Beginning, Section II, Section III

Chapter Seven.

Posted on Tuesday, 4 April 2006

On Monday morning, the drapes were opened to reveal a dull, grey day, with only the occasional light shower pattering gently against the large windows to break the monotony.

Elizabeth had spent another day lying in bed, staring out of the window, and she knew she was growing fractious. She was still unable to read to herself --- concentrating on the printed words made her eyes dance and her stomach churn --- and she relied a considerable amount on Charlotte for company and conversation.

Miss de Bourgh visited her again, and, after offering an embarrassed apology for her mother's visit, she seemed visibly more relaxed and animated while discussing their mutual love of books and literature. Elizabeth was both surprised by her shy, tentative wit, and embarrassed by the remembrance of her own prejudices. She had delighted Anne with descriptions of the walks she enjoyed around Longbourn, and her favourite walks while she stayed at the parsonage, while Anne had spoken of the correspondence with her cousin, Georgiana, and particularly her comments about Miss Bingley, at which Elizabeth had laughed loudly. At the end of her visit, Anne promised to call again the following day, and bring with her a collection of poems she had been reading.

During the afternoon, Maria Lucas also came to call on Elizabeth, and her quiet but enthusiastic conversation and gossip from Hertfordshire kept her tolerably entertained for an hour or so, before she had to return to the parsonage.

As the sky began to darken, she resigned herself to spending the rest of the evening alone, as Lady Catherine had invited Mr and Mrs Collins and Maria to dinner that evening. Therefore, she was surprised when a knock at the door brought one of the maids with an unexpected visitor.

"Papa!"

Her father's face split into a relieved smile as he took in the sight of his daughter, propped up in bed by bolster and pillows.

"Now, now, Lizzy, what have you been doing to yourself?" he asked with mock seriousness. He sat down heavily in the chair next to her bed, taking both of her hands in his own and giving them a gentle squeeze. "I am pleased to see you well, child. After receiving Mr. Collins's letter, I could not rest until I saw you with my own eyes. I came as soon as I could."

Elizabeth smiled as she acknowledged how grateful she was for his visit.

He questioned her seriously about her accident, but could illicit no further information than he had already received from Mr. And Mrs Collins, because she was unable to recall any more details than she had on Friday morning.

"Mrs Collins did mention that Mr. Darcy called for his physician from Town."

"That is correct. Dr. Hall did not seem overly concerned about my loss of memory; he thought it could return at any time, or not at all."

"It must be especially hard for you to be confined to your bed. You were never very good at it, even as a very young girl."

"Yes," she replied with a knowing smile, "you know me well enough to know I do not make a good patient. The views from the windows are lovely, but unchanging. I long to go outside, feel the wind on my face and hear the birds in the trees, but Dr. Hall forbids me to leave my bed for a week. I am so bored with nothing to do. Charlotte visits me when she can, but she has her own household to manage. She also has to accompany Mr. Collins on his visits to Lady Catherine.

Mr. Bennet asked her opinion about Mr Collins's patron.

"That lady, I am pleased to say, seems to ignore my presence in the house almost entirely. She came to visit me yesterday, but she remained in the room only a few minutes. I believe, however, that I can bear the loss of her company quite cheerfully. Her daughter, on the other hand, is very kind. She has visited me twice, and we have had some stimulating conversations." Elizabeth looked across to her father and noticed his tired smile and the dark shadows under his eyes. "Still, I am pleased you are here, Papa."

"I must admit, Lizzy, seeing you were well was only part of the inducement to come to Kent. I also had an overwhelming desire to see the opulence of Rosings Park, which Mr. Collins so ably described. His enthusiasm for his patron and her property knows no bounds."

Their conversation continued long into the evening, with news from home being exchanged for details of Elizabeth's visit with Mr. & Mrs Collins. Mr Bennet raised a surprised eyebrow while Elizabeth was discussing her walks in the grove, and how she met Mr. Darcy there on more than one occasion.

"So, do you find Mr. Darcy's behaviour to be any different here compared to his haughty, conceited behaviour at Meryton?"

"Since the Colonel and Mr. Darcy arrived at Rosings, they have called at the parsonage on a number of occasions, although Mr. Darcy's manner was the same as when he visited Netherfield. Colonel Fitzwilliam did mention his cousin's laconic conversations during their visits, which suggests that, elsewhere at least, he is happy to converse with those he feels are worthy." Thinking back on her other discussion with the Colonel, Elizabeth considered telling her father about Mr. Darcy's efforts to separate Jane from Mr. Bingley, but her thoughts were interrupted by another question from Mr. Bennet.

"Then how do you explain such condescension in sending for his own doctor? Surely that was not wholly necessary on his part? It does not quite seem to fit the actions of the disdainful man described to be by your friend Wickham when he was last at Longbourn."

"Yes, but even Mr. Wickham admitted that Mr. Darcy can be a conversable companion if he feels it worth his while, or when among those he considers to be his equal. Mr Wickham also mentioned how liberal and generous Mr. Darcy can be; with his tenants, or when donating to the poor." Elizabeth turned to look curiously at the daffodils by her bed before adding, "Mr. Darcy probably feels some misguided responsibility because my accident occurred in the grounds of his aunt's property."

With an imperceptible shrug of his shoulders Mr. Bennet then changed the subject to the brief visit he made to Gracechurch Street on his way into Kent. "It is most pleasant to see my dear Jane with a smile on her face again."

"If that is so, then I am well pleased for her myself. It would be agreeable for Jane to return home in lighter spirits than when she left."

"Well, why should she not. When we return to Longbourn I am sure she will have regular visits from her Mr. Bingley to keep her tolerably amused."

"Mr. Bingley? Papa, what do you mean?" She saw the smile lighting up her father's lined face, and knew he had been holding back this information until last, for the entertainment it would afford him.

"When I called in to see your Aunt and Uncle on my way down to Kent --- to let them know of your misadventure --- I found Mr. Bingley sitting in their parlour drinking tea. Jane did not seem at all displeased to see him there," he replied with an innocent expression. "I would not be surprised if Mr. Bingley is already in residence at Netherfield by the time we return home.

"Oh! I long to see Jane, and hear all her news."

"Then it is lucky for you that she came with me, is it not?"

"Jane is here?"

"Yes! She is settling into your room at the parsonage. She told me to tell you that she will visit in the morning."

That night, Elizabeth settled down to sleep with a content smile on her face. Jane and her father were here; she no longer felt alone in Kent.

Jane Bennet walked out from the Parsonage early that morning to visit her sister. The spring breezes played daintily with the ribbons of her bonnet as she walked the half a mile to Rosings. She chose to reach Lizzy's room by the more modest rear entrance, to avoid the attention of Lady Catherine and her guests, and was promptly shown to the suite of rooms occupied by her sister.

"Good morning, Lizzy! Are you well this morning?"

"Jane!" Elizabeth burst into a wide smile at the entrance of her sister. "I feel better for seeing you. I am so pleased you were able to come to Kent; I am sure you have so much to tell me."

"About what?" Jane asked innocently as she removed her bonnet.

"About you and Mr. Bingley, of course!"

"Oh, Lizzy!" Jane smiled as she settled herself in the chair by the bed, making herself comfortable to tell the story. "It was so strange. On Saturday afternoon, I went to the park with Aunt Gardiner and the children. When we returned sometime later, we heard voices coming from Uncle's study. I thought no more of it --- thinking the visitor to be one of Uncle's business associates --- so you can imagine how surprised I was when the door opened and out walked Mr. Bingley!" Elizabeth grinned at Jane's astonishment, and they both broke down in a fit of giggles.

"I understand from Uncle that he called soon after we left the house. As our Uncle had heard much about Mr. Bingley from Mama, he was curious as to his reason for the unexpected visit and he invited him in to wait. He told me later how friendly he thought him."

"Of course he did, Jane. Mr. Bingley is all goodness; Uncle Gardiner could not help but be impressed. But what of you? How did you feel when you saw him?"

"I knew not what to feel. I had hoped to see him during my stay in town, but after Miss Bingley's visit ... well, I am sorry to say that I had given up all hope of ever seeing him again, and was quite determined to put him from my mind."

"And yet you did see him again, Jane. Did Mr. Bingley give a reason for not visiting before? Or did his sister have a change of heart, and champion your cause?"

"No, it was certainly not Miss Bingley's doing. Actually, I believe we have Mr. Darcy to thank for his friend's attendance. Although we were not able to speak privately, Mr. Bingley did mention that he was unaware of my being in Town until he was informed of it by his friend, who in turn had the understanding from you while in Kent." Jane watched her sister as conflicting emotions flickered across her face at the mention of Mr. Darcy. "Lizzy? Is anything wrong?"

"No, no, nothing is wrong. I was only remembering the conversation we had, that is all. I remember the Colonel and Mr. Darcy called at the Parsonage on the first day of their visit to Rosings, and I mentioned to him then that you were in Town. I hardly expected him to bespeak Mr. Bingley on the strength of it."

"Well, he did, and I am grateful to him." Jane went on to talk about Mr. Bingley's subsequent visits to the Gardiner's house on Sunday and Monday, and how he had offered to accompany Jane and her Father to Kent when Papa had arrived from Longbourn with news of her accident. After Mr. Bennet had politely declined the offer, Mr. Bingley had then expressed a hope of seeing them again once they were returned to Longbourn.

"Well, Jane, that does sound hopeful. It makes me even more determined to leave here as soon as I am able."

"But you must not travel until it is safe to do so. The physician would not have instructed you to remain in bed for so long if he had not been concerned by your injury." Jane looked away from her sister with a sigh. Elizabeth had never taken illness or infirmity very seriously, but if Mrs Collins's account was correct, Elizabeth's accident was more serious than any illness she had previously suffered. Eventually she asked, "Have you really forgotten everything that happened on that day?"

"Of course not," her sister snapped. "I remember having breakfast, and most of my walk with Colonel Fitzwilliam."

Jane studied her sister closely, and could see that recollecting the walk with the Colonel had somehow made Elizabeth uncomfortable. She had not yet met Colonel Fitzwilliam, although she had heard about him from Maria Collins, and she hoped for the chance to meet him before they left Kent.

The library was shrouded in silence, except for the regular sound of the mantle clock marking the unceasing passage of time. Fitzwilliam Darcy sat at his desk, pen in hand, and estate maps strewn around the large mahogany top, but his focus was somewhere else entirely.

While he had tried to concentrate on the work in front of him, his mind had rebelled against boundary disputes and estate management and instead was reliving his previous meetings with Miss Bennet. Now he was aware of exactly how she felt about him, the times they had met at Netherfield, and in the surrounding neighbourhood, were remembered in a disturbing new light. He had reluctantly come to the realization that any partiality that he thought he had seen was, regrettably, only in his imagination.

Ever since he was old enough to attend, the seasons he had endured in Town had made him acutely conscious of the way he was viewed by those mothers and daughters of the Ton who were looking for a good match. The endless balls, parties and soirées where he had been scrutinized, discussed and judged as good breeding stock had left him feeling disgusted with the whole practice. His mask of indifference had been honed to perfection at such events, to a point where he could quell the advances of many matchmaking mothers with merely a glance.

He had been introduced to more young women of a marriageable age than he could ever hope to remember, but their simpering smiles, and vapid expressions had never caught his attention. What had been so different about Miss Elizabeth Bennet?

Why had he been unable to put her out of his mind after his retreat from Netherfield? Although he justified returning to town as a means to protect his friend, in his heart he knew that he had lied to himself. He had also fled from a pair of fine eyes, a lively disposition, and a woman who had intrigued him, seemingly without any effort or intention.

Darcy shook his head, to clear the fog that had addled his brains. Regardless of his feelings, Miss Bennet had made her own very clear. His mind had reflected on the manner of his proposal repeatedly since that fateful day. He had told her that he loved her, but did he really? Was this hopeless, empty feeling really love? No, he was sure of it now. Some of his words had been spoken out of pride, but not love. Others had been derived from anger, not from love. His final words were voiced with bitterness, not with love. It was obvious to him now; what he felt for her could not be love. He could never have addressed her in such a manner if he truly loved her. So what force had compelled him to ask for her hand?

He realized that it was past the time for him to return to town and put this unfortunate occurrence behind him.

He left the library and wandered up to his rooms, where he instructed his valet to pack his things ready to return to town first thing the following morning. He then went out looking for Richard, who he eventually found by the stables, laughing and joking with the stable master.

"Darcy! What are you doing here?"

"I was looking for you actually."

"Why? Have you read all the books in the library already?"

"Unlike some people, I put my time to better use. Every year I have to placate Lady Catherine's tenants and neighbours, only for her to irritate and anger them again just in time for my next visit. Do you think I would prefer to solve her disputes than ride in the countryside every day, like you?"

"No. Of course not. I think you would rather loiter in corridors waiting for news of a certain lady from Hertfordshire," he replied, with an insolent grin.

"Do not be ridiculous, Richard. If you would prefer to stay here when I leave tomorrow morning, you only need to say."

His cousin looked surprised. "We are leaving then? Tomorrow?"

"Yes. I believe our return is long overdue. I have not received a letter from Georgiana in a while, and I am concerned for her. Can you be ready for an early start? I wish to be back in town for midday."

"I certainly can," the Colonel said. "I only have another week of leave left, and I would dearly like to spend it town, recovering from Aunt Catherine!"

The two men were walking through the house as they met Miss Bennet in the hallway. "Miss Bennet." Darcy greeted her formally. "May I introduce my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam?"

"I am pleased to make your acquaintance," she replied, with a curtsey to the Colonel. "I was hoping to meet you during my visit. I have heard a lot about you from my sister."

Darcy watched as Richard's face split into a wide grin, and he moved closer to Miss Bennet, asking her a polite question about her journey to Kent. He had seen that expression on his cousin's face before, and he knew that he needed to remove him from Miss Bennet's presence before any further damage was done. Waiting for a break in the conversation, he said, "I am afraid you will have to excuse us, Miss Bennet. Please pass on my good wishes to your sister for her continued recovery. My cousin and I have something we need to discuss ... in the library."

Colonel Fitzwilliam wore a black expression as he followed his cousin into the library. "What do you mean, we have something to discuss?"

"I have seen that look in your eyes before, Richard. I am not making all this effort to reunite Bingley with Miss Bennet, only for you to interfere!"

"I realize that you felt the need to take care of your friend," the Colonel said sharply, "but now that I have met the lady who you were so intent on saving him from, I wonder why Bingley allowed himself to be so easily saved? I would not have been so easily separated from such a beauty, regardless of how persuasive you might have been. And who were you to make that decision for him anyway?"

Darcy was incensed at his cousin's accusations, although they were, in truth, not far from the censure that he had been chiding himself with recently. He would have responded to his cousin, but his heated words died on his lips as a footman entered with a letter. Taking the envelope from the tray, he recognized the handwriting immediately. "It is from Georgiana."

"I will leave you with it then, Cousin, and I will see you tomorrow morning," Richard replied coldly as he left the room.

Chapter Eight.

Posted on Wednesday, 12 April 2006

Darcy dropped into his favourite chair with a heavy sigh and broke the seal on the letter. He was pleased to see that Georgiana had written in detail. She described her days filled with the subjects she had been studying, the piano and harp pieces that she had been practicing, and the everyday gossip of London society.

He was reading her letter for a second time when the library door opened slowly, and a servant announced Mr. Bennet. The older man appeared tired from his journey the previous day, and when he saw Mr. Darcy he quickly offered to leave him in peace, but Darcy welcomed him into the library with a stiff wave of his hand. The two men had never actually had a conversation together since their introduction in Hertfordshire, and had only been in the same room on a few occasions. Consequently, Darcy felt uneasy in Mr Bennet's presence.

"It is good to see you, sir. I am only sorry that we meet again under such circumstances."

"Mr. Darcy, I apologize for intruding on your privacy. If you would prefer me to return another time, I will be happy to do so. I have come to visit my daughter, but yesterday I made her a promise that I would read to her this afternoon and the housekeeper kindly suggested I might be able to find something suitable in this fine library." Mr. Bennet gazed around the high shelves lined with books, as a thirsty man would look at a babbling stream. He appeared impressed by the size of the room and the number of volumes it contained. Tipping his head slightly to one side --- to better view the titles --- he eagerly scanned the nearest shelves and made appreciative noises over the subjects or authors.

Seeing another man with an interest in literature, Darcy felt himself relax a little. It appeared they did have something in common after all. "There is no reason to leave, sir. I see you have an interest in books. This library was primarily the work of my uncle, Sir Lewis. Unfortunately, there have been no new acquisitions since his death. My Aunt does not have quite the same enthusiasm." He watched his visitor closely as Mr. Bennet continued to scan the shelves with a preoccupied air. After a few minutes of browsing, Darcy noticed that the older man looked across the room once or twice in his direction, before finally turning to face his host and taking a deep breath.

"I believe I have to thank you for the kindness you have shown to my daughter since her accident. I have heard of your condescension in helping search for Elizabeth when she was missing, and your generosity in sending for your physician from town. As you can imagine, my cousin, Mr. Collins, took great pains to acquaint me with your benevolence in some detail when I arrived in Kent."

It occurred to Darcy that his visitor appeared uncomfortable with what he obviously saw as a debt of gratitude for the care of his daughter. "Mr. Bennet, please do not make yourself uneasy. It was no trouble on my part to make sure your daughter was well cared for. I am just sorry that the accident occurred in the first place." Particularly as I might have prevented it, he thought sadly.

He was surprised to hear Mr. Bennet's low chuckle. "Ah, Mr. Darcy. I am afraid my daughter is nothing like the ladies of the Ton you are probably used to --- content to sit quietly all day --- no matter what I or anyone else says. She enjoys the sights and sounds of the countryside, and she likes her freedom too much. She is a singular young girl ... I would even say unique." The older man sighed again; a deep breath, followed by a long, slow exhalation. He turned away from Darcy, who suspected that Mr. Bennet needed the privacy to wipe a treasonous tear from the corner of his eye.

Darcy moved slightly away from his visitor, and made a show of examining the books on a nearby shelf. While he waited, he could not stop a smile as he recalled Miss Elizabeth arriving at Netherfield to care for her sister. What did Miss Bingley call it? "A most country town indifference to decorum." She is singular indeed! He knew that Mr. Bennet was not speaking of his daughter in order to gain Darcy's attention, it was more the case that the older man actually wanted somebody to talk with as he belatedly recovered from the shock of the news he had received. Darcy was more than happy to oblige him, if it meant learning more about Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

After a few minutes, Mr Bennet continued. "I know it is wrong for fathers to have a favourite among their children, but --- God forgive me --- I do. Elizabeth is the ray of light in the darkness of my existence; my dearest child. I cannot begin to contemplate what I would have done had her injuries been more severe."

"I understand your feelings perfectly," Darcy replied, briefly holding up the letter still in his hand. "I have a young sister, who is now in my care following our father's death. I simply could not imagine life without her."

"Then it appears we have more in common than I ever imagined, sir. Is your sister also given to taking long walks and knocking herself senseless in other people's parks, by any chance?"

Darcy smiled at Mr. Bennet's attempt to lighten the mood. "No, I am afraid she is no match for Miss Elizabeth on that score. She is very quiet and reserved, perhaps a little too reserved at times, but then I can only blame myself for that failing; I have been told that I do not provide the best example for her to emulate."

"Yes, well, sisters are often quieter in the presence of a much older brother; my own sister certainly was." Mr. Bennet paused in thought for a few moments before adding quietly, "Elizabeth was named after my sister."

"Would that be the lady who resides in Meryton?"

"Lord, no! Mrs Phillips is my wife's sister." Mr. Bennet exclaimed as he moved to take a chair opposite Darcy's own, and sank into it gratefully. "My youngest sister succumbed to pneumonia when she was barely sixteen years old." He let his head tip back slightly, his eyes roaming the painted ceiling as his memories seemed to return to him. "I was responsible for her then, as both my parents had already passed. Elizabeth was born only a few months later, and was named in her memory." The older man sat, with his eyes now closed; lost in his thoughts.

Darcy felt a great sadness emanating from him. Mr. Bennet's sister was almost the same age as Georgiana when she died; how would he feel if he lost Georgiana now? He knew just how he would feel. It would be ten times worse than the day they met at Ramsgate, and that day was pure torture.

Mr. Bennet interrupted his thoughts as he continued his musings. "My daughter is very like my sister in many ways; her love of reading and walking, her quick wit and dark hair. I know not what I would do if she had ... if ..." The two men looked at each other and both nodded in understanding. Mr. Bennet did not need to finish his words; they both knew what he meant. After finding Miss Bennet in the grounds, Darcy recollected the agonizing seconds it took to reach her lifeless form to confirm she still lived. The rush of emotions he had felt had been almost unbearable.

After a few minutes silence, where both men were contemplating the continued existence of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Bennet broke the silence with an unexpected request.

"Mr. Darcy. You must allow me to cover any expenses incurred by my daughter's accident. I cannot ask you, someone so wholly unconnected with my family, to bear the cost of her treatment. It is my responsibility as her Father."

Darcy was not particularly surprised by his request, but had no intention of letting Mr. Bennet pay anything towards the treatment. "I would not dream of it, sir. Dr. Hall is a long-standing acquaintance of mine, as well as my family's own physician. He was pleased to be able to help, as injuries such as the one your daughter suffered are of particular interest to him. I thank you for your offer, but I am afraid I cannot accept it."

"I believe I must insist on contributing to the expenses my daughter has incurred."

"No. It is not necessary."

Mr. Bennet grunted and left his chair to walk towards the window, where he stood gazing over the park, his hands clasped behind his back. After a few moments of silence he sighed, and said, "I have heard a great many things about you, Mr. Darcy, but I was not aware that you were so stubborn."

Darcy realized almost immediately that Mr. Bennet had intended his quip as a light-hearted way of giving ground and accepting his decision, but it cut too close to the bone for him to accept the comment in the spirit it was given. His answer, when it came, was cold and formal. "If your information came from a particular member of his Majesty's Militia Regiment, currently stationed in Meryton, then I am amazed that he did not include my determination in his extensive list of my character defects."

Mr. Bennet raised his eyebrow; surprised by the change in Darcy's countenance and the acrimony of his response. After a short pause, he replied slowly, "Mr. Wickham has been a busy man since you left our neighbourhood. He is a very friendly guest, who takes pleasure in making new acquaintances; I do not know of any family in the parish who has not heard his tale concerning your treatment of him."

Darcy understood that Mr. Bennet had worded his reply carefully to voice no overt acceptance of Wickham's accusations, and it gave him hope that --- unlike his daughter --- he would be prepared to hear Darcy's side of the story. Darcy left his chair to pace the room while he considered his response. The importance of this conversation was not lost on him, as it gave him a chance to put a spoke in Wickham's wheel. After all, he thought to himself, he would be relaying nothing to Mr. Bennet, which he had not already been prepared to divulge to his daughter in his aborted letter, less than a week earlier.

Clearing his throat, he looked up at Mr Bennet, who was watching him carefully, apparently unconcerned by the silence filling the room. Turning to focus his eyes on the books in front of him, Darcy began his explanation.

"I was given to understand, from a comment made by your daughter during her stay here, that Mr. Wickham may have provided her with an inaccurate account of his previous connection with my family; an account which does no credit to my family name." Mr Bennet nodded slowly, but made no reply.

Darcy knew he was taking a risk with what he was about to say. Dare he repeat the accusations she had made on the day of her accident? Would Mr. Bennet question his daughter regarding the comments attributed to her? Moreover, what would she say if she could not remember making those comments? Thinking quickly, he said, "I believe Mr. Wickham has made suggestions that I have withheld something which would have been to his advantage and was the cause of his current reduced financial state. Would that be correct?"

"Yes, Mr. Darcy. I believe that sums up the gentleman's accusations, as far as I am aware."

"Although I am not at liberty to divulge all of my dealings with Mr. Wickham, I am certainly prepared to explain the actions I took as one of the executors of my father's will." He paused a moment, before adding, "As you can probably understand, Mr. Bennet, this is not easy for me. I am not accustomed to having to explain myself to anybody, for any reason." He turned his head to look directly at the older man, who returned his gaze calmly and nodded.

"I appreciate your candour, sir."

"Very well. My father, who died about five years ago, left Mr. Wickham a legacy of one thousand pounds, and recommended me to assist him in his advancement as well as I could. If Mr. Wickham chose to take orders, I also had instructions to present him with a valuable family living at Kympton as soon as it became available."

Darcy paused again, and moved to a side table that held a decanter and glasses. He poured a drink for himself and another for Mr. Bennet. Silently, he passed a glass over to his visitor, who nodded in acknowledgement. "Mr. Wickham wrote to inform me that he had resolved against taking orders. I will admit to some relief when I heard his decision. I had the opportunity of seeing his iniquitous behaviour during unguarded moments throughout our childhood, and at Cambridge, and I knew that he was particularly unsuited to that profession, if you understand my meaning. In recompense for the living, he requested a further three thousand pounds, with which he said he intended to study the law. Acceding to his request, I rather wished, than believed him to be sincere; but, regardless, the business was settled and all connection between us appeared to be dissolved.

"For three years I heard nothing from him, until he contacted me again when the living next became vacant. As his financial circumstances were particularly bad - something I had no trouble believing - he declared himself ready to apply for ordination, and suggested that I present him with the living. He had apparently found the law to be a most unprofitable study, and I can only guess the kind of life he led in Town which had caused him to spend four thousand pounds in so short a time. Naturally, his resentment of my refusal was bitter.

"Our paths crossed again last year, at which time he tried a different venture to gain funds. I cannot relate to you exactly what happened, except to say that it involved a young lady. He was fortunately unsuccessful in his revenge, which naturally served to increase his enmity even further."

Mr. Bennet remained wrapped in an absorbed silence as he listened to Darcy's tale.

"To be honest, Mr. Bennet, the good opinion of the people in your neighbourhood is not of particular importance to me, but I do not wish for anybody be taken in by Wickham's honourable appearance, for that is all he has ... the appearance of honour. Only when he has left a parish do his debts, and other sins, become known. I would regret it deeply if anyone of my acquaintance in Hertfordshire suffered as a result of my silence."

Mr. Bennet sat quietly for a moment before responding calmly to Mr. Darcy's defense. He was circumspect in his response to the story, and appeared to be weighing the facts on both sides as he had heard them, which, under the circumstances, was all Darcy could hope for. Mr. Bennet thanked his host for the warning, and assured him that it would be taken into consideration when he returned home, which would probably be on Thursday.

Darcy was surprised that Miss Bennet was leaving Kent so soon after her accident, and suggested in the strongest terms that the Bennet's should delay their return home until her strength had returned, but Mr. Bennet would not be swayed. "If Elizabeth wishes to return home, then we will return home."

Darcy strode across the room to his desk, where he reached for paper and pen and wrote a short note. Returning to Mr. Bennet, he handed the paper to him saying, "Please, if she insists on leaving so soon, you should take these directions. If Miss Bennet feels any ill effects of the journey to town, Dr. Hall can be reached here."

Mr Bennet looked at the young man intently for a moment, and then down at the address in front of him, before uttering a simple, "Thank you."

An awkward silence followed, which was interrupted after a few minutes by an exclamation from the older man. "A book I still! need to find something to read to Elizabeth."

Mr. Bennet moved back to the shelves he had been studying earlier. He took one of the volumes down and examined it, opening the cover and scanning the first few pages. Turning to Darcy, he asked, "Is this a first edition?"

Darcy moved to stand next to him, so he could see the title. "Yes. I was told that my Uncle had quite a sense of humour in his younger years. He most likely picked that up from an estate sale in town. Does Miss Elizabeth enjoy Mr Goldsmith's work?"

"She reads a great many things, but I think that this afternoon she will probably need a little humour to lighten her mood." With that, he thanked Mr. Darcy for his time and attention. On hearing that Darcy planned to leave the following morning, he expressed his hope for a good journey before shaking his hand in farewell.

Once he was again on his own, Darcy sat wondering, for the first time, what had provoked him into such a confession of his private affairs to a man he barely knew. He reached for his book, and turned the pages idly until he had almost reached the back page. He stared at the open book for some time, a thoughtful smile on his face. Any doubts he might have had in the prudence of his actions were swept away by the small hope growing in his heart that Elizabeth Bennet might eventually hear his side of the story and be in some measure protected from any more of Wickham's lies.

And if it causes her to think better of me, even just a little, it will be well worth it!

Chapter Nine.

Posted on Tuesday, 25 April 2006

The hostler let go of the harness with a yell and the new team took up the strain, as the traveling coach pulled out of the stable yard at The Bell to cover the final stage of the journey to town. Darcy watched as Fitzwilliam stretched out his long legs and settled back into the seat. After assuring himself that his cousin was comfortable, he picked up his book and turned to the page he had been reading before they stopped at Bromley.

The previous day's disagreement over Darcy's advice to Bingley had been forgotten, and the two men had traveled in a companionable silence since leaving their aunt and cousin on the steps of Rosings. In actuality, Darcy had been silent --- spending his time either engrossed in his reading or contemplating all that had happened during his visit to Kent --- while the Colonel stared out of the window, making occasional quips and observations on the sights and scenery as they passed.

Driving through Deptford, Fitzwilliam spotted a squad of red-coated Militia, resting by the side of the road at the edge of the town. He pointed them out to Darcy, who stared coldly at the uniformed men until they were out of sight. In his mind, he had reviewed and replayed his conversation with Mr. Bennet since he left the library yesterday, but had found no cause to regret his decision to tell the man the truth. However, he knew there was something else he had to discuss with his cousin.

"Richard, do you remember I mentioned seeing Wickham in Hertfordshire?"

"Lieutenant Wickham! Pah! I am sorry I do not have him under my command! By the time I finished with him he would flinch at even thinking the name 'Ramsgate'."

"I have it on good authority that since his arrival in that county, George Wickham has been spreading poisonous lies and slander about my refusal of the living at Kympton to anyone in the neighbourhood who would listen."

"He is a sorry wretch! But, then again, telling tales has always been his forte, even as a young boy. It is a pity that he is so damned believable! Look how he had your father well and truly hoodwinked. He is totally without honour, and has been since before you two were at Cambridge."

"I do not know what his specific allegations were, but in general terms it seems I am wholly responsible for the misfortunes of his life, his poverty ---"

The Colonel spoke over the top of him, "... he goes through money like water, the dissipated scoundrel!"

"...and withholding advantages which were designed for him. Apparently, the people residing in the area consider me an unprincipled reprobate, based mainly on Wickham's description of my behaviour to him."

"Your behaviour to him?" Fitzwilliam was incredulous. "What about his behaviour to Georgiana?"

"Well, obviously, he would only tell his own fantastic version of his tale. It does seem you were right, Richard; I am sorry for doubting you. You suggested last year making his habits and situation known, but I was only interested in protecting Georgiana, which was selfish of me, and, under the circumstances, a little short-sighted. Had I allowed the circumstances to be known amongst our wider acquaintance, he may not have been able to peddle his lies and deceit for so long."

"No, Darcy. Protecting Georgiana was our main concern and always should be. His lies are always found out in the end; there is little point stewing over it. Put it out of your mind; he can hardly do any more damage now."

I would hope not! He has done more than enough damage to me already.

The two men sat in silence once more, lost in their own thoughts, until the coach crossed over Westminster Bridge. As they passed over the Thames, Darcy looked up from his book. "Will you be staying with me, or would you like me to drop you at your Mother's?"

"As much as I would prefer to stay with you, I fear that Mother is expecting me. She wrote to me in Kent specifically to say she was looking forward to seeing me again before my leave is up."

Darcy passed on instructions to his coachman, directing him to Lord Matlock's residence, and they soon stopped outside the large double fronted townhouse on Curzon Street, which was home to the Earl and his family when they were in town.

As the Colonel moved to collect his belongings, he stooped to pick something up from the floor of the coach. Holding the delicate pressed flower in between his finger and thumb, he asked Darcy if it belonged to Georgiana.

"Ah ... yes, it probably does. I will put it safe in here." Darcy gently replaced the fragile bloom within the pages of his book.

Lady Matlock was chatting with her niece and Mrs Annesley when the two men entered the drawing room. Both ladies were overjoyed to see the visitors, and left them in no doubt of their welcome. Once the formalities were exchanged, and Lady Matlock had assured herself that her younger son was well, she was eager to hear details of their stay at Rosings.

"And how was your visit this year, Darcy? Did Catherine create any difficulties over her dispute?"

"No more than usual. I had a meeting with Mr. Banks regarding the stream which forms the boundary between the two properties, and I compared his statement to the old estate maps in the library. What Aunt Catherine really needs is a new steward; since Mr. Porter died, the problems are increasing. I will need to speak with my Uncle about filling the position."

"And how was poor little Anne?"

"Anne was well enough, under the circumstances. Do you remember my friend, Dr. Hall? He came to Kent for a few days, and I took the opportunity of asking him to investigate my cousin's illness. He seems to think that her condition is nutritive. By changing her diet, and encouraging her to exercise and build her strength, the condition can certainly be improved."

"That is wonderful news, Darcy. She needs to be stronger if she is to be a proper wife. And what did Catherine say?"

"Unfortunately, I do not believe she was receptive to either the diagnoses or the suggested treatment. I think, under the circumstances, that Uncle may need to intervene."

"Well, I cannot say her response surprises me; you know how stubborn she can be. Catherine would not willingly agree with anyone who tells her that she has been in the wrong all these years. Your uncle is at his club just now, but you can call to discuss it with him tomorrow. And was that the extent of your stay in Kent?"

"We met Aunt Catherine's new parson, although he had already introduced himself to me during my stay in Hertfordshire." Darcy watched his aunt as she barely contained her surprise at the man's audacity. "Other than that, it was an uneventful visit."

The Colonel, standing behind the settee, coughed theatrically, and Darcy turned to look at him, his brow raised. "I am sorry, Richard. Did you want to add something?"

His cousin smiled at him before replying. "Only that I would not have called our visit uneventful, cousin. Have you forgotten your dramatic rescue of a damsel in distress?"

"It was hardly dramatic, Richard. I did not consider it to be something Aunt Eleanor would be interested in."

"I believe I should be the judge of what I would find interesting," his aunt said, smiling at Darcy.

Fitzwilliam appeared to take great pleasure in retelling the story of Miss Bennet's accident, including the details of their search across the park and her dramatic recovery. Darcy thought his cousin spent an excessive amount of time describing how he carried Miss Bennet in his arms back to the house. By the end of his tale, Darcy was standing, silently, staring out of the window onto the street below, as he attempted to repress the memories which crowded his consciousness. The last thing he needed now was to be reminded of Miss Bennet, particularly in the presence of his aunt and sister!

Georgiana took great delight in hearing her cousin's story. She laughed delicately as she compared her normally reticent brother in the role of one of the dashing knights she had recently read of in Mallory's ‘Mort d'Arthur'; rescuing the fair maiden from the evil tyrant. She insisted on asking questions about the young lady who was injured, and was clearly disappointed when her brother refused to discuss the matter.

After assuring Georgiana that the young lady had been under the care of a doctor, and was recovering in Kent, Richard obviously felt he had done sufficient damage to his cousin's ego, and left the room to change out of his traveling clothes. Darcy, meanwhile, decided it was past the time for him to return to his own home. Georgiana and Mrs Annesley traveled with him, dismissing the phaeton to return to the mews.

The carriage ride along South Audley Street passed quickly, and they soon turned into Grosvenor Square, stopping in front of the Darcy's townhouse. There was a flurry of activity as the coach pulled up to the steps, and the liveried servants attended to their master's return. As Darcy walked up the steps and into his own house, a weight lifted from his shoulders. It felt good to be home. Kent had been a distraction --- in more ways than one --- but now he could relax and get on with the business in hand.

After seeing his sister and her companion settled in the drawing room, he passed into his study to catch up on the correspondence which had not considered urgent enough to forward to Kent. A meeting with his secretary cleared up the most urgent business that needed his immediate decisions, which left a handful of documents remaining which he could leave until tomorrow.

Later in the afternoon, Darcy moved into the library --- his favourite room when staying in London --- and he was still there some time later, when Mr. Bingley was announced.

"Darcy! Where have you been? I expected you back from Kent last weekend."

"We were unavoidably detained."

"Did Miss Bennet and her father arrive safely? Is Miss Elizabeth feeling better?"

"How do you know of Miss Elizabeth's accident?"

"I was visiting the Gardiners' house on Monday when Mr. Bennet arrived from Longbourn. I have never seen that gentleman so frustrated! He would have left for Hunsford after only a few minutes, had his brother not made him take some sustenance, while Miss Bennet packed her things. I did offer to accompany them to Kent, but Mr. Bennet preferred to travel alone." Bingley looked down and brushed an invisible speck from his trousers. "I must say, Darcy, I was exceedingly grateful for your note. I went straight 'round to Gracechurch Street as soon as I read it." He gave his friend a broad grin.

"That is wonderful Bingley; I am happy for you," Darcy replied. Even his friend noticed the impassive tone in his voice.

"I was rather surprised to hear from you actually. Your note was brief, but I assumed that as you took the trouble to provide me with Mr. and Mrs Gardiner's direction, you should have no objection to my renewing the acquaintance with Miss Bennet?"

"My opinions have nothing to do with it; you would do better to consult your own. If, on renewed acquaintance, you still find her as agreeable as when you were in Hertfordshire, you should make any decisions based on your own senses, rather than on mine or those of your sisters." Darcy clenched his jaw to stop the words he wanted to say. He was torn between righting the wrong which Miss Elizabeth had accused him of, and his lingering doubts about helping to join his best friend with such an unsuitable family. The fact that he had been wrong concerning Miss Bennet's feelings for his friend did nothing to alter the family's condition or that of their relations; although he grudgingly admitted that Mr. Bennet improved on better acquaintance. However, he had resolved to interfere no longer. His friend's happiness would, from now on, be in his own hands ... and God help him!

"When I saw Miss Bennet again, it was as if we had never been apart. She looked up at me and her smile lit up her beautiful face. I am sure she has grown even lovelier since November."

Darcy groaned inwardly at his friend's words. These months away from Hertfordshire had obviously done nothing to dampen the feelings his friend had for Miss Bennet, and, he had to admit, Bingley certainly did seem far happier than when he left him only a few weeks earlier.

"I thought you should know that I am returning to Netherfield within two weeks --- earlier if I can manage it --- and you will, of course, be welcome to visit at any time. It is the least I can do under the circumstances."

"I appreciate the invitation, Bingley. However, I am sorry to say that I have some estate business which I have neglected during my stay in Kent. I do not think I will be able to visit you in Hertfordshire any time soon." Darcy winced at the lie which tripped from his tongue so easily - where were his morals, and hatred of deceit? Why had his normal habit for honesty deserted him? The truth was that he could not consider returning to Hertfordshire under the circumstances, and he was unwilling tell his friend the true reason why.

"But you will return for my wedding, will you not?" his friend asked, almost as an afterthought.

"You have asked her? ... already!"

"Well, no ... not yet. But I plan to, obviously, as soon as I return to Netherfield." Bingley replied, with a sheepish grin on his face.

"Well, if Miss Bennet finds it in her heart to accept your offer, of course I will wish you both joy." The two men shared an awkward silence, before Bingley enquired whether his friend would be free for dinner on Friday.

Darcy gratefully accepted the invitation for Friday evening, but politely declined his friend's offer to join him immediately in visiting the Hurst's, where his sister, Caroline, was currently staying.

When he was on his own once more, Darcy settled down in his favourite armchair to continue reading. Turning to the back of his book, he picked out the single bluebell he had so carefully pressed between its pages the week before. He knew he should throw the flower away, but he could not. As much as he tried to forget the token was there, he was continually drawn to it. When he was reading, he often stared at the same page for ten minutes, while thinking only of the bluebell. The flower had completely invaded his consciousness.

He ran his finger slowly down the stem of the flower, and wondered idly what Miss Elizabeth Bennet was doing at that very moment.

The following morning found the Earl sat behind his large oak desk when Darcy and his younger son were ushered into his study. After a short conversation about the need to hire a new steward for Lady Catherine, Darcy brought up the subject of his cousin, Anne. His Uncle listened with interest as Darcy again explained the problem that Dr. Hall had identified. He then described Lady Catherine's negative reaction to the doctor's pronouncement and his serious doubts that Anne's health would actually improve whilst under her mother's care.

"And what would you suggest?"

"I think you should bring Anne to town while you are here for the remainder of the season. Even a month away from her mother's company may result in a marked improvement."

"Catherine will most certainly object to that suggestion," Lord Matlock answered.

The Colonel sat in the corner of the room, browsing through a Campaign History he had found on the shelves. Looking up he suggested, "well, bring them both to town."

The Earl looked at his son incredulously. "What? And have Catherine and your mother together in the same house? Are you mad? No, I will have to think of something to distract my sister with. She is not coming here."

Colonel Fitzwilliam shrugged his shoulders before asking, "so Anne will be staying here?"

Lord Matlock thought for a moment before suggesting, "she can stay at your house, Darcy. Anne and Georgiana are great friends, are they not? They would both benefit from the mutual company."

"I think she would be more comfortable staying here with you."

"Nonsense. It will be good for her to familiarize herself with your house, for when she becomes your wife."

Both men turned sharply to look behind them as Richard choked on his father's statement. Darcy was grateful for his cousin's reaction, as it gave him the time he needed to compose himself, before his Uncle turned his attention back to him.

"I cannot remember ever expressing a desire to marry Anne." He replied coldly.

"But you have long been aware that it was the desire of your family that the two estates should be united with your marriage to Anne."

"No. I was aware of Aunt Catherine's desire that Rosings and Pemberley were to be joined. Neither Anne or I have any interest in marriage."

The Earl looked at his nephew with surprise. "And were you never told that it was also your Mother's dearest wish? In fact, it was more than her wish, it was her own suggestion."

Darcy was shocked and disconcerted by this revelation, and was momentarily lost for words. Standing, he moved across to the window, and clasped his hands behind his back. After a few moments in contemplation he turned and asked, "My Mother wished for it? But why?"

"To increase the Darcy fortunes, of course. Until Georgiana was born, you were her only surviving child. Having lost her other children so young, she doted on you, and would do anything to secure and improve your future. She also loved her young niece and could think of nothing better than the two of you together. I heard my sisters discuss their children's future together many times."

"But I do not love Anne in that way."

"Love? What has love to do with marriage? We are speaking of the joining of two fine estates. The income from the major holdings alone brings in over eight thousand pounds a year, and the house in town currently rents for, what?"

"I believe it is has been rented for seven hundred guineas this year," responded Darcy, without enthusiasm.

"Exactly! You need to provide an heir, Darcy, for the sake of Pemberley and Rosings. I know I have left you alone until now, but you will soon be twenty-eight. It is time for you to be married." His uncle gave him a look laced with commiseration as he added, "You will come to esteem your wife in time, I have no doubt. If not, you can always make other arrangements."

Darcy knew exactly what his uncle meant by other arrangements, but before he could make his opinions known on the subject, his uncle was speaking again.

"Of course, I had always assumed that Anne would be too ill to make you a proper wife, and I had resolved to disabuse Catherine of her notions. A sickly wife would do you no good at all. However, if you took the time to call your own physician to attend Anne, you must have some compassion for the girl. You have already told me that she needs to be removed from her Mother's influence. By marrying Anne as planned, you will be removing her from Rosings and giving her the care she needs to get well. It is the perfect solution. I see no reason for not announcing your engagement by the end of the season."

Chapter Ten.

Posted on Tuesday, 2 May 2006

Elizabeth clung fiercely to Jane's pelisse, as her elder sister whispered comforting words and stroked her hair gently. The coachman was under strict instructions from Mr. Bennet to keep the carriage as stable as possible, but she could not stifle a groan as an unseen pothole caused them to jerk violently. Her father looked on from the opposite seat, the worry etched on his face. Their journey from Rosings had seemed never-ending because of the frequent stops and the slow pace that Mr. Bennet had ordered to accommodate Elizabeth's growing discomfort.

"How much further is it, Papa?"

"I am unsure where we are, Jane. Let me see." Within the fog in her head, Elizabeth was vaguely aware of her father moving across to the window. "Ah. 'Tis not far now. We are passing St Thomas's and should reach London Bridge very soon."

Jane leaned over her sister and spoke softly in her ear. "Hold on, Lizzy. We are nearly there."

Elizabeth found comfort in the sound of her sister's sweet voice, but she still felt overwhelmed by the pain and dizziness she was experiencing. Her skin was cold and clammy, the sweat plastering her hair to her face. The nausea was almost unbearable, but she had nothing left in her stomach to bring forth. Therefore, she lay, with her head cradled in her sister's lap, and prayed to reach her aunt's house as soon as possible.

After what seemed like an eternity, but was probably less than ten minutes, the carriage drew into the court where the Gardiner's house was situated. Once it came to a halt, her father left them quickly to seek aid from his sister. Elizabeth was vaguely aware of muffled sounds outside before she finally heard her aunt's troubled voice.

"Thomas Bennet! What possessed you to allow your daughter to travel in this condition?"

"She was not like this when we left Hunsford," her father replied, defensively. "She looked well and she told me that she felt no ill effects from her accident. All Elizabeth wanted was to leave Kent. In fact, she insisted on it."

Elizabeth felt the carriage rock as her aunt entered and moved into the seat opposite. She touched Elizabeth's head with her soft hands, and stroked her brow. Mrs Gardiner murmured to her niece that all would be well, before turning back to the carriage door.

"And you were unable to withstand your daughter's demands? That is your biggest failing, brother. I appreciate that living with my sister and a house full of daughters has caused you to habitually take the path of least resistance, but in this case you needed to stand firm." Bristling with uncharacteristic agitation over her brother-in-law's idiotic decision, Mrs Gardiner called her staff to assist her niece from the carriage. After a few minutes of effort, Jane and Aunt Gardiner, with the help of two housemaids, finally managed to get Elizabeth upstairs to a bedchamber.

There was a flurry of activity as Elizabeth was stripped of her outer clothing and bundled into bed, and she gratefully felt the soft pillows cushion her throbbing head.

"How do you feel now, Lizzy?" Jane asked in a gentle voice, as she wiped her sister's brow with a cool, damp cloth.

"Mmmm. We are no longer moving, are we?"

"No dear. You are lying in bed at our Aunt and Uncle's house. Father has sent for the physician; he should be here soon."

"Oh Jane! What have I done? Why do I feel so ill?"

"Shhh, Lizzy. Do not worry about that. Rest now, until the doctor arrives."

Elizabeth attempted to rest, but the continued nausea and dizziness meant she could not settle into any kind of peaceful sleep. After tossing and turning, trying to find a comfortable position, she was almost grateful for the interruption when the door opened some time later, and her Aunt entered, followed by the doctor. An instinctive response caused Elizabeth to pull her bedcover up to her nose, where she peered cautiously out over it.

Dr. Hall walked to the side of Elizabeth's bed and placed his black bag on the nearby table. He observed her with a curious half-smile and wagged his finger, as he said seriously, "Miss Bennet. I do not believe you have been following my instructions. Do you not recall me telling you to allow your recovery to proceed without haste?"

She looked up at him and nodded very slowly. Dr. Hall let out a low chuckle, at which point she relaxed and lowered the bedclothes until they were just below her chin. He reached over the bed and felt her forehead with his hand. Turning to Mrs Gardiner he said, "I think Miss Elizabeth has learned her lesson the hard way. I expect her to be a model patient from now on. Who is the closest Apothecary to you here?"

"We usually use Mr. Peters on Birchin Lane."

Dr. Hall took out ink, pen, and paper from his bag and wrote a quick note, which he held out to Mrs Gardiner with the ink still wet. "Have someone take this around to him immediately. They must wait for the items I have requested and bring them back with all speed."

Once Mrs Gardiner had left to follow his instructions, Dr. Hall took the seat next to Elizabeth's bed. He watched her steadily for a moment, before he said, "Well, Miss Bennet. I think you will already understand that you are not as recovered as you thought you were." He picked up her wrist and felt for her pulse, which he timed using his pocket watch in the other hand. After a short wait, he appeared satisfied with the result as he gently placed her hand back on the bed, and replaced the watch in his waistcoat pocket.

Elizabeth observed the doctor as he removed a notebook from his bag and began to write. She remembered his visit to Rosings, and how charming and friendly he had been in her company. Dr. Hall looked slightly older than Mr. Bingley, perhaps closer to Mr. Darcy in age. His hazel eyes always seemed to be smiling --- even when his mouth was relaxed --- and they showed a depth that suggested a great intelligence.

The doctor looked up from his writing and reached over to her. Tipping her chin up slightly, he pulled down her lower lid and examined her eye, before moving across to the other side and repeating the process. Returning to his book, he made further notes; the pen scratching on the paper was the only sound in the room.

As she watched him write, Elizabeth noticed the way his auburn curls framed his face, while the dove grey coat he wore suited his pale colouring perfectly. Her thoughts were cut short as the doctor lifted his head and looked directly into her eyes, holding her gaze for a few seconds before returning to his book with a brief frown. Elizabeth felt herself grow hot, and knew she was blushing. Did he know what she was thinking? Of course not, she chided herself. She looked away with embarrassment and studied the room in silence, before the doctor put his book down on the table.

"What made you leave Kent so soon, Miss Bennet?" Dr. Hall enquired. "I instructed you to remain in bed for at least a week. If you followed my directions, you could not have risen from your bed any earlier than this morning. What caused you to undertake a carriage ride of eighteen miles, over poor roads, immediately after seven days bed rest?"

Elizabeth was ashamed that he was annoyed with her for leaving Kent. Her excuse, when it came, sounded weak even to her ears. "I ... I did not wish to stay in Kent, sir. I felt uncomfortable at Rosings and wished to return to my own home, with my own family."

"Did Lady Catherine say anything to you which made you wish to leave?"

"No, not particularly, although I sensed that she was not altogether happy with me staying in her house."

Dr. Hall sighed and rubbed at his eyes. "Yes, Lady Catherine de Bourgh can be formidable when she wishes to be. I am very glad that she is Darcy's aunt and not mine." He smiled at her again before adding, "Mr. Darcy will certainly be sorry to hear you are unwell again."

"Mr. Darcy is all kindness." Elizabeth replied evenly. "My friend, Mrs Collins, said that you were Mr. Darcy's own physician."

"Yes, that is true. I am entrusted with the health of Darcy and his sister, but my friend rarely needs my help. He is hardly ever sick; in fact he is in the best of health."

"You give him such a glowing recommendation, sir. Would you have me buy him?" Elizabeth asked with a glint in her eye.

Dr. Hall laughed. "I did make him sound like a prime bit of horse flesh, did I not? No, I certainly would not expect you to buy him, Miss Bennet."

Elizabeth thought he was going to say something else, but at that moment, Mrs Gardiner returned with the medication ordered by the doctor. Mr. Bennet followed her into the room, to see how his daughter fared. That he felt remorse for exacerbating Elizabeth's condition was obvious, even as he gave her an encouraging smile.

Dr. Hall efficiently instructed Mrs Gardiner in the application of the tonic he had prescribed, and seriously recommended his patient to remain in bed for a further two days, at which point he would call again and decide whether she was well enough to travel on to Hertfordshire. After taking his leave of Miss Bennet, Dr. Hall followed Mr. Bennet from the room. Once outside in the hallway Elizabeth overheard her father thanking the doctor for attending so promptly.

"I am happy to help, Mr. Bennet. It was fortunate for you that Mr. Darcy passed on my directions."

"Yes, that was rather fore-sighted of Mr. Darcy, I thought," Mr Bennet replied, in a wry tone. "He suggested that I should make Elizabeth stay in Kent a little longer, but when I explained that I would comply with her request to leave if she insisted, he wrote your address down in case we needed to contact you. While we are speaking of that gentleman, I hope you will allow me to remunerate you for this service at least. Mr. Darcy steadfastly refused my offer in regard to your visit to Kent."

"Yes, I can imagine he probably did. Darcy is a very generous man when it comes to those he considers his friends, Mr. Bennet."

The two men continued talking down the hall, but Elizabeth could hear no more of the conversation. Her aunt had already given her a dose of the medicine, and its soporific effect caused her eyes to grow heavy. She soon drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

After seeing Dr. Hall to his carriage, and thanking him again for his prompt attendance, Mrs Gardiner returned to the house. She entered the parlour to speak to her brother and niece. "Dr. Hall has just left, and Elizabeth is now resting comfortably."

"That is good news." Mr. Bennet replied with a sigh. "I will admit that I feared for her during our journey."

"What news did your letter contain?"

Mr. Bennet looked down at the hurried missive from his wife, which had awaited his arrival at Gracechurch Street. "Apparently I am needed urgently at home, although Mrs Bennet's explanation of the exact reason why was too ingenious to be understood. However, the fact that she was worried enough to write does suggest I should respond with some haste. I should leave as soon as I can. Jane? Will you stay here with Lizzy until she is well enough to travel home?"

"Yes, Papa. Will you return for us?"

Mrs Gardiner interrupted them. "I do not think that is necessary, Jane. You can go home in our carriage when Lizzy is better and the doctor allows her to travel. Either your uncle will escort you both, if he can be spared, or I can send John along to accompany you."

Mr. Bennet began to object, but she would hear no argument on the subject. Turning to her niece, she said, "Mr. Bingley called to visit us again after you left town. Such an amiable young man. He hopes to be back in Hertfordshire sometime during the next two weeks. Perhaps we will see him again before he leaves. What think you, Jane?"

Jane was quite happy to stay in London for a few days to care for her sister, but no one in the room could doubt the real reason for her eagerness to remain in town.

While Jane went upstairs to attend her young cousins, Mrs Gardiner then turned again to her brother. Although he had smiled at Jane's reaction to the mention of Mr. Bingley's name, his face was once again tired and drawn.

"Brother? Does Elizabeth's illness still trouble you? The Doctor did not seem unduly worried."

"Well, I would be lying if I said I was not concerned, but that is not my only problem. I heard some disturbing news about a gentleman of our acquaintance. Perhaps you can give me your opinion on the matter?"

By the time Mr. Bennet had finished describing his discussion with Mr. Darcy, she was stunned by what she heard. After considering it, they both agreed on the best course of action when he arrived back at Longbourn, and Mr. Bennet appeared grateful for her advice on the matter. Mrs Gardiner had been distressed to hear that the young man from Derbyshire who had been so agreeable during her visit to Longbourn should be such a man, and she was more convinced than ever that her favourite nieces should be protected from him.

Within the hour, Mr. Bennet's carriage pulled out into Gracechurch Street, to begin the twenty-four mile journey back to Longbourn. Once back in the house, Mrs Gardiner asked Jane whether Mr. Bingley would enjoy an invitation to dinner on Saturday, and both ladies spent a happy hour discussing an appropriate menu, and writing an invitation. If Jane was confused by her aunt's occasional absentmindedness, she made no mention of it.

A few hours later, one of the maids informed Mrs Gardiner that her niece had woken from her induced slumber, and she went to see whether the rest had improved her condition. She found Elizabeth sat up in bed, talking with her young cousin, Henry Gardiner, who had celebrated his third birthday only a few weeks earlier.

"I am so sorry, Lizzy. Henry should be upstairs with Annie. I will take him back so you can rest."

"No, Aunt, I do not mind him here." Elizabeth ruffled her young cousin's mop of blonde hair. "We were just having a talk about the new kittens that have made their home in the coach-house."

"Kittens indeed! And did he tell you that he brought one of those dirty, flea-ridden kittens into my house, and how it scratched the door trying to get out of the nursery?"

Elizabeth giggled, while her young cousin gave his mother an angelic look. Mrs Gardiner was certainly not fooled by his innocent expression, and she shooed him out of the room and back up the stairs. When she returned to her niece, she asked how she was feeling.

"Oh Aunt, I have spent the last week where everyone has done nothing except ask how I am feeling. It is very tiresome."

"Now, Lizzy," her aunt remonstrated, "had you allowed yourself to rest even just one more day, you may not have suffered as much as you did on the journey back to town. You should not have begged your father to leave so soon. You know he can refuse you nothing." Mrs Gardiner had been frustrated by her brother's actions in allowing her niece to travel, but was also disappointed that Elizabeth had insisted on returning home so soon. "You do realize that unless you are recovered, you may not be able to travel to the Lakes with us in the summer?"

"Yes, Aunt." Elizabeth replied penitently.

Aunt Gardiner sat by the bed, and held Elizabeth's hand. "How did you enjoy your visit to Kent? Did the location please you? Your letter before the accident suggested that your friend, Mrs Collins, appeared to be in a pleasantly situated house and you obviously enjoyed your walks, at least until your accident."

Yes, there was a lovely open grove in the park, where I often walked before breakfast, or while waiting for Mr. & Mrs Collins to return from their visits. The path was sheltered, and the cherry and elder blossoms were beautiful."

"And Jane mentioned that Mr. Darcy was also in Kent."

"Yes, Aunt, he was."

"Was he changed at all from the time you knew him in Hertfordshire?"

"My father asked me the same question. Mr. Darcy puzzles me exceedingly. While I was in Kent, I thought him quite unchanged from the proud, arrogant gentleman I had met at Netherfield. When he visited the parsonage with his cousin, he was very reserved, and was not inclined to converse with us. However, his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, seemed to suggest that his behaviour in Kent was out of the ordinary. I did discuss a few subjects with him, so I suppose you could say I know him a little better now. "Elizabeth's doubt in her words showed clearly on her face.

"So he did not improve on acquaintance?" Her aunt asked thoughtfully.

Elizabeth paused for a moment before replying to her aunt. "Well, he did arrange for Dr. Hall to call after my accident, and he sent me flowers and sent his wishes for my recovery. From what I heard earlier, it appears that he would not allow my father to reimburse him for the cost of the treatment. I suppose I am therefore greatly indebted to him for my care."

"He shows a great kindness. Perhaps he is not as bad as you had heard?"

"I do not know, Aunt," Elizabeth replied with a sigh. "I hear such contradictory reports of the man. The last clear memory I have before I woke at Rosings was being angry with Mr. Darcy. I found out, shortly before my accident that he was definitely responsible for, and proud of, separating Mr. Bingley from Jane."

"Well, that would be no surprise to you, dear. You suspected as much when Mr. Bingley left Hertfordshire, did you not?"

"But when Jane arrived she explained that Mr. Bingley had credited his friend with assisting their reunion. The two statements are totally incompatible, but are from excellent sources, which cannot be doubted."

"Perhaps he has realized his error and strives to correct it?"

"Mr. Wickham did say that Mr. Darcy was well able to please himself when he chooses. I suppose he thinks nothing of ruining happiness with one hand, and bestowing it with the other if it suits his purpose."

Aunt Gardiner shook her head. "Lizzy! Be reasonable. There could be many reasons for these different accounts, assuming both are correct. You are hardly being fair to Mr. Darcy."

"Mr. Darcy was completely unfair in his treatment of Mr. Wickham! I doubt I could ever forgive his actions in that gentleman's troubles, regardless of his apparent benevolence to Jane. I may feel an obligation to him, Aunt, but I do not have to like him."

Chapter Eleven.

Posted on Tuesday, 9 May 2006

Charles Bingley stepped through the doors of Boodle's on Friday with the same cheerfulness and eternal optimism that he had felt since his first visit to Gracechurch Street the previous weekend. Had it really been less than a week since he had first sat in Mr. Gardiner's study waiting for Miss Bennet to return from her walk?

He strolled through the entrance hall, past the servants, and into the morning room. Settling himself comfortably into one of the vacant leather armchairs near the window, he ordered himself a brandy and shook open his newspaper. However, as he was not a great reader, his mind inevitably wandered to other things.

Bingley had received a dinner invitation the previous afternoon from Mr. and Mrs Gardiner, which he had taken as an indication that their niece had finally returned from Kent. Last night had seen him acting like a cat on hot tiles; he could not settle to anything and could hardly sleep for thinking of Miss Bennet's return to town.

Mrs Gardiner had been surprised by his call to Gracechurch Street so early this morning, but she seemed to understand and appreciate his eagerness to accept their invitation for Saturday in person. His guess had been correct; both Bennet sisters were now residing with their Aunt and Uncle for the near future, while Miss Elizabeth continued to recover from the illness she had suffered in Kent.

His thoughts were interrupted when he heard someone call his name and looked up to see Colonel Fitzwilliam.

"Bingley! It is good to see you. How have you been keeping?"

"Fine, Fitzwilliam, and yourself?"

"All the better for being back in town, dear boy. I can only take so much of my Aunt Catherine in one sitting." The Colonel flopped gracelessly into a nearby chair, and called the server with a nonchalant wave. After ordering a drink, he asked, "Have you seen Darcy since he returned home?"

"Yes, I called at his house on Wednesday afternoon. He looked a little tired after his journey."

"If you thought he was tired then, that will be nothing compared to how he will be feeling today. A man under the death-sentence would probably be more cheerful."

"Why? What reason does Darcy have to be unhappy?"

"He visited my father to discuss some family matters arising from our visit to Kent this year. Pater made a comment that, I think I can safely say, Darcy did not agree with. He stormed out of my parents' house like the devil himself. Even I have never seen him so angry."

"It takes a lot to get Darcy ruffled. It must have been something serious."

Richard Fitzwilliam leaned closer to Bingley's chair, and lowered his voice. "The Earl decided it was past time for my cousin to settle down and he even had the presumption to tell Darcy the name of his bride." The Colonel paused to take a sip of his drink. "His refusal to marry the lady of my father's choosing was, to say the least, unequivocal."

"No, I cannot imagine Darcy accepting that with very good grace. He was in an odd sort of mood on Wednesday as well; He looked a little down, to tell the truth, so I invited him to dine with me tonight. Do you think he will still want to come? Or might he prefer to drown his sorrows at home?"

"No, turning to drink is not Darcy's way." The Colonel paused in thought a moment. "It would probably do him good to get out of the house. What he really needs is a diversion."

"Would you like to join us tonight, Fitzwilliam? If Darcy is distracted, we may both do better at the billiards table than is usual. It would give us a chance to even the score."

"That is an excellent idea, Bingley; I will be happy to. Will those sisters of yours be there?"

Bingley laughed. "Caroline has told me she is dining with friends this evening. Only Louisa and Hurst will be there tonight."

"Even better!" Fitzwilliam replied happily.

Charles Bingley smiled as he thought about his upcoming evening. Darcy and his cousin were usually good company, especially together, when the two men often taunted each other mercilessly. It promised to be an enjoyable evening.

Caroline Bingley traveled to her brother's home in the Hursts carriage, which arrived shortly before his other guests were expected. She had received intelligence from her sister during the afternoon that Louisa and her husband were dining with Charles that evening, and that Mr. Darcy was also expected. A brief moment was more than enough time for Caroline to decide to cancel her own plans and condescend to join them.

Knowing that her brother's friend would be in attendance, she had dressed with special care. Her low cut evening dress was a recent purchase, and she felt that the sea-green silk, trimmed with pearls, suited her complexion admirably. The sophistication of the new gown could hardly fail to attract the attention of Mr. Darcy, as she knew it was the colour to be seen in this month. Her modiste had told her so.

Charles appeared annoyed with her for arriving so unexpectedly, but she dismissed his feeble complaints with an imperious wave of her hand, and settled in to wait. She was not kept waiting long, as Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy arrived together less than ten minutes later. Both men seemed surprised when she welcomed them warmly, but in her own mind Caroline was more than capable of imagining how pleased they were with her company.

During dinner, she was happily ignorant of her brother's subtle --- and not so subtle --- attempts to curb her conversation, as she eagerly discussed whatever scandal or rumour came into her head. Caroline was disappointed that she had been placed so far away from Mr. Darcy, but she fully intended to still take part in any conversation which her brother's guests showed an interest in. Unfortunately for her, his visitors were currently discussing the vexing subject of Miss Eliza Bennet! From what Caroline could gather, she had somehow fallen or collapsed while walking at an estate in Kent, which caused a serious bump on the head. Well, you could hardly expect any better from such a wild, unmannered girl, no matter how fine her eyes might be. She satisfied herself by thinking that her almost feral behaviour would certainly put an end to any attractions that Mr. Darcy might have thought he felt.

When she later overheard her brother explaining that he had received an invitation to attend Mr and Mrs Gardiner's house for dinner on Saturday, she was mortified, for her sake as much as her brother's. Caroline raised her voice above the level of the general discourse to be heard at the head of the table. "Charles, whatever were you thinking of, accepting an invitation to Gracechurch Street? I am sure all our acquaintance will be deriding us behind our backs if you are seen visiting such an area." She was pleased to see that her words had attracted the attention of Mr. Darcy, who was now listening to her attentively.

"But Caroline, I have already been to see them three times last week, and I have heard no such comments," her brother replied with amusement.

"But really ... Cheapside? You will not be content until you make the whole family a laughing-stock. I am sure that Mr. Darcy would not be seen dead near Cheapside, would you, Mr. Darcy?"

She waited to hear his thoughts, but instead her brother said, "How can the location or the status of the Gardiner family affect us? How many times do we have to discuss this, Caroline? You are quick to forget that Mr. Gardiner is in no worse a position than our own antecedents were, little over a generation ago. Our father reaped the benefits of the hard work and long hours which his own father put in to the business he started." Charles picked up the dinner knife, which he had abandoned on the table. "Knives; razors; blades. These are what pay for your fine dresses and feathers, Caroline. You, of all people, should not speak so slightingly of trade."

In the silence that followed, Caroline was humiliated to think that her own brother would abuse her so, and in front of Mr. Darcy and his cousin, of all people! "Charles, that was not what I meant," she responded, in a petulant tone.

"Well then, you will have to enlighten me as to what you did mean. Mr. and Mrs Gardiner live in an elegant house, which, to my eye, is as tastefully furnished as many I have seen in town, if slightly smaller than those of our acquaintance. That Mr. Gardiner resides next to his own warehouses is neither here nor there. He is a clever man, who has a vested interest in a number of business ventures. Just because his carriage does not boast a crest, it does not mean these people are not worth associating with."

"On the contrary," Colonel Fitzwilliam eagerly added, "many of the best families are in deep through gambling debts. Personally, I would rather have the money than the social standing any day. In the army, one gets to see many very capable young men, who are looked down upon because of their parents, or their class."

Caroline thought over her brother's words, which had clearly showed Charles's growing intimacy with the Bennet family. She sneered at her brother as she asked, "Surely, after all these months you are not still pining for Miss Bennet? I thought we had an understanding that, while I agree Jane Bennet is a lovely girl, she is just not a suitable match for our family. What about her mother, and those sisters?"

When her brother pointedly refused to answer her questions --- or even look at her --- she turned in appeal to Mr. Darcy. "Surely, you would not wish to see your friend allied with such a family?"

"Your brother is beyond my sphere of influence, Miss Bingley. He is his own man, and is more than capable of making his own decisions in all matters," he replied solemnly. Caroline realized then that if Mr. Darcy would no longer support her in separating her brother from the Bennet's, it might be too late. However, she had not given up hope for her own happiness.

When the ladies retired upstairs to the drawing room after dinner, Caroline exhorted her brother not to tarry, as she had planned, with Louisa, to entertain them in a duet later. She was therefore rather annoyed when Mr. Hurst returned alone. After informing the ladies that Bingley and his friends had moved into the billiard room he settled himself comfortably and fell asleep. Louisa looked over at her husband --- who was snoring loudly --- and then at her sister, before rolling her eyes in contempt.

Caroline smiled to herself. No, she would not settle for a husband like Hurst. Only someone as refined and rich as Mr. Darcy was good enough for her.

Thinking of Mr. Darcy caused her to consider her position. How was she to impress him with her skills and accomplishments if Charles spent all evening in the billiard room? It was totally unacceptable! Perhaps her presence would encourage the gentlemen to return to their company after only one game.

Congratulating herself on her shrewd idea, Caroline excused herself from the Drawing Room and went in search of her brother and his guests. Walking down the stairs, she could hear the crack of ball on ball, the chink of decanter against glass and the drone of masculine voices. She soon recognized the voices of Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam.

Caroline stopped to consider what she could say to entice them back upstairs. Pulling her dress down so it showed a little more of her shoulders, she was about to enter the room when she heard their conversation through the partially closed door. As a young girl, Caroline's governess had tried to teach her, on numerous occasions, that young ladies did not listen at doors, particularly where a servant could come upon her at any time. However, at this moment her attention was completely focused on Mr. Darcy.

"Richard, why must you continue to bring up the subject of Miss Bennet's accident? Do you have to tell everybody?"

"I thought it would amuse Bingley. He had not heard the story before and, as you saw, he did find it rather humorous. Do you not think it strange that you were the last person to meet with Miss Bennet before her accident?"

"No. I explained it to you that night, if you recall."

"Yes; you said you argued with her, and then left her. I have often wondered how you happened to be alone with her, in the rain, out in the middle of Aunt Catherine's park."

Caroline moved closer to the door, wondering the same thing. Was there more to this accident than they were saying?

"Frankly, it is none of your business," Mr. Darcy replied sharply.

"As a member of His Majesty's Army, I have a duty to protect this nation's citizens, and that includes Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I would be rather disappointed if I found that her respectability had been in any way compromised." Listening outside, Caroline found it hard to tell from the Colonel's tone of voice alone whether he was being serious or not.

"I can assure you, Richard, I have done nothing except think of Miss Elizabeth's respectability."

"Would it not be more accurate to say that you think of nothing except Miss Elizabeth?"

The silence, which followed the Colonel's comment, continued for more than a minute. Had Caroline not been standing outside the only door, she would have wondered whether the two men were still in the room. She held her breath, hoping for the denial that never came.

"Your reticence tells its own story, Darcy. If you had no interest in the girl, you would have said so immediately. I know I am not always the sharpest bayonet on the rifle, but give me some credit. I was in Kent as well, you know, and I can be observant when I choose. As pleasant as Mrs Collins is, I do not think you visited the parsonage so often for her company alone, and certainly not to speak to her toad of a husband. Whenever we were in company with Miss Bennet you were trying your best not to stare at her, but you failed miserably, and if that had not been enough to raise my suspicions, the look on your face when you carried her back to the house said it all, my friend."

"I would not dishonour the lady by discussing the matter, Richard."

"I know; you always were the honourable one. I have my own suspicions on the subject, but I will press you no further if you do not wish to talk about it. All I really want is your promise that I will receive an invitation to your wedding."

"There will be no wedding." Mr. Darcy replied harshly. Caroline could not stop herself from smiling at his forceful contradiction.

"If you still think her family is still unsuitable---"

"It matters not what I think of her family, Richard," Mr. Darcy interrupted sharply. Caroline had to wait through another long pause before he added, in a quiet voice, "she would not have me."

Caroline Bingley stood in the hall with her mouth agape. She could hardly comprehend what she had heard.

"I find that a little hard to believe, cousin. After all, you are quite a catch." Fitzwilliam softened his voice as he said, "you will never know unless you ask."

She waited impatiently through another strained silence before Mr. Darcy reluctantly continued. "No, Richard, you misunderstand. I did ask, that afternoon, at the temple. Despite my reservations about her family and her connections, I offered her all that I have. I thought she was expecting my addresses, but I could not have been more wrong. According to Miss Bennet, I am the last man in the world she could ever marry. She made it very clear that she found my ... suggestion ... offensive. Although her subsequent injury was unfortunate --- and I swear to you, Richard, I know nothing about her accident --- at least she has only lost the memory of our brief conversation, which, under the circumstances, is probably for the best. In that respect, she is more fortunate than I, who remembers every painful detail."

Leaning back against the wooden paneling, Caroline was triumphant. Her smile stretched wide as she realized the implications of Mr. Darcy's confession. Eliza Bennet had refused such a man as Mr. Darcy! If she had not heard it from his own lips, she would never have believed it. What that stupid chit of a girl had done to encourage an offer of marriage from such a man as Mr. Darcy, she could not understand, but whatever action had provoked it made no difference now. That country nobody had thrown away the only chance she might ever have of improving in her fortunes, and she could not even remember doing so! What a foolish girl. I will not make the same error!

Footsteps at the top of the stairs alerted her, and Caroline moved swiftly into the now empty dining room to avoid being discovered. She relaxed as she heard her brother's voice as he returned to the billiard room, apologizing to his friends for taking so long, but she was no longer interested in her brother's concerns.

Quickly, Caroline returned upstairs to the drawing room, where her sister was still sat with her somnolent husband. She was most eager to acquaint Louisa with her newfound knowledge of Eliza Bennet's grave mistake, and hardly paused to take a breath before she began a recitation of the conversation she had overheard.

"Fitzwilliam was telling me you are having problems with your family. Something about an engagement to your cousin?"

Darcy sighed. "My Uncle cannot force me to marry Anne and there is nothing he can do which would induce me to carry out his wishes." He watched as Bingley sighted down the cue and, with a gentle tap, sunk the ball in the pocket. That was the second game in a row he had lost tonight. He had spent far too much time brooding over the earlier conversation with his cousin.

Richard, who had been watching their game from the side of the room, stood up to take his turn against Bingley. "I do believe my Father is losing his senses. He has obviously forgotten that Darcy is not the young boy he remembers so well, but very much the Master of Pemberley, who can do whatever he damn well likes without anyone's approval. The idea must have occurred to him that moment and he just blurted it out without thinking the thing through. I was telling Darcy on the way over here; Mother was furious with the Earl after he left their house. Darcy always was her favourite nephew."

"You know very well I am her only nephew," Darcy responded with a brief smile.

"There you are then; you must be her favourite."

Darcy then turned the conversation back to Bingley's visit to Gracechurch Street that morning. As always, his friend was more than happy to describe how beautiful Miss Bennet looked, and how content he had been in her company. He also went on to explain that Netherfield was now ready for habitation again, and he told them of his plans for the estate once he returned to Hertfordshire. This, of course, depended largely on when Miss Bennet and her sister were ready to return home.

"I understand Miss Elizabeth's health is much improved since her illness returned on Thursday. She now only awaits Dr. Hall's permission before she can travel again."

Darcy struggled with the almost painful urge to grab Bingley by his lapels and demand to know everything. Elizabeth has been ill, again? How? Why? He looked away, as he composed his countenance. Turning back, his own voice sounded strange to him as he casually asked, "She suffered a relapse of her condition?"

Bingley explained that, as Dr. Hall had visited the Gardiner's home on Thursday, he had assumed that Darcy was already aware of the situation.

"No, I was not aware of it; I have not seen Spencer Hall since Kent." Darcy explained shortly. He looked towards his cousin, who returned Darcy's worried glance with a concerned frown of his own.

Taking a deep breath to calm the annoyance building within him, he turned to his friend. "Thank you for reminding me, Bingley." He nodded thoughtfully. "I promised Spencer a dinner when he left Kent. I should send him an invitation."

"Yes, Darcy," Richard agreed. "I think you should."

Continued in Next Section