, eliciting a smile from Elizabeth.

“I'm not that foolish. I'll be in soon.“ She watched as Mr Darcy turned and walked back. She didn't realise that she watched him walk all the way back. There was something about the man that drew her to him, and not just the fact he was extremely attractive. She had enjoyed her day, but not because she felt useful in helping, but for the fact she had spent it in his company. She felt a thrill when their eyes met. She treasured every word exchanged. Was this love?

She looked over the murky floodwater. She needed to be away to think over her feelings. Her mind was clouded when he was near, yet she did not want to leave him.

A cold wind blew and she shivered. She turned and returned to the house.

Chapter 20

Caroline had eventually left her room. She had given up trying to hide any of her bandages. The turban put too much pressure and hurt too much when placed over her head and gloves would not fit on her hands with the bandages. She had taken the one on her right hand off, but then the gloves irritated her scabs.

She had wandered the house with Louisa. She could not hold utensils with either hand, but she could feed herself toast or pieces of fruit with her right hand. Neither hand could turn or hold the pages of a book or play the piano. So, she wandered about the house with Louisa. She spoke with the housekeeper about the day's meals and work. Jane spent some time with them whilst the children ate and had their afternoon nap. She would have walked outside of it weren't so muddy. Then in the afternoon she spent it listening to Louisa play the piano.

She knew she looked terrible. When Mr Hurst saw her, his response was “Those look damned awful. Should you be here or should you rather be resting?”

She had determined to return to her room as soon as the men returned. However, she didn't hear her brother enter, as he came through the servants entrance and asked for servants there to organise his bath, before heading straight to his room. So Caroline was surprised as she walked into the hallway to find Mr Darcy entering, looking the most dirty that she had ever seen him. He looked surprised to see her but still bowed politely. “Miss Bingley, how are you today? It’s good to see you up and about. I trust you’re starting to feel better?”

She waved airily before realising she had bandages around her hands, and she clapped them to the sides of her body so that they weren't so obvious. “I'm feeling much better, thank you, Mr Darcy. It is quite dreary being stuck in one room feeling fine but injured. It has been many days since I last saw you and I haven't been able to thank you for saving my life. If not for you, who knows what may have happened?”

“It was nothing, I assure, Madam,” he said, brushing off the thanks.

“Of course, it is so like you to not want to be acknowledged as the hero that you are.”

He merely nodded, uncomfortable.

“I do hope you haven't been disturbed by the extra house guests here. I don't know what possessed my brother, but he has opened up the house to anyone,“ said Caroline, clearly annoyed but apologetic.

“Not at all. In fact, I suggested that he should volunteer to house the tenants that had damaged homes.”

“You aren't serious?” asked Caroline in disbelief.

“Why would I not be? If I'm expecting tenants to pay rent, then it's my responsibility they have a roof to sleep under. But then, you did not grow up on an estate. It is then reasonable you wouldn't know the responsibilities involved with looking after an estate. Excuse me, I'm filthy from today's work, I'm keen for a bath.” Mr Darcy then left without a backward look.

Though Mr Darcy had said the last matter-of-factly and with no malice, Caroline felt as though she had been slapped. Reading between the lines, he had basically said that as she was not the daughter of a gentleman, she didn't understand the responsibilities of managing an estate. But further to that was the fact that the Bennet girls were the daughters of a gentleman, and hence would know.

Further to that, she could no longer delude herself with any hope of a proposal from Mr Darcy. It was clear from all he said, to the tone of his voice, that he felt absolutely nothing for her. He had barely noticed her bandages- there was nothing he said that went beyond common curtsey.
Tears welled up and she sniffed. She decided to retire to her room and that is where she spent the rest of her night and the next day.

Chapter 21

Elizabeth lay in bed thinking over her day and in particular, the last hour. Jane, Louisa and Mr Bingley had kept up most of the dinner conversation. She had been content to listen and contemplate, weary from the day's activities. She suspected the same applied to Mr Darcy.
They had not visited Caroline after dinner, as Louisa said she was already asleep. So Mr and Mrs Hurst played cards with Mr Bingley and Jane. She and Mr Darcy both took up books and read, however she could not concentrate on the story as she was too amused by discreetly watching the game and occasionally Mr Darcy. Mr Hurst would have had an easy game, as Mr Bingley was too busy looking at or talking to Jane than to concentrate on his card game. Louisa however was not much of a player, as she had taken a card from her husband's book - in the hope of passing out and not waking up when the baby started to cry, and had had an additional two glasses of wine, which made her quite giggly.

Elizabeth had noted Mr Darcy’s discrete attempts to hide a yawn. This made her yawn. “Sorry all, I find myself quite weary. I think I'll retire for the night.”

Mr Darcy said he would do the same, and after bidding all a good night, they left together. He offered her his arm, which she shyly took. But then when they went to part at the top of the stairs, before letting go of her arm, he had taken her hand and bestowed a kiss on it. Now all she could think of was the meaning behind that kiss. Was it merely a gentlemanly gesture, or was there more behind it? It took Elizabeth a long time to fall into a dreamless sleep.

The next morning she rose, keen to walk outside. She hoped that Mr Darcy would also be thinking the same thing, then berated herself for her foolishness.

It just so happened that Mr Darcy had already been waiting for her to appear, pretending to read in the front parlor as he listened for the sound of Elizabeth descending the stairs. Many a time he had risen to only find that it was a servant moving about, but finally his patience was rewarded.

She felt her heart thumping hard in her chest, and she could not hide her smile in pleasure to see him at the door. “Good morning, Mr Darcy. Are you fully recovered?”

“Nearly. Provided I don't touch my bruises or sores, I'm not pained by them. It no longer hurts to move.”

“I'm glad to hear it,“ said she as they walked out the door.

Neither needed to say anything, they both knew what direction they were going on and set off. They spoke easily and he wondered whether she was starting to feel anything more than friendship for him.

As they approached the place the bridge should be, Elizabeth dropped Mr Darcy’s arm and walked ahead. Where there was once a bridge spanning a five-foot-wide stream, there was one broken post, gaping holes and a ten-foot-wide muddy stream. Mr Darcy could not miss the look of dismay on Elizabeth’s face. “The bridge is gone.”

“Who in Meryton usually does the major building works?”

“We have one builder who runs all the building works and carpenters, along with one mason and his apprentices. But this one bridge could hardly be the worst of the damage that has happened. They would all be run off their feet.”

“You know you are welcome here for as long as it takes. You make a welcome addition to our company.”

“I'm certain you didn't think that when I first arrived.”

He halted and considered his next words carefully. She was right that he didn't want either of them there to begin with – that was when he was still trying to fight his attraction to her. But this was not the time to admit it, not yet.

“As you have admitted that you were wrong about me, let me say that I was hasty in my initial judgements on you and your sister, and that your company has been a boon to us, especially through this atrocious weather. I mean, I owe you a debt of gratitude for the service your provided to me when that tree fell.”

Elizabeth, embarrassed, turned the conversation. “About half a mile away, there is a foot bridge between the tenant fields of Longbourn and Netherfield. I wonder if it survived?” said she, and without asking Mr Darcy, started walking along the boggy goat track that ran next to the stream.

He admired her form before following after her. “You walk a lot, don't you?”

“I think we have already established that.”

A tree has fallen across the path. Without a second thought she leaped onto the tree trunk and looked back. Mr Darcy had thought to help her up, but she was far too quick. Any other London or society lady would have expected him to help her, but she was far too independent. She looked back at him, an eyebrow upraised in challenge. “Are you coming, Mr Darcy?” And without waiting for an answer, jumped down on the other side. She would not make it easy for him to court her, but he was up for this chase.

“Of course,“ said he. In his head he thought ‘I would follow you anywhere.’

Chapter 22

Meanwhile, Mr Bingley waited at the breakfast table for Jane to come down, stirring his coffee. He thought about the previous night.

Soon after Mr Darcy and Elizabeth retired, Mr Hurst, for once more sober than his wife, decided to take Louisa to bed. Jane had risen to go to bed as well. Mr Bingley stayed there, staring into the fire thinking about Jane. As if his thoughts had conjured her back, she returned, stating that she had left her embroidery in the room. They had started a conversation, then she had sat back down, and the next thing they knew the clock was striking midnight.

He had walked her to her room and bid her goodnight. And then he had stood there, undecided between his strong desire to kiss her or to ask her to marry him. Without paying attention, she had bid him goodnight and had entered her room, whilst he stood there like a simpleton staring at her.

He stirred his coffee. She would not have stayed so long with him if she was not favorably inclined towards him. Yes, he would find some time today and ask her to marry him.

Jane came down then and his smile beamed at her. They exchanged pleasantries and he was about to ask her to join him for a walk after breakfast when Elizabeth and Mr Darcy entered the breakfast parlor.

“Good morning Mr Bingley, Jane.”

“Good morning,“ they both simultaneously answered, looked at each other and smiled. “Have you been for a walk? How does it look outside?” asked Mr Bingley.

“The good news is the flood is now gone,“ said Elizabeth, going to get herself a plate for breakfast from the sideboard. She did not miss the look of disappointment on Mr Bingley’s face.

“The bad news is that the bridge has been washed away,“ stated Mr Darcy.

Mr Bingley’s looked delighted by the news. “Oh, that's terrible. It looks like you two ladies will need to stay with us a little while longer.”

Mr Darcy started helping himself to some breakfast. “You'll need to talk to the steward about a time frame for the bridge being rebuilt.”

So Mr Bingley finished his breakfast and went to talk with the steward. It took much longer than expected before the steward said he would ride into town to see about organising repairs. He returned to the house to search for Jane finding her in the library. He was just about to ask her to join him for a walk when Louisa interrupted them, as she had finally risen and drunk a coffee for breakfast. She dragged Jane and Elizabeth off to spend the morning with Caroline.

He saw her next at lunch. He politely enquired into how Caroline was.

“She is improving. She was able to hold a spoon and fork in her right hand,“ replied Louisa.

“She seems rather out of spirits, though that shouldn't be surprising,” said Jane. “Being stuck in her own rooms must be wearing her down. I think she must have exhausted herself too much too soon yesterday-she was out of her room all day.”

After lunch, Mr Bingley proposed a walk outside, looking directly at Jane. Louisa considered this an invite for her as well and was joined by Mr Darcy and Elizabeth as well. Just as they had all walked outside, Mr Grimly the steward returned. “Mr Bingley, Mr Bennet would like a word with you and his daughters.”

Elizabeth looked around. “Is he here?”

“He is waiting on the other side of the stream.”

With that and without waiting for the others, Jane and Elizabeth set off at a hurried pace to see their father. They could soon see the figure of their father anxiously awaiting them. He stood next to another man dressed in working clothes.

“Papa, how goes everyone at home?” called Elizabeth.

Mr Bennet looked relieved when he saw his daughters approach. “Jane, Elizabeth, it is so good to see you. Everyone at home is fine but be thankful that you are not there. We have two dozen soldiers crammed in every spare space at Longbourn after their camp site was flooded and whilst it is still a quagmire. I can only hope my cousin had some sense and doesn't come to visit as he said he would. Jane, how are you?”

“All recovered,” said she with a smile. “They have looked after us very well.”

Mr Bingley, Mr Darcy and Mr Grimly all approached now and greeted Mr Bennet, who then turned and introduced the other man as Mr Burns, the builder.

“So how long to get this bridge fixed?” asked Mr Bingley.

“Well, with all damage from the storm and the flood, Sir William has set up a reconstruction committee. The board is made of Sir William, myself, Mr Goulding and Mr Philips. As we own most of the damage and are paying for the repair work, we are prioritising all rebuilding tasks. All jobs come to us for prioritising and then we task the builders.”

“How is the work being prioritised?” asked Mr Darcy.

“Whether the damage presents a safety hazard or prevents people from living in their house. Second priorities are damages that prevent access and it is the only access point. Third is moderate damage to homes that prevents the use of a room or barn for livestock. Fourth are problems less significant or aesthetic problems. This would be a second priority.”

“How long is the work list,” asked Mr Darcy.

“Long, but we are getting through work quite rapidly. Every able-bodied man is helping, and we have an entire militia here with nothing else to do except cause trouble.”

Mr Burns had been taking down notes on his notepad. “Rebuilding this will take a full day after we've got all the materials. I'll give you a costing and the Bill of Materials later this afternoon once we return to Sir Williams.”

“So when would you be able to start work?” asked Mr Bingley eagerly.

“I will need to put it on the priority list.”

“You needn't worry about your daughters. They can stay here as long as need be,” said Mr Bingley.

Mr Bennet eyes gleamed and he smiled wryly. “Ah, I see how it is, Mr Bingley. Do you hold my daughters hostage until your bridge has been repaired?”

Mr Bingley spluttered, but Mr Darcy saw the humour in the statement. “Quite so, a bridge in return for your daughters. Either we can all leave with dignity or none of us will.”

Mr Bennet appraised this man he had originally thought as being proud and overly serious. He did not miss Elizabeth hiding a laugh behind her hand and her exchanging a look with Mr Darcy. Things had clearly changed there. He also did not miss the nervous look Mr Bingley kept casting at his eldest daughter. Clearly nothing had happened there yet, but it would not be long. He seemed most anxious to not have the bridge rebuilt.

“Hah, very well then, your bridge will be rebuilt in three days. I certainly can’t have them return yet as their rooms have been commandeered by some homeless officers. Lieutenants Chamberlain and Carter are currently residing in your respective rooms. Now gentlemen, run along. I’d like to continue talking with my daughters.”

The girls updated him on the news from Netherfield and he gave them a complete account of the storm damage, the hosting of soldiers and homeless tenants and their mother's nerves. “I must admit I’ve been quite impressed by Kitty. Your mother retreated to her room. As there was no Jane or Lizzy to look after things, Mary thought she would take over but found herself to be quite indecisive on rather simple decisions. Kitty swept in and made the calls that needed to be made. I even went so far as to praise her.”

Elizabeth and Jane both smiled at this. “I’m certain she would have been well pleased with the praise and that you noticed her efforts,” said Jane.

“Yes, she seemed to be. Your mother certainly didn’t notice. Shows that Kitty has paid more attention to what you two do than I first thought.”

“More praise of her when she is being sensible and encouragement that way will go a long to improving her disposition,” commented Elizabeth.

“What was it that you mentioned earlier about a cousin that was supposed to visit?” asked Jane.

“Oh yes, my cousin Mr Collins, my heir, was meant to arrive two days ago. I can only presume he made the sensible decision to postpone it, though the letter I’ve received from him makes me question that. He certainly can’t come now and has nowhere to stay.”

“Have you received no post informing of the delay?” asked Jane.

“We can’t. The bridge to London has been washed away. The mail couch can’t come through. Well, I guess I should not keep you from your friends. Do you have any messages for your mother?”

“Tell her we love and miss her, and our sisters too. We’ll see you soon, Papa,” said Jane, turning away to walk back towards Netherfield.

“Yes, and you can confirm there is no news of interest,” said Elizabeth with a significant look at Jane’s back. “Mr Bingley has yet to propose to Jane, as I know that that is what Mama wants to know. Though I don’t think it will be long now.”

“Your opinion of Mr Darcy seems to have improved. You appear on friendly terms with him,” said Mr Bennet, trying to make it sound off-handed.

Elizabeth paused before responding. “My initial assessment of him was hasty, and all my further interactions were prejudiced to confirm my initial bias…..I’ve gotten to know him better and have found that his mask of reserve covers shyness and a high level of introversion. I’ve found him to be very pleasant. He is intelligent with sound principles. His humour is not unlike yours. You would like him.”

A lump formed in Mr Bennet’s throat. “Very well then, you should return to your friends and stop talking with an old man like me. I should return to Lucas Lodge.”

Elizabeth nodded, turned and walked away. Mr Bennet turned with a heavy heart. Never had four words struck him with so much terror. He knew when she said ‘you would like him’ really meant that she liked him. Her heart was clearly lost, even if she had not acknowledged it to herself. He hoped that Mr Darcy was worthy of her.

Mr Burns was finalising some notes and measurements in his notebook. Mr Burns nodded to Mr Bennet, and they both mounted their horses and rode away.

Chapter 23

Mr Bingley’s frustration continued. When Jane did rejoin him for a walk, Louisa stuck with them for the entire time. Then she dragged Jane and Elizabeth to the music room and then to see Caroline, who’s mood had not improved, as was reported at dinner.

“I think she was quite struck by the magnitude of the damage, especially when she heard the bridge on the road to London was damaged and they aren’t certain when it will be repaired,” commented Jane.

Though he could talk with her after dinner, he could get no time alone. The next day was no better. He met her at breakfast and was about to propose a walk outside after breakfast when Mr Darcy proposed they go for a ride and exercise their horses. He did not feel like he could refuse this in front of all the others, but berated his friend privately once they were far from Netherfield.

“Sorry, I did not know you had to decided to propose now. Are you certain of her feelings?” asked Mr Darcy.

“Yes, I’m certain she has feelings for me. I can see it in her eyes and hear it in her voice. Can I get you to help me to find some time alone with her?”

“I’ll see what I can do, but I have noticed that Louisa is most attentive towards both the Bennet sisters.”

They returned to find that Caroline had been up and about in their absence but had retired to her rooms to have her midday meal. Mr Bingley asked if anyone wanted a turn about the garden after lunch, to find Louisa agreeing to it. So after lunch he set off with both Jane and Louisa, with Elizabeth and Mr Darcy trailing behind. Mr Darcy walked slowly, and even called to Louisa with a question regarding the name of the last opera they had seen in town.

Louisa, turned back to answer, but was immediately made suspicious, and made certain to keep the two groups together. She flitted between both, with Mr Bingley trying to hurry Jane along, and Mr Darcy turning Elizabeth onto other paths, but Louisa kept going between and directing each pairs attention back to the other.

Elizabeth, who had a suspicion as to what was going on, found the entire situation comical. Both men looked frustrated. After a sufficient amount of time outside, Louisa went and linked arms with Jane and practically dragged her towards the house. “That wind is turning. We can’t have you getting a cold again.” Then she came along the path with Mr Darcy and Elizabeth. “Elizabeth, would you like to join me in the music room. We must practice our duet and then we can perform it tonight.” With no polite way out, she bid Mr Darcy a farewell and left.

Mr Bingley was yet again given no time alone with Jane and the evening went the same way as the previous night, with the only change being that Caroline finally came down to join them after dinner. Her right hand was no longer bandaged, with the faint hint of bruises still on it and her palm with scabs that were healing well. Her left hand was bandaged. She wore a turban which hid the bruise on her head.

“It will still be a good week before I can try and play again. But I can sing.” Louisa offered to play to allow Caroline to sing, followed by Louisa and Elizabeth’s duet. The evening was spent in such a manner. What was most marked was Caroline’s lack of attention to Mr Darcy. She said no more than was politely required of her to him and she assiduously avoided looking at him. Mr Darcy felt relieved that somehow she had finally taken the hint, and Elizabeth was curious as to what had caused the change in Caroline.

The next was much the same. Charles was first down to breakfast, nervously awaiting Jane. Jane joined him but all too soon, Mr Darcy and Elizabeth came in from their morning walk.

“Miss Bennet, would you care to take a turn about the garden this morning after breakfast.”

Jane agreed that would be lovely. Mr Bingley extended the invite to Mr Darcy, who said that he would write some letters to be delivered to Pemberley. Even though the south road was closed, there was no word that the roads north had suffered the same fate, and he theorised that he should be able to get letters through and assure his sister of his safety. Elizabeth equally declined the offer in favour of reading, as she had already had her morning exercise. The look of relief on Mr Bingley’s face was palpable.

Mr Bingley waited nervously for Jane to come down from getting her coat and gloves. He offered his arm as they exited the house and walked down the front stairs.

As they started walking, he realised he had been so busy trying to get her alone, he had not thought one jot about what he was going to say. Nervously he started. “Do you like Netherfield?”

“Yes, it's the finest house in the neighborhood.”

“Yes, I thought it quite fine when I came to look at it.” Awkward pause. “The view is very good and I thought all the rooms of good proportion. Caroline pointed out all the wallpaper and curtains were outdated.”

“That is to be expected in a house that hasn't been occupied for the last six years, and longer still when the owners last redecorated.”

“Yes, Caroline wanted all new curtains and wallpaper, but I held off.” Mr Bingley babbled for a while about the alterations that were and weren't made, before realising it wasn't a useful way of getting to a proposal. As they were far enough away from the house, he stopped. “I very much like the neighbourhood. I was thinking I would remain here. Would you want me to stay?” he asked hopefully, hoping it would give him the encouragement to proceed.

“Of course, Mr Bingley. Everyone in the neighborhood enjoys your company.”

“Yes, but I was hoping, more in particular, that you rather enjoyed my company. I hope I haven't read your face wrong. Darcy said he wasn't certain and that he couldn't tell whether you cared or not...”

Jane interrupted him with a hopeful smile, hoping that this was the long-awaited proposal. “Yes, Mr Bingley, I enjoy your company very much. In fact, your company is the one I enjoy most.” She felt very daring admitting this, blushing profusely, as she had never been so open with a man before with regard to her feelings.

“When I first saw you, I thought you an angel. Then as I got to know you, I found you actually were. I've never met anyone as kind and sweet as you. Dear Jane...”

“Ah, there you are Charles. I thought I saw you walking out here.” They turned to find Caroline coming towards them.

Authour's note: I realise I missed a real chance and should have called the story 'November Rain' in honour of my favourite Guns N Roses song. Ah well, I'll find a way to sneak it in - still a few more days of November left in this story.

Chapter 24

For the first time in well over a decade, Jane felt exasperated and for a moment, it showed on her face as a narrowing in her eyes and a slightly open mouth, before her calm demeanour overtook her features.

Charles didn't hide his displeasure. “What are you doing up so early? It’s before eight.”

“I’ve done little else besides sleep and rest in my room for days. I simply cannot sleep any longer. I've already had breakfast and am ready to face the day.” Her attention wandered to all the damage done to the garden and the felled trees and messy paths. “You should tell the gardeners to come and fix this up. It's an absolute mess out here.”

Through gritted teeth, Mr Bingley replied. “Have you failed to notice the fact that there was a massive storm? The gardeners are busy restoring roofs and rebuilding houses. Fixing the garden is low on their list of priorities.”

Caroline chattered on about something. Mr Bingley completely ignored her as he cursed himself for not getting to the point sooner. But he had not been incorrect about Jane’s feelings. Next time he will ask her quickly. He exchanged a rueful smile with Jane, who returned it whilst politely nodding at whatever Caroline said.

“Charles, are you listening to me? I swear you haven't heard a word I said.“

Jane answered for him. “I would not be surprised if it snowed soon. December is only a week away. The temperature has certainly cooled enough in the last two days.”

Caroline stuck with them and Charles could think of no way to send her away.

They returned to the house where Caroline spirited Jane away with her. Mr Darcy was descending the stairs as the ladies disappeared from sight. Mr Darcy studied Charles and noted how Charles ran his hand through his hair with frustration. “I have some mail to post. Do you feel like a ride into Meryton? Crossing the stream now shouldn't be an issue for our horses.”

“Yes, that sounds good.”

It wasn't long before they were on their horses and crossing the stream that was now at its normal level.

“What happened?” asked Darcy.

“Caroline interrupted us. I never got the chance to ask.”

“She has a unique ability for being where she is not wanted.”

“I'm certain she and Louisa are deliberately trying to keep us separated.”

“Do remember Miss Bennet is their guest, not yours.”

“Can you help me to separate her from my sisters?”

“Miss Bennet rides, does she not?”

“Yes, she came here by horse.”

“Then ask her to ride with you tomorrow morning, before breakfast. Hopefully that is too early for either of your sisters.”

Meanwhile, Jane kept turning the conversation over and over in her head. Caroline and Louisa had to continuously repeat their questions, with Caroline quipping that it seemed like Jane had gone deaf (fortunately Jane did not hear that comment, though Elizabeth did).

Elizabeth was burning with curiosity as to what had happened, but guessed it wasn't a proposal as Jane did not seem happy. It wasn't till after lunch that Elizabeth was able to get Jane alone and ask.

“I think he was about to propose...”

“Why? What did he say? Did he get nervous or cold feet? Tell me everything.”

Jane described every word and every look and then the interruption.

“Oh what terrible timing. But I do agree, he was clearly leading into a proposal, else why say any of it? Now that he had started, he won't stop trying. Hopefully he is quicker next time.”

“Lizzy, can I ask a favour of you?”

“Yes, I will do whatever I can to orchestrate you having some time alone with Mr Bingley. Even if that means spending time with Caroline.”

Jane grabbed her hand and smiled gratefully at her little sister.

The ladies all retired to the music room. It was not long before the men came to ‘listen to the music’, and the comedy began. Charles sat next to Jane. But as only Louisa and Elizabeth could play, Caroline sat with Jane and prevented any private conversation.

Mr Darcy swallowed his pride and moved himself to sit next to Caroline and attempted to distract her attention. Mr Darcy received a raised eyebrow from Elizabeth, and his rueful return smile let her know that he was aware and assisting Mr Bingley. But for the first time ever, Caroline ignored Mr Darcy, returning monosyllabic answers to any questions. Her focus remained on Jane and Mr Bingley.

After forty minutes or so, Mr Bingley looked out the window and proposed a turn around the garden. “The weather looks so good and who knows how long the weather will continue to hold.”

Jane confirmed that she would join him. “What a good idea. I could do with a turn,” agreed Caroline eagerly.

Mr Darcy then felt that he had to join them to distract Caroline. Elizabeth thought Mr Darcy might need support in his efforts, which was followed by Louisa declaring herself tired of playing. Caroline and Louisa escorted the Bennet sisters to their rooms to collect their coats and gloves and were waiting for them when they left their rooms.

Once outside, when Charles offered his arm to Jane, Caroline went and took her brother’s other arm. Mr Darcy had no other choice but to offer his arm to both Elizabeth and Louisa. They started talking of music.

“What was the piece that Miss Bingley played the other night? Her playing was exquisite,” commented Elizabeth.

“It was Mozart’s latest piano concerto,” replied Louisa, pleased with the compliment from Elizabeth for her sister.

“Mr Darcy, did you say that your sister plays? Has she had a chance to try that piece yet?”

“I'm uncertain. I do not believe I have heard her play that piece yet and I don't think I have bought that music for her, but I do not keep close track of what music she is practising at any moment.”

“Perhaps Miss Bingley might help her with pointers on that piece?” said Elizabeth with a raised eyebrow.

Silently Mr Darcy sighed at the hint. He disengaged from both ladies and hurried to catch up with Mr Bingley and the other ladies. “Miss Bingley, what was that piece that you played last? Your playing of the piece was incredibly moving. I think my sister would like to try that piece.”

Miss Bingley immediately dropped Charles arm and took Mr Darcy’s and happily started talking about music. At the back of her mind, she wondered at the change. Had he tired off Miss Eliza? Or had her absence the other day and her lack of attention to him now made him more attentive to her? Had he realised what he was missing? She decided to be her engaging best.

Mr Bingley looked gratefully at Mr Darcy. He then looked to Louisa, who was in a deep conversation with Miss Elizabeth. However, both Mr Darcy and Miss Elizabeth would glance occasionally in his direction and he was feeling too nervous and afraid of interruption. He looked at Jane. “Do you like to ride, Miss Benet? You came here on horseback.”

“Yes, I do enjoy riding, though our horse, Nellie, she is the same horse I've had since I was thirteen and she is not quite as energetic as she once was, so I do not ride her as much as I once did.”

“We have many horses here and there are a couple of mares that I think would be quite suitable. I got them for Louisa and Caroline to use and neither have been ridden much at all. I think I've seen them both on the horses once since we've been here.”

“I would like that,“ replied Jane with a small smile.

“How would you like to go riding tomorrow morning, before breakfast? Just the two of us?” he asked nervously.

Jane understood the hint as his eyes shifted nervously to the others who were nearby. “I would like that very much.”

It was good that he had secured the private interview, as Caroline dragged Mr Darcy to them shortly after.

They had no time alone after that. At dinner, Caroline placed Jane next to her and near Mr Darcy, whilst placing Elizabeth next to Mr Bingley. After dinner there was also no chance for private conversation as Mr Hurst was keen for cards and Jane was convinced to play. Neither felt disappointed, as the next day held such promise.

Before retiring, Caroline went to Louisa’s room. “I was about to give up on Mr Darcy ever paying any attention to me, but did you see how he approached me when we walked outside? I thought he was infatuated with that Eliza. Maybe he has now seen how unsuitable she is for his attentions and returns to pay them in a more proper direction.”

“I did see that. I think Lizzy may have helped you along there. She was admiring your playing the other night and was inquiring the name of the piece and she prompted Mr Darcy as to whether his sister would wish to play it. That is what must have prompted him.”

Caroline frowned at that piece of news. “I'll be sure to thank Eliza tomorrow,” she said sarcastically. “As long as Mr Darcy’s attention remains on me.”

“I’m certain he remembers his responsibility to marry well. He's resisted the attempts of many others. I'm more concerned about Charles. His attentions to Jane seem more serious than we have previously seen. I fear he might be thinking of actually proposing to Jane.”

Caroline waved the thought away dismissively. “He's always been turned by a pretty girl and just as quickly forgotten. He will bore of her soon enough. He'll find another ‘angel’ to chase after when we return to London and Jane will be just like the others.“

“Still, he is spending all the time he can get alone with her. And with the roads a mess and the bridge washed away, we don't know when we can return to London. We can't even leave Netherfield, for goodness sake! The longer they spend together, the higher everyone's expectation will be that they marry. I’m more worried that with the Bennet’s long stay here, one of the servants will start to gossip or start a rumour, and Charles will be forced to offer for her.“

Caroline contemplated that. The thought of Mrs Bennet being a relative made her shudder. She thought about what she interrupted that morning. Charles had looked mighty cross. “We should talk with Mr Darcy and have him help us discourage Charles.”

“I fear he will be of little help. He has spent more time alone with Elizabeth than Charles has with Jane.”

“Then it would be best that we make sure that the men don't spend any time alone with the Bennet sisters until they leave.”

“I've been trying to do that whilst you have been convalescing,” snapped Louisa. “It hasn't always been effective as I can only cover one at a time unless I have them both together.”

“Thank goodness that they will only be here for another two days.”

Chapter 25

Mr Bingley paced nervously at the front door, waiting for Jane to come down. Any moment he almost expected Louisa or Caroline to appear from behind a door. At last he saw her in her riding habit, smiling at him. He returned the smile and opened the door for her.

They walked quickly to the stables, both wanting to be on a horse and alone with no fear of interruption. Mr Bingley talked nervously as they walked. A groom already had two horses ready and as soon as he saw them approaching, went inside to lead the horses out. Jane had a beautiful roan mare with a white diamond on her nose. Jane went and gave the horse a pat. “She's just beautiful.”

Mr Bingley came and bent down so that he could lift her onto the horse. Jane put her right foot into his hand, and he boosted her up. As she positioned herself in the saddle, his hand naturally lingered on her lower leg. The warmth of the touch spread through her, and her eyes locked with Mr Bingley’s. He remembered himself and quickly went to mount his own horse. They trotted out of the stable yard and went behind Netherfield, moving quickly into the woods.

Mr Bingley admired Jane's figure and seat. She clearly was an experienced rider, handling her horse with ease and sat well upon the horse. Once he felt they were far enough from the house to avoid any potential interruption, he slowed his horse down to a trot.

“Now that we are alone, I will ask what I had wanted to ask you yesterday before we were interrupted, and I'll do it quickly before my sisters can conjure up a bear or wolf to interrupt me.”

“I'm certain they weren't deliberately trying to interrupt us.”

“I'm not chancing it. Dearest Jane, you are the sweetest, kindest and most beautiful woman I've ever met. When I'm not with you, all I can think of is you and when I can see you again. These last days here at Netherfield have been the happiest of my life and I can no longer imagine a life without you in it. I won't lie, I was delighted to hear that the bridge was washed away and that you would have to stay here longer. I dread your return home. Jane, marry me so that we can never be parted again.”

Tears welled in Jane’s eyes to hear such beautiful words. “Yes, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to become your wife.”

With that Mr Bingley brought his horse to a stop next to hers and he leaned over to give her a kiss. Jane went to close her eyes and then felt her own horse move away and Mr Bingley only just caught himself before he leaned too far and fell. He dismounted and stood before her.
Jane slid out of her saddle, and he caught her about the waist. He brought her close to him. Her eyes met his and the fire she had been hiding inside took hold of her. Her proximity to him, something which he had only dreamed of and not experienced before lit his desire. She wrapped her arms around his neck. Their mouths met once, then twice, then again before they broke away for air.

His hands came and cupped her face. “I can't believe this is real. We are engaged.”

“Oh Mr Bingley, I've never felt so happy!”

“Charles, you must call me Charles,” said he, grinning widely.

“Charles,” said Jane shyly.

That just caused him to kiss her again. Sometime later they broke away for air. “That’s the first time I've been kissed. I quite like it,” said Jane shyly.

“Really? None of the local boys have kissed you?”

Jane shook her head. “There was one who tried when I was sixteen, but Lizzy had seen him kissing one of the tenants’ daughters the week earlier, so she came up behind him and kicked him.”

They both started to walk, holding hands and with their other hand they held their respective mount. “Talking about your sister, have you noticed how much time she spends with my friend Darcy?”

“Yes, she seems to have changed her opinion of him and now likes him.”

“I've never seen him pay so much attention to any lady besides his sister. I think him quite taken with your sister.”

“Wouldn't that be marvellous!” exclaimed Jane. “Lizzy and I always dreamed of having a double wedding. But do you think he will propose?”

“I don't think he would spend this much time with her if he didn't. I'm certain he is walking with her right now.”

They walked, they stopped to kiss and eventually went back to riding. They rode to where the workmen and soldiers had gathered to start rebuilding the bridge then returned to Netherfield.

They entered the breakfast parlour to find Elizabeth and Mr Darcy in a spirited conversation over the advantages of marmalade over strawberry jam. They both looked up at the same time and saw Mr Bingley’s silly grin and the look of pure happiness on Jane’s face. “Well?” they both asked at the exact same time.

Jane just nodded and Mr Bingley confirmed it simply by taking Jane’s hand and bringing it up to his mouth for a kiss. “When Jane returns to Longbourn, I will go with her and ask her father for his consent.”

It was agreed by all to keep it quiet until Mr Bennet had provided his consent.

When Caroline and Louisa entered ten minutes later, it was to find the others happily eating their breakfast and talking quietly with each other. “How is one to sleep with all that racket going on?” complained Caroline.

“We've all been up for over an hour, Caroline,” replied Mr Bingley. “The sooner the men start, the sooner or bridge is fixed and we can venture forth from here, and the Miss Bennets can return to their home.”

Elizabeth noticed Caroline had frowned on knowing they had all been up for so long. She suspected the sisters of trying to keep them separated from being alone from the men. “Yes, Mr Darcy and I have already had a walk.”

“And Miss Bennet and I had a lovely ride. You really should take to waking earlier. You miss so much of the day,” said Charles. Elizabeth noticed Caroline’s scowl and Louisa’s frown and her suspicions were confirmed. They both hid their expressions quickly.

The Bingley sisters spent the rest of the day with the Bennet sisters. They read, they embroidered, played charades, played piano and went for many walks during the day to observe progress on the bridge. Louisa in particular enjoyed observing the workmen, who had all removed their coats, as they carried heavy planks of wood and secured them into place. By the afternoon, when observed by Louisa, one winked at her, causing her to blush and turn away.

By the end of the afternoon, as the sun approached the horizon, everyone was watching the final work for the new bridge being completed, followed by a strength test as they rode their cart back and forth over the bridge. In the morning, Jane and Elizabeth could return home.

Chapter 26

As was their habit, Mr Darcy waited for Elizabeth to join him for a walk. She appeared at the top of the stairs and smiled at him. She had a warm coat and scarf, but he noticed she only had her thin lady’s gloves. When she came to him, he took her hands in his own. “You'll need something warmer than these; it's snowing outside.” He got the attention of a passing maid. “Can you find Miss Elizabeth some mittens?” She ducked a quick curtsy and disappeared.

Elizabeth still felt surprised at his thoughtfulness, though she reasoned that she should expect it. “The first snow for the season. Though the 26th of November is a little earlier than usual but not by much. I am keen to see it.”

His eyes burned into hers as they stood there waiting together. He still had not let go of her hands, and she blushed under his intense gaze. He only dropped her hands when the maid returned with some mittens.

Elizabeth quickly put them on and they walked out. Mr Darcy wanted to offer his arm but knew it to be pointless. She walked far too quickly for walking arm in arm. He had had to shed any fantasies he had of coming to her aid in walking – her balance was too good and her ankles too sturdy to stumble on anything so minor as a muddy path or fallen log. She was a stubbornly independent woman. It was ironic that that was what he had wished for from his female acquaintance in London, and now that he had found it, it was less than satisfying. But he did enjoy looking at her fine figure from behind.

“So what will you do for morning entertainment when I am gone? Will you continue with a morning walk?” asked Elizabeth pertly.

Mr Darcy smiled back at her. “My horse has been neglected. I will take to riding to make sure he gets his daily exercise and does not become too fat and lazy in Bingley’s stables. Perhaps you could recommend good riding trails?”

“Oakham Mount would be a pleasant ride, and it has the best view of the Meryton region. It lies between Longbourn and Netherfield.” Elizabeth changed their path and they turned to walk to their right. "I can point out the start of the trail.”

“Is it a favourite walk of yours?”

“Yes, I do enjoy wandering up there quite often.”

“May I perhaps see you on that path tomorrow morning?” he asked and held his breath. This was a planned assignation. She could not miss the meaning of it and her answer would either give him hope or crush him.

Elizabeth was slightly surprised by the request. Their morning walks had at first seemed like coincidence and then became an unspoken habit. When she had thought about leaving Netherfield, she had felt regret at losing his company in the morning but had considered this as inevitable. She had not thought that someone of his station would continue his attentions to her after she left. This now spoke to two options: either he was serious in pursuing her with the intention of marriage or his intentions were less honourable. She recognised the impropriety of meeting a single man alone, however, she had learnt to trust him. “Yes, provided the weather is favourable and we are not beset by another storm.”

His heart leapt with joy. “You would not be missed at Longbourn?”

Elizabeth laughed. “This morning will be more than enough to come up to speed with all I have missed. I am certain I will have had my fill by supper and will require my usual morning escape. In fact, staying at home could only cause suspicion!”

They walked chatting easily together. After a quarter hour Elizabeth pointed to another path ahead. “That is the track to Oakham Mount. After about two miles it joins the track coming from Longbourn. You can't miss the joining track. There are two massive stumps on either side of the track where the tracks merge.” At this point they turned and returned for breakfast at Netherfield.

Mr Darcy faced the morning with a smile on his face. Later in the morning after all had had their breakfast, they gathered outside as the Bennet sisters climbed into the carriage with Mr Bingley and departed Netherfield. Caroline and Louisa both warmly farewelled the sisters and expressed their wishes to see them again soon.

As the carriage rolled down the drive, Caroline turned. “How nice it is to have one’s house back to one's self.” Mr Hurst had already left the moment the carriage started to roll away, leaving only the three of them on the steps. Louisa turned as well.

Mr Darcy turned. Caroline came and snaked her arm through his. “Mr Darcy, there's something we would like to discuss with you.”

“Of what would you wish to speak of?” asked Mr Darcy warily.

“You must have noticed the attention that our brother has been paying Miss Bennet,” said Louisa.

“Yes,” said he non-committal.

“You know how he falls in and out of love. We are worried that he may be raising expectations in dear Jane, and we would not like to see her get hurt. Or even worse, the servants and neighbourhood may start to gossip, leading to a scandal that forces our brother to offer for her. Could you talk to Charles for us? We know he listens to your advice.”

“I already have cautioned your brother to think carefully about his actions towards Miss Bennet,” was as much as he was willing to say. “Excuse me.” He disengaged his arm and almost ran into the house and away from the Bingley sisters.

Chapter 27

Meanwhile it was a merry bunch that descended from the carriage at Longbourn. Elizabeth sighed happily as she took a look at her home, heartened to finally be back. With interest she studied the surrounds. Many of the evergreens had been stripped of their leaves, and the debris littered the ground around Longbourn, which hadn't been hidden by the light dusting of snow covering the ground. Other trees clearly had broken branches, but otherwise the house looked fine. She knew the main damage was behind the house.

All the family had gathered outside to greet them. Mrs Bennet raced to hug Jane first, then Elizabeth. “Oh it is so good to have all my dear girls back, and Jane back in good health. You look like you were well cared for at Netherfield. Mr Bingley, it was so good of you to see my girls get safely home.”

Mr Bingley nodded to Mrs Bennet. “Of course, though I was hoping to have a word alone with Mr Bennet.”

Mr Bennet indicated for Mr Bingley to follow him and they disappeared into the house. “Oh, a word alone.” Mrs Bennet looked at Jane. “Oh you sly girl. But I will say no more until your father returns.” But she winked at Jane, causing her to blush.

Lydia by this stage was impatient to share her news. “You missed out on all the excitement, though it's best you weren't here otherwise we wouldn't have had anywhere near as much fun. We had Lieutenant Carter and Chamberlain here in your rooms, and soldiers everywhere, but they returned yesterday. Apparently, their camp has dried enough for them to return. Oh, and did you hear, Miss Goulding’s father caught her and Lieutenant Sanderson in a compromising position, so they are now engaged to be married. They're getting married in three weeks...” Lydia carried on as they all went inside. Mrs Bennet also was eager to share all the gossip.

As Mrs Bennet ran out of gossip to share, Mr Bennet entered with Mr Bingley, who immediately went to Jane. Jane stood as Mr Bingley came to her, and he took her hands in his as they turned to face the room.

Mr Bennet cleared his throat. “Mrs Bennet, I have some good news. I have just given my blessing to Mr Bingley to marry Jane.”

“Oh, what good news! I knew Jane wasn't so beautiful for no reason.” Mrs Bennet fanned herself as she rose to hug the happy couple. Elizabeth, who had already congratulated them yesterday, stepped back.

Mr Bennet turned to leave but had some parting words. “Jane, I congratulate you, you will be a very happy woman.” Jane came to him and kissed his cheek and thanked him for his goodness. He bowed and left. When she saw her father retreat, Elizabeth followed him into his study.
“They will be happy. Their tempers are by no means unlike. They are each so complying, that nothing will ever be resolved on; so easy, that every servant will cheat them, and so generous, that they will always exceed their income.”

Elizabeth laughed at that. “You know Jane to be more sensible than that. She would be ashamed of exceeding her allowance. You know she would consider imprudence unpardonable. You have taught us too well for that.”

They sat down to play a game of chess and her father caught her up on the goings on in the neighbourhood and the progress with damage repairs, whilst Elizabeth gave a detailed account of Jane’s courtship and their stay at Netherfield.

It was at that point that there was a knock on the door, and Hill entered. “Pardon me sir, but there is a Constable Parker here to see you.”

Father and daughter looked at each other curiously. “Send him in.”

A tall, broad man of middle years entered. He bowed. “Pardon me sir, but I was hoping you could help me with a matter.” He looked at Elizabeth. “If I could have a minute alone with you sir?”

“Do you have anything that is that sensitive to ask that my daughter cannot stay?”

“It concerns a dead male we have found.”

Mr Bennet looked at Elizabeth as he asked Constable Parker the next question. “And did you bring the body here?”

“No sir, we were hoping you might be able to shed some light on his identity.”

Mr Bennet looked to Elizabeth. “Do you feel disturbed by talk of a dead man?”

Elizabeth lifted an eyebrow, too curious to know more and certain that she would remain in the study to find out. “No more disturbed than when I go past the graveyard.”

“There you have it; my daughter is fine with the talk of dead bodies. However, I’m uncertain how I can help you. To my knowledge all my tenants are accounted for and I know of no others that are missing.”

“We found a body washed down the river Colne. We presume he attempted to cross one of the flooded bridges and was washed downstream. Male, we think mid twenties, though his body is quite bloated and it is hard to tell. The only thing we could find to identify him was this letter in his coat pocket, and most of the ink was washed away. We could pick out a few words here and there.” From his own coat he withdrew a letter and smoothed it out on the desk in front of Mr Bennet. “All we could gather from the bottom was the name ‘Ben’ of ‘bourn, Hertfordshire’. We’ve been to the other Bennets of Fairborn, and the Bensons of Hattenbourn with no success. We were wondering if you were the one who wrote this letter and who it was to.”

Mr Bennet peered closely at the letter, studying it for several minutes, his brow furrowed. “Yes, I recognise a few words. I can confirm I wrote this letter to my cousin Mr Collins.”

“Would you be able to return with me to identify the body as being your cousin?”

Mr Bennet shook his head. “Alas, I cannot. I never saw the man in my life - he was meant to visit here. We’ve exchanged a total of three letters. One with the news of his father’s passing, the next was his proposal to visit here last week, and the last one was confirmation of the date and time of his arrival.”

“Do you know anyone who could identify him? Where did he live?”

“He was the parson of Hunsford Parsonage, in Kent. I believe his patroness is a Lady Catherine De Bourg of Rosings Park. I suggest you go there to find someone who can confirm that this man is my cousin.”

Mr Bennet wrote the details on a piece of paper and passed it to the constable who took his leave. Mr Bennet leaned back in his chair and tapped his fingers to his chin.

“What does this mean, father? This man was your heir. Is there another?”

“I will have to ask my brother Phillips to investigate. There would have been more heirs had my grandfather not disinherited his brothers, uncles and aunts. I believe there was only one aunt whom he did not disinherit – she may have male descendants.”

“And if not?”

“Then Jane is my heir. Elizabeth, it may be best to keep this quiet until the constable returns with the confirmation of my cousin’s death and Mr Phillips confirms the presence of any other heirs. There's no point in getting your mother excited yet.”

With that, they were called to lunch, to find that the Phillips’ and Lucas’ had arrived, and who were at that moment congratulating the happy couple. “Everyone in Meryton will know of their engagement before sunset,” commented Elizabeth to her father.

After lunch, Mr Bingley declined to stay further, and left to share the good news with his own family. Their reception of the news was...polite. Mr Darcy gave heartfelt congratulations whilst wondering how soon he could propose to his intended. Louisa’s well-wishers were warmer than Caroline’s, who managed a stiff ‘congratulations. I had not realised that you were so serious about Jane.’

Later Caroline found Mr Darcy alone in the library. “This is awful. You must convince my brother to drop his engagement.”

“Why?” asked Mr Darcy, not even bothering to look up from his book.

“Why? Because she has no connections or fortune and her family is terrible.”

“That may be so, but the engagement is announced and to break it now would reflect badly on your brother...and your whole family.”

“But you must use your influence on him to interfere.”

Now Mr Darcy lay the book on his lap and looked Caroline directly in the eye. “I will not interfere in this matter. Jane is a beautiful woman with a disposition that matches your brother. She will never embarrass you in London- nay, I expect she will do very well. I'm certain my Aunt, the Countess of Matlock, will like her greatly. And just as I wouldn't expect your brother to have any say in who I marry, I will give him the same courtesy.” He paused and quickly debated whether to say the next or not, but as marriage has been broached, he figured it best to subtly kill any hope she may have held. “The only people to have any say in who I marry are myself, the woman herself and her father.” With that he picked up his book and made a show of going back to read. He breathed a sigh of relief as he heard her spin on her heels and slam the door to the library.

Chapter 28

The next day, Elizabeth walked quietly with Jane, following behind Lydia and Kitty, who were eager to reach Meryton. Jane and Elizabeth were content to walk slowly behind, not saying much. Both had too much on their minds.

Yesterday, Elizabeth had caught herself multiply times thinking about Mr Darcy. She realised she’d gotten used to exchanging looks with him – she had gotten to know him so well that she could guess at what he was thinking with each particular look or upraised eyebrow or half smile. She thought of observations she would make to him, and wonder what his opinion would be, along with being thankful he wasn't there to see the behaviour of her mother and youngest sister.

The Lucas’s and Philips’s stayed longer after lunch than planned. It had started raining, and Mr Bennet had had to call for his carriage to take both families home. Elizabeth’s observation to Jane was that it would delay the spreading of the news of Jane’s engagement.

She thought back to her meeting with Mr Darcy that morning. She had been so eager to see him again and worried that he would not be there. Before she had loved and cherished her solitude in her walks, but now walking alone without him seemed lonely.

He had been waiting for her at the appointed spot, sitting on the Netherfield stump with his horse grazing nearby. He looked so handsome as his face lit up with a smile on seeing her. There was also that look in his eyes that made her heart flutter and her breath stop. He arose quickly from the stump and bowed. “Good morning, Miss..” he paused before continuing, “Elizabeth.”

She loved the way her name sounded when he said it. She gave him a bright smile. “I'm glad you found this spot. The story is that that stump you are sitting on was used to make the frame of Netherfield. And the one on the other side was used to make the frame for Longbourn.”

He gave her his arm and they walked together to the top of Oakham Mount. They spoke easily and she showed him the points of interest from the top, telling him the interesting historical stories of the region. She recollected when he would stand near her or just behind, that she could feel his presence and smell his scent. At times when she had turned to face him, to find him so close, she would wonder what it would be like to be kissed by him. By the way he looked at her, she thought he was thinking the same. But then she would curse herself as she would feel the impropriety of the situation and step or turn away.

He had asked to meet her again tomorrow, before kissing her hand as they parted. She felt sure that he intended to ask her to marry him tomorrow.

They approached the outskirts of Meryton, and Lizzy turned to Jane. “Let's see how effective the rumour mill has been and who has already found out about your engagement. Has our Aunt yet been out to spread the good news around?”

“With yesterday's downpour, she would not have gone out. And I suspect we have beaten her to getting out this morning.”

The attention of every lady was soon caught by a young man, whom they had never seen before, of most gentleman like appearance, walking with an officer on the other side of the way. The officer was the very Mr Denny, concerning whose return from London Lydia came to enquire, and he bowed as they passed. All were struck with the stranger’s air, all wondered who he could be, and Kitty and Lydia, determined if at all possible to find out, led the way across the street, under the pretence of wanting something in an opposite shop. Fortunately they had just gained the pavement when the two gentlemen turning back had reached the same spot. Mr Denny addressed them directly, and entreated permission to introduce his friend, Mr Wickham, who had returned with him the day before from town, and he was happy to say had accepted a commission in their corps. This was exactly as it should be, for the young man wanted only for regimental to make him completely charming. His appearance was greatly in his favour; he had all the best part of beauty, a fine countenance, a good figure, and very pleasing address. The introduction was followed up on his side by a happy readiness of conversation – a readiness at the same time perfectly correct and unassuming.

Elizabeth watched him closely. He made eye contact with each of them as they spoke, but she noticed his eye drift more often to Jane with the attempt to hold her attention. Yet again Jane had made another conquest, though this time it would be for nought, thought Elizabeth.

They were still talking when the sound of horses drew their notice, and Mr Bingley and Darcy were seen riding down the street. On distinguishing the ladies of the group, the two gentlemen came directly towards them.

“Oh Lord, have you heard our news yet?” exclaimed Lydia, on seeing Mr Bingley.

Lieutenant Denny shook his head. “What news would that be, Miss Lydia?”

“Jane is engaged!” exclaimed Lydia.

“To Mr Bingley!” added Kitty, not to be outdone.

It was at that moment the two men looked up to see Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy approaching them. Lizzy watched both the new comer and Mr Darcy. Mr Darcy’s gaze was directed at her, so he had not at first seen Mr Wickham. Lizzy however saw the look of shock on Mr Wickham’s face, which went white. Fear, she thought. She then looked back to Mr Darcy, who’s gaze was now on Mr Wickham, and he had turned red. It was more than anger; it was barely held rage.

Mr Wickham recovered first, touching his hat when Lieutenant Denny made the introductions after congratulating Jane and Mr Bingley on their engagement. Mr Darcy made the most basic of nods towards Mr Wickham, his mouth set in a thin line.

Elizabeth wondered at the meaning of it. It was impossible to imagine, and impossible not to long to know.

After a few minutes, Mr Bingley took his leave, promising to escort the ladies home after he had completed his business in Meryton. Mr Darcy by this stage had already turned his horse and rode off.

Lieutenant Denny and Mr Wickham walked with the ladies to their aunt’s house and made their bows, despite Lydia’s entreaties that they join them inside and despite their aunt opening the upstairs window and loudly seconding the invitation.

They called on their aunt for an update on news and any information about the new officer, of which their aunt could add no more information than they already knew. Their aunt invited them to cards that evening and promised to have Mr Phillips call on the new officer and add him to the invite to cards. An invite was issued to Mr Bingley, in honour of his engagement, and Jane promised faithfully to pass it onto her fiancé. Mr Bingley himself called upon Mrs Phillips before they left, but had to decline the card invitation, as he had already this morning accepted an offer to dine with Mr Goulding, whom he had happened upon in town.

Elizabeth looked for Mr Darcy, and as they left Aunt Phillip’s home, Mr Bingley informed them that Mr Darcy had decided to return to Netherfield. Elizabeth smiled but inwardly was disappointed.

Chapter 29

Elizabeth entered her aunt’s parlour with her sisters for the evening of cards. After exchanging niceties, she found Mrs Long’s niece at her elbow. “I can’t believe your sister’s luck.”

Elizabeth just smiled at the girl. “We are all so very happy for Jane on her engagement.”

“But not just that. To get engaged to one so handsome and rich, and on the same day to become an heiress.”

Elizabeth was stunned at how anyone other than her, her uncle and her father knew of that possibility. Before she could correct the girl, the officers arrived and every females’ attention was directed to the officers, and in particular, all attention went to Mr Wickham. The officers in general were a very creditable, gentlemen like set, but Mr Wickham was as far beyond them in person, countenance, air and walk, as the officers were superior to the broad-faced stuffy uncle Philips, breathing port wine, that followed them into the room.

Every woman’s eye was turned to Mr Wickham, and it was Elizabeth who captured his attention. He came to sit by her. “I must admit to being surprised to see you here tonight, but I’m very glad you did come. It was being said there was a death in your family.”

Elizabeth directed her complete attention to him. “May I ask how you came by that information?”

“I believe it was Sanderson. He said that Mrs Goulding was at the church with questions on the wedding and overheard a conversation with your uncle’s clerk and the pastor regarding future Longbourn heirs.” That answered how Mrs Long’s niece had come by the information.

“The truth is a constable came to Longbourne in the attempt to identify a body, which may or may not be our cousin. We were unable to confirm it. But may I ask you to say no more, and if you could quiet your fellow officers from speculation, it would be greatly appreciated. We do not want to say anything, as our cousin at this moment could be at home at his parsonage at Hunsford and would be very put out to know we were mourning his death.”

“And when do you expect to know?” asked Mr Wickham.

“Probably in a few days.”

“And is that when you will go into mourning?”

“My father might acknowledge it. But my sisters and I have never met the man and only knew of his existence a few days earlier. It would not seem appropriate to mourn someone to whom we had no connection with.”

Their conversation turned to more mundane topics like the weather, and Elizabeth wondered at how something so mundane could seem so interesting purely by the skill of the speaker.

The card tables were set out, and he and Elizabeth went to play lottery tickets. Lydia attempted to monopolize his attention for herself, except she became caught up in the game. This left Mr Wickham at leisure to talk with Elizabeth.

“I heard your sister is recently engaged?”

“Yes, to Mr Bingley, who is currently renting Netherfield. He is staying there with his family and friend.”

“How far is Netherfield to Meryton?” asked he.

“About two miles.”

“How long has Mr Darcy been staying there?”

“About a month. I understand he is a man of very large property in Derbyshire.”

“Yes,” replied Wickham; -“his estate there is a noble one. A clear ten thousand per annum. You could not have met with a person more capable of giving you certain information on that head than myself – for I have been connected with his family in a particular manner from infancy.”

Elizabeth could not but look surprised.

“You may well be surprised, Miss Bennet, at such an assertion, after seeing, as you probably might, the very cold manner of our meeting yesterday. Are you much acquainted with Mr Darcy?”

Elizabeth knew that to get the information she sought, she would need to claim less of a friendship than what she had with Mr Darcy. He needed to believe that she was on his side. “I was stuck at Netherfield for a period due to the storm. But I spent most of the days with Mr Bingley’s sisters. He is not an easy person to get to know.” True. She didn't think she had said anything untrue so far. “He had not made many friends here and with his stand-offish ways, the general populace here considers him very proud and quite disagreeable.” Also a true statement, she thought to herself. She had once thought the same. “Of course, he has not helped his cause by refusing to dance with any of the local ladies.”

“I have no right to give my opinion, “ said Wickham, “as to his being agreeable or otherwise. I am not qualified to form one. I have known him too long and too well to be a fair judge. It is impossible for me to be impartial. But I believe your opinion of him would in general astonish – and perhaps you would not express it quite so strongly anywhere else. Here you are in your own family.”

“I say no more here than what is the general opinion of the populace, excepting Netherfield. He is not well liked In Hertfordshire. Everybody has been disgusted by his pride.” She felt guilt as she said this. She knew it was the general opinion, but one she no longer shared. “You will not hear him spoken of favourably.”

“I cannot pretend to be sorry,“ said Wickham, after a short interruption, “that he or that any man should not be estimated beyond their deserts; but with him I believe it does not often happen. The world is blinded by his fortune and consequence, or frightened by his high and imposing manners, and sees him only as he chooses to be seen.”

Elizabeth said nothing to this and pretended to be distracted by the game.

“I wonder,“ said he, at the next opportunity of speaking, “whether he is likely to be in this country much longer?”

“I do not know at all; but with the engagement of his friend and the dismal state of the roads, I imagine he will stay awhile longer. I hope your plans in favour of the militia will not be affected by his being in the neighbourhood.”

“Oh! No- it is not for me to be driven away by Mr Darcy. If he wishes to avoid seeing me, he must go. We are not on friendly terms, and it always gives me pain to meet him, but I have no reason for avoiding him but what I might proclaim to the world; a sense of very great ill-usage, and most painful regrets at his being what he is. His father, Miss Bennet, the late Mr Darcy, was one of the best men that ever breathed, and the truest friend I ever had; and I can never be in his company with this Mr Darcy without being grieved to the soul by a thousand tender reflections. His behaviour to myself had been scandalous; but I verily believe I could forgive him anything and everything, rather than his disappointing the hopes and disgracing the memory of his father. “

Elizabeth listened with interest to understand how the two men had fallen out; but the delicacy of the subject prevented further inquiry. She observed him closely; he looked to be speaking the truth.

Mr Wickham began to speak on more general topics, Meryton, the neighbourhood, the society, appearing highly pleased with all that he had yet seen, and speaking of the latter especially, with gentle but very intelligible gallantry. “It was the prospect of constant society, and good society,” he added, “which was my chief inducement to enter Hertfordshire. I knew it to be a most respectable, agreeable corps and my friend Denny tempted me further by his account of their present quarters, and the very great attentions and excellent acquaintance Meryton has procured them. Society, I own, is necessary to me. I have been a disappointed man, and my spirits will not bear solitude. I must have employment and society. A military life is not what I was intended for, but circumstances have now made it eligible. The church ought to have been my profession-I was brought up for the church, and I should at this time have been in possession of a most valuable living, had it pleased the gentleman we were speaking of just now.“

“Indeed!”

“Yes- the late Mr Darcy bequeathed me the next presentation of the best living in his gift. He was my godfather, and excessively attached to me. I cannot do justice to his kindness. He meant to provide for me amply, and thought he had done it; but when the living fell, it was given elsewhere.”

"Good heavens!” cried Elizabeth; “but how could that be? How could his will be disregarded? Why did you not seek legal redress?”

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

Elizabeth listened with interest, but she did take special note in his statement that Mr Darcy had believed the claim to have been forfeited, and hence Mr Wickham had no ability for legal redress. She would have to ask Mr Darcy the next time she saw him. She was certain that Mr Wickham had only given half of a story and the half that looked beneficial to himself. She knew Mr Darcy to be an honourable man, so he would not have disregarded his father's will. She considered what response to give that sounded sympathetic enough to keep him talking to reveal more. “This is quite shocking! He deserves to be publicly disgraced.”

“Some time or other he will be, but it shall not be by me. Till I can forget his father, I can never set out to expose him.”

Elizabeth thought how prettily he expressed his hypocrisy. “But what,” said she after a pause, “can have been his motive? What can have induced him to behave so cruelly?”

“A thorough, determined dislike of me -a dislike which I cannot but attribute in some measure to jealousy. Had the late Mr Darcy liked me less, his son might have borne with me better; but his father's uncommon attachment to me, irritated him I believe from early in life. He had not a temper to bear the sort of competition in which we stood- the sort of preference that was often given to me.”

“I had not thought Mr Darcy so very bad as this.” She considered her words carefully to still be truthful. The longer she spoke with Mr Wickham, the more she felt like she was somehow betraying Mr Darcy. She tried to show the right amount of belief in Mr Wickham statement with curious questions. “I have seen him be dismissive of others, but I did not suspect him of descending to such malicious revenge, such injustice, such inhumanity as this!”

Elizabeth was again deep in thought. Mr Wickham spoke as though he believed himself to have been wronged. She thought on how to probe further. “To treat in such a manner, the godson, the friend, the favourite of his father! And one, too, who had probably been his own companion from childhood, connected together, as I think you said, in the closest manner!”

“We were born in the same parish, within the same park, the greatest part of our youth was spent together; inmates of the same house sharing the same amusements, objects of the same parental care. My father began his life in the same profession which your uncle Mr Philips, appears to do so much credit to- but he gave everything up to be of use to the late Mr Darcy, and devoted all his time to the care of the Pemberley property. He was most highly esteemed by the late Mr Darcy, a most intimate, confidential friend. Mr Darcy often acknowledged himself to be under the greatest obligation to my father's active superintendence, and when immediately before my father's death, Mr Darcy gave him a voluntary promise of providing for me, I am convinced that he felt it to be as much a debt of gratitude to him, as of affection to myself.”

“How strange!” cried Elizabeth. Inwards, she thought ‘that a grown man does not take responsibility for himself’. To Mr Wickham she said “how abominable! I wonder that the pride of Mr Darcy had not made him just to you! If from no better motive, that he should be too proud to be dishonest, for dishonesty I must call it.” She looked hard at Mr Wickham, suspecting the dishonesty existed elsewhere, but he looked like all wounded innocence.

“It is wonderful,“ replied Mr Wickham, “for almost all his actions may be traced to pride and pride has often been his best friend. It has connected him nearer with virtue than any other feeling. But we are none of us consistent; and in his behaviour to me, there were stronger impulses even than pride.”

“Can such abominable pride as his, have ever done him good?”

“Yes. It has often led him to be liberal and generous, to give his money freely, to display hospitality, to assist his tenants and relieve the poor. Family pride, and filial pride, for he is very proud of what his father was, have done this. Not to appear to disgrace his family, to degenerate from the popular qualities, or lose the influence of the Pemberley house, is a powerful motive. He has also brotherly pride, which with some brotherly affection, makes him a very kind and careful guardian of his sister; and you will hear him generally cried up as the most attentive and best of brothers.”

Elizabeth gave credit to his words. He clearly knew Mr Darcy well: Elizabeth knew Mr Darcy was proud, but as she knew him better, she knew that wasn't what drove him. A genuine desire to do right by people was the source, and he was proud of doing that. “What sort of girl is Miss Darcy?”

He shook his head. “I wish I could call her amiable. It gives me pain to speak ill of a Darcy. But she is to much like her brother, very, very proud. As a child, she was affectionate and pleasing, and extremely fond of me; and I devoted hours and hours to her amusement. But she is nothing to me now. She is a handsome girl, about fifteen or sixteen, and I understand highly accomplished. Since her father's death, her home has been London, where a lady lives with her, and superintends her education.”

Elizabeth wondered about his knowledge. Had he not said his last contact with Mr Darcy was some years back- why would he then know of the situation of the sister?

They tried many different subjects, but in the end returned to the first one.

“I am astonished by his intimacy with Mr Bingley! How can Mr Bingley, who seems good humour himself, and is, I really believe, truly amiable, be in friendship with such a man? How can they suit each other? Do you know Mr Bingley?”

“Not at all. Is he the man your sister is engaged to?”

“Yes, they are perfectly suited to one another. He is a sweet- tempered, amiable, charming man. He cannot know what Mr Darcy is.”

“Probably not, but Mr Darcy can please where he chooses. He does not want abilities. He can be a conversible companion if he thinks it worth his while. Among those who are at all his equals in consequence, he is a very different man from what he is to the less prosperous. His pride never deserts him, but with the rich, he is liberal minded, just, sincere, rational, honourable, and perhaps agreeable, allowing for something for fortune and figure.”

They tried several other topics whilst pretending interest in the game. Elizabeth only paid the slightest attention as she thought to what Mr Wickham had previously said. That he knew Mr Darcy well was clear, but his view was clearly jaded. Mr Darcy might appear to only pay consequence to those who he thinks are of worth, so that would mean that Mr Wickham had lost Mr Darcy’s esteem. She knew that Mr Darcy took a long time to build trust and to then open up to people once that trust was built.

Mr Wickham started up. “Did I hear you say that your cousin is the parson of Hunsford? Is his patroness Lady Catherine de Bourg?”

“Why yes, do you know of her?”

“You know of course that Lady Catherine de Bourg and Lady Anne Darcy were sisters; consequently, she is the aunt to the present Mr Darcy.”

“No, I did not. I knew nothing at all of Lady Catherine’s connections. As of a couple of days ago, I had never heard of her existence before.”

“Her daughter, Miss de Bourg, will have a very large fortune, and it is believed that she and her cousin will unite the two estates.”

Everything seemed to stop around Elizabeth and she had a sick feeling in her stomach. Using every ounce of control, she tried to look completely unaffected. She unfolded her arms and made a show of looking at her lottery tickets whilst she regained her control. She scraped for something to ask that would require him to talk. “And what sort of woman is she?”

“Strong willed....” Elizabeth didn't really listen as she thought of some way to move the conversation to some other topic that did not involve Mr Darcy. When he stopped speaking, she was silent for a while before asking him about the damage he'd seen between Meryton and London, and she was glad to force herself to think of other things.

Supper was called not long after, and it was with the greatest relief on Elizabeth’s part that Mr Wickham left her to pay his attention to the other ladies. Lydia and Kitty both claimed his attention. Elizabeth glanced at Jane, who was surrounded by ladies who wanted to do nothing other than talk about her wedding. Elizabeth did not think she could stomach wedding talk, and she knew Jane would pick up on the fact that something was wrong and would wish to discuss it, which Elizabeth did not want to do here. She looked around and found an older married major and decided to seat herself next to him at supper, as she knew he would talk her ear off and she would need to do nothing other than nod at the appropriate time.

As the major spoke, all she could think of was Mr Wickham’s words ‘it’s expected they would unite the estates’. Was it true or a rumour? Mr Wickham had implied he hadn't had much contact with Mr Darcy recently – how could he know? Mr Darcy wasn't married yet. These thoughts swirled around and she was caught between hope and despair. She toyed with the food on her plate. The food was all tasteless and her stomach rebelled at the thought of eating it. She put enough to her mouth to make a show of eating but left half her plate uneaten.

After supper, she stood in the group with Lydia as she knew she would have no need to talk with Lydia commanding all attention to herself.

It was with the greatest relief that the night ended, and she was the first to enter the carriage. She took a corner and stared unseeing out the window as her sisters bundled in after her. Jane sat across from her and cast her concerned looks, whilst Lydia and Kitty twittered away about how each officer looked and what they had said. Elizabeth could not meet her sister’s eyes and a single tear rolled down her cheek. How ironic that the moment she realised she loved Mr Darcy was when all hope was lost.