Section I, Section II

Chapter One: The Meryton Assembly

Posted on Tuesday, 23 July 2002

An assembly was always an event in Hertfordshire, but the general Meryton Assembly tonight was considered to be even more eventful since a gentleman of about five thousand a year, who had just moved into the neighbourhood was to attend. Of course all the matrons promptly bought dresses for their daughters in the hopes that the gentleman (or one of his friends) would fall in love (or be persuaded to be in love) and marry their daughter.

Mrs. Bennet, mistress of Longbourn estate (a prettyish, country manor of approximately one thousand a year), was no exception to this rule. Indeed, with five daughters to marry off before her husband died, the estate being entailed away from the female line, she was quite anxious to get at least one girl most advantageously married. To be sure, the eldest, Jane was the most stunning with long golden hair, mild hazel eyes and a gentle and kind disposition, and Mrs. Bennet, in deference to Jane's seniority and beauty was set to have Jane become Mistress of Netherfield, Mr. Bingley's new estate.

Her youngest daughters also accompanied their mother to the Assembly (the Father found his library and the quiet more conducive to his humour). Some said that perhaps the two youngest were a tad young to be Out at such an age (Lydia, 15 and Catherine or Kitty, 17), but no one would broach the subject around the very loud Mrs. Bennet who wanted her children to have all the fun they could. The middle daughter, Mary, although older (19), was the least enthused about being Out since it took her away from her studies (theology mainly). Her only consolation was the chance to inflict exhibit her pianoforte skills to the general public.

The second eldest daughter was not quite so stunning as her older sister, but striking in her own way. She was quite tall and called elegant by some who could not think of anything else to describe her. She had a quick and intelligent mind and was often a favourite of the other young ladies, who quite looked up to her.

Needless to say, Mrs. Bennet and her daughters were all very excited to go the Assembly. Kitty and Lydia had been arguing all day as to the exact number of ladies and gentlemen that Mr. Bingley would bring with him, but as it turned out they were both wrong. His two younger sisters, one of whom was married to a fashionable, but otherwise un-noteworthy gentleman named Hurst, accompanied Mr. Bingley. Mr. Bingley's closest friend and advisor, Mr. Darcy also came. Whispers flew very quickly around the room that that particular gentleman was worth a clear ten thousand pounds!

Sir Lucas, recently knighted for his services to the King, being responsible for Mr. Bingley's invitation to the Assembly, took the honour of introducing Mr. Bingley and his company to the other occupants of the room.

"Mr. Bingley has asked to be introduced to you personally Mrs. Bennet after having met your husband a few days ago." Sir Lucas began, drawing Mr. Bingley, with his unmarried sister and friend over.

"Sir, you are very kind" Tittered Mrs. Bennet, curtseying, causing Miss Bingley to roll her eyes in amusement. "This is Jane, my eldest, and Mary, my third eldest. Kitty and Lydia, my youngest, you see dancing there (pointing to a pair of boisterous young girls). And my second eldest (with a frantic wave of her hand to call her daughter over from talking with Miss Charlotte Lucas), is here, Caroline."

Mr. Bingley bowed to all ladies present, noticing the graceful movements, and kind smile of the eldest Miss Bennet.

"I am very pleased to meet you all, ma'am. May I present to you, my youngest sister, Miss Elizabeth Bingley?"

Elizabeth came forward, a brilliant smile on her face and instantly engaged Miss Bennet and Miss Caroline in conversation. She soon found that Jane was a dear, sweet young lady, slightly older than herself and decided to befriend her whilst in the neighbourhood. Caroline, however was another matter. Elizabeth had seen her type before, all through London, and did not wish to converse with another pretentious sycophant, especially one with so little to be pretentious about (having no wealth, connections or, more important to Elizabeth, original opinions). Jane soon introduced Elizabeth to her good friend Charlotte Lucas and the three ladies conversed happily, until Charles claimed Miss Bennet's hand for the next two dances. Lizzy laughed at Charles quickness to claim the prettiest lady's hand, and continued conversing with Miss Lucas.

Mr. Darcy however, stalked about the room, already having offended Mrs. Bennet with not engaging her second eldest to dance; she lost no time in blackening his character to all in the vicinity. They generally believed Mrs. Bennet since they had seen some little conversation between Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Darcy, and that was all the conversation that he had had. Thus he was most certainly a proud and disagreeable man, no matter how much wealth he had.

"Do not worry, my dear Caroline" Mrs. Bennet consoled her daughter. "I am sure Mr. Bingley will ask you to dance after he is finished dancing with Jane. I would not dance with Mr. Darcy another time, even if he did ask."

Caroline however had a different idea. It was not Mr. Darcy's conversation, or dancing skills that she was after, but his connections and money. She was not entirely a bad person, but she did have the notion that the more money or influence a person had, the more consideration should be given them. If this included forgiving a snub, she was happy to do so. She knew in the end, when Mr. Darcy fell helplessly in love with her, she could exact her revenge upon his current neglect of her.

After conversing with Miss Bingley for a few minutes, it was easy to see that she could not glean any information about Mr. Darcy from her; Caroline simpered up to Mrs. Hurst. Although not formally introduced, Mrs. Hurst and Caroline got on like a treat and spent much of the remaining assembly together, even though Mr. Darcy did not seem inclined to spend any time with the Hursts.

Darcy himself was exactly the misjudged, reserved young man we have all come to love. He paced around the fringes of the Assembly, mentally tired from his worry regarding his sister as well as his friend's concerns with taking a lease, and physically tired from his journey from London this morning. Darcy, although a great friend with Bingley from their college days together, had not had much contact with the rest of his family. Mr. Bingley and Mrs. Bingley had died before Darcy had come to know Charles, and he had only briefly met Louisa Hurst, after her marriage. Miss Elizabeth Bingley, he had heard of, seen portraits of, but never come in contact with until this afternoon when she, as hostess for her brother, had welcomed him to Netherfield. It may sound strange, not knowing his best friend's sister, but considering much of their friendship arose from spending time in college together and going to the same club. When he was at Bingley's for any long stay (such as college holidays when he was not required to go to Pemberley straight away), Charles' sister had been to finishing school in France and then London when the trouble in France required her to come home.

From what he saw, Darcy acknowledged that Elizabeth Bingley had an inviting smile, polished manners and a sufficient dowry (twenty thousand pounds). Other than that, he did not dwell, since she was not stunningly handsome and her money was in trade. Of course, these objections were not consciously thought of as such, but the truth be told, he really did not know anything about her to base an opinion on. Plus there was his natural prejudice against ladies of the Ton who were constantly flung at him (or his money and estate), and his dislike of her sister, Mrs. Hurst.

In the meantime however, Darcy was too preoccupied with thoughts of Georgiana and That Man to pay much attention to anyone. Bingley did interrupt his reflections for a few minutes, in between dances, to urge his friend to dance with someone- his sisters, the other Miss Bennet's (Caroline looked up hopefully at this)- anyone really, just to stop the Town's opinion of Darcy sliding further. Bingley was politely, but firmly refused, saying "It would be a punishment for me to stand up with anyone, there is no one handsome enough to tempt me. I do not know anyone here, besides your sister, Mrs. Hurst, and she is dancing with her husband at the moment."

Elizabeth, or Lizzy as Charles affectionately called her, heard this and her opinion of Mr. Darcy (which was never very high to begin with), plummeted. Walking past him, to speak with Miss Bennet, she muttered under her breath "and no one can ever be introduced at an Assembly!" Mr. Darcy overheard however and he was startled out of his worries for a moment to express surprise at anyone saying such a thing, which turned to slight mortification as he accepted the truth of the statement, then to anger when he saw Miss Bingley, Miss Lucas and Miss Bennet laughing, no doubt, at him.

The rest of the Assembly passed with the principle characters acting as the principle characters always do- Bingley danced with most of the young ladies in the room, favouring Miss Bennet, Caroline simpered on the arm of Mrs. Hurst, Elizabeth discussed a variety of topics with the sensible Miss Lucas and Jane (when she was not dancing), as well as dancing with some of the local men. Mr. Darcy stalked the room, preoccupied with his thoughts, and an additional disturbing sense of his rude behaviour to his hostess.

He made the resolution to apologise to her, and left it at that. Unfortunately, when they arrived back at Netherfield, Mrs. Hurst started abusing all the Hertfordshire people.

"Apart from Miss Caroline, and Miss Jane Bennet of course, there is no one else I could endure for very long. Poor Miss Jane and Caroline Bennet! Having such a mother!"

"Louisa!" Lizzy exclaimed, disgusted with the alacrity with which she befriended Caroline Bennet. "Caroline's manners are not that far removed from her mother's!"

Darcy fought to hide a snicker, agreeing whole-heartedly. He had been fending off her not-so-subtle attempts to dance with him all evening.

Elizabeth noticed his smile, and frowned. His behaviour had not been too much better! At least he had been silent!

"But Miss Jane Bennet is beautiful, modest and intelligent. She is exactly what a young lady should be." Elizabeth glanced at her brother.

He lost no chance jumping into the discussion. "Yes, isn't she an angel!"

Darcy and Elizabeth rolled their eyes, both smiling fondly at Charles. They caught each other's eyes, and were disconcerted that they both reacted in the same manner.

He certainly is handsome.

Her eyes are so fine, so beautifully expressive.

Everyone soon retired for the night. Darcy, tumbling into bed, cursed when he remembered he had not apologised.

Chapter Two: Lucas Lodge

Posted on Sunday, 28 July 2002

Lizzy had been enjoying her stay at Netherfield. Charles had always been her favourite sibling and the prospect of keeping house for him amongst the beauty of the country was a happy prospect. Elizabeth loved the country, and the families living in and around Meryton seemed genuinely happy to welcome the Bingley's into their midst. Elizabeth was not so blind as to understand that many mothers were very enthusiastic about her brother, since he was handsome, agreeable and single. She approached the situation as she did every other situation- with humour.

Elizabeth was looking forward to this evening's amusements. The Bingley's and their guests had been invited to a little gathering at Lucas Lodge. She was sure that certain people would amuse her intensely. Sir William was a jolly, well-meaning gentleman, Caroline Bennet she could deal with, Mrs. Bennet, for all her silliness, showed herself to be a very loving mother- something that Elizabeth could not help feel slightly jealous of, having lost her own mother about five years after her birth.

Her guest, Mr. Darcy, however was a riddle she had yet to solve. That he was very proud, she had quickly determined, but what puzzled her was why he was such a great friend of Charles'? Surely Charles had many other young gentleman acquaintances that did not think they were superior to everyone else's company? She supposed that he was a great person to ask regarding estate business, owning the large and famous Pemberley. But having a great estate in Derbyshire did not allow him to be such an arrogant snob. She had endured snobbish gentleman and ladies all her life- those members of the Ton who thought that she was beneath them because her fortune was derived from trade. Elizabeth did not worry about what they thought of her, because she felt she was better off without their friendship, but it hurt her to know that a friend of Charles, whom she had to spend many days and nights with, would be sympathetic to those ideals.

Still, I had better let Mr. Darcy prove himself before judging him harshly. Who knows how I would have acted after being suggested to dance with someone like Miss Caroline! Elizabeth chuckled at the thought, as she returned to the house. It was a very fine looking house, she admitted. She was sure that her stay here, for however long, would be very pleasant indeed.

Little did she know that she was being observed by that very gentleman who had occupied her thoughts for the last half an hour. He too, was an early riser, and enjoyed walking to greet the morning. Perhaps one day he would ask to accompany Miss Bingley, and find some way to apologise to her? Just do not become desperate to do so, you do not have to apologise in the first place! She is lovely though. he pondered the last few days in her company and conceded that although she had not the classic beauty, she was had a light and pleasing form, rendered more brilliant by the teasing and playful charm she exuded. He envied his friend's easy relationship with his sister, and regretted that his own relationship with his sister was not so carefree and loving.

He knew that Georgiana and he loved each other, all the more because they were only two in the immediate family to love, but since last summer, the friendliness and ease of conversation had been overshadowed by Georgiana's shy nature becoming painfully introverted. Even their cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, with all his cheerfulness could do little to coax her out of her shell. If only she had a sister such as Miss Bingley, to talk with her, as only ladies and sisters can, perhaps then, she could put the past behind her. Darcy quickly curtailed the direction his thoughts were taking him. Why he had so quickly thought of Miss Bingley as sister to his sister, he did not want to pursue.

Sighing, he continued to dress himself for the morning, remembering that he had yet another evening amongst the locals in store for him.

"Miss Lucas, this is a charming room!"

"Thank you Miss Bingley, my mother did much to make it so." Charlotte drew Elizabeth past several local gentleman (many of whom stared approvingly at Miss Bingley) to introduce her to Lady Lucas.

"Mamma, may I present my friend, Miss Elizabeth Bingley. Miss Bingley, my mother, Lady Lucas."

Elizabeth curtseyed and started the little pleasantries necessary when forming a new acquaintance. Lady Lucas reminded Elizabeth of Mrs. Bennet, both in understanding and the gleam in her eye when she spotted Charles speaking with Miss Lucas. They formed a quiet quartet until the announcement of Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet and their children.

Elizabeth laughed at the stricken look Lady Lucas had, when she saw Charles head towards the new arrivals, especially the lovely Miss Bennet. Miss Lucas saw her mother's expression and shared a smile with Elizabeth.

"Miss Bingley, I believe you have not been introduced to Mr. Bennet, please allow me to do so?"

"With pleasure Miss Lucas." Elizabeth smiled, thankful to be away from making inane small talk.

Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth soon decided, was an odd mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice. She liked him immensely.

"Ah the famous Miss Bingley." Mr. Bennet bowed at Charlotte's introduction.

"Mr. Bennet, I have had the pleasure of being introduced to your wife and daughters at the assembly last week." Mr. Bennet lifted his eyebrows at this, much to the delight of Miss Bingley.

"Yes, they are an extremely entertaining set of ladies. I am sorry to have missed you at the assembly. I am sure we could have derived much pleasure from the event. I did, however, hear a most ... comprehensive account of it from Mrs. Bennet. No particular was beneath her notice." Elizabeth struggled to contain her laughter. "I believe your sister, Mrs. Hurst, had a very elegant dress, that did not lack lace."

Elizabeth's clear laughter rang throughout the room, she liked Mr. Bennet very much, and had a hard time reconciling him to his wife. Surely he would not have been tempted by just a beautiful face? Linking arms with Mr. Bennet, he escorted Miss Bingley around the room, introducing her to its occupants that she had previously not met. The commentary he supplied under his breath to her was full of anecdotes and made sure that she smiled throughout all the introductions, however tedious they were.

Jane looked fondly at her father and her new friend. She knew Mr. Bennet was sometimes sad that he lacked a daughter who truly understood him. Out of all his daughters, Jane was his favourite. Caroline had an excellent understanding, but was more sympathetic to their mother's causes than papas. Jane loved her father dearly, but did not like to join with him in making fun of the other girls. To see him instantly liking, genuinely liking, Miss Bingley warmed her heart. Perhaps this would mean Mr. Bennet would leave his powdering gown and books and mix more in society.

Mr. Darcy had hovered about and at the introduction of Miss Bingley to Mr. Bennet, he drew closer, especially after seeing her face light up with such pleasure. He fought down the jealousy of seeing her give such attention to another man, even if he was old enough to be her father. He then wondered why he should be jealous. Careful Darce, you seem to be dwelling entirely too much on the charming Miss Bingley. He then caught a reflection in the mirror of Miss Caroline, in another orange concoction, simpering his way, and quickly determined that anything could be better than having to politely speak with her. So with both inclination of thought and a desire to escape, he made his way over to Miss Bingley and Mr. Bennet, as they paused after taking a turn about the room.

Mr. Bennet looked up and noticed the tall, young man coming towards him, with a slightly panicked look about him. He nearly laughed out loud when he saw his daughter hurriedly following behind him, and took pity on the young man. Nudging Elizabeth slightly, he asked for an introduction, "for I have never seen a man so willing to escape my daughter, and I have seen many gentlemen in such situations in my time."

Elizabeth smilingly complied, on Mr. Bennet's behalf. Nothing could induce her to take pity on such a proud man. If it was up to her, she would have left him to shift for himself. Still, it was her place to introduce him, since she was his hostess, and it was assumed that she knew him. HA! As if I would want to know him! If he could ever allow anyone the pleasure.

So Elizabeth walked over to Mr. Darcy, and spoke for nearly the first time for the day. Linking arms with him, she drew him over to Mr. Bennet, looking over her shoulder and dismissing Miss Caroline with one imperious glance. This elegant gesture at once endeared her with the two gentlemen, but made an instant enemy out of the young Miss Bennet.

Darcy relaxed somewhat when he knew that, for a time at least, he was safe from Miss Caroline. He saw the look of sympathy in Mr. Bennet's eyes, but also noticed the satirical bent to him, and instantly was back on his guard.

"Mr. Bennet, may I present my brother's good friend, Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy owns a great estate in Derbyshire, Pemberley, and has a clear ten thousand pounds!" Elizabeth declared with all the pomp and ceremony that she thought Mr. Darcy's pride would warrant.

Grinding his teeth against the ceremonious introduction, he shook the proffered hand.

Mr. Bennet tried not to choke from laughter. "Ah, so you are the (in)famous Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth rolled her eyes in response. "I am excessively happy to meet such a personage, for I have only one thousand pounds a year, and a small estate in Hertfordshire, called Longbourn. It is such an honour to be noticed by such as you." Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth shared a knowing glance.

Darcy nearly groaned aloud. Why are they teasing me thus? I have done nothing to offend them. Well, perhaps I have offended Miss Bingley by my comments the other day. Perhaps Mr. Bennet is offended on behalf of his daughters? he sighed. Things had not gone off to a good start.

"Indeed sir, you do me great honour. Miss Bingley has an excellent memory, I must thank you for such an introduction. It is rare that my fortune and estate are used to give me such a welcome." He commented wryly, much to Mr. Bennet's amusement, who instantly felt that Mr. Darcy was someone worth knowing and studying.

Elizabeth was shocked at his response. Was he being sarcastic? Is he really tired of all the trappings and social problems that arise from being a young, unmarried, eligible gentleman?

"Pemberley?" Mr. Bennet asked. "That sounds very familiar. Is it not situated near a village called Lambton?"

"Indeed it is. Lambton is not five miles from Pemberley."

Seeing his curiosity, Mr. Bennet told him that his brother-in-law's wife lived at Lambton, and always remembered it fondly.

"Yes," a smile broke out upon Mr. Darcy's face (Elizabeth was shocked and found it hard to remove her gaze from such an expression), "I too, remember Lambton fondly. I ran there as a boy constantly."

Mr. Bennet smiled. He was not the proud, disagreeable man that everyone had spoken of, but he was not about to make that general knowledge- he would be no friend of Mr. Darcy if all the mamma's suddenly turned their attention to him. Mr. Bennet thought in amusement to himself, that he would have to take note of how effectively a proud bearing is in disconnecting oneself from the chattering of all the mammas. Unfortunately, I lack what this one has- a reason to be proud.

He turned to Miss Bingley, and tried to draw her into the conversation, noticing that she was still somewhat distracted by something on Mr. Darcy's face.

"And is Pemberley as beautiful as they say, Miss Bingley?"

Elizabeth tore her eyes away to address Mr. Bennet. She coloured slightly at his amused expression, as if caught stealing cookies. "Uh, I do not know, I have not had the pleasure of viewing Pemberley."

"Really?" Mr. Bennet was puzzled. He was sure that Mr. Bingley would have visited his best friend's estate, why had the invitation not been extended to his younger sister?

"No, Miss Bingley has been away at school the many times that Bingley has visited me at my estate." Mr. Darcy supplied, glancing at Miss Bingley. How beautiful that blush makes you look.

"Yes," Elizabeth smiled, trying to regain her former easiness of manner. "My sister, Mrs. Hurst has been however, and was glowing in her accounts."

"Since you are now finished with your schooling, perhaps you would accompany your brother on his next visit? It would be a pleasure to show you Pemberley." Mr. Darcy gallantly offered.

"Thank you," Elizabeth stammered. She was now completely puzzled with Mr. Darcy. He swayed between being a charming young gentleman to a proud one.

Mr. Bennet smiled. It was a foregone conclusion that these two would marry. He was looking forward to watching the fireworks. He felt a twinge of pain at the thought of Miss Bingley, why could he have not been blessed with such a daughter? He was sure that they would have had many wonderful times together, laughing and teasing the world. Well perhaps I will see more of her, and her young man there, if Mrs. Bennet's plans to have Jane Mistress of Netherfield come to fruition.

This interesting little tête-à-tête between our favourite couple was interrupted as Miss Caroline, on the arm of Miss Lucas, came over to join in the conversation.

"Oh Pemberley!" Miss Caroline exclaimed, proving she had been an avid eavesdropper, "My Aunt Gardiner raves about Pemberley. Such a fine estate, such extensive grounds! It is in Somerset is it not?" Caroline simpered, trying to impress with her knowledge. Obviously she was not as proficient at eavesdropping, as she should be.

The faces of the other four were instantly downcast, as they struggled to contain their humour. Elizabeth was the first to recover, and with a playful smile towards Darcy, she asked him whether he had another estate, "for the one Charles told me about was in Derbyshire, but I am sure a man of your standing would have at least two fine estates. And how much easier it would be to have both estates having the same name!"

Darcy had never wanted to strangle and kiss someone at the same time. That she was taking much pleasure from teasing him, especially about his wealth, was apparent. He simply had mixed emotions as to whether he found it more annoying or pleasant.

Mr. Bennet smirked at both of them, and calmly stated to Caroline, "Mrs. Gardiner lived in Derbyshire before London. I do not think she has ever been to Somerset."

Caroline, never one to put up with her father's teasing, was ready to scream at being mocked in this gentleman's presence, and to think that snippet of a woman was aiding her downfall! How was she to recover though? Should I try to cover my own blunder, or disregard it and move on to something else?

"I understand that you have a younger sister, Mr. Darcy" Caroline simpered, pretending that a minute before they had all been on the verge of laughing at her.

Mr. Darcy resigned himself to his fate. "Yes, my sister, Georgiana, is almost ten years my junior."

"Ten years!" exclaimed Caroline "Why she must look upon you as quite a father figure. How wonderful it was to have such an older brother to look after her when your parents died."

There was a stunned silence. Elizabeth had never thought anyone could make so many blunders in three minutes, but here it was. She quickly looked to Mr. Darcy, who had lowered his head in pain at the memory. She looked to Mr. Bennet to say something to his daughter, but he was enjoying her mistake too much to care about anyone else.

Charlotte, too, was shocked. She felt that she should do something, since it was at her house that this occurred.

"Miss Bingley," she smiled, "I was about to open up the pianoforte, and had come to ask you if you played and if you would like to play for us now?"

Elizabeth smiled, grateful that there was one sensible person in the room capable of moving past this painful point.

"Yes, I enjoy playing the pianoforte, and thank you for your kind invitation." She turned a bit more hesitantly to Mr. Darcy, "Mr. Darcy, would you be so kind as to turn the pages for me?" She was not usually this forward, but he needed saving from Caroline Bennet!

He looked up, happy at the distraction, and immediately complied.

Caroline pouted throughout the performance. Elizabeth fumed. How could Mr. Bennet let his daughters run so wildly? She was also concerned for Mr. Darcy's welfare. He was, after all a guest, and was it not her duty as hostess to see to the comfort of her guests?

Darcy, although shocked and pained at such an outburst, soon lost himself in the pleasure of hearing Miss Bingley's performance on the pianoforte. Her taste, her execution and her feeling performance were exquisite. She must have had the very best teachers in both France and London. He made a mental note of speaking with her on who these masters were for Georgiana.

He was so caught up in her playing, that he often failed to turn the pages appropriately, but she had chosen something that she knew very well, and therefore his forgetfulness only caused her to ponder how much he was pained by the mention of his parents. For the first time, the thought darted into her head, that Mr. Darcy could be a reserved, shy young man, who had yet to deal with the sorrow of his parent's death and the caring for his sister. Such responsibility could cause a loss of happiness and depression of spirits. He may not be so much as proud as introverted.

Her natural compassion swelled for him, his previous slight forgotten in her concern that perhaps she could do something for him to make his stay peaceful and enjoyable. She would have to speak to Charles when they returned home.

Meanwhile Charles and Miss Jane Bennet continued smiling and talking with each other. By the end of the evening they were practically inseparable, and Elizabeth had invited both Jane and Miss Lucas over for tea the next day. Unfortunately Charlotte declined, having promised her mother to accompany her on a previous engagement.

Jane therefore was to go to Netherfield.

Chapter Three: A Wet Journey

Posted Monday, 5 August 2002

"Why Miss Bennet!" Elizabeth exclaimed in horror, "you are wet through! Quickly, come in! Burton would you get Mrs. Hopkins to prepare the tapestry bedroom quickly?"

Elizabeth assisted the drenched Jane into the room. "Come Miss Bennet, I am sure I have something that will fit you. You must change out of these wet clothes immediately."

Jane, really feeling dreadful, both for the spectacle her mother put her through, as well as being frozen due to the cold, wet rain, nodded gratefully, thankful that Miss Bingley did not ask why she was soaking wet, but made ready things to ensure that she would be dry again very quickly.

Once they had been seated comfortably in the library, which was the warmest room, without any draughts whatever, with a cup of tea each and some delicacies on plates in front of them, Elizabeth started inquiring into Jane's background and history. Jane of course, never thought that this line of questioning could be impertinent, and coming from anyone other than Elizabeth it may have appeared so. Elizabeth, however was genuinely curious about Jane and her family, and decided after a few minutes that Jane was incapable of being unkind to anyone. Elizabeth smiled, slightly envious. She had never been blessed with the peaceful serenity Jane exuded, and felt that perhaps if she had, she would be more content with her situation. But self would not intrude for long, and Elizabeth started to like the idea of having Jane as a sister. They both fell easily into conversing on a range of topics, as if they had known each other forever. It seemed so natural to have a somewhat sisterly rapport.

"It is a pity, Jane" by this time, they had dispensed with the formality of 'Miss', "that Miss Lucas could not join us. There is nothing quite like being in the company of friends with a cup of tea, some chocolate and a roaring fire."

"I am sure, Charlotte would have loved to be here. I am also sure, had her mother been apprised of your invitation, she would have been!" Elizabeth laughed at this. "Oh, Lizzy, please don't think I mean that Lady Lucas would throw Charlotte at you or your brother" she blushed slightly at the mention of him, "but Lady Lucas is such a nice lady and so devoted to her children's care, that she would have insisted that Charlotte come and enjoy herself."

Elizabeth laughed again- she had thought that Charles would be the reason Lady Lucas would send her daughter. It was not often that such an eligible man came into the neighbourhood. She was amazed that Jane could honestly think so innocently of others.

"Don't concern yourself Jane. It is a pity, but I hope there will be many more chances to visit with Miss Lucas. Will you have another biscuit? Cook makes them especially for me. She knows I can never have enough chocolate. It is a chocolate covered chocolate biscuit with a chocolate centre." Elizabeth smiled dreamily, "I have nicknamed them Tim Tams* after Cook's little son, Timothy, who gave her the inspiration for them."

Lizzy's smile disappeared as Jane's face became pale.

"I am ... sorry, but..." and Jane promptly fainted.

Elizabeth bolted up, calling for assistance. Fosset, and another servant, came quickly in, and between them placed Jane on the bed in the tapestry room. Elizabeth wrung her hands helplessly, saddened at the thought that Jane could be really ill from her wet ride.

"Thank you Fosset, will you please call for the local apothecary?"

"Yes, Miss Bingley."

"Would you also inform her parents at Longbourn that Miss Bennet will be staying overnight here? I will quickly write the letter for you to deliver to them, and send them another in the morning to tell them of the apothecary's verdict and her condition. Go to the apothecary first, and then to Longbourn."

"Yes, Miss Bingley." Fosset bowed after being handed the letter. He had only known Miss Bingley for a week, and already she was a favourite of the servants. The way she treated this situation- with consideration and concern- endeared her more dearly with him.

After Fosset left, Elizabeth went to Jane's side and felt her forehead. It seemed too hot, and so taking a basin and cloth, she herself, started dabbing Jane's forehead. Whilst doing this she asked for her personal maid to inform her sister that Miss Bennet was unwell.

About fifteen minutes later, Louisa burst in.

"Why are you doing that yourself Elizabeth? Get a servant to do it. I can't believe the hide of these locals. To come out in the rain on horseback! No doubt it was this they intended to accomplish! I say send her back to them, no matter how ill she is."

"Louisa!" Elizabeth's temper flared "how dare you speak such things! We do not know why Miss Bennet was on horseback, perhaps the carriage was being repaired or the other horses being used! It is my fault- I should have sent around our carriage for her. I did not think of it. And if you are simply going to abuse our guest in such a fashion, I ask that you leave her room."

Louisa "hmphed", "My word Eliza, you certainly have started to throw your weight around ever since you got back from France! Those Frenchies certainly removed all the proper English gentlewoman from you. Here you are playing at being Mistress of Netherfield- lording it over everyone, including me- your older, married sister who has every right to be above you in consequence! But no, it is darling Lizzy that gets all the attention. I will not be treated like this in my brother's house, and will remove myself and my husband until you apologise!"

Elizabeth sighed heavily. As much as she would like to make some biting comments back, she knew that Louisa always had a problem with her and Charles' close relationship. As Mistress, she should also make every possible attempt at reconciliation, even if the person seemed to be a snivelling, self absorbed, waspish sister!

Motioning for her maid to take care of Jane, Elizabeth steered Louisa out of the room, into her own, next door. On the way, she silently prayed for strength to deal diplomatically with this situation. She knew that Charles would be disappointed that his sister and brother-in-law would be leaving. He was always disappointed when Elizabeth and Louisa fought. It would not do to cause a scene, especially with Mr. Darcy around.

"Now Louisa, I am sorry that I snapped at you. I was simply concerned that you had formed an ill-conceived notion of Miss Bennet. She is a charming lady, who would never dream of entrapping Charles."

Louisa looked away. She had not meant to snap so much, but all the attention was always on Elizabeth. (Indeed this story was all about Elizabeth- Louisa never got the limelight.)

"Please, Louisa, let us be friends. I am glad that you are here. We have hardly seen each other for many years. I know Charles was delighted when he knew the entire family would be assembled for this first time in a long time."

Elizabeth hated pleading, but she conceded that she had been neglecting Louisa in the past few years. Elizabeth put her arms around her older sister. Louisa slowly hugged her in return. Elizabeth waited for a similar apology from her sister, but realised after a few minutes silence, that it would never come. As usual she sighed, Give Louisa something to make her feel useful is the usual remedy for these situations.

"Perhaps you could tell Mrs. Hopkins that Miss Bennet is unwell and delay dinner for a while. When Charles and Mr. Darcy come home, I can... we can, inform them of what happened and see what Charles recommends we do."

Louisa withdrew from the embrace. It was about time her sister saw that she was quite capable of managing everything to everyone's satisfaction. She felt a little better, although regretted that it was Miss Jane Bennet, and not Miss Caroline that would be an invalid at Netherfield for a few days at least. She was sure that Miss Caroline would make a charming addition to their company. And perhaps she was the lady that would finally set Eliza in her place.

As Louisa was happily forming her brother's marriage to Miss Caroline (Caroline Bingley, how well it sounded!), Elizabeth went back to Jane, with similar thoughts (albeit replacing the name of the woman).

To ascertain whether Charles Bingley was more happy or concerned over the events that happened whilst he was with the Officers was hard. He was, of course, very sad that someone should be ill whilst at his house, but that it was Miss Jane Bennet, was doubly sad. Although there lay the joy as well- to be in Miss Jane's company, less restricted by social obligations of parties and assemblies.

In the end, his selfish happiness of having Jane in his home lost to the greater concern that she could be quite ill. The reports from Lizzy and the apothecary were disheartening. They both claimed that she was too ill to think of moving back to Longbourn for at least four days (had anyone been thinking of allowing her to go back home? ).

*Tim Tams are made by Arnotts. They come in a variety of flavours- Original (as described here), Chewy Caramel, Mocha, Double Coat and Classic Dark Chocolate, Special Edition Tim Tam Hazelnut and new limited edition White Chocolate.

Chapter Four: Less Congenial Company

Posted on Thursday, 8 August 2002

"Mamma," Caroline stated at breakfast the next day, "I believe I will visit Jane today." Another message had come from Miss Bingley insisting that they allow Jane to remain with them whilst recuperating from her fever for a few days at least.

Mrs. Bennet looked up from her muffin. "I see no need for that Caroline. You know there is nothing at Pemberley for you. You had better go and visit the Officers in Meryton with your sisters."

"I am determined to visit Jane, mamma. You never know, Mr. Darcy may improve upon acquaintance."

Mrs. Bennet's eyes narrowed as if trying to calculate the probability of that event occurring. She then decided that Caroline would have her own way anyway, and if she could catch Mr. Darcy, then what a triumph!

"I take it this is the cue for me to order the carriage." Mr. Bennet smiled at the irony of Caroline attempting to insinuate herself further with Mr. Darcy.

"Indeed papa!" Caroline replied as though shocked at there being any other way to go to Netherfield. "you cannot expect me to walk there! Why! It is three miles to Netherfield. I would be muddy- my skirts six inches deep in all the mud from yesterday's rainfall. My hair would be all blowsy and I would not be fit to be seen."

"Yes, my dear" Mr. Bennet commented dryly. Not really caring how she got there, as long as she went.

"Miss Bingley!" Darcy was startled out of his reverie by the appearance of Elizabeth coming around the corner.

"Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth smiled, reminding herself of her earlier promise to be nice to him. "It is a beautiful morning, is it not?"

"Indeed it is, Miss Bingley" Darcy commented, falling in besides her, noticing how her eyes had been brightened by the early morning exercise. "Do you often walk of a morning? I noticed you out yesterday as well."

"Yes, I love my morning walks. It is one of the chief pleasures in being in the country. You cannot walk about like this in Town- everything is close together and noisy, and those parks that are available are always cluttered with people seeing and wanting to be seen. Do you enjoy a walk, Mr. Darcy?"

"Yes, I agree that a morning walk is the best way to wake yourself up fully. When I am home, I often walk or ride and then have breakfast. Only then am I ready to tackle the morning's business." They shared a smile. "Do you ride, Miss Bingley?"

"Aye, but very ill indeed. It is not quite so shocking when you realise that we have never had a country house, and so opportunities for riding have not occurred very frequently."

"Well then, since you are in the country, perhaps you will take up riding?" Darcy suggested, daring himself to ask her to allow him to teach her. He could picture her, in a smart riding outfit, perhaps dark blue, on top of his sister's favourite mount, as they rode together through the woods at Pemberley. Pemberley? Where did that come from? He shook such thoughts from his mind.

"Yes, I think I might. I know that Miss Bennet is an excellent horsewoman, and so when she is feeling better, I hope we may go riding together."

Fighting down the disappointment, Darcy smiled tightly at her. He did not really trust himself to speak further, and after inquiring as to Miss Bennet's health, he quickly made his way back into the house.

Elizabeth stared puzzled at his as he walked into the house. She quickly reviewed their discussion. I said nothing that could possibly offend him? What is his problem?

"Ah Caroline! How wonderful to see you again!" Louisa Hurst declared when Miss Caroline Bennet was announced. "You simply must stay with us whilst dear Jane is becoming better."

Elizabeth's polite smile of greeting froze upon her face. Darcy looked with sympathy at Miss Bingley, and then indulged in empathising with her, when he remembered that he also lived in this house.

There was nothing Elizabeth could do however, but reiterate her sister's invitation and ask for a servant to see to bringing some clothes over for her.

Caroline nearly purred in contentment. This was exactly what she had planned.

"Oh! I did not know anyone else was in here." Elizabeth reddened in embarrassment as she walked into the library and encountered Mr. Darcy.

She had been muttering to herself about her sister and other houseguests whilst coming to fetch a book to keep herself entertained while sitting with Jane.

"No need to apologise, Miss Bingley. It is your house after all." Mr. Darcy smiled; he kept forgetting to remind himself that he should not be pleasant with Miss Bingley, thereby encouraging her attachment to him.

"You enjoy reading?" Mr. Darcy inquired.

"Yes, very much so. Please sit down, do not stand on ceremony for me. I am merely finding a book to read aloud to Jane."

Darcy nodded absently. "Miss Bennet is better, you think?"

"A little. I would be tempted to say that her sister's visit revived her spirits somewhat." She grinned impishly at Mr. Darcy. They both knew that apart from the brief time spent seeing Jane when she first arrived, Caroline Bennet had not been in the sickroom at all. Instead Louisa and she had been having little tea parties together in the drawing room all day, giggling about who knew what. Who cared what they giggled about! Elizabeth thought to herself, saddened that Jane would be used so abominably in her illness.

"I am sure that Charles as well as Miss Bennet are very grateful for the attention you are giving her." Mr. Darcy ventured to say, ignoring the little comments in his mind, telling him what a wonderful Mistress she would make.

Elizabeth smiled, surprised. "Why, it is nothing- anyone would do as much for Jane. She is such a sweet, dear creature. She bears it very well. It must be hard to be ill in a strange house, not having knowing the occupants for very long. I know she feels awkward here, she has often repeated that she is well enough to go home. So a close eye is needed to make sure she does nothing rash." Lizzy smiled, "I am also being quite selfish, Mr. Darcy, please do not attribute it all to a virtue on my behalf. I enjoy Jane's company immensely, and unfortunate as the situation may be, am deriving great pleasure from nursing her back to health."

Darcy had to stop himself from thinking off tangent again, about how wonderful it would be to be nursed by Elizabeth. Elizabeth? Come man! She is Miss Bingley to you!

Seeing that he had again gone silent, Elizabeth turned to find a book. Speaking over her shoulder, she apologised for the range of books.

"Charles has spoken of Pemberley's library. It sounds very grand."

"It has been the work of many generations. I cannot understand a neglected library. But, as Charles would say, I simply love to read and that is why I have troubles comprehending those who do not like it."

Elizabeth turned her head to smile at him. "Poor Charles! I often tease him about reading and his library. He has offered to hand over the task of buying books to me, but I have not dared to presume upon such an offer yet, nor have I been home enough to do so. Although looking at this dismal range, I am quickly becoming determined to do so!"

Darcy laughed quietly.

Elizabeth stopped commenting, having spotted what she thought was a copy of Shakespeare's comedies. She strained to reach it, but it was on the second top shelf. Cursing (ladylike of course) to herself at her short stature, she scanned the room for a stepladder to use.

Mr. Darcy meanwhile had been amused at her attempts to get the book, and had come forward. As Lizzy was vainly trying to get the book yet again, Mr. Darcy from his current position behind her, calmly reached over and took it from the shelf, his height making it an easy reach.

Elizabeth turned around to face him, and stopped. He was so close, and with his arm slightly raised, still bringing the book down, all she could see, feel and breathe was him as she met his eyes, inches from her own face.

His other arm involuntarily came to rest on the shelf next to her, so he surrounded her. She swallowed convulsively. He was a very attractive man; even more so up close where she could see his tousled hair, breathe his woody cologne, feel his breath tickle her face as his lips descended to claim her own.

His lips ... Elizabeth thought incoherently as they came closer. He is going to kiss me! she panicked, half wishing herself to remain, half wanting this to never have happened. I do not even know him, he knows nothing of me, and he is kissing me! Intolerable!

She broke eye contact, turning her head to the side, and slipping out from under his arms.

"Thank you for getting the book for me, Mr. Darcy." She was breathing heavily, still unsteady from his nearness.

Darcy looked around shocked, first of all at the fact that she had disappeared, and then at the realisation of what he had been about to do. Darcy you cad! What were you thinking?

"I ... uh..." he cleared his throat huskily, "you are welcome Miss Bingley." He handed her the book, noting the title, his hand brushing hers unconsciously.

She curtseyed to him, slightly wobbly, and started to move out the door.

"Miss Bingley, please, I..." he moved to block her path. He was desperate to apologise, and at the same time disappointed that she had not wanted what he so desired.

Elizabeth stopped in front of him, eyes downcast. She could not afford to be mesmerised by his eyes again. "Please sir, let me pass." She said in a small voice.

If he could have throttled himself, Darcy would have. "Of course, I am ... I am sorry, I did not mean to... detain you." He watched her leave the room. When she was gone, and he could no longer feel her presence, he thrust himself down into a nearby chair, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "How could you have lost your senses so quickly man!"

Still, she was a beautiful woman. Kind, considerate, loving, warm, tender, full of life, bewitching, witty, beautiful, loving ... he caught himself as he started to repeat her list of virtues. Then in an attempt to dislodge her from his thoughts, he quickly recited, in his most Lady Catherine-like voice, all the qualities that the Mistress of Pemberley should have.

Dinner was a strained affair. Charles was worried about Miss Bennet, and the fact that she was still unwell enough to attend dinner with them. Elizabeth had fought with herself long and hard about the duty of the hostess attending dinner, otherwise she would have simply stayed with Jane and had a tray brought up. She was less lively than at other times, and Darcy painfully noticed it, realising that it was entirely his fault. He desperately wanted to take back what had happened in the library, but at the same time, he wished that he had succeeded. He was fighting with all his might his attraction to her, and yet whenever she was around, especially when they were alone, he forgot about being the silent, disinterested, aloof gentleman, to simply being a man intoxicated with a woman.

Louisa and Caroline could hardly discuss with the same ease what they had been speaking about in private, and Mr. Hurst hardly ever spoke whilst at dinner.

Elizabeth was not inclined to eat anything, and so had to endure pushing around the food on her plate until it seemed the other ladies were satisfied. Then she rose to leave the table, instinctively looking to Mr. Darcy.

Their eyes locked, and he tried to communicate his sorrow at damaging their relationship. She hurriedly looked away, and in a moment was gone.

He quickly got up and went to pour himself some brandy. It was going to be a long evening.

Elizabeth was suffering. She had never thought it possible for her sister to sit and giggle inanely for half an hour, and yet she was doing that very thing with Miss Caroline. She prayed for the gentlemen's return, so she could speak with Charles about some housekeeping business. Anything to keep her mind and eyes occupied on something other than Mr. Darcy.

The gentlemen joined them in due time, and Elizabeth promptly called Charles over. Darcy, the last to arrive, saw that she was earnestly discussing something with her brother, decided that he would write a long overdue letter to his sister.

"And what do you do so secretly there, Mr. Darcy?" Caroline inquired sliding up behind him.

Darcy tried to repress his shudder. He could think of only one woman he would want to be that close to him (again!). In his coldest voice, he told them what he was doing.

"Oh dear Georgiana!" Louisa cried, promoting her favourite's attentions to Mr. Darcy. "Has she grown since I saw her in spring?"

"She is now about Miss Elizabeth Bingley's height, or a little taller." He was all too aware of exactly how tall Miss Bingley was after having her nearly in his arms earlier.

Caroline looked with jealousy on her rival for Mr. Darcy's attention. "Mrs. Hurst was telling me how accomplished your sister is."

Elizabeth and Charles had finished their discussions by this stage and looked with amusement, and no small amount of exasperation on the scene before them. If Elizabeth had been feeling more kindly disposed towards Mr. Darcy, she would have thought of some way to dislodge him from Miss Caroline's grasp, but she felt that he deserved the forced attentions of a lady, after forcing his own attentions on her.

Bingley suffered no such revenge, and decided to take a part in it. "It amazes me that young ladies can be so accomplished. They all paint tables, cover screens, and net purses. I scarcely know any one who cannot do all this, and I am sure I never heard a young lady spoken of for the first time, without being informed that she was very accomplished."

Louisa laughed, Caroline tittered, she had nearly accomplished all of those feats. Elizabeth smiled fondly at Charles' attempt to move the conversation.

"Your list of the common extent of accomplishments," said Darcy, "has too much truth. The word is applied too many a woman who deserves it no otherwise than by netting a purse, or covering a screen. But I am very far from agreeing with you in your estimation of ladies in general. I cannot boast of knowing more than half a dozen, in the whole range of my acquaintance, that are really accomplished."

"Nor I, I am sure," said Miss Bingley, praying that she was one of the six that he considered accomplished.

"Then," observed Elizabeth, joining the conversation almost against her will, "you must comprehend a great deal in your idea of an accomplished women?"

"Yes; I do comprehend a great deal in it." He was happy that she had joined in. He was desperate for her opinion, to hear her voice.

"Oh! certainly," cried his faithful assistant, "no one can be really esteemed accomplished, who does not greatly surpass what is usually met with. A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word; and besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, or the word will be but half deserved."

"All this she must possess," added Darcy, desperately trying not to roll his eyes at the sycophant, "and to all this she must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading."

Elizabeth blushed hotly as she remembered their encounter in the library. She was indignant that he would refer to it.

"I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any."

"Are you so severe upon your own sex, as to doubt the possibility of all this?"

"I never saw such a woman, I never saw such capacity, and taste, and application, and elegance, as you describe, united."

Mrs. Hurst and Miss Caroline both cried out against the injustice of her implied doubt, and were both protesting that they knew many women who answered this description, thinking mainly about themselves. Elizabeth was unconvinced, Charles tried to move past this point in the conversation.

Darcy quietly commented, with a piercing look at Elizabeth, "I have".

"If you will excuse me," Elizabeth said to the no one in particular, wanting to be out of the room, "I shall go check on Miss Bennet."

Both she, and Mr. Darcy thought it strange that Miss Caroline would not be the one to check on her sister. Caroline suffered no such thoughts, revelling in the chance to spend some more time with Darcy away from Eliza Bingley.

The next morning, Mr. Bennet called. Elizabeth thought it odd that the father would call instead of the mother, but Mr. Bennet gladly explained his reasons to her when they were together looking in on Jane.

"I had already inflicted Caroline on you, I could not expect you to put up with Mrs. Bennet and the girls as well."

Lizzy smiled in spite of herself. She was saddened that he would think so about his wife and daughters, but could not help agreeing with him, not to mention silently thanking him.

"I see Jane is in very capable hands, Miss Bingley. Thank you for looking after her so well. It distresses me that Jane does not have a sister of similar understanding and temperament. I believe she is very happy to have you and your brother come into the neighbourhood."

Elizabeth blushed, wishing that they may share a sisterly bond soon enough. "Thank you, Mr. Bennet. Jane is a pleasure to take care of. She never complains, she is constantly grateful, she is the soul of repose."

She escorted him back to where everyone else was.

"Well you have a beautiful house and grounds here, Mr. Bingley. I am sorry to impose on your hospitality, but I fear Jane is still too unwell to bring home."

"Think nothing of it, sir, I am sure she will receive the best attention" Charles responded, eager to please the prospective father-in-law.

"Yes, I am sure of it. Your sister seems an apt nurse. If you are not careful, you will have the entire county mamma's sending their daughters on horseback to sample the famous Netherfield care."

Elizabeth blushed and laughed at the compliment. Charles beamed in pride of his sister. Caroline and Louisa rolled their eyes.

Mr. Bennet noticed his second eldest there, and decided that she no longer needed to be there. In telling the party of this, Caroline and Louisa put up such a fight, that Elizabeth was forced into saying that Caroline was welcome to stay for as long as Jane was unwell.

Mr. Bennet conceded defeat, and as he was saying goodbye, patted Elizabeth on the hand in sympathy. Elizabeth fought down tears at such a fatherly gesture. She did not remember much of her own father. Although he died four years after her mother, he kept himself aloof from the rearing of the children, so she never really knew him. Mr. Bennet seemed the sort of father she could be friends with.

Mr. Darcy noticed this touching exchange and saw the look of yearning in Elizabeth's eyes, and was saddened by it. But there was nothing he could do. He had no father-in-law to offer her.

The next morning at breakfast, with only Charles, Darcy and Elizabeth present (the other ladies were either indisposed (Jane) or it was too early for them to rise yet (Louisa and Caroline)), Charles broached a subject that he had been thinking about recently.

"Elizabeth, do you think it would be too much trouble to hold a Ball here?"

Elizabeth's eyes lit up with pleasure. She had never organised an event of that scale, and saw it as a challenging experience.

"Of course, Charles! What a wonderful idea. I am sure the general populace would welcome it wholeheartedly. Roughly how many people did you have in mind to attend?"

"Oh, I am not sure, at least all the principle landowners. Can you think of anyone else you would like there?

"You will want to invite the Officers, a general invitation should do, apart from Colonel Forster." Darcy added.

Elizabeth was surprised at his compliance, expecting a fight from I-never-dance-Mr. Darcy.

"When were you thinking of holding it?" Elizabeth asked.

"Not before Miss Bennet gets better, but I do not want to wait too long after that. How long do you think it will take to do the invitations and call on our neighbours?"

"You will have to alert your Cook to start preparing the white soup as well." Darcy interjected again.

Elizabeth was amazed that he knew so much about a Ball. She was also slightly miffed at the way he kept saying the things she was going to.

"I can inform Cook after breakfast, and ask her opinion." Elizabeth stated firmly.

Charles grinned foolishly. "Well, it seems that you and Darcy know what to do, how about I leave you two in charge of the preparations?" and with that he rose, leaving two very startled people behind.

Elizabeth was the first to recover. "I assure you, Mr. Darcy, that I am quite capable of seeing to all the preparations for the Ball, and therefore thank you for your offer, but do not require it."

Darcy stopped her as she started to leave. "Miss Bingley, please, be assured that this comes as much a surprise to me, as it does to you. I nevertheless, would be happy to help you. I have not held a Ball at Pemberley for a very long time, but do remember a few things from when my..." he paused and took a painful breath, "my mother last held a Ball."

Elizabeth was moved by the expression in his face when he mentioned his mother. She felt herself softening towards him again.

"Thank you, if you would like to, you are more than welcome to help with the arrangements."

"It will be a pleasure, Miss Bingley." He looked at her deeply, "you will of course, need some spare time to organise a gown to wear."

She did not know whether to be flattered or affronted at the suggestion that she needed to get a new gown made!

He continued, oblivious to her displeasure. "And I would like to ask for the pleasure of the first two dances with you."

Elizabeth looked shocked. Nothing could have shocked her more than his application to dance with her. Not knowing what else to say, she accepted demurely.

Then she remembered something.

"Do you still dislike being introduced to people at a Ball Mr. Darcy and that is why you must ask people that you know in advance?" she challenged as she walked out the door.

Darcy simply smiled, satisfied that he had gained at least two dances from her, and being in charge of the Ball could have its benefits. He would make sure to make the first two dances to be ones he would be sure to enjoy with Miss Bingley.

Throughout the rest of Caroline's stay, Darcy and Elizabeth continued to cross swords with one another. They argued about yielding to the persuasions of a friend, they argued about Charles' style of writing and the rapidity of his thought. They argued without truly understanding why they sparred, other than the need to be in each other's company, and perhaps some mental stimulus that was lacking from other people.

One such argument started simply enough. The party had finished dinner and had retired to the drawing room, where the men had joined them. It was Jane's first night downstairs since her convalescence, and Bingley quickly made his way over to ensure she was warm enough by the fire. With her guest so well cared for, Elizabeth decided that she could finish off the book she had started.

Caroline paced the room, rather bored, but not willing to say so, and vainly attempting to gain Mr. Darcy's attention, by hanging about him. Her figure was elegant, and she walked well; -- but Darcy, at whom it was all aimed, was still inflexibly studious. In the desperation of her feelings she resolved on one effort more; and turning to Elizabeth, said,

"Miss Bingley, let me persuade you to follow my example, and take a turn about the room. -- I assure you it is very refreshing after sitting so long in one attitude."

Elizabeth was surprised, but agreed to it immediately. Miss Caroline succeeded no less in the real object of her civility; Mr. Darcy looked up. He was as much awake to the novelty of attention in that quarter as Elizabeth herself could be, and unconsciously closed his book. He was directly invited to join their party, but he declined it, observing that he could imagine but two motives for their choosing to walk up and down the room together, with either of which motives his joining them would interfere. "What could he mean? she was dying to know what could be his meaning" -- and asked Elizabeth whether she could at all understand him?

"Not at all," was her answer; "but depend upon it, he means to be severe on us, and our surest way of disappointing him will be to ask nothing about it."

Miss Caroline, however, was incapable of disappointing Mr. Darcy in any thing, and persevered therefore in requiring an explanation of his two motives.

"I have not the smallest objection to explaining them," said he, as soon as she allowed him to speak. "You either choose this method of passing the evening because you are in each other's confidence, and have secret affairs to discuss, or because you are conscious that your figures appear to the greatest advantage in walking; -- if the first, I should be completely in your way; -- and if the second, I can admire you much better as I sit by the fire."

"Oh! shocking!" cried Miss Caroline. "I never heard any thing so abominable. How shall we punish him for such a speech?"

"Nothing so easy, if you have but the inclination," said Elizabeth. "We can all plague and punish one another. Tease him -- laugh at him. - Intimate (she rolled her eyes as Caroline tittered excitedly) as you are, you must know how it is to be done."

"But upon my honour I do not. I do assure you that my intimacy has not yet taught me that. Tease calmness of temper and presence of mind!" Caroline pulled the first two general compliments that came to her, "No, no -- I feel he may defy us there. And as to laughter, we will not expose ourselves, if you please, by attempting to laugh without a subject." The impertinence of the woman! Laughing at such a man! "Mr. Darcy may hug himself."

"Mr. Darcy is not to be laughed at!" cried Elizabeth, knowing she had laughed at him countless times. "That is an uncommon advantage, and uncommon I hope it will continue, for it would be a great loss to me to have many such acquaintances. I dearly love a laugh."

"Miss Caroline," said he, "has given me credit for more than can be. The wisest and the best of men, nay, the wisest and best of their actions, may be rendered ridiculous by a person whose first object in life is a joke."

"Certainly," replied Elizabeth -- "there are such people, but I hope I am not one of them. I hope I never ridicule what is wise or good. Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can. -- But these, I suppose, are precisely what you are without."

"Perhaps that is not possible for any one. But it has been the study of my life to avoid those weaknesses which often expose a strong understanding to ridicule."

"Such as vanity and pride."

"Yes, vanity is a weakness indeed. But pride -- where there is a real superiority of mind, pride will be always under good regulation."

Elizabeth turned away to hide a smile.

"Your examination of Mr. Darcy is over, I presume," said Miss Caroline; -- "and pray what is the result?" she had not really been able to follow the conversation.

"I am perfectly convinced by it that Mr. Darcy has no defect. He owns it himself without disguise." Caroline nodded eagerly at this- she could understand and agree completely with that. She then started shaking her head as Darcy contradicted Eliza's statement.

"No" -- said Darcy, "I have made no such pretension. I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding. My temper I dare not vouch for. -- It is I believe too little yielding -- certainly too little for the convenience of the world. I cannot forget the follies and vices of others so soon as I ought, nor their offences against myself. My feelings are not puffed about with every attempt to move them. My temper would perhaps be called resentful. -- My good opinion once lost is lost for ever."

"That is a failing indeed!" -- cried Elizabeth. "Implacable resentment is a shade in a character. But you have chosen your fault well. -- I really cannot laugh at it; you are safe from me."

"There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to some particular evil, a natural defect, which not even the best education can overcome."

"And your defect is a propensity to hate every body."

"And yours," he replied with a smile, "is willfully to misunderstand them."

"Do let us have a little music," -- cried Miss Caroline, tired of a conversation in which she had no share, and oblivious to the impropriety of her initiating the question. -- "Louisa, you will not mind my waking Mr. Hurst."

Mrs. Hurst made not the smallest objection, and the pianoforte was opened. Caroline played tolerably well, but nothing compared with Elizabeth or Georgiana. Darcy, after a few moments recollection, was not sorry for the playing. He began to feel the danger of paying Elizabeth too much attention. He had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was with Miss Bingley. But how was one to ignore their hostess?

Elizabeth similarly was feeling frustrated with the constant sparring, and wished, not for the first time, that they really could spar with swords, since it would put one of them out of their misery soon enough. Yet, she could not decide who was winning in their arguments, and that frustrated her all the more.

To think I actually have to dance with this man! How will I ever survive?

Chapter Five: A Discovery

Posted on Friday, 16 August 2002

Jane Bennet let Elizabeth know the next morning that she was fit to travel, and Elizabeth, after much pleading, agreed to let her go. Jane asked that Caroline would see her, and used her eldest sister status, as well as some newly acquired firmness from Elizabeth, to put Caroline in her place and demand that she go pack her things.

Elizabeth offered the carriage, which was gratefully accepted since Jane knew that if she applied for Longbourn's carriage, her mother would deny it in the hope that Jane and Caroline to would be forced to stay a few days longer.

Elizabeth said a teary farewell to Jane, promising to call on her in a few days time to see how she was faring. Caroline sullenly got into the carriage, annoyed that she had not secured a marriage proposal, or even a dance at the upcoming Ball, from Mr. Darcy.

Darcy watched Elizabeth as she said goodbye to her guests, and wished instead that she were going away. How could he survive living with her in the same house, without being with her. Not that I want to! he reminded himself curtly. She is unsuitable as Mistress of Pemberley. Lady Catherine would fall off her chair if she found out that I was contemplating marriage to a woman in trade. But I'm not contemplating marriage to her, or anyone else!.

He spent the next few days in the library.

Unfortunately for Elizabeth, this meant that she could not use the library as she was frequently wanting to. She determined that she would never be alone in the library with Mr. Darcy again. She could not trust his behaviour. You could not trust your own behaviour either! she begrudgingly acknowledged.

So the few days passed before Elizabeth was to visit Jane. She spent some time with Miss Lucas, whom she now called Charlotte, and they also became good friends. She also visited with Charles to extend invitations to the Ball. They had left the Bennet's invitation to last, paying a particular attention to the family, considering that Bingley was determined to open the Ball with Jane Bennet.

Elizabeth and Charles had decided that they would meet at Meryton to go on to Longbourn. Elizabeth needed to make some final adjustments to her Ball gown, and so walked into the village, much to her sister's horror, that morning.

As she was coming out of the dressmaker's shop, she bumped into all five Bennet sisters and a young man, who, from his clothes, looked to belong to the cloth.

And Mr. Collins, as was the gentleman's name when Jane introduced him, did. He was minister to a small Hunsford community that had the blessed patronage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Elizabeth had never been so amused in her entire life, as she was when Mr. Collins attached himself to her- a young, fashionable lady- and expounded his patronesses many virtues.

They stood by the road for some time, Lizzy's amusement at Mr. Collins quickly wearing thin. Jane tried her best to steer the conversation away from chimneypieces and windows, but Mr. Collins was very persevering and always managed to bring whatever topic they were discussing back to Lady Catherine and her condescension.

"Did you find the dressmaker satisfactory, Miss Bingley?" Jane spoke up quickly as Mr. Collins paused for breath after proclaiming Lady Catherine's windows to be just the right height as befitted a lady wishing to look out and view her wonderful park.

Elizabeth quelled a smile, and replied "Madame. - seemed to be able to understand exactly what I wanted. She certainly has a talent for trimming a gown in such understated elegance."

Jane nodded, but was interrupted by her cousin before she could speak.

"Yes, trimmings make the gown, Lady Catherine was condescendingly explaining to me one afternoon, after finding that I was lacking" with a humble duck of the head, "in this area of female delicacy. She expounded the virtue of lace to be used sparingly, for," he cleared his throat, his voice becoming slightly higher as he remembered her exact words (he had misplaced his little book that he usually wrote down her speeches to him in), "'a lady must never appear ridiculous. Feathers and lace and other such trimmings should only be used of those ladies in the highest sphere of society. Indeed had Miss De Bourgh not been allergic to feathers, she would have worn them truly proficiently.'" This speech was accompanied with much bobbing of his head. He then looked around and then a thought darted to his head, almost as if from heaven itself, that he may have offended his fair cousins and their wealthy friend.

"Of course, my dear cousins, and you Miss Bingley, would all wear feathers nearly equally as well as Miss De Bourgh, although you must allow that being the daughter of such an esteemed gentlewoman, she would always look much better. Especially my Cousin Caroline," with a look and a pull on her arm that she was forced to enter into their conversation, "would look stunning in a feather cap." Caroline blushed at such flattery. Perhaps Mr. Collins was not so bad after all?

Mr. Collins smiled, prodigiously pleased as another of his delicate little comments pleased a young lady. He expounded on just how well Caroline would look, "a large peacock feather I think in a turban style bonnet that would match the purple gown she would wear so befittingly."

Caroline extricated her arm from Mr. Collins' simpering grip. Purple?! she humphed, was the man blind? You could not wear orange with purple! And I would not give up my orange gowns for all the feathers in China.

Her cutting response (and subsequent ridicule as the feathers and other exotic fashions originated in India, not China) was never said however. Lydia was screaming across the way, to Captain Denny.

He promptly came over, bringing with him a young, handsome man dressed smartly in a blue coat.

"He would be more handsome in regimentals." Kitty proclaimed, a tad loudly.

"Oh he will be, Miss Kitty." Captain Denny proclaimed as they drew a bit nearer. He then made the introductions, allowing Jane to introduce Miss Elizabeth Bingley and their cousin Mr. Collins.

Mr. Wickham was the Officer-to-be, and he instantly weighed up the ladies in front of him. They were all pleasant looking girls, Miss Mary less so than the others. Miss Jane Bennet was angelically beautiful, but a bit too placid and serene for his tastes. Miss Caroline was a bit too tall and... well orange. Lydia and Kitty seemed the sort of girls who could be led on a merry chase, but once Wickham saw Miss Bingley, he decided there and then who had his preference.

Smiling disarmingly, he approached Miss Bingley and introduced himself again, engaging her in pleasant conversation for about five minutes. Elizabeth thought him charming, although she was instantly wary of him, being accustomed by this time to men who wished to prop up their dwindling fortunes, or make themselves a fortune through her dowry. Still, he was the most interesting gentleman she had met in a while, and therefore was quite annoyed at being taken away from Jane and Mr. Wickham so quickly.

For, during their pleasant chat, her brother and Mr. Darcy, who had decided to accompany them to Longbourn, passed by. Bingley, instantly dismounted to greet Jane and ask after her health. He nodded to Wickham who was speaking with his sister. Darcy also was looking at Elizabeth. It had been half a day since he had last saw her, and he drank in the sight of her. Until he saw him.

He could not have been less prepared for the sight of That Man than he could a physical blow. To make it worse, his Elizabeth was staring smilingly up at him. Wickham looked around, and met his gaze. Elizabeth happening to see the countenance of both as they looked at each other, was all astonishment at the effect of the meeting. Both changed colour, one looked white, the other red. Mr. Wickham, after a few moments, touched his hat -- a salutation which Mr. Darcy just deigned to return. What could be the meaning of it? -- It was impossible to imagine; it was impossible not to long to know.

Darcy did not know what to do. He could not speak to that blackguard, but he should not leave Miss Bingley in that fiends clutches, especially since she was eligible enough to be a serious target. Darcy stood for a few moments in turmoil, and then acted as he was always wont to- he turned and rode away. Wickham could not help a small smile of triumph cross his lips. Darcy was ever the coward, never one for confrontation until backed into a corner with nowhere to turn. Wickham had seen the look of desire on Darcy's face when looking at Miss Bingley, and this only spurred his own intentions towards the lovely lady on.

Bingley, by now alerted to the fact that Darcy had ridden his horse along, apologised to Miss Bennet, and came to collect his sister. Elizabeth was dying to know what it was between the two men, and so was disappointed at being separated from the more congenial of the two. But she took Charles' hand, as he walked his mount.

Once they had reached the outskirts of Meryton, Elizabeth started inquiring into Mr. Darcy's acquaintance with Mr. Wickham.

Bingley could not tell her anything, other than the fact that he faintly remembered Darcy speaking of a Mr. Wickham being the late steward of his fathers.

"He spoke disparagingly of the son, whom I presume is this Mr. Wickham. I don't know why, Elizabeth, so don't ask me!" Charles laughingly interpreting the look on Elizabeth's face correctly. "Lizzy, don't go prying into other people's business. I am sure Darcy has a good reason to dislike Mr. Wickham. I would trust Darcy's judgment any day."

Elizabeth was not satisfied. "Which is what I am worried about Charles. I do not understand your friendship with Mr. Darcy. He seems very unsociable and severe. Would it not be wise to trust your own judgment in things other than being persuaded by your friend to see his way?"

Charles laughed. "Lizzy, do you remember the argument you had with Darcy the other night- about being persuaded to stay an extra night by a friend. You were the one defending the right of the person to be persuaded by his friend, and now you are claiming Darcy's side by saying it is wrong of me to be inclined to listen to my friend's opinions."

Elizabeth blushed at his interpretation of the matter. Sometimes Louisa and she had the tendency to underrate Charles' ability to look after himself. But that is only because he tends to do so himself, by inviting Mr. Darcy to tell him what he should do!

"Point taken Charles, but then again, I was meaning it in the context of two friends who knew each other very well and were similarly disposed, and had only the best intentions for each other."

Charles squeezed her hand, "Then rest assured Lizzy, Darce and I are the best of friends."

A few days later, her fluctuating opinion of Mr. Darcy was to take a dive. On one of her many walks to clear her mind of the upcoming Ball preparations, she happened across Mr. Wickham. That it took her by surprise was apparent, but it really was no surprise for him.

As Elizabeth had not dared ask Mr. Darcy for an account of his dealings with Mr. Wickham, and however inappropriate a subject it was to broach, it was the one which Elizabeth had been fixated on for some time.

He immediately greeted her, and the agreeable manner in which he immediately fell into conversation, though it was only on the weather, and on the probability of a rainy season, made her feel that the commonest, dullest, most threadbare topic might be rendered interesting by the skill of the speaker.

He had been walking, taking in the beauty of the county and was happy to escort Miss Bingley on her walk home. Mr. Wickham was therefore at leisure to talk to Elizabeth, and she was very willing to hear him, though what she chiefly wished to hear she could not hope to be told, the history of his acquaintance with Mr. Darcy. She dared not even mention that gentleman. Her curiosity however was unexpectedly relieved. Mr. Wickham began the subject himself. He inquired how far Netherfield was from Meryton; and, after receiving her answer, asked in a hesitating manner how long Mr. Darcy had been staying there.

"About a month, he came a little after my brother and I settled here" said Elizabeth; and then, unwilling to let the subject drop, added, "He is a man of very large property in Derbyshire, I understand."

"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 my infancy."

Elizabeth could not but look surprised.

"You may well be surprised, Miss Bingley, 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?" This was what Wickham wanted to know. Being the sister of one of Darcy's closest friends, Wickham thought that she would be warned off seeing him, but as she did not seem to be overly concerned by his presence, and was actively talking with him, he supposed it possible that the Darcy pride would not let Elizabeth in on the secret. And if that were the case, Wickham would strike.

"A little," Elizabeth said hesitantly, not really understanding her relationship with Darcy, -- "I have spent over a month in the same house with him, and I still do not know whether he is proud, disagreeable, or merely silent."

"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."

"I do not know, I believe he is not at all overwhelmingly liked in Hertfordshire. You will not find him more favourably spoken of by any one."

"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."

"I should take him, even on my slight acquaintance, to be an ill-tempered man." Wickham only shook his head.

"I wonder," said he, helping her over a stile, "whether he is likely to be in this country much longer."

"I do not at all know; but I have heard nothing of his going away any time soon. I hope your plans in favour of the ----shire 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 all the world; a sense of very great ill-usage, and most painful regrets at his being what he is. His father, Miss Bingley, 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 company with this Mr. Darcy without being grieved to the soul by a thousand tender recollections. His behaviour to myself has been scandalous; but I verily believe I could forgive him any thing and every thing, rather than his disappointing the hopes and disgracing the memory of his father."

Elizabeth found the interest of the subject increase, and listened with all her heart; but the delicacy of it prevented farther inquiry.

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 the ----shire. I knew it to be a most respectable, agreeable corps, and my friend Denny tempted me farther by his account of their present quarters, and the very great attentions and excellent acquaintance Meryton had 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 not you seek legal redress?"

"There was just such an informality in the terms of the bequest as to give me no hope from law. A man of honour could not have doubted the intention, but Mr. Darcy chose to doubt it -- or to treat it as a merely conditional recommendation, and to assert that I had forfeited all claim to it by extravagance, imprudence, in short any thing 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 accuse myself of having really done any thing to deserve to lose it. I have a warm, unguarded temper, and I may 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 sort of men, and that he hates me."

"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 defy or expose him."

Elizabeth honoured him for such feelings, and thought him handsomer than ever as he expressed them.

"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 very early in life. He had not a temper to bear the sort of competition in which we stood -- the sort of preference which was often given me."

"I had not thought Mr. Darcy so bad as this -- though I have never entirely liked him, I had not thought so very ill of him -- I had supposed him to be despising his fellow-creatures in general, but did not suspect him of descending to such malicious revenge, such injustice, such inhumanity as this!"

After a few minutes reflection, however, she continued, "I do remember his boasting one day, at Netherfield, of the implacability of his resentments, of his having an unforgiving temper. His disposition must be dreadful."

"I will not trust myself on the subject," replied Wickham, "I can hardly be just to him."

Elizabeth was again deep in thought, and after a time exclaimed, "To treat in such a manner, the godson, the friend, the favourite of his father!" -- She could have added, "A young man too, like you, whose very countenance may vouch for your being amiable" -- but she contented herself with "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 passed together; inmates of the same house, sharing the same amusements, objects of the same parental care. My father began life in the legal profession, but he gave up every thing 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 Mr. Darcy, a most intimate, confidential friend. Mr. Darcy often acknowledged himself to be under the greatest obligations 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. "How abominable! -- I wonder that the very pride of this Mr. Darcy has not made him just to you! -- If from no better motive, that he should not have been too proud to be dishonest, -- for dishonesty I must call it."

"It is wonderful," -- replied 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."

"What sort of a 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 too much like her brother, -- very, very proud. -- As a child, she was affectionate and pleasing, and extremely fond of me; and I have 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."

After many pauses and many trials of other subjects, Elizabeth could not help reverting once more to the first, and saying,

"I am further astonished at his intimacy with my brother! I have often wondered at how he can have a truly amiable friendship with such a man. How can they suit each other? 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 conversable 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 something for fortune and figure. Have you never seen Mr. Darcy being agreeable towards yourself?"

Elizabeth paused a moment. "Yes," she conceded, "Mr. Darcy can be a pleasant companion." She coloured as she remembered that day in the library.

Wickham decided to throw his final punch. "Yes, Mr. Darcy is often uncommonly charming to beautiful, eligible ladies, such as yourself" Elizabeth blushed at his compliment, "although for how long they feel his patronage is entirely up to his fancy for them, and often falls short of how long they need his patronage."

Elizabeth looked up shocked at what he was implying. But if it was true, it put the events in the library in a much more sinister light. If she had not refused him, could she have been one of these women dependent on his benevolence?

It was shocking. Too shocking to believe, and yet why would Mr. Wickham say such slander?

"Of course, he could not marry any of these ladies, even if he had wanted to, since he is intended for his cousin." On seeing Elizabeth's startled look, he continued. "Did you not know that Lady Catherine de Bourgh (the patroness of that fellow Collins yesterday) and Lady Anne Darcy were sisters; consequently that she is aunt to the present Mr. Darcy."

"No, indeed, I did not. -- I knew nothing at all of Lady Catherine's connections. I never heard of her existence till the day before yesterday."

"Her daughter, Miss de Bourgh, will have a very large fortune, and it is believed that she and her cousin will unite the two estates."

This information made Elizabeth smile, as she thought of poor Miss Caroline. Vain indeed must be all her attentions, vain and useless her praise of himself, if he was already self-destined to another.

"Mr. Collins," said she, "speaks highly both of Lady Catherine and her daughter; but from some particulars that he has related of her ladyship, I suspect his gratitude misleads him, and that in spite of her being his patroness, she is an arrogant, conceited woman."

"I believe her to be both in a great degree," replied Wickham; "I have not seen her for many years, but I very well remember that I never liked her, and that her manners were dictatorial and insolent. She has the reputation of being remarkably sensible and clever; but I rather believe she derives part of her abilities from her rank and fortune, part from her authoritative manner, and the rest from the pride of her nephew, who chooses that every one connected with him should have an understanding of the first class."

By this time, they were within the grounds of Netherfield, and Wickham, not wanting Darcy to catch him poisoning Miss Bingley's mind against him, bade her good bye.

Elizabeth knew not what to think. She had never thought Mr. Darcy capable of this- such unchristian ingratitude to his father and jealousy of Mr. Wickham. What he had said about his treatment of women was only too believable considering what he had tried to do in the library with her. As much as it pained her to dislike any of Charles' friends, she was now determined in her dislike of Mr. Darcy and was determined to avoid him for the rest of his stay. She remembered the two dances with dismay and thought vainly of some way to break the engagement. But barring physical injury, she could not, and therefore she decided that the dances would be the only time of interaction between him and her.

First of all, however, she needed to find some way to break the news to Charles, so he could help her throw him out of the house.

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