Part 1

It was a hot summer's day and everybody was wearing light summer clothes except two young men in expensive suits, one of whom was definitely not enjoying himself as he was pushing his way through the crowds.

"Darcy, I want to buy clogs. Look out for a souvenir shop," the other young man said.

"No way am I going into a souvenir shop," Darcy said with a disapproving look. "Clogs!" He shuddered in disgust. He did not enjoy crowds and was in rather bad spirits. The thought of having to go into a shop to buy clogs, of all things, made it even worse.

"Yes, for Caroline."

"I'm sure she'll be delighted to wear them," Darcy said sarcastically.

To Bingley's great disappointment, and Darcy's obvious relief, they could not find a souvenir shop. Or rather, Bingley couldn't find one. Darcy did see one, but he wisely looked in another direction. They halted on a bridge and looked down on a canal.

"Let's go down there and have a drink," suggested Bingley, pointing down at the terraces alongside the canal. They looked very inviting, and very full of people.

The idea of sitting on a crowded terrace did not appeal to Darcy. "Can't we go somewhere quiet?"

So he walked on and left Bingley no other choice than to follow him reluctantly. When they finally spotted a place that met with Darcy's approval, they sat down at a table. It was relatively quiet there, probably because it was an expensive café. Bingley's eye fell on two girls at a nearby table. They were dressed in shorts and very short tops. He kept staring at one of them, a pretty blonde girl. Darcy followed his stare.

"Good gracious, Charles, don't be such an idiot. Look at their clothes."

He spoke a little too loud. To his great discomfort one of the girls appeared to have overheard, because, with a smile of contempt on her face, she looked him up and down very slowly, and then turned away again.

What an arrogance, Elizabeth thought. He probably thinks he's quite a guy, with his expensive suit and all. Commenting on our clothes! Doesn't he feel how hot it is today? How I'd love to teach him a lesson. Her thoughts were interrupted by a pleasant voice.

"Ladies...I wondered...if you'd care to join us at our table?" It was the man who had been staring at Jane ever since he sat down. Apparently Jane liked him as well, because she smiled at him and looked inquiringly at Elizabeth who nodded her assent. At least this chap seemed nice, and maybe she could have a little fun annoying his friend.

Bingley introduced them, and she noticed that Darcy was obviously not happy that they were joining them. Bingley was delighted they were English, and Darcy was shocked, or surprised, she couldn't tell. Jane and Bingley were soon talking animatedly and occasionally she joined in. Darcy said nothing, except a monosyllabic reply to Bingley now and then. He appeared not be even listening to them.

When a car with T-Spoon playing on the radio drove by he looked even more annoyed. Elizabeth, seeing his reaction, grabbed her chance and immediately started singing along. "I think it's rather cheerful, don't you think?" she said to Darcy in a sweet innocent voice.

"I find loud music vulgar, and the lyrics are indecent."

Elizabeth laughed at him. "Who cares? They're just absurd, and that's fun."

He didn't like being laughed at obviously, because he looked away and said no more.

Bingley was rather sad when he found out that they were staying on a camp ground in another town so they probably would not meet again. Darcy merely looked relieved. Elizabeth wasn't surprised. Of course he would be relieved, who'd want to be associated with people staying on a camp site! Bingley and Jane exchanged addresses, and the party broke up.

Bingley was full of Jane. "She's the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. And so sweet too!"

"And frightfully common! Did you see their clothes?"

"Darcy! It's summer, for God's sake. I wonder if she'll write to me," he said with a faraway look in his eyes.

"Of course she won't."

"Her sister was nice too, didn't you think so?"

"I didn't notice anything particularly nice about her. She has bad taste," Darcy said coolly. "We'll never see them again."

Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Jane were also discussing the two as they walked away. Jane blushed when Elizabeth asked her if she liked Bingley.

"Are you going to write to him?"

"Maybe. "

"I can't believe he's so nice and his friend is so disagreeable. Did you hear he actually disapproved of what we are wearing?"

Jane was shocked. "He did?"

Elizabeth grinned. "I feel really sorry for you, but I hope we'll never see them again."

Part 2

"Um...Lizzy..." Jane said hesitatingly as she looked out of the train window.

"Yes? Is something wrong?" Elizabeth asked.

"Well, it's just that the place we're going to is not on that departure board over there. Could we be in the wrong train?"

Elizabeth jumped up and stuck her head out of the window as the train started to move again. She frowned.

"I'm afraid so. I recognize that name though. I saw it on the board when we left." She groaned, "oh no! Do you think they split the train up, it looks shorter too!"

Jane looked out again. "Yes, it's about half now. And we are in the wrong half?"

Elizabeth giggled. "This is typical! We took the wrong train. Do we go back, I mean, our tickets won't be valid for this stretch."

"I think it's best. Who knows where we might end up. But do you know how far we have to go back then?"

Elizabeth shrugged. "We will just check a rail map. They're everywhere."

They had planned to spend a couple of days in the north of the country but they had accidentally ended up in the wrong part of the train. Elizabeth and Jane got out at the next station. When they were studying a rail map, they were surprised by someone who seemed very glad to see them.

"Hello! What are you two doing here?" said Bingley.

They turned and smiled at him. "We took the wrong train!" Elizabeth said, smiling broadly, "so we have to go back!"

"Ah...is there anywhere...I mean, are you expected somewhere?" Bingley asked, hoping that they wouldn't be expected anywhere. Jane shook her head.

"Good! Then, maybe you will be our guests?" he asked anxiously. "I have a yacht not far from here. My two sisters and my brother in law are there as well."

Elizabeth looked at Jane. They wouldn't be the only guests, so it was probably all right. They nodded in unison and a delighted smile spread over Bingley's face.

"Come on Darcy," he called out, "let us help the two young ladies with their luggage.

Darcy had been leaning against a wall and had only been observing them intently. Elizabeth thought she had seen his mouth twist with contempt when she mentioned their getting on the wrong train. Something like that would never happen to him, she was sure. He was probably not very happy to have them stay, but he nevertheless came over to carry some of their luggage.

Part 3

They were met outside the station by a Mr. Hurst, Bingley's brother-in-law, who had arrived by car. He was an uninteresting sort of person, whose only reaction to their arrival was that it meant that he was going to have some decent food now, instead of Louisa and Caroline's salads.

"It's going to be a tight squeeze in the back," Bingley remarked. "Darcy, you'd better sit in the front since you are the tallest."

Darcy looked relieved and Elizabeth giggled. "It would be such a problem if your suit got wrinkled. I'm glad that problem doesn't bother me."

He looked at her clothes and said coolly, "no, I can see that." She stuck her tongue out behind his back.

Darcy caught himself glancing in the rearview mirror a couple of times. Elizabeth had very beautiful eyes, even if she always seemed to be challenging him.

It was really a beautiful yacht. As she stepped aboard, an elegant woman with 'I am a snob' written all over her face, approached to meet them.

"Charles! Fitzwilliam, darling!" she called out in an affected voice. Elizabeth raised her eyebrows slightly. Fitzwilliam, darling...well, well.

Caroline Bingley then turned to Elizabeth and Jane and said, "and who have we here?" What a warm welcome.

Caroline and Louisa were polite enough, but never friendly. They had cooked dinner, and Caroline apologized to Darcy for the lack of refined ingredients.

"Of course the ingredients do not have the quality you are used to, but I dare say our guests aren't used to anything refined, so it won't matter."

The rest of the table, except Mr. Hurst, stopped eating and held their breath. Elizabeth refused to be insulted. "We are very grateful to you for letting us experience exquisite cooking," she said sweetly.

Caroline coloured. She had wanted to show the girls their place, but now that annoying girl was turning the tables on her and made her look like a fool in front of Darcy. She quickly glanced at him to gauge his reaction. He looked a looked a little shocked. She hoped it was because of Elizabeth's reply. From that moment on, every word and look from Caroline was intended to remind Jane and Elizabeth of their inferiority.

Actually, he was shocked by Caroline's rude remark. He felt his admiration for Elizabeth grow a little because of the way she had handled Caroline. Caroline could be so irritating. He wondered what could induce her to such incourteous behaviour.

After dinner Bingley suggested that they play a game. "Why don't we play Trivial Pursuit?"

"Oh no, not again! You always want to play Trivial Pursuit!" Louisa grumbled.

Caroline was not very enthusiastic either, but when she noticed that Darcy, Jane and Elizabeth were all playing, she felt a little left out and coaxed Louisa into playing too. Besides, she was sure she could beat them, and thus establish her intellectual superiority as well. The six of them sat down to play.

After an hour, when Caroline and Louisa still hadn't obtained any pieces of cake, they gave up. "It's not fair. We only get the difficult questions."

Darcy and Elizabeth were the only ones left playing, when Bingley and Jane joined the other two for a game of cards. They both had five pieces and Darcy was getting uncomfortable. He wanted to win. Elizabeth spotted his concern.

"Are you worried about losing to me?" she teased him.

"I have never lost to a woman before."

She grimaced. "That might have more to do with the quality of your opponents, than with your own." Involuntarily she glanced at Louisa, who had not struck her as being exceptionally bright.

"So...you're not convinced of my capabilities then?" Darcy was enjoying himself, to his great surprise. Her glance at Louisa had not gone unnoticed. You're absolutely right, but I'm not going to tell you!

"Well...since you're the only one left playing, I have to admit that you do at least have some capabilities. But that's nothing to do with being a man!" she added indignantly.

"No?" Now he was teasing her. "Beat me, and I might agree with you."

"All right! Next question. How many players are there on a soccer team? Oh...it's not fair. I only get the difficult questions," she said, copying Caroline's complaint perfectly. Unfortunately, Caroline overheard the remark and she was furious. Darcy had to stop himself from smiling, and his twisted his mouth. Elizabeth saw this, but interpreted it as a disapproval of her impertinent behaviour. She was quieter after this interval, and only read out the questions. Sadly, she lost the game, but was not in the mood for a continuation of their discussion.

After everybody else had gone to their cabin, Caroline immediately questioned Darcy about Jane and Elizabeth.

"Who are those girls? I gather they don't come from a family I know."

"No, probably not," Darcy was only half listening to her.

"Then why did Charles have to invite them?"

Oh, shut up! "He likes them."

"But how can he like them, they are such ordinary girls! I must admit that the blonde one is rather pretty in an ordinary sort of way, but her sister hasn't got any attractiveness at all."

None at all? I don't agree. "Her eyes," he murmured unconsciously.

Caroline swallowed. "Fitzwilliam!" she cried.

I can't believe I said that...to Caroline!

Darcy realized that he had just betrayed one of his innermost thoughts, and looked annoyed. Elizabeth was beneath him. He told himself to suppress such thoughts.

"Excuse me, Caroline. Good night." And with these words he left.

Part 4

Jane and Elizabeth shared a very small cabin with a bunkbed. After they had briefly discussed the events of the day, Jane fell asleep fairly quickly, no doubt dreaming happy dreams of Bingley. Elizabeth couldn't sleep. She thought it was because it was rather warm in the cabin. She opened the window to cool off, and at last she fell asleep.

Elizabeth woke very early, it was still dark. She knew she couldn't sleep anymore because she felt very restless, and decided to watch the sunrise on deck. Very quietly she opened the door and tiptoed towards the bathroom. Suddenly she stumbled on something with a soft bang. Somebody had put his shoes outside the door and she had kicked them into a wall. Elizabeth hoped no one had overheard.

Coming out of the bathroom, she headed for the deck. As she stepped onto the deck, someone grabbed her and whispered, "what do you think you're doing?"

Elizabeth almost had a heartattack. She made a muffled sound. Who was this person? She didn't recognize the voice because he was whispering. She did feel it was a man as she struggled to get loose. Their struggle brought them dangerously close to the railing. With a savage kick she managed to break free but when she staggered backwards she tumbled over the railing. The railing was not very high, so with a little scream and a loud splash she went overboard.

Elizabeth landed head first in the water and lost all sense of direction. Desperately she tried to figure out which way was up, but it was not that easy, wearing a nightgown. When she finally emerged she took a deep breath and looked towards the yacht. There was someone standing on deck, who looked like Darcy. Darcy! Why did he jump on her? Did he think he was being funny to scare the wits out of her or something?

"Darcy, you idiot! I do not think this is funny!" she yelled at him. She could swear she heard him chuckle, and it made her even angrier.

"Elizabeth?" Darcy seemed surprised. "I didn't know it was you."

Elizabeth was still treading water beside the yacht. "You didn't, did you. Who did you think it was, Caroline? As if she would venture out on deck in her nightgown!"

A second figure appeared on deck. "What's all this shouting? And why are you talking about me, Elizabeth? Where are you?"

"I'm in the water," Elizabeth thundered, "he threw me in!"

Darcy chuckled again, "I did not. You fell in yourself." How I would love to see those eyes of hers now, flashing with anger.

"Yes, but I wouldn't have if you hadn't grabbed me!" she shouted. If I had known it was him who grabbed me...would I have struggled as hard?

"You grabbed her?" Caroline was peering over the side of the boat to look at Elizabeth, but hearing about Darcy grabbing Elizabeth made her lose her balance. For a while she stood swinging, but at last she let out a horrified scream and landed in the water with a huge splash.

Elizabeth at once forgot her anger and broke into a hopeless fit of laughter. She could hardly breathe between laughs and coughs and gulps of water. Darcy was worried. She laughs so hard she can barely keep her head above the water. He didn't even hear Caroline ordering him to get her out. He kept his eyes fixed on Elizabeth. Do I jump in?

Part 5

Elizabeth almost choked with laughter. The sight of Caroline Bingley slowly toppling forward into the water had been marvelous, even if it was still dark. Anyone falling in would have been fun, but the fact that it had been that stuck-up Caroline made it so much more fun. And she looked so ridiculous as she lay there whining, "Fitzwilliam, get me out, my hair is getting wet!"

Elizabeth rolled and twisted, and disappeared under water. Darcy stopped thinking and jumped. He had to get her out. He grabbed the coughing and spluttering Elizabeth under her arms and pulled her towards the ladder. He got her on deck with some difficulty, because she was still coughing and giggling. She lay on the deck, trying to control herself. Now and then she gasped, "ooooooh," and started giggling again.

A very angry Caroline climbed on deck. "I am going to take a shower first," she snapped as she disappeared below. Darcy sat down and watched Elizabeth, lost in thought. At least she didn't kick me for pulling her out. That kick she gave me was very hard. How could I have know it was her? I heard some noise and I thought it was an intruder. I know she doesn't think much of me, but why is it so important to me that she does?

Finally Elizabeth sat up straight and cleared her throat. Darcy was giving her one of these odd, disapproving looks again. He probably disliked an excessive display of emotion, she thought. But still, it was very nice of him to get her out.

She smiled at him, "Thank you for coming to my rescue, but I don't think it was very nice of you to ignore Caroline. After all, she called you and I didn't."

She was astonished at his smile, and more so at his reply. "Who would you rescue if you were me, Elizabeth?"

He stood up and held out his hand to pull her up. She could see his silhouette against the early morning sky.

I certainly hope he's going for a swim today, he would look gorgeous in a swimsuit, a voice inside her said. What are you thinking? Don't lose your head, remember his attitude... This was another voice.

Elizabeth didn't move, so Darcy took her hand and pulled her to her feet.

"You'd better change fast if you want to see the sunrise in dry clothes."

She stared at him. "How do you know that? And...why did you attack me?"

"I heard some noise so I assumed it was an intruder. I left my room and heard you in the bathroom so I decided to wait for you on the deck."

"And then you noticed it was me and decided to keep up the charade. Because you enjoy annoying me."

"No," he said vehemently, "I only knew when you started yelling at me. And besides, I do not enjoy annoying you. I mean, I do enjoy it, I think...but...I don't, not really. It's just that you...I mean...I don't mean to...umm...oh, forget it." He stopped, confused.

Elizabeth gave him a quizzical look before she turned and went to change. She didn't understand Fitzwilliam Darcy at all. At least, he had sounded sincere when he said he didn't know it was her. As for the part about annoying her, well, she'd have to ask him to explain that to her again.

Bingley peered out of his cabin with a sleepy face. "What's all that ruckus?"

"Nothing," she assured him, "I just went for an early swim."

"You're mad." He closed the door again.

When Elizabeth opened her cabin door, Caroline emerged from the bathroom, dressed in a spare nightgown. "Would you care to explain to me what you and Fitzwilliam were up to, hugging each other on deck?" she said icily.

Elizabeth just smiled. "That's really none of your business, Caroline, but I'm sure you can imagine a reason for 'hugging' another person."

Caroline inhaled deeply, and marched off to her cabin. Elizabeth entered hers, to shower and change quickly before the sun came up. She grinned as she thought of Caroline's reaction. When she returned on deck, she was surprised to find Darcy sitting in a chair.

"I thought you'd go back to bed," she said.

He noticed she carried her brush because she hadn't brushed her hair yet. She sat down in a chair that gave her a perfect view of the horizon. The sky was colouring very slowly. Elizabeth started to brush her hair, but there was a knot in it that gave her some trouble.

"Umm...do you need a hand?" Darcy asked hesitantly.

Part 6

Elizabeth stared at him and hesitated. It was a very tempting offer, having someone brush your hair is always nice, even if it was Darcy.

She shrugged, "why not?" and handed him the brush. "But don't be rough, please."

Darcy got up to stand behind her. Rough? With you, never. Gingerly he started brushing her hair. He had never brushed anyone's hair before, let alone dealt with knots. He noticed soon enough that knots don't disappear by just brushing over them. He used his hands very carefully so he wouldn't hurt her.

Elizabeth relaxed when she was convinced that he wouldn't pull her hair out. She smiled to herself, he was taking so long that if she had done it herself, she'd be finished by now. It puzzled her though, why would someone like Darcy offer to help her brush her hair? He certainly was acting very strange this morning.

"I think it's done now," Darcy forced himself to say when he was finished. Too bad there was only one knot.

"Thank you," she tried to sound casual, not wanting to show she had enjoyed it. She was curious to know if he had wanted to do it, or if he had merely been polite. Unfortunately, he excused himself and disappeared before she had a chance to find out.

Several hours later, at the breakfast table, Caroline announced "I have to buy a new nightgown. It's completely ruined."

Bingley laughed, "Oh Caroline, did you go swimming too? I saw Elizabeth in this morning with a wet nightgown. You should have seen that, Darcy!"

Darcy said nothing and Elizabeth tried to hide a smile. She looked back innocently at Caroline who gave her an angry look. Caroline had apparently decided that Elizabeth was the root of all evil.

Caroline, Louisa and Mr. Hurst agreed they would drive to Amsterdam after breakfast. Caroline tried to get Darcy to join them, but he declined, saying preferred to get some sleep.

Bingley wanted to go into town. "It seems there's some kind of market today, let's visit that."

Caroline was relieved that Darcy would not spend the day in Elizabeth's company. She was a little more cheerful.

After Caroline and the Hursts had left, and Jane and Elizabeth had gone down to brush their teeth, Bingley said to Darcy, "I can't believe you were serious about going to bed."

"I wasn't."

"Then why don't you join us?"

Elizabeth was surprised that Darcy was coming along. She hadn't thought he'd enjoy a market. It was very busy, and there were lots of festivities. She had been walking next to Jane, but when she turned to say something, Jane was gone. Elizabeth sighed as she spotted Jane and Bingley a few stalls away. That left her with Darcy. She considered the thought of going off alone, but no, she couldn't. It wouldn't be fair. She walked towards him.

"It seems we have to go on together, are you sure you want to be seen walking around with me?" she teased him.

Without waiting for his answer she walked on again, and all he could do was follow. The stalls didn't sell anything interesting so they only glanced at them briefly. She paused in a quiet part of the street.

"Shall we just go sightseeing? I don't want to buy anything. Do you?"

Darcy shook his head. He pointed at a tower a long way down the street. "That looks nice and old."

Elizabeth had to agree. "But how are we going to get through that stream of people without losing each other?"

"If you don't mind holding on to me, you won't lose me," he said, hoping she wouldn't mind.

Part 7

Darcy held out his hand and Elizabeth grasped it firmly. They started moving with the crowd. In some parts of the street it was so narrow that people were only shuffling forward. She was glad she could hold on to something, but in spite of their linked hands she almost got separated from Darcy a few times because people were pushing so hard. People were stepping on her toes, and once she was pushed against a man with a big beer belly, which disgusted her so much that she was careful to keep a little distance between her and the person in front of her. Suddenly the woman in front of her stopped to pick up some coins she dropped. Her whole line came to a standstill but Darcy's line moved forward. He realized they were going to split up so he acted quickly. He pulled Elizabeth in front of him when there was a little space. It was a very little space, so they were standing with their bodies pressed close together.

Elizabeth gave a little shriek as he pulled her arm almost out of its socket. She almost fell, but he steadied her by putting her hands around her waist. It felt quite comfortable. She wondered why she liked it that he kept his hands there and pushed her on. But he seemed to be able to do a lot of things she wouldn't let just anyone do. First she let him pull her out of the water like she was some sort of helpless female. Then, she let him help her brush her hair when he asked, without laughing at him. Maybe...maybe he's a lot nicer than I thought.

"It looks like will be queuing for another half hour or so," Darcy said to Elizabeth, "this street is jammed with people right up to the square."

Elizabeth was not tall enough to see that far. "A square?"

"With very nice-fronted houses, and a gate at the end. That's the tower we saw from way back." Darcy described what he saw as they inched forward.

Elizabeth tried to picture the information. "What kind of gate?"

"It looks like an old city wall to me. I don't know what's beyond that."

"The waterfront? If I'm correct about the direction we're going in."

The stream of people gradually thinned when they came closer to the square. They could walk side by side again. Darcy let go of Elizabeth and was surprised when she took his hand, blushed and released it again.

"Sorry," she said. Why did I do that?

"It's not such a bad idea. We can still get lost here," he said with a mischievous grin that gave her a funny feeling inside.

"I hadn't thought you would...umm...like it," she blushed again.

Darcy took her hand. Of course I don't like it. I love it! They passed under the gate and found themselves on the boulevard. On one side there was the city wall, and across the street there was a parking lot. Beyond the parking lot was the lake, that once had been a sea. There was a footpath along the waterside, full of people walking their dogs, or just taking a stroll. The footpath had the water on one, and a field that served as skating rink in winter, on the other side. They walked silently for some time, enjoying the scenery.

Part 8

Jane and Bingley sat on a bench eating ice cream, when Bingley saw something that caught his attention.

"Jane, look," Bingley nudged Jane, "I don't believe it!"

"What? Where?"

"That couple over there, walking arm in arm," Bingley said excitedly.

Jane looked, and her eyes opened wide. "Lizzie?"

"And Darcy."

"And Darcy," Jane echoed. "But they don't like each other."

"I know he likes her."

"But Lizzie...I don't understand it. She would never do anything like that if she didn't like him." Jane lowered her voice as the two came within hearing distance.

"Hello there!," Bingley called out.

The sound of a familiar voice startled Elizabeth. She felt her cheeks starting to glow when she saw her sister and Bingley. Unconsciously she let go of Darcy's arm. She dared not look at Darcy but imagined he was even more embarrassed than she was.

"Shall we go home?" Bingley suggested. "I'm hungry. We've done the shopping."

Jane and Elizabeth led the way, because Jane was very curious to know what was going on.

"Lizzie, I can't believe it. You and Darcy walking like that when you said you didn't like him. Or do you?" Jane whispered.

"Oh Jane," Elizabeth sighed, "I don't know anymore."

"You've changed your mind?"

"I don't know. He was different today."

"How different?" Jane asked.

"He was actually nice. But please, don't ask any more questions. I need to think."

Behind them, Bingley was just as curious as Jane, but contrary to Jane, he had suspected something. He knew Fitzwilliam Darcy well, and his reactions to Elizabeth had not escaped him, just as they had not escaped Caroline.

"So...umm," he began.

Darcy didn't answer.

"Sorry to leave you alone with Elizabeth, but Jane and I, well, we forgot about you a little."

"Apology accepted."

"I hope you didn't mind."

"I'm sure you two didn't mind, Charles." Darcy replied.

Bingley gave up, he knew the use of his first name probably meant Darcy wouldn't answer. "Well done, that's all I can say then, Fitzwilliam."

Darcy looked a little taken aback. He thought he had been hiding his feelings very well. Now it seemed Bingley knew all about it, judging by his last remark, if he guessed its meaning correctly.

The other members of the party had returned to the yacht sooner than they had expected. They had not been able to find a parking space in Amsterdam, so Mr. Hurst had had to drive the car in circles while Caroline and Louisa were shopping for an exclusive nightgown. Caroline was extremely vexed by this, because she had entered an expensive shopping center where every shop met with her approval. She would have loved to buy other pieces of elegant clothing that would outshine Elizabeth's clothes, but she had to do her shopping as quickly as possible.

When she returned, she had expected to impress Darcy with her new nightgown, in fact she had been looking forward to this during the ride home. She was certain he'd approve of a silk nightgown, bought in an exclusive shop in the Magna Plaza. But he wasn't there! Caroline was infuriated. This had to be Elizabeth's doing; she had lured him away, that mercenary country girl.

Caroline seated herself on deck, so she had a good view of everyone approaching. Suddenly she heard two English voices on the yacht next to theirs. Earlier she had noticed with some jealousy that it was more luxurious than theirs. A man was talking to a woman.

"Mother, next time please go to a decent place," the man drawled, "like Juan-les-Pins, or Monaco. Everybody goes there. I can't spend my money here, there isn't even a casino in this dumphole. And look at the cars, they call this a boulevard?"

Caroline's held her breath. Now this was a man after her own heart!

Part 9

Caroline was just about to stand up and get a look at this interesting neighbour, when she saw Jane and Elizabeth. She remained seated.

"Hello Caroline, I hope your shopping trip was successful," Jane said politely.

Out of the corner of her eye Caroline saw Darcy and Bingley approach, and she immediately proceeded to show her new nightgown. Jane admired the fabric, and Bingley agreed with everything Jane said. The other two were too much lost in thought to give any comments. Caroline was very disappointed by Darcy's lack of attention, and suddenly remembered his change of plans.

"Fitzwilliam, where have you been? I thought you were staying on board," she said sharply.

He looked startled. "What did you say?"

"There were much more interesting things ashore," Bingley grinned.

"Like what?" Caroline demanded, but no one knew what to answer to this tricky question.

"You wouldn't have liked it," Elizabeth said after a while, "being sandwiched between total strangers."

Darcy looked alarmed when she said this. She didn't like it. Did I go too far? Caroline shuddered and misinterpreted the look on his face. "How awful for you, Fitzwilliam."

Darcy coughed. "It was not very pleasant, but...endurable."

Now it was Elizabeth's turn to be alarmed. Not very pleasant to hold me? What am I supposed to think now?

Louisa joined them on deck. "I say, Caroline, do we have to cook again today? I don't think I'm up to it."

"Maybe the other ladies feel inclined." She made it sound like an order.

"Why ladies?" Elizabeth asked suspiciously.

Caroline arched her eyebrows. "Because you might want to do something in return for our generous hospitality."

The others were all shocked at this rude remark. Elizabeth blazed with anger. She opened her mouth to reply, when Darcy's interruption made everyone stare at him in surprise.

"I will cook."

Elizabeth ate very absentmindedly. Darcy had saved her from giving Caroline a big mouth. She wondered if he'd done it just out of politeness. He had been so nice today, and she had felt very much at ease with him. Would that justify my behaviour? She didn't know what to think of her own behaviour. It must mean that she liked him, but that implied she had been wrong about him. It was all very confusing. She tried to return her attention to her food. It tasted well, though she wouldn't really care if it did not. More important was the fact that he had offered to cook. I'm drifting again. I'm thirsty. My sauce needs more spice. She reached for sauce bottle and poured it into her glass.

Darcy was sitting at the head of the table, with Caroline and Elizabeth to his left and right. Caroline was constantly talking, but he didn't really listen. He thought that Elizabeth was unusually quiet, but dared not say anything to her, too afraid of what she and the others would think. Does she like what I prepared? Caroline was full of praise, but she would praise anything I prepared. Maybe she hates it.

When all attention was turned on Bingley who was telling a joke, he ventured a look at Elizabeth. She was just filling her glass with sauce spicener. No one else had noticed. Darcy frowned. Surely she couldn't mean to drink that, just a little drop of that stuff was enough to spice a plate. He took her glass. Elizabeth seemed to wake up, and her eyes widened at the realization of how far away she'd just been. She gave him a grateful smile, and looked amused at her own silliness. Suddenly his spirits rose, and he felt full of mischief. With a wink at a very surprised Elizabeth, he exchanged her glass for Caroline's, who had a similar glass, filled with tomato juice.

Part 10

Elizabeth was astonished. She'd never guessed Darcy to be capable of anything like this. She bowed her head to hide a smile. Bingley finished telling his joke and Caroline resumed eating. Both Elizabeth and Darcy could scarcely eat in anticipation, and tried not to look too much at the Caroline, or at each other.

"Lizzy, how do you like these postcards for the rest of the family?" Jane held up a few postcards.

Elizabeth turned to look at the postcards. She could tell immediately that the absurd one was for her father, and the ones with the half-dressed men for Lydia and Kitty.

"Great, Jane! I love them. How many..ouch!" she said when someone kicked her. Suspecting it was Darcy, she turned and saw Caroline put down her glass to stare at her curiously. Elizabeth felt disappointed at the wasted chance, Caroline had obviously been very close to drinking.

"Elizabeth?" Caroline raised her eyebrows.

"Sorry about that. I moved my legs," Darcy said.

"Next time you move your legs, could you please do it another way?" Elizabeth asked, signalling with her eyes that she preferred not to be kicked again. He smiled.

"It's not done to discuss things that happen below the table, Elizabeth," Caroline commented icily, "and one should never make one's table companions aware of one's less agreeable sensations."

How appropriate! I wonder if you are going to stick to it. Elizabeth giggled. Maybe another person drinking would make Caroline thirsty. She looked for her glass but remembered in time that it stood behind the bottle, hidden from Caroline's view. Anyway, tomato juice was just as appealing as sauce spicener. That left Darcy's glass to drink from, because Mr. Hurst would miss his instantly. But Darcy's glass was just beyond her reach.

She was so engrossed in trying to figure out how to get hold of Darcy's glass without Caroline seeing it, that she nearly missed Caroline lifting her glass to her lips. She bit her lip and glanced at Darcy but he hadn't noticed. She nudged him with her knee.

Darcy felt an insistent push against his knee and looked up to see Caroline beginning to drink. At the first sip her eyes widened and her face turned red. With a strange grimace on her face she choked and spat out the contents of her mouth. She ran away from the table. The others at the table were stunned. Darcy tried not to laugh too hard, but he wasn't very successful, and neither was Elizabeth. He saw tears rolling down her cheeks. Louisa looked disgusted, but Bingley and Jane were intrigued. They suspected that Darcy and Elizabeth knew more about this.

Caroline reappeared a while later. By then, the glasses had been switched back, and the contents of Elizabeth's glass had been thrown away, without anyone else suspecting anything.

"What was wrong with you, Caroline?" her sister asked.

"I fear the tomato juice disagreed with me," Caroline tried to keep her dignity. She was well aware that her behaviour had not matched her earlier words. Elizabeth felt another giggle coming up and suppressed it by biting on her lip. She was tempted to say something about disagreeable sensations, but she felt that would be a little too much.

They finished the meal without any other incidents. Elizabeth was left alone with Darcy when the Hursts and Caroline retired to their cabins, and Jane and Bingley went to the cinema.

Part 11

Elizabeth sat down to write the postcards Jane had bought. Darcy sat across the table, apparently reading a newspaper, but whenever she looked up, he seemed to be watching her. She found it slightly unnerving. What was he looking at?

"Why are you staring at me?"

"I'm not staring at you. "

"Yes you are."

"No I'm not."

"Yes, yes, yes, you are! What's wrong with me now?" Elizabeth gave him a challenging look.

Darcy appeared to be thinking. "Well..." he began, but she could see he was joking.

"You know your kick under the table was quite hard," Elizabeth changed the subject.

"Not as hard as you kicked me this morning, I should imagine," Darcy replied with a smile.

Elizabeth grinned. "This morning was capital! I'll never forget that."

Darcy wanted to know what parts she would never forget, but he dared not ask. "How about this evening? Caroline is really impossible to you. I'm sorry about that."

"Why are you sorry?"

"Because...it's because of me. She thinks she's the right woman for me."

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. "And she's not, Fitzwilliam darling?" she asked, mimicking Caroline.

Darcy looked alarmed, "Don't think that! And don't call me that, Caroline has ruined the sound of it."

Elizabeth gave him a smile, "All right, William darling it will be then!" and smiled even more when he blushed a little.

She frowned. "Maybe we should provide another object of desire for her..."

Part 12

Darcy dismissed that with a wave of his hand. "Who? She won't be interested in just anybody. It would be impossible to find someone."

Elizabeth gasped at his arrogance. "What? Are you saying she has such high standards that only you qualify?"

Darcy looked angry. "I did not say that."

"You did not say so directly, but you implied it nevertheless. You are arrogant."

He didn't like her saying that, no one had told him so before. "What makes you say that?"

"First, you disapproved of our clothes because they were not classy enough. Second, you gave me a lot of disapproving looks whenever I said or did something. Admit that."

"I have never given you disapproving looks."

Elizabeth didn't really believe him, but she continued, "so you do admit that you thought my clothes were rather cheap?"

"I...might have," Darcy admitted reluctantly. He quickly added, "but not for very long, I assure you."

Elizabeth looked puzzled. "Ah, your tastes vary from one second to another?"

Doesn't any answer of mine satisfy her? She's impossible! But so wonderful... He tried to find the right words. "I...you..."

"He, she, we, you, they," Elizabeth finished his sentence. She was sorry for him, but she felt she had to show him that she wouldn't put up with that arrogance of his. Actually, he looked rather sweet when he stumbled over his words and she smiled.

"May I continue?" Darcy asked, and when she nodded, "I changed my opinion sometime during that first meeting. I liked you."

She didn't know what to say. He liked me? Likes me? Do I like him? Yes, I think I do...a little. Well, more than a little. A lot.

Darcy grinned at having finally succeeded to shut Elizabeth up. She was still frowning. "Is that so shocking?"

"Umm...yes...no...maybe. I didn't know that you liked me!"

"Of course, I always dive in to rescue young ladies I don't like."

"Anyone who thought I was drowning would have done that." She blushed at the memory.

"Yes, but they would not have felt what I felt," he said so softly that she almost didn't catch it.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing." He coloured slightly. "We were talking about getting Caroline interested in someone else. Let's get back to that," he said briskly.

Elizabeth was very confused now. She wondered what it was that he had felt. Concern? Fear? Why did he have to change the subject? She felt a little dissatisfied.

"Did you notice our neighbours?" Darcy asked.

"That old lady?"

"Yes, and she has her son visiting her now. They are extremely wealthy."

Elizabeth saw what he was getting at. "And he's single?"

"He is. I have read about him."

"I'd never guess that you read those magazines! That's frightfully common, you know," she teased him.

"Only at the dentist's," he added hastily.

"Right. Are we going to invite him then?"

"We don't have to," Darcy smiled, "his mother has invited all of us for tomorrow evening. It's her birthday and apparently she likes a lot of guests."

Part 13

The next morning everybody slept late. Elizabeth told Jane about the invitation and they agreed that they would have to buy something nice to wear. Both hadn't brought any clothes suitable for a party. First it took them some time to find nice dresses. But those demanded new shoes to go with them as well, so it took them all afternoon to do their shopping.

Caroline arrived in the kitchen just after they had left, and found their note on the table. "Hmm," she said aloud, "shopping here?"

Darcy entered, and she showed him the note. "Looks like we're going to have a quiet day without Elizabeth. I will never forgive her for last night. She is such a nuisance, don't you think?"

The idea that Darcy had anything to do with it, had not even entered her mind, and she expected him to be just as mad at Elizabeth as she was.

"I'm sorry, Caroline. I don't think she's a nuisance at all. And I think it was rather funny last night."

Caroline threw down the note, gave him an angry look and avoided him the rest of the day.

When they got aboard the neighbouring yacht around five o'clock, they were met by the older lady. Bingley, Jane and Caroline were in front, followed by the Hursts and Darcy, and Elizabeth was last.

"Oh, how nice of you to come. My name is Victoria and this is my son, Gervase. You are the first guests to arrive."

They all shook hands and Elizabeth thought that the name Gervase fitted her son well. He looked exactly like a caricature of an upper-class gentleman. One by one they introduced themselves. Gervase was immediately interested in Elizabeth, because he preferred dark haired girls. He seated himself next to her, to Darcy's annoyance.

"Tell me a little about yourself, Elizabeth. Would you like some champagne?"

Elizabeth declined the champagne. "No, thank you. I don't like it."

"You don't?" he exclaimed. "But what can I get you then? Some sherry perhaps?"

"Orange juice, please." I hope he leaves me alone very soon.

Eagerly he got up and returned with a huge glass that wouldn't have to be refilled for at least an hour, so he could stay close to her.

"You were telling me about yourself. Do you play golf? I assume you do - no, I know! You ski! Did I see you in Lech perhaps? What do you think of Lech? Wonderful place isn't it? And all the royalty that comes there, it adds such a special touch to the place, don't you think? How long are you going there this winter? After Christmas is always the best time to go - I always go then, and in February of course. I always stay at the same hotel, Frau Thingy - I can't recall her name, so difficult these Austrian names. I once met an Austrian called Vulgar, I mean, can you imagine! To be called Vulgar, isn't it horrifying? But I am straying from my point. Let's get back to our topic...."

Elizabeth groaned inwardly. Somebody please rescue me! Gervase continued talking and he never gave her a chance to reply or interrupt. She saw Darcy talking to Victoria, and Jane and Bingley were talking to other guests that had arrived. No one could rescue her, and Gervase's monologue was becoming more and more personal.

"...I am always quite attracted to women with dark hair. You have lovely hair too, Elizabeth. I bet we'd make a wonderful couple, don't you think?" Noooooooo! "Are you attached to anyone?"

Elizabeth tried to interrupt but it was no use, and walking away from the hostess' son was so impolite. She had to endure it a while longer.

"No, you couldn't be, you're not wearing any ring! How lucky I am tonight. And my mother is quite pleased with you as well. Did you know that? I'm so glad we get along so well together. I think it is one of the most essential things; to be able to talk. And we agree on every point, that is truly amazing!"

Now he's going too far. Oh, he's awful. I must get out of here. Away. "I need some fresh air." She got up and went out on deck. Stay there, you toad!

Apparently he had heard, despite his incessant talking. "Great idea, I am so fond of the early night air. So good for the lungs, and the setting sun is always such a romantic sight. A sight I would like to share with you, dear Elizabeth." He followed her out, and put his arm around her.

She shuddered. "Excuse me please, nature's calling."

She ran below decks to the only place he could not follow her into. Or so she thought, because she heard him call out, "wait! I have to go to!"

By now she was completely desperate. This man could not take a polite 'no' for an answer, he was both deaf and blind. Drastic action had to be taken. As she came to the bottom of the stairs, Darcy just came out of the men's room.

"Kiss me!" Elizabeth cried out breathlessly, with a desperate look over her shoulder.

Part 14

Darcy was taken completely by surprise. He stood still and wondered what was going on as Elizabeth ran towards him. He could see that she was in obvious distress. She would not order him to kiss her if it wasn't absolutely necessary, would she? He didn't know what to do. Was he supposed to kiss her now, and if he was, where exactly was he supposed to kiss her?

"Where?" he asked stupidly.

Elizabeth stopped in front of him, still looking over her shoulder. He saw Gervase come down. She sighed.

"Oh no. It's too late now!" she whispered, and her face fell.

Gervase walked up to them eagerly. "My dear, I heard you call out! I'd be very happy to oblige, but not in public of course. That is something special we don't want to share with anyone else, isn't it my sweetie?"

Darcy couldn't believe his ears. Was this slimy creature really referring to Elizabeth as his sweetie? No! She's mine... He looked at Elizabeth to gauge her reaction. Elizabeth looked as if she was going to be sick.

"For once listen to someone else, instead of yourself!" she yelled angrily at Gervase. "I am already engaged, to him!" She pointed at Darcy.

Both Gervase and Darcy were too stunned to speak. A high-pitched scream behind them broke the silence. Caroline Bingley happened to be in the ladies' room, and she had just walked out to witness the little scene.

"You're lying! Fitzwilliam would never marry someone like you."

Elizabeth didn't know what to say. She hated lying, and she wasn't sure how Darcy was reacting to the whole thing. She looked at him, but his face was blank.

"See! I was right! You were lying. I knew it." Caroline said with a look of contempt. "These poor girls try everything to catch a wealthy man. It's despicable."

Darcy was really getting fed up with Caroline. "Now listen here, Caroline. The only one who has been trying to catch a wealthy man, is you. I have been polite to you because you're Charles' sister, but I've had it. If you don't shut up, I'll throw you overboard."

Caroline's mouth opened and closed. Her eyes bulged out of their sockets. This was a hard blow.

Darcy continued speaking. "And you might want to take care of Miss Bingley here, you're exactly what Caroline needs," he said sarcastically to Gervase. "We are going to continue where we left off when you two interrupted. I have a request to fulfill." He walked away, pulling a surprised but amused Elizabeth with him.

Part 15

Darcy led Elizabeth up the stairs and through the mass of guests to their hostess. He took her aside.

"Thank you for your kind hospitality, but I'm afraid you will have to excuse us both. Elizabeth is feeling rather unwell. I'm taking her back, and make sure she's all right."

Elizabeth had no idea what Darcy was up to, but her cheeks still glowed with excitement of the past few minutes.

"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that, dear. You do look a little feverish. I hope you will be feeling better soon."

As soon as they were inside their own yacht, Elizabeth wanted to know what they were doing. "Where are we going, why am I supposed to be ill, why didn't you throw Caroline overboard?" And why didn't you kiss me?

Darcy turned, and instead of answering he asked a few questions of his own. "Why did you come running down those stairs, why did you order me to kiss you, why did you say we were engaged?" Do you want us to be?

Elizabeth shivered with cold. "I was trying to get away from that slimeball, hadn't you guessed?"

He saw she was cold, and put his coat around her shoulders. He was standing very close to her now, and Elizabeth looked in his eyes.

"I apologize for telling you to kiss me, who knows you might even hate the idea," she said in small voice, hoping he would say that he would not hate the idea at all. "But I was so desperate, it was the only thing I could think of...I just couldn't get a word in, and I..." She stopped, because he gave her such a tender smile that she felt herself melting.

"Was it only desperation?" Darcy asked softly.

Her eyes twinkled. "Not wholly, no."

"I hoped it wasn't, but I wasn't sure."

"So you didn't do anything," she smiled. "I was thinking...do you want a second chance?" she said with a playful smile.

"You know I do, Lizzy," Darcy said, and he kissed her.

Part 16

When Jane and Bingley returned from the party they found their way blocked by Elizabeth and Darcy, locked in a tight embrace. At first they were a little surprised to stumble on something as intimate as this. Gradually their surprise gave way to a little embarrassment when they noticed that the kissing couple was perfectly unaware of their surroundings, and unaware of the fact that no one could get inside the yacht if they did not move. Bingley had coughed discreetly to announce their presence, but that had gone completely unnoticed. He raised his hands in desperation and Jane giggled.

"What do we do now? Will they be very embarrassed by us?" Bingley whispered to Jane.

"I don't know. All I know is that we have to get them out of that door opening, I'm freezing here," Jane whispered back.

Bingley cleared his throat and said, "Darcy!" No reaction. He rolled his eyes. "Elizabeth!" Still nothing. He shrugged and stepped forward. Jane held him back.

"Charles, what are you going to do?"

He turned. "I'm going to shove them aside." Bingley tapped Darcy on his shoulder until he stopped kissing and turned his head.

"Charles!" Elizabeth and Darcy exclaimed in unison, both sounding rather embarrassed.

"Ah finally! Umm...very sorry for the interruption...but would you two please clear the entrance, we would like to go in. I'm not saying you can't continue once we are inside," he added hastily, "but we're cold."

"How long have you been there?" Elizabeth managed to say.

Bingley looked at Jane, "what do you say Jane, was it closer to half an hour, or twenty minutes?"

Elizabeth stared at him in horror. She swallowed and looked at her watch to see if she had really lost track of time. They have watched us kiss for half an hour? I want to die! She was relieved when she saw Bingley give Darcy, who was equally uncomfortable, a friendly nudge.

"Just joking! But I do insist on an explanation when we're all settled down with some tea."

"Well?" Jane began when they were all seated.

"Well what?" Elizabeth asked innocently.

"Well, that man was sticking to you like glue all the time, and you both ran down to the toilets. Then suddenly Darcy and you come up and leave, followed by Caroline and Gervase."

"Yes," Bingley cut in excitedly, "what happened down there? It looked a lot like a partner change. You know, two couples going down, and two couples coming back up, but with the wrong partner."

"The right partner," Darcy corrected.

"Yes, yes, Darcy, we've witnessed that. But we didn't know that you and Elizabeth...Ah well, isn't it good to know their home is so close to ours!"

The word 'home' reminded Jane that they had to leave the next day. "Lizzy, it's Saturday already! We have to be back home on Monday, remember?"

"Oh no!" Elizabeth said sadly. "I had completely forgotten about that."

"We can go back with you," Bingley offered, "and drive you home."

"No, thank you, it's all right. Our parents are meeting us," Elizabeth said.

What would Darcy think of her mother? Somehow she didn't think he'd approve of her very much, judging by the way he had looked when Jane and she had called her on Bingley's mobile. Her mother's voice had even been audible on the other side of the room. Have you met any handsome, rich men? That was always her first question, and Elizabeth had been very ashamed that the rest of the party had overheard.

"That's even better! I should like to meet your parents," Bingley said enthusiastically.

Part 17

Elizabeth and Jane could not argue with Bingley. He insisted on accompanying them, so they could not refuse. The day after, the four of them set off in the car. The Hursts were left behind, as was Caroline. Nobody had seen her since the party, but nobody seemed to care very much, except Louisa. They were taking the ferry back and Mr. and Mrs. Bennet were to meet them at the ferry terminal.

On their arrival, Elizabeth immediately spotted her mother. That was not very difficult, because her mother had a very shrill voice that carried a long way, and announced her presence long before she actually came into sight. She noticed that the whole family had come along.

"Jane! Elizabeth! I'm so glad you're back safely," Mrs. Bennet cried out, "did you meet any nice men on the boat?"

"Jane, Lizzy, did you score? Tell us, we're dying to know all the sordid details," Lydia interrupted.

"It's a ferry, not the Love Boat," Elizabeth said angrily, and she wished she could sink into the ground, because she saw Darcy look at her mother and Lydia with disgust.

"Never mind that! Jane is so pretty, she will even attract men on a ferry!" Mrs. Bennet saw Jane talking to Bingley, and she was immediately interested. "Jane dear, introduce those two young men to us."

Jane did so, and Mrs. Bennet started to fire a whole series of impertinent questions at them. "Where are you from? How many bedrooms does your house have? What do your parents do? How many cars do you possess?"

Bingley answered the questions politely, but Darcy said nothing. Elizabeth could see what he was thinking and she wished her mother would shut up.

She was glad when her father interrupted. "My dear, we really must go now. Our parking time is up."

They had to say good-bye. Bingley kissed both Jane and her on the cheek. "I will call you as soon as possible," he said to Jane. Darcy however, merely shook their hands and said good-bye quite coolly. Elizabeth didn't know what to think. He kissed me, and now he's so cold. What does he think of me? Did my mother ruin everything? She felt very depressed.

Darcy felt equally depressed. He would have liked to give her his phone number, or even kiss her good-bye, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. Not in front of that horrible mother; she'd probably order a wedding gown straight-away if he did. He didn't know if he could put up with a mother in law like that. The only person who seemed normal was Mr. Bennet. The sisters were just as foolish as the mother, only asking if Jane and Elizabeth had 'scored'. Scored??? Do they all think in terms of 'scoring'? Surely Elizabeth doesn't think so, or does she? She didn't seem too unhappy to say good-bye, maybe she doesn't care at all...

Later, when everyone had squeezed into their Renault Espace, Mrs. Bennet started to talk to Jane about Bingley.

"Now that's what I call a nice young man. You did very well, Jane. He has a yacht! How wonderful if I had a son-in-law with a yacht, imagine that!" Mrs. Bennet was thrilled.

"I'm not married yet, and who says he wants to marry me?" Jane objected.

"You must hope he invites you to dinner sometime. But he really must get rid of that friend. I didn't like him at all. He thinks he's too good for us. But Charles...he's a good boy, and I'm sure he's very much in love with you."

"Lizzy...," Kitty called out from the back, "you never told us if you scored or not! Did you go out every night?"

"Every night? Who would want to go out at all?" Mary said in horror. "And what do you mean by scoring?"

"Huh! Kissing of course, but someone as boring as you wouldn't know what kissing is either," Lydia answered. "Well, Lizzy, did you kiss?"

"Lydia! One does not ask such things." Jane was shocked.

"Now listen, I don't want to hear any more silly conversation in this car. Save that for when we get home," Mr. Bennet announced, and he winked at Elizabeth, who was glad she was spared from further questioning.

Part 18

Arriving home, Mr. Bennet immediately retreated into his study. He had been living with these silly females long enough to know what sort of things they would be talking about now, and he wasn't interested at all. He felt a little sorry for Elizabeth, but he thought she could take care of herself.

Elizabeth wanted to unpack straight away, but Mrs. Bennet objected. "No, no, that can all be done later. First you two must tell us about your holiday."

Elizabeth groaned. As if any of you are interested in what we've seen, except if these things were male human beings. Nevertheless, she and Jane sat down in the living room with the rest. Lydia was shifting on the edge of her chair, waiting for exciting details. If she'd had her way, she and Kitty would have gone on holiday to Spain together, but Mr. Bennet had strongly opposed that idea. Knowing Lydia, and having heard stories about Spanish resorts, Elizabeth had advised her father not to allow them to go, if he did not want them to misbehave.

Elizabeth told them what they had seen and done. When she came to the part where they went to the yacht, the others gasped.

"Oooohh, well done girls," Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, and Elizabeth sighed.

Lydia was hooked, "tell us more! What did you do?"

"Not much, we played a game, we walked and we went to a party," Jane said.

"Aww," Lydia was disappointed, "how boring. Only one party?"

"Is he your boyfriend now, Jane?" Kitty wanted to know.

"No, of course not."

"Then why did he invite you?"

"Because he's nice," Jane blushed.

"What happened at the party?" Lydia asked.

"Not much," Jane said cautiously, looking at Elizabeth.

"I don't believe you!"

Elizabeth secretly laughed at Lydia. How right she was! And she would never stop asking unless we tell her something. "Well...," she started.

Mrs. Bennet, Lydia and Kitty were all ears, and Mary too, though she would never admit it.

"This was not at the party, mind you. Charles' sister Caroline, she's not very nice, she's a snob actually...I was in the water one morning, and she was bending over to look at me, when she suddenly lost her balance and fell in. That was really funny, she was so angry! She kept shouting at Darcy to get her out, but he didn't."

"That's not funny at all," Kitty reproached her.

Elizabeth was glad they abandoned the subject and started talking about other things.

When Jane and Elizabeth were in their room, Jane asked her sister if she thought Bingley would call.

"I'm sure he will. I'm surprised that he hasn't called you already," Elizabeth teased her.

"Do you have Darcy's telephone number?" Jane asked tentatively.

"No, I don't."

"Do you like him?"

"I think so. But I don't think he likes me that much."

"Lizzy!"

"I fear that seeing my family has scared him off."

"Oh Lizzy! They mean well. Surely he must know that?"

"Hmm," Elizabeth said unbelievingly.

Jane did not have to wait very long for Bingley's call. She came home from work the next day, when Mrs. Bennet ran out of the house with an excited look on her face.

"Hurry Jane, Charles is calling back in five minutes. How wonderful! I took the liberty of inviting him for dinner tomorrow evening."

He called back five minutes later, and Jane took the phone into her father's study. Mrs. Bennet objected because that would mean she couldn't overhear, but Elizabeth had insisted that she give Jane some privacy.

Mrs. Bennet paced up and down the living room. "I have invited him for dinner tomorrow. He said he would be happy to come and I'm going to prepare something very nice for him. He asked if he could bring his friend, because he was staying with him, and I said he could. But he's not very nice, is he?"

Elizabeth lifted her head at the mention of his friend. "What friend?" She felt a little excited.

"Oh, that one that was with him when we picked you up. The arrogant one."

"He's coming, he's coming, he's coming" Elizabeth told herself. "Is that a good sign?"

Part 19

This was to be the first time that any of the girls had a suitor coming to dinner and the whole family was very excited. Even Mr. Bennet was looking forward to the event of not being the only male in the house for once.

Kitty and Lydia had been on the look-out since four o'clock, because "you never know, they might be early," as Lydia had put it. When six o'clock drew nearer, they jumped up at every passing car.

"Look, there they come! I'm sure of it. Yes, yes, see? That car is slowing," Kitty cried out.

The car slowed indeed, and the rest of the family ran towards the windows and hid behind the curtains to catch a glimpse of it. The car parked a short distance down the street, and two elderly people got out.

"Argh! Kitty, that's that old woman with that vicious chihuahua. You're wrong again!" Lydia was disappointed.

This scene repeated itself a few more times until finally, at ten past six, they did arrive. Elizabeth forced herself to stay seated when Mrs. Bennet answered the door. She did not want to appear too eager to see Darcy, and she didn't particularly want to witness his reaction to her mother. Jane and Mary remained in the living room too, but Kitty and Lydia ran towards the door and peeked into the hall. Now and then they turned back to comment on the situation in the hall.

"Mum's opening the door." Kitty whispered.

"Get back here, you two!" Elizabeth called out softly.

"Ooooh, they've given mum a present." It was Lydia's turn to whisper. "Do you want to know what it is?"

"No! Get away from that door!" Elizabeth was vexed.

Lydia snorted. "Ha! No. Oops, here they come!"

She and Kitty ran towards the couch, and sat down with an innocent expression on their faces, just as Mrs. Bennet showed Bingley and Darcy in. They greeted all the girls in a very polite manner, and as usual, Bingley was very friendly, but Darcy was a little stiff. Elizabeth couldn't figure out if he cared about her or not, so she was very reserved in her reactions.

They had a drink, and talked a while before going into the dining room. To Elizabeth's great horror, Darcy ended up between her mother and Mary, and opposite Lydia. This was the worst table arrangement possible. Bingley was seated next to Jane, and they had an animated conversation with Mr. Bennet. Elizabeth was too engrossed in thinking to pay much attention to them. Darcy and her mother did not speak very much to each other, but she hadn't expected them to.

After dinner, Elizabeth was able to say a few words to him. Their conversation was a little strained though, because Kitty was sitting next to her and neither of them wanted to reveal too much to Kitty.

"Haven't you gone home yet?" Elizabeth asked, attempting to get a conversation going.

"No."

Say something!"You're staying with Charles?"

"Yes."

"Because you like it better there?"

"No."

If you don't answer this, I give up."Why then?"

"Because there are workmen at Pemberley."

Good, you're talking to me. "Oh. What are they doing?" She asked with interest.

"Working."

Elizabeth sighed inwardly and gave up after this answer. She really had tried, but he obviously didn't want to talk to her.

When the two gentlemen had left, Mrs. Bennet was in very high spirits.

"Oh Charles is so wonderful, and he's so in love with Jane, it's plain to see. I daresay we'll see a lot more of him. Jane, you couldn't do any better. He's so handsome and rich."

The next few weeks, Jane and Bingley were spending a lot of time together. He visited her, she visited him, or they went out to dinner.

Elizabeth was very happy for her sister, and she was not surprised when Jane came back one night with an extremely happy smile on her face.

"Oh Lizzy, you'll never guess! I'm so happy!"

"What is it?" Elizabeth smiled.

"Charles has asked me to marry him, and I said yes!"

Elizabeth congratulated her warmly and said, "That's so great, I know you two are perfectly suited and you will be very happy."

Mrs. Bennet was thrilled when she received the good news, she was even happier than Jane. She immediately called all her relatives, not caring that most of them had already gone to bed.

One day Elizabeth received a strange phone call.

"You are speaking to Lady Catherine The Bourgh," a voice said, expecting her to be impressed.

"Oh."

"You don't know me?" the voice said incredulously.

"I can't say that I do."

"Fitzwilliam Darcy is my nephew." As if that explained anything.

"Oh?"

"It has come to my attention that you have used a scandalous method of securing his attentions that will compromise us greatly."

"I beg your pardon?" What's the woman talking about?

"Are you saying you don't know what I'm getting at?"

"I do not."

"Will you attempt to deny your scandalous behaviour?"

"I will not attempt anything. I do not know what you're referring to." Elizabeth was getting annoyed.

"I was highly alarmed at hearing it, and I find it hard to believe my nephew has fallen for this trick. That's why I'm calling you. I need to know if this is true."

"What trick? And who did you hear this from?"

"Never mind who I heard this from," Lady Catherine said severely, "I am talking about the pregnancy trick here."

Silence. Elizabeth was at a loss for words. Pregnancy trick? This is absolutely ridiculous! Who would spread such lies?

"Miss Bennet? I demand the truth. I want you to tell me you did not get pregnant in order to get my nephew to marry you."

You demand the truth? "I will tell you no such thing. Besides, didn't I just hear you say you find it hard to believe that your nephew would fall for this trick?"

"He would never fall for it. But who knows what you might have done to him. Your kind of girls will stoop to anything."

Elizabeth tried to control her anger.

"Miss Bennet, are you pregnant?"

"No." Or should I have said 'yes' just to vex you? She could almost hear the sigh of relief at the other end of the line.

"And will you swear never to marry my nephew?"

"Swear? I will not swear anything. I think you should let your nephew decide for himself if he wants to marry me or not."

"You will be a disgrace to our entire family if you marry William."

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. "But no disgrace to himself, apparently, if he does marry me," she said sarcastically.

"He will not marry you."

"Oh? Did he say that?"

"I have not spoken to him on this matter yet," Lady Catherine confessed reluctantly, "but you can be sure that I will. So, we agree on this subject? You will now give me your word that you will refrain from luring my nephew into matrimony."

Elizabeth kicked at the wall in annoyance. "No! I will not. Good bye." And she hung up.

Author's Note: With thanks to Cecily

Part 20

"Who was that, Lizzy?" Mrs. Bennet called out.

"Oh, nothing important. No one you know," Elizabeth said, fearing her mother had overheard her side of the conversation, but apparently she had not, for no further questions came.

Elizabeth walked out into the garden. She wanted to think this over. What an absolutely ridiculous idea! Where did she get it? Caroline? Yes, Caroline would be willing to slander her to put herself in a more favourable light. "I have not spoken to him on this matter yet, but you can be sure that I will." And what will she say? But most important, what will he say? If he thinks I would disgrace his family, then I don't even want him!

Darcy was very surprised when he received his visit from his aunt. It was not in her habit to visit the members of her family; usually she was the one to be visited. Lady Catherine had no time for small-talk, but stated the purpose of her visit right away.

"William, I want to hear from you yourself that you are not going to marry Miss Bennet," Lady Catherine said imperatively.

Elizabeth? How do you know about Elizabeth? Darcy stared at her. "Why?"

"Because she will be a disgrace to our family."

"Who informed you that I was going to be married?"

"I will not reveal my source to you, but you may rest assured that it is a very reliable source indeed."

"And what did this source tell you?" I bet it was Caroline.

"I was told that you had been tricked into marriage by a certain Miss Bennet, who had gotten herself pregnant in order to become Mrs. Darcy. Miss Bennet however, denies being pregnant -"

"You have spoken to her?" Darcy interrupted incredulously.

"I most certainly have. I needed to make sure of the girl's intentions. She's a very impertinent and ill-mannered girl, who refused to give me her word that she would not marry you," Lady Catherine said indignantly.

"She refused?" Darcy sounded amused.

"William, tell me you will never marry this girl."

Darcy's annoyance at Lady Catherine's attitude was gone. Suddenly he was in a much better mood. "No, aunt Catherine, I won't. Besides, I don't see why you should concern yourself with my private life. I am perfectly able to take care of that myself. You have no right to confront any friend of mine with lies."

"Lies? I tell you I had this from a very reliable source!" Lady Catherine almost exploded. "I cannot believe you are talking to me in this manner. This is all her doing! She is already corrupting you, I can tell."

Darcy smiled. "If you don't mind, I have somewhere to go. Good-bye aunt Catherine."

Lady Catherine departed, and Darcy sat down to think things over. He had not been pleased with his behaviour at the Bennets' house. He and Elizabeth had said very little to each other, and whenever he spoke to her, it had been in a rather cold tone. No wonder she had replied with the same indifference. At least, that's what he had hoped was the reason for her indifference. But now he was more certain of it. She had refused to say that she would not marry me! Does that mean she has no objections to marrying me? Or was she just trying to irritate aunt Catherine? No. If she were, she would have admitted to being pregnant as well. I have to see her.

Part 21

Darcy dared not go to Elizabeth straight away. He went to visit Bingley first, knowing Bingley went to the Bennets' house almost everyday.

"I was just going to see Jane. Do you want to come, or shall we stay here?"

"I'll come," Darcy said immediately.

Bingley was a little surprised. He hadn't thought Darcy would willingly spend some time in the company of Mrs. Bennet. But, on the other hand, the prospect of seeing Elizabeth would be very attractive to him.

When they rang the door bell, it was answered by Elizabeth. She was glad to see them, especially Darcy, but she frowned.

"Wait here. I'll get Jane and my coat, and we'll go out." She disappeared.

A few moments later, she reappeared with Jane. "I'm sorry, but there are several friends of mother's in the house, and I don't think you would like to join them," she smiled.

"No!" Bingley looked relieved. He had come to see Jane, and he had no intention of being questioned by Mrs. Bennet's friends. "But where do we go?"

"I don't know. Let's just walk."

Jane and Bingley walked in front. The sidewalk was not wide enough for four people so that left Elizabeth to walk with Darcy. They soon lagged behind.

"I had not expected you to visit our family again," she said.

"I did not come to see your family. I came to see you."

"Oh," Elizabeth said, feeling rather happy.

"I want to apologize for my aunt's behaviour," Darcy said after a while.

"How do you know how she behaved?" Elizabeth asked.

"Considering her behaviour to me, her behaviour to you must have been even worse."

"Didn't she tell you to stay away from me?"

"Yes, she did."

But you did not listen to her!

"And she told me what you had said," Darcy continued. "Lizzy, I want to ask you something."

He sounds so serious suddenly, I wonder what he wants to ask me.

They were interrupted by a girl's voice shouting, "Lizzy! Wait, look what I bought!" Kitty and Lydia were running towards them, their hands full of shopping bags.

Darcy groaned and Elizabeth closed her eyes and sighed. Why now?

"Look at my new blouse," Kitty cried out, trying to pull the blouse out of the bag.

"How nice. Kitty, why don't you show it to me at home? I'm sure I'll get a much better look at it there." And now go!

"And this!" Lydia held up something indefinite. No! Don't show us everything you bought! I'm not interested right now. Please leave us alone...

"What's that? It looks like a net," Darcy sounded interested, to Elizabeth's great horror. Don't let her explain what it is! If she starts explaining, we'll still be here in an hour.

"A net!" Lydia indignantly stuffed the piece of fabric back into the shopping bag. "Well, have fun with this idiot, Lizzy. Come Kitty, we're going home. Ha! A net, tsssk." And off they went.

"Peace again. Now where were we?" Darcy said innocently, just to tease Elizabeth. He had noticed that she had been just as anxious as he was to see the girls going again.

"You wanted to ask me something."

"Yes, I was wondering if your refusing to say you would not marry me, meant that you have no objections to marrying me." He dared not look at her when he spoke these words, and therefore did not see the smile spreading over her face.

"Would you want me to have any objections?" Elizabeth said in a small voice.

"No! I love you."

"You do?" she looked at him with such a happy smile that he didn't even need her to say she loved him.

"I do." He pulled her arm through his.

"But when you came to visit us, you hardly even spoke to me. I didn't know what to think."

"I couldn't, not in front of your mother. I thought I would betray my feelings immediately if I spoke too much to you. You know what your mother would do if she found out. How could I let that happen, if I wasn't sure of what you felt?"

Elizabeth grinned. "We were already engaged, don't you remember? Just before our first kiss!" She said with a deep blush.

Darcy's eyes sparkled. "No my darling, you are mistaken. We got engaged just before our second kiss!"

"But we did not..." Elizabeth started to say when she suddenly realized what he meant. "Oh...I see. Yes!" She finished quickly as Darcy embraced her.

The End

Epilogue

Mrs. Bennet was completely taken by surprise by the news of Elizabeth's engagement. Her change of heart towards Darcy was remarkable; he could do no wrong in her eyes. Pictures of him were passed around with great pride among the members of her shuffleboard club.

Lydia and Kitty were equally quick in accepting Darcy as their brother-in-law. "Imagine all the parties he could get us invitations to!" Lydia said, eager to show off her newly acquired see-through net-like blouse.

Mr. Bennet, seeing that allowing his daughters to go away on their own led to losing them, seriously considered allowing Kitty and Lydia to go to Spain by themselves the next year, to feel a little less outnumbered by the silly females in the house.

Caroline Bingley had tried her very best to prevent Darcy's marriage to Elizabeth. When it backfired on her, she put her own fiction to good use, and succeeded in marrying Gervase.

Lady Catherine was very upset at first. However, she soon reconciled herself to the idea, for fear of losing one of her very few relatives.

And all of them lived happily ever after....