Leaps and Bounds

In these three days, the Netherfield party received a few more gentleman callers. Most of the men, except Mr. Bennet, talked about their families in such a light as would make their wives proud. Praising their daughter's beauty and accomplishments; although most did say that the two eldest Bennet girls were beyond comparison.

Caroline and Louisa seethed at this bit of information. There could, in no way, be anyone in this country town better looking than they were.

The remainder of the time, Bingley and Darcy went riding and while they rode they did some planning on the future of the grounds, purchasing of additional horses, etc. Bingley also returned the visits to some of the gentleman, in particular Mr. Bennet.

Mrs. Bennet and her daughters tried in vain to get information from their father, regarding Dr. Bingley and his guests, but he wouldn't budge. They tried in various ways: with direct questions and ingenious theories and speculations; he teased but did not tell. At last they were obliged to accept the second-hand intelligence from Evelyn and Charlotte Lucas.

On October 3^rd, Bingley visited Mr. Bennet at home and sat with him about 10 minutes. He had hoped to gain sight of the famous beauties he'd heard so much about, but they were not at home. Jane had gone to another farm to deliver a calf; Elizabeth had business in town; Mary was at the library, Kitty was at work; and Lydia was at school. Even Mrs. Bennet was not there; she was at the club as was her usual routine. Of course, she was so distraught when she heard who her visitor was.

"He was here!" she screamed at the top of lungs and collapsed onto the sofa. "He was actually here!"

"Yes Frances! How many times do want me to repeat it?! You act as though he was the crown prince or something!"

"Oh Frank, I hope you invited him to dinner?!"

"No I did not, that is your specialty," he said sarcastically and left her to her misery.

Mrs. Bennet was not deterred; she called Netherfield for Dr. Bingley to dispatch a dinner invitation, but was told he had gone back to D.C. She fretted about his disappearing act, questioning what urgent business he had that was so important and wondering if he would even make it to the party on Saturday. Bingley drove back to D.C. to check on a patient, but returned that same evening.

The Bingley party arrived at the dance and as they stood in the doorway, there was a hush over the club, stunned by their elegance. At length, Mr. Lucas was the first to go up to the party to welcome them.

On one side of the room, Mrs. Bennet whispered loudly, "Lizzy, Jane, come here!" waving to her two eldest daughters; Jane obligingly went to her side while Elizabeth ignored her and went the other way. "You see that man over there," nodding in Darcy's direction. "Evelyn has just told me, he's Dr. Bingley's oldest friend! His name is Darcy and he is very wealthy with plenty of money and property." Jane leaned in and listened, but her eyes looked intently on Bingley. "Bingley's wealth is nothing to his... $10,000,000, at least... Don't you think he's the handsomest man you've ever seen?!" Jane just barely nodded.

"I wonder if he'd be handsome, if he wasn't so rich," teased Mr. Bennet. He waved at the Bingley party, then he walked away.

Mrs. Bennet laughed. "Oh, Lord, they're coming over! Smile Jane, smile," said Mrs. Bennet under her breath.

Bill Lucas brought Bingley over to Mrs. Bennet and her eldest daughter to introduce him; Darcy followed at a considerable distance. "Mrs. Bennet, Dr. Bingley has expressed a wish to meet you and your daughters."

"Sir, it is so wonderful to meet you!" smiled Mrs. Bennet. Jane blushed at her mother's officiousness. "This is Jane, my eldest, and Elizabeth and Lydia are over there. And Mary sits over there, and Kitty, you see there dancing." Bingley and Darcy tried to look wherever she was pointing, but never seemed to get a good look at the other daughters. Mrs. Bennet paused trying to think of something to say. "Do you like to dance Dr. Bingley?"

"Call me Charles." He smiled. "There is nothing I like better than dancing! And if Jane is not waiting for her next partner, may I be so bold as to claim the next dance?"

"I'm not waiting for anyone," smiled Jane. "Thank you, yes."

"Good!"

"You do us a great honor!" shrieked Mrs. Bennet. "He picked you first, Jane," she mumbled loud enough for the men to hear her.

"Mom!" whispered Jane, pleading for her mother's control.

Collecting herself, "And you, Sir, do you like to dance?" she inquired of Darcy, as she looked over Bingley's shoulder.

"Oh, I beg your pardon," interjected Bingley. "Mrs. Bennet, this is my friend, Mr. William Darcy."

"You are very welcome to Charlottesville," said Mrs. Bennet. "I hope you came here as eager to dance as your friend?"

"Thank you, Mrs. Bennet, but I rarely dance," said Darcy trying to avoid yet another mother desperate to marry her daughter off to him.

"Well, let this be one of the occasions then! I am sure you won't find livelier music or prettier partners!" Darcy turned and left abruptly; Mrs. Bennet became very agitated at this affront.

Bingley noticed Mrs. Bennet's facial expressions. "Umm... Please excuse me," he walked toward his friend, but not out of earshot.

"Well, did you ever meet such a proud, disagreeable man?!" Mrs. Bennet exclaimed loudly.

"Mom, he'll hear you," pleaded Jane.

"Well, I don't care if he does! Humph, his friend is so nice and charming! Who is he to think himself so far above the rest of us?!" Not waiting for an answer, Mrs. Bennet continued. "Well, I guess the very rich can treat people in any kind of way, wherever they go! We don't need his good opinion! No, indeed! He's not so handsome after all! No, indeed! Certainly nothing at all to Charles!"

Bingley's ease and unaffected manners, became a hit at the dance; he talked to everyone and danced with every single lady there. However, Darcy's proud personage gave a disgust to all that attended; he talked to no one and stalked around the room. Actually he was looking for the young lady he had seen earlier; the one in the black dress.

Caroline looks ridiculous in that orange cat-suit and cape... She looks like she stepped out of a space ship. Darcy chuckled to himself and wrinkled his nose. He caught sight of the back of the young lady with a simple, but elegant black cocktail dress. Hmm... Maybe I should introduce myself? But Caroline interrupted his reverie, by placing her hand in the crook of his arm. Caroline hung on him the rest of the evening, except when she went to 'powder her nose'.

After an escape from Caroline, Darcy went over by the refreshment table to get himself a drink. Meanwhile, Lydia and Elizabeth, by the scarcity of gentleman, had to sit out a few dances. So they went to get some refreshments at a table in the corner, near Darcy.

"And how are the lovely Miss Bennet's doing this evening?" chimed Mr. Lucas.

"Fine thanks," smiled Elizabeth. Mr. Lucas stayed with them for a bit until Lydia said something embarrassing. "Liddy, I should wash your mouth out with soap! Get away from me! I swear your mouth is deplorable and your mother should do something with you!" Darcy happened to walk by them at this point, but as soon as he caught Elizabeth's angry, blazing eyes; he quickly turned around.

Bingley, who after he danced several dances with Jane and some of the other young ladies, saw Darcy standing alone in a corner, and went to urge him to join in. Elizabeth and Lydia were close enough to hear the conversation.

"Come on William, you should be dancing..." Bingley said, snapping his fingers to the music. "I hate to see you standing around in this stupid manner. Come on and dance!"

"Certainly not. In a place like this, I don't think so... You know perfectly well, it would be a punishment for me to dance with just any woman."

"Good God, William, I wouldn't be as particular as you are for a kingdom! Really, I've never seen so many nice and sweet ladies in my life! And several of them are uncommonly pretty," said Bingley as he looked at Jane across the room.

"You have been dancing with one of the few pretty women in the room."

"She is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen!" Darcy said nothing. "Look," Bingley whispered, "there's one of her sisters over there. Her name is Lizzy, I believe," said Bingley as he was pointing over where Elizabeth and Lydia were standing. "She's pretty too, and very nice!"

Darcy was offended, he didn't want anyone trying to fix him up. "She's alright, I guess, but she's not pretty enough to tempt me... Charles, I'm in no humor to pay attention to flashy, no-class young ladies who haven't even been asked to dance by the locals!" Bingley shook his head in disbelief. "Go back to your partner, enjoy her smiles, because you're wasting your time with me!" Bingley left him alone for the rest of the evening.

Elizabeth, although indignant that this man would want to crush her vanity, found humor in his display because she had a lively, playful disposition and was amused by any and everything ridiculous. She spotted Charlotte across the room and intentionally walked past Darcy. She raised an eyebrow at him and snickered as she passed him; and told Charlotte of his foolishness. They both looked at him and laughed.

Darcy had followed Elizabeth with his eyes all evening; for one, because he thought she was beautiful, and two, because he believed he thought he knew her. However, at this instance, he noticed that she and her friend Charlotte were laughing at him. Why would they be laughing at me? he huffed to himself. At length, he realized, Great God, she probably thinks I was referring to her! I hope not... Hmm, just look at the way her eyes sparkle. I wonder who she is?

The dance proceeded as usual without any more disruptions. Darcy really wanted to introduce himself, to Elizabeth, but Caroline had no more bathroom breaks and clung to him like a fabric softener sheet to a towel.

Later, after the dance, the Bennet ladies returned home and Mrs. Bennet told her husband of the night, even though he was there. "Jane was so admired by Dr. Bingley! There was nothing like it! But the man he brought with him, a Mr. Darcy, was not worth our concern! He slighted poor Lizzy when Dr. Bingley approached him and he flatly refused to dance with her!"

"Refused my Lizzy, did he?!" exclaimed Mr. Bennet, disturbed at the insult to his favorite daughter.

"I didn't like him either Dad, so it really doesn't matter," said Elizabeth matter-of-factly.

"If he ever asks you again, I wouldn't dance with him if I were you!" exclaimed Mrs. Bennet.

"I believe I can promise you, never to dance with Mr. Darcy!"

"So, none of the Charlottesville ladies could please you William?" inquired Caroline.

"Not even the famous Miss Bennets?" followed Louisa. Darcy shook his head and smiled; although he wanted to know who the young lady was with the black dress and dark hair almost down to her waist.

"Well," said Bingley, "I never met with nicer people or prettier girls in my life!"

"Bingley, you amaze me. I saw little beauty and only a few of the women were something worth mentioning... However, Jane is very pretty and seems nice, I suppose."

"Is that some sort of concession?! Come on man, admit it, she's an angel!"

"She smiles too much," snorted Jimmy.

"Oh, Jane Bennet is a sweet girl," inserted Caroline, "but, the mother!" Darcy agreed by nodding his head while Bingley shrugged. Anyway, Caroline had noticed Darcy looking at Elizabeth several times during the evening and said, "I heard Lizzy Bennet described as a famous local beauty! What do you say to that, William?"

"If she is a beauty, then her mother is a genius."

The ladies thoroughly enjoyed this remark, as they were vain and jealous of any woman that may have been perceived prettier than they were; they laughed until their brother interrupted.

"William," said Bingley, "I can never understand why you go through the world determined to hate everything and everyone in it!"

"And I will never understand why you are always trying to approve of everything and everyone that you meet."

"Well, you can't change my mind about Jane Bennet!"

"Oh definitely," said Caroline. "Regardless of what William might say, Jane is a sweet girl, despite having no money. But I won't mind getting to know her better while we're here."

"Me neither," said Louisa. "You see William, we are not afraid of you."

"I never thought that you were."

They arrived home and everyone went straight to bed. Bingley dreamt nice dreams of an angel called Jane.

Meanwhile Darcy slept fitfully over the girl in the black dress. I have to find out her name.

That morning, the 'Netherfield' crew went to the local church.

Caroline was incensed. "Why do I have to go to church down here in the boonies when I don't attend at home?!"

"Caroline, any more pouting and I will take you home immediately after the service," snapped Charles. Caroline said nothing else and stomped to the car.

The 'crew' arrived at church; again the whole room became hushed. They found seats in the middle row, center. Throughout church services Caroline pouted, Louisa slept, James snored, but Bingley and Darcy sat entranced. Jane and Elizabeth were in the choir loft.

Elizabeth and Jane sang a duet. They sang beautifully and Mr. and Mrs. Bennet beamed with pride. Especially Mrs. Bennet, for she noticed that Bingley was very attentive to her daughter.

After services, Bingley found Jane and Elizabeth and complimented them on their singing. Jane blushed and Lizzy's heart sung as she noticed Bingley had never really taken his eyes from her sister. Before that Darcy had waited around 10 minutes for the mysterious beauty, but he eventually went to get the car, while Caroline, Louisa and Jimmy stood on the corner away from the throng.

Bingley left Jane and Elizabeth when he saw the car pull up and told them that he would see them Tuesday evening at the Jones's. When the 'crew' turned the corner, Elizabeth noticed the retreating black Mercedes and immediately looked at the tags 'DARCY#1.'

Where have I seen that tag before? She couldn't remember.

That afternoon, Jane and Elizabeth discussed their new neighbors at the dance last night and at church services that morning. Bingley, as agreed by both, was sensible, good-humored, and simply wonderful. Elizabeth, however, disagreed with Jane's assessment of his sisters and friend.

Later Charlotte came by to discuss their new neighbors.

"Charlotte, what did you think of the 'Netherfield' crew?" Elizabeth asked sarcastically.

"Did you see what Caroline was wearing last night?" They all chuckled. "She looked like a, um... like an alien from the X-Files."

"No, no. A close encounter of the weirdest kind." Elizabeth and Charlotte burst out laughing, while Jane just smiled.

"Did you see what she had on this morning?! I'm surprised Reverend Goulding didn't change his sermon to the 'redemption of Mary Magdalene or the wanton woman Jezebel'," cried Charlotte.

Charlotte and Lizzy went on for a good half-hour talking and laughing about the 'crew.'

After a morning of shooting a round of golf at the club, Darcy decided to check his email. Before that, he and Bingley ate lunch in peace. It seems that Caroline, and the Hurst's had found something to do. Darcy didn't know what they found to occupy them, but he didn't care either.

In his room, he pulled out his laptop and saw that he had several messages. There were seven long messages from his office, one from his broker, one from his property manager in England and one from the warden at Lorton Correctional Facility in Virginia. He read them and answered them, one-by-one, in chronological order.

3 hours had passed when he got to the message from the warden. Surprise hit him hard when he read the subject line. It simply stated 'George Wickham.' He selected the message to open it and the screen suddenly went blank. "Damn it!" he cursed. He started banging on the keys, but to no avail. He rebooted, but didn't even get a flicker of light. He searched frantically for his AC adapter, and to his utmost dismay realized he didn't pack it. He cursed again and ranted and raved in silence.

He picked up the phone and realized he didn't have his Rolodex with him, plus his other phone list was locked in the laptop's memory. He paced the room with urgency and remembered he could call directory assistance. He dialed information, got the number and placed the call.

"Yes, this is William Darcy, may I speak with Warden Campbell?" he said impatiently.

The person on the other side of line recognized the name and voice and said, "He's out of the office until next week, Mr. Darcy. Can I help you?"

Darcy tried to keep his calm. "Yes, the warden sent me an email last week and I can't retrieve it. Do you... Is it possible that you could get the message for me?"

"No Sir. The warden has a password on his PC and one for his email. I can't possibly get you that information. But if you'll tell me the subject, maybe he left it in a file."

"Yes, yes... The subject line said 'George Wickham.' He is... currently residing there."

"Hold on please." The prison secretary went to find the file on George Wickham. "I'm sorry Sir, but that file has been transferred to the criminal courts in Alexandria."

Darcy cursed himself again. "Thank you for your help," he said politely and hung up. Darcy searched his mind for a solution. "Ah yes, there was a computer store in town. I could get what I need from there." He grabbed his laptop, ran out of the house, jumped into his car and sped off, leaving Bingley to wonder at his friend.

Darcy burst into the little computer store, went straight to the counter and asked, "Do you carry the adapter or the battery for this model?"

"Let me check for you," said the shopkeeper. She looked up the serial numbers and shook her head. "No Sir. That there is the newest model and we don't have it or its accessories."

Darcy bit his bottom lip to hold back his contempt for being in this backwoods place, for always buying the newest gadgets and toys, for not reading the warden's message first, for a lot of things. "Thank you," then he turned around to leave.

He was almost out the door when the shopkeeper yelled. "Sir! Excuse me, Sir! If it's really an emergency, we had a local customer order one just last month. Um... Her name is Elizabeth Bennet. She lives at Longbourn. Do you know where that is?"

"No I don't."

"Let me give you directions then." The shopkeeper wrote the directions down for him and as she gave him the sheet of paper, she noticed the question on Darcy's face. "I don't think she'd mind letting you use her equipment."

Darcy read the instructions. "Thank you," he smiled politely and left.

Darcy rode up to the front of the house, grabbed his laptop and ran to knock on the door.

Kitty answered, "Oh... Hello. Can I help you?"

"I'm looking for Elizabeth Bennet."

"She's probably in her office. Just go down the road a bit and you'll see a barn. It's been converted into an office. Jane's is the first and Lizzy's is the second."

Did she say Lizzy or Liddy? "Thank you," he smiled. He jumped back into his car, quickly drove down the gravel road for a little more than 2 miles and parked. Again he grabbed his laptop, walked past the first office and knocked on the door to the second office.

"Come in!" Elizabeth called out.

Darcy opened the door, but saw no one. "Hello... Excuse me, is Elizabeth Bennet here?"

"Yes, I'm here." He heard a voice call out from under the desk. "Could you wait a minute, I'm tangled up in wires and plugs down here?"

"Sure," he said as he impatiently tapped his foot on the floor.

After a few moments, Elizabeth plied herself from under the desk, but her head was lowered as she wiped her hands on her jeans. She slowly looked up and was immediately angered at the sight of him. It's him! And he was immediately shocked. Oh my Lord, it's her! And for a few more moments there was silence. After what seemed an eternity, she asked, "How can I help you?"

"Uh... Um... Miss Bennet my name is William Darcy... I came down with my friend, Charles Bingley... We're staying at Netherfield." Darcy never had a problem speaking to women, but as he looked into her eyes, this one shook him to no end.

"Yes," she interrupted.

"Um... My laptop seems to have lost power and a young woman at the store... at the computer store told me that you have the same equipment. I was wondering if I could use your adapter."

"Sure." She walked from behind her desk, opened a cabinet and pulled out the cord. He was admiring her entire frame, when she turned around and startled him. "Here you go."

"Thank you. I'll only need it for a few minutes, can I set it up here?" he smiled apologetically.

"As long as you don't mind crawling."

"Pardon?" he said stiffly.

"The only 3-pronged outlet is down here," she smiled realizing his embarrassment.

"Oh," he breathed. "Thank you." They brushed passed each other and he caught the sweet scent of her hair and exhaled slowly. Then he bent down. "You have quite a mess down here. Is there anything I can do?"

The word 'No' almost came out of her mouth, but she quickly thought she'd have a little fun with him. "Well, if you think you can do anything," she smiled with a raised eyebrow.

"I might surprise you."

"Then be my guest!"

After 20 minutes or so, Darcy was able to put some order to the wires. He was very pleased with himself that he was able to help a 'damsel in distress.' "That should do it!" He said as he slapped his hands on his jeans.

Elizabeth came around the desk to inspect. "Not bad. Not bad at all," she smirked. "I didn't think your type knew their way around wires and such."

"What type is that?" Now it was his turn to smirk.

"You know the type... The type with manicured nails. The type that never did a hard day's labor in his life," her eyes danced as she teased him.

"Is that what you think?" he furrowed his brow. Damn, she's gorgeous!

"I calls 'em as I see 'em," she smiled.

"Then I suppose you're a good judge of character." He let his comment hang in the air and she didn't reply; she just gave him another raised eyebrow. "Now back to the business at hand." He sat down and turned on his laptop.

"I'll go next door to give you some privacy. You don't mind if I leave you alone, do you?"

"Thanks," he said and waved her off. Darcy was eager to read his email from the warden.

Darcy just lowered his head after he read the message. There was nothing he could do now, except call the Nags Head police department for Georgiana's protection. He would do that as soon as he returned to Netherfield, but he decided to wait for Elizabeth to return because there was something else he needed to do.

After a few minutes, Elizabeth returned. "All through?"

"Yes, thank you again," he said rather dejected.

She noticed, but said only, "You're welcome." Actually, she noticed him the moment she saw him walk in the party room at the club. She remembered saying to herself that night. Ooh! Who is that tall drink of water? I'm thirsty! And to her surprise, she blushed when saw him standing in her office even though he had slighted her that night at the party. She had to admit; he was very handsome, in a Greek Adonis sort of way. What a shame. Good looks, but with an attitude. Well, not everyone is perfect!

"Miss Bennet..." He said as he wrapped up her cord and handed it to her. "I, I'd like to apologize for my behavior at the party the other night." The look of astonishment on her face was enough to make him continue. "I... I... said some things, that I know you overheard, and I'm sorry for it."

Elizabeth didn't want to let him get away with what he said that easy. "Are you apologizing for saying I was flashy and had no class or are you only sorry that I overheard it?"

He blushed. "I am truly sorry for everything. I didn't mean it."

"Do you normally say things you don't mean?"

Darcy puzzled. She sounds like a lawyer! He thought and as he struggled for an answer, then he saw her law degree hanging on the wall behind her. Ah-ha! "I usually do say what I mean. But this time... this particular time, well, I was in a place I didn't want to be and I had no intention of dancing. In fact, I don't even like to dance! Plus I didn't appreciate Charles trying to fix me up and finally I wasn't referring to you."

"How is that possible?"

"A case of mistaken identity."

"Mistaken identity?"

"Let me explain myself Miss Bennet. Earlier that evening, I overheard you reprimand your sister for her... remarks in front of Mr. Lucas. Something about washing her mouth out with soap, I believe," he smiled and so did she. "You called her 'Liddy.' And so when Charles wanted to introduce me to 'Lizzy,' I assumed he had mispronounced her name. I still believe that she is flashy and... smart-mouthed. But, indeed Miss Bennet, I had no idea who you were until you looked up from your desk today."

"I see..."

"I sincerely hope that I have not injured you in any way."

"My vanity was crushed, you understand?" she smiled.

He returned the smile. "You seemed to take it pretty well."

"I couldn't let you know that you hurt my feelings. That you won."

"No, I suppose not. Again, I apologize... I have this way of... of offending people."

"I wouldn't have guessed that," she laughed. "But let's just forget it." They both smiled and locked eyes.

At length, Darcy tore his eyes away. "I should be getting back." He turned to leave. "Thanks again Miss Bennet."

"No problem Mr. Darcy."

Hearing his name spoken so formally by this woman, he turned as he opened the door. "Please, call me William." Please, pretty please!

"And you can call me Lizzy, if you like."

He smiled broadly at the fact that she wanted him to call her by her nickname. "Oh, I believe I owe you a dance." With that he left.

Elizabeth sat down in her chair, folded her arms across her chest and sighed. He's still a bit too cocky and high-handed. I believe I can bring him down a peg or two.

Darcy arrived and immediately went towards his room, but as he was climbing the steps Caroline was blocking his way and he almost knocked her down.

"Excuse me Caroline."

"You seem to be in a hurry William, but surely you have time to visit with me. We have been here more than a week, and you and I have had no time together," she gave him a seductive smile.

"Caroline, I have urgent business to take care of and I have no time for your games," he sneered.

Caroline immediately got out of his way. Why are you putting off the inevitable? We will be together and very soon!

Darcy ran to his room, picked up the phone to call his sister at work, but she was in the lab and couldn't be reached. He left a message for her to call him on his pager. He then called the Nags Head police and warned them of Wickham's release. They agreed to come by Pemberley at least once a day. He then called his cousin, Richard Fitzwilliam, who was an Army Colonel in the 101^st Airborne Division at nearby Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.

"May I speak with the Colonel please?"

"Who's calling?"

"His cousin, William Darcy."

"Hold on please."

"Wills, how's it hanging?!"

"Rick, I need your help."

"No I'm fine Rick, how are you?" He paused, realizing that his cousin would only call him at his office when it was an emergency. "I'm sorry, what can I do for you?"

"Wickham's been released."

"What?!" exclaimed Richard as he jumped out of his chair. "When?! And how the hell did this happen?!"

"The warden emailed me last week and I just read it today. I missed his hearing on Friday, because I'm out of town... Rick, he could be anywhere!"

Richard heard the distress in Darcy's voice. "Is Georgie alright?"

"I think so. I tried to call her at work, but she's locked up in some lab. I notified the local police, they know his history. But they will only go by Pemberley once a day."

"What do you want me to do."

"Well, don't you have a friend in the security business?"

"Yes. Jean Annesley."

"Is she discreet? Will Georgie know that she is being followed?"

"She is very discreet. I'll give her a call, okay. And when I have the details, I'll call you back. What's your number?"

Darcy gave Richard the details of his stay in Charlottesville and the phone number. Richard called Mrs. Annesley and they worked out a plan.

After an hour, Richard called back to Netherfield. "Can I please speak with William Darcy?"

"Who's calling?" asked Caroline.

"Caroline is that you?!"

"Richard?! I should have known. What are you and William up to now? I know it must be delicious, because he nearly knocked me down the steps to call you."

"Caroline, I need to speak with William. Please?"

"So you won't give me the dish, huh? Well, you know I'll find out anyway. William tells me everything." Richard could only laugh.

As she was speaking, Darcy walked up behind her. "Is that for me?"

"Oh... uh, yes... It's Rick."

He snatched the phone from her hand. "Yes Rick." Richard began telling him the plan, but Darcy interrupted. "Caroline, this is private," he snapped. "Sorry, go ahead," he said into the phone. Caroline sulked away, vowing to find out the secret. Richard told Darcy of the plan and they were both very pleased.

Darcy called his housekeeper, asked her to hire a new maid, gave her Mrs. Annesley's name, and told her she was highly recommended. The housekeeper did not question Darcy, as it wasn't her job to do so and agreed to hire the woman immediately.

Darcy also called his private investigator in D.C. to find Wickham. Georgiana returned her brother's call and he assured her that he was calling to see how everything was going, since he hadn't talked to her except for the day he arrived at Netherfield. She assured him everything was okay, they talked for a few more minutes and they hung up. Since all was well with Georgiana, Darcy would get dressed and go with the rest of the 'crew' to the Jones's for a buffet style dinner.

The 'crew' arrived around 7:00 p.m. and found that there were nearly 25 people in attendance. Bingley was pleased that the Bennet's were there, especially Jane. And he immediately went to her after greeting the hosts. Darcy, on the other hand, had Caroline buzzing around him, asking about his conversations with Richard and if it involved her or constantly snickering on the 'local yokels' and he didn't want to subject Elizabeth to her. So he stood aloof at the party, giving the impression that he was unconcerned in making new friends.

Elizabeth was talking to Charlotte, when suddenly the hair on the back of her neck stood at attention. Someone is either talking about me or looking at me.

"Lizzy, did you hear what I said?"

"I'm sorry Charlotte," she said as she looked around, though not finding the source of her uneasiness. "I was distracted for a moment. What were you saying?"

"I was saying that there is definitely something going on between Caroline Bingley and William Darcy. What do you think?"

Elizabeth shrugged and was about to say something when she heard this shrill cackle coming from Caroline's mouth. She shuttered as she turned slightly toward them and saw her draped all over his arm. "She does seem to be enjoying herself. He, on the other hand, looks... I don't know... He looks like either he's ignoring her or he's fed up with her."

"Well all I know is that she praises him to the skies and is totally enraptured." Elizabeth frowned as she knew her friend liked to spread gossip and wasn't beneath embellishment. But was this the truth? Elizabeth wasn't sure she wanted to know. "I have heard that they are inseparable when they are in D.C."

Elizabeth didn't respond and changed the subject. "What do you think about Charles? He's nice, don't you think?"

"Oh, I think he's really nice and good looking, too..." Both of them looked at Jane and Bingley conversing in a corner. "He's taken an instant liking to your sister, I see."

"Well, we'll have to see what develops."

The evening went pleasantly by. Darcy smiled at Elizabeth whenever she passed him and she returned his smile each time. But nothing else happened and Elizabeth began to wonder about Darcy.

Yesterday, Darcy had slipped away to Pemberley to check on things. Meanwhile, Caroline and Louisa were bored with each other and decided they needed other friends, so that evening, they visited the Bennet family. However, they soon found Mrs. Bennet intolerable, and the younger sisters not worth speaking to, and therefore wished only to be better acquainted with Jane and possibly Elizabeth.

The Bennet women went to pay a return visit to their new neighbors. Bingley was very happy to see them, Jimmy stayed in his room, Louisa was put out that her day was disturbed, and Caroline was pissed that she couldn't find anything out from Darcy regarding his secret and the visitors interrupted her schemes. On the other hand, Darcy, who had returned that morning, was growing more and more worried about Wickham's whereabouts, to the point of distraction; he didn't say much to anyone; Elizabeth noticed.

Mrs. Bennet showed her true colors. She went around taking stock and appraising the furniture; asking about Bingley's wealth and his intentions toward her eldest daughter, rather indiscreetly to Darcy. And when he ignored her and walked away, she announced loudly that he was a conceited cold fish.

Elizabeth tried desperately to discourage her mother's behavior and became embarrassed by her lack of control and Darcy's glare. He probably is a cold fish... But he was so nice in my office. She glared back at him. Caroline saw this and became personally affronted, but said nothing in front of her brother and his guests.

Jane and Bingley hit it off even more; they found a quiet corner and talked animatedly for most of the time. Caroline butted in a few times, but could not persuade her brother to venture too far away from Jane. So she went back to hang around Darcy.

The Hurst's had nothing to say to anyone. The evening ended after 2 hours, to the relief of some and the regret of others.

In these two weeks, the 'crew' was invited to three other parties: the MacKenzy's, the Gateses, and finally, the Holbrook's. The Lucases and Bennets were also participants at each of these events. Bingley was very excited to see Jane at these functions; it would give him time to be better acquainted with her. Darcy seriously didn't want to be away from the phone, as his worry turned to dread that Wickham was hiding out waiting to pounce, and his demeanor was dark and brooding; Elizabeth again noticed.

Everything went pleasantly at those parties as well, with one exception. At the Holbrook's, Caroline and Elizabeth were together at the punch bowl, when a friend surprised Elizabeth by sneaking up behind her; making her spill her drink on Caroline's sleeve. Of course, Caroline threw a hissy fit, claimed Elizabeth did it on purpose, and threw in a few curse words for good measure. Elizabeth was truly sorry about the accident, until Caroline went ballistic. Eventually, the embarrassed 'crew' left early and Elizabeth left angry. From that evening on, these two ladies were sworn enemies.

Elizabeth tore out of the driveway in her car. "That snooty bitch" she cursed. "I'll give her something to blame me for the next time... And he deserves her!"

Caroline pouted all the way back to Netherfield. That little no-class, no-brained, bimbo. She's just like that character in that movie I saw yesterday. What was it? That's it, 'My Fair Lady,' Eliza Doolittle! That's what I'll call her every time I see her. Eliza. She won't get it. And I'll pretend to be as nice as possible to her. That way William will see that I'm above pettiness and I will be able to privately enjoy my little joke as well. She'll always be a little no-class tramp, just like Eliza Doolittle. And William will choose me and love me forever! It is apparent that Caroline did not see the end of that movie.

The Lucases threw a dinner party, attended by most in the neighborhood; including the 'crew.' The party also included a group of all male amateur tennis players, who were making a tour up the East Coast and would be staying in town, for the most part.

At the party, Charlotte commented to Elizabeth on Bingley's attentions to Jane. "I see that Charles continues his attentions toward Jane."

"I'm very happy for her Charlotte!"

"She does seem to like him?"

"I think if he continues paying so much attention to her, she might likely fall in love with him!"

"And what about Charles, do you think he is in love with her?"

"Hmm, it's clear that he likes her very much, but I don't think it's gone that far yet."

"Then she shouldn't leave him guessing. She should show more affection than she feels, that way she will be able to secure him."

"Secure him! You make it sound like you're bidding on a horse or something." Elizabeth laughed, quickly realizing that her friend was beginning to sound like her mother. "Charlotte?"

"Yes, a horse, a man, it's all the same! But, she should secure him as soon as she can!"

"Before she is sure of his intentions?! Before she's even certain of her own?!"

"Of course! Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance, you know. There will always be trials and tribulations in marriage, no matter how long you've known your partner. I just think it's better to know, as little as possible, of the defects of your significant other."

"Charlotte, I can't believe you think like that," laughed Elizabeth. "You'd never act like that yourself, would you?"

"Well, it seems that Jane won't. So we can only hope that Charles will... But, I think he gets little encouragement from his sisters."

"Or his friend," said Elizabeth as they both looked at Darcy. "Mr. Darcy probably thinks she is beneath him.

"But Mr. Darcy looks at you a great deal, Lizzy."

"I can't think why, unless he means to intimidate me... I wish he would go back to D.C., he only makes people uneasy." Mainly me!

Later that evening, Charlotte pleaded with Elizabeth to play something on the piano. She grudgingly, assented. Her performance was very pleasing to most in attendance, but not to Caroline and Louisa. Elizabeth played two love songs with such feeling that most of the tennis players were very impressed and were intent on seeing more of her. Darcy was also impressed and he began to find her more interesting and wished to know her better.

Mary almost pushed Elizabeth from the piano afterwards, hoping for the same applause; but before she could start Lydia came to her and loudly, "Mary, please don't sing! You only have one real talent, so play some nice dance songs for us!"

Mary was thoroughly embarrassed. "Mom, tell Lydia to go away! I would like to play something else!"

Mrs. Bennet retorted, "Mary, no one wants to hear anymore love songs! So play something that the kids can dance to!"

Mary obliged the party and played all the latest tunes as well as she could, while Lydia and Kitty pretending it was 'Karaoke Night' and sang loudly as they danced.

Caroline and Louisa just looked at each other and smirked over the Bennet's exchange, while Darcy was completely disgusted with the lack of manners displayed in almost all of the Bennet's.

Then Mr. Lucas came by and interrupted Darcy's thoughts. "What a nice way for young people to pass the night away, Mr. Darcy. Nothing like dancing at a house party, you know, rather than having them sneak out to a nightclub or something. One of the advantages of having a large house and plenty of land."

"The same things that happen in a club can happen at a house party."

"Pardon?" puzzled Mr. Lucas.

"I'm just saying that some parents seem to relax and not care when their kids attend a house party. Then they are caught completely unawares when something happens to their precious darlings."

"Yes, well, well," Mr. Lucas stood there trying to find something else to say to Darcy to make him enjoy himself; then Elizabeth walked by them. "Ah, Lizzy! Why aren't you dancing?!" He dragged her over to them, "Mr. Darcy, allow me to present this young lady to you as a very desirable partner! You cannot refuse to dance, when so much beauty is before you," as he took Elizabeth's hand practically giving it to Darcy; but she withdrew it quickly.

"Mr. Lucas, I, I have no intention of dancing," said Elizabeth with some discomposure but looking straight up at Darcy in defiance. "Please don't think that I came this way to beg for a partner."

"It would make me happy, if you would dance with me, Elizabeth," said a somewhat surprised Darcy.

Make you happy. Well, don't that just beat all! "Thank you. But no."

"Come on Lizzy! Why not?! You see Mr. Darcy doesn't object, although I know he dislikes dancing!"

"Mr. Darcy is just being polite."

"He is, he is! And why not, considering the beauty that is before him... Who could object to such a partner? Eh, Mr. Darcy."

"Please excuse me," she said archly and turned away.

That left an embarrassed Mr. Lucas to walk away with his thoughts. Darcy, however, was not injured by this refusal; in fact he was very intrigued. The situation for him was always reversed; he was always the one refusing to dance. However, Elizabeth was not impressed by his good looks or his money and was almost challenging him. Yes, he was very intrigued, but, for the present, he was content just to watch her from a distance.

On this reflection, Caroline sauntered up to him from behind and whispered in his ear. "I believe I can guess what you're thinking right now."

"I don't think so," said Darcy, as he looked straight ahead in the direction of Elizabeth.

"You are thinking how unbearable our last few days down here will be. And to be practically forced by Charles to spend our evenings in such boring company, when we could be entertaining ourselves right now." Caroline finished this last part of her speech practically nibbling on his ear.

He winced and shuddered. "No. Actually, I was having pleasant thoughts before you came up," he smiled, still looking at Elizabeth. "I was just thinking that a pretty woman can be made even more beautiful when she has been blessed with a pair of fine eyes."

"Ooh!" she spun around to the front of him, looking intently in his eyes. "And whose eyes have you been admiring?!" Caroline teased and smiled as she thought he was referring to her.

"Elizabeth Bennet's."

"Elizabeth Bennet!" snapped Caroline. Although incensed, she knew Elizabeth didn't particularly like him, so she teased him. "I am completely surprised! How long have you been admiring her? And tell me when am I to coordinate the wedding?"

"I expected as much from you Caroline... A woman's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony, in the blink of an eye."

Feeling relieved, she teased further. "Well, if you are serious about her, then the matter is absolutely settled... You will, may I remind you, have a wonderful mother-in-law, and of course, she will always be with you at Pemberley or your penthouse."

He listened to her as he always did whenever she went off on tangents. Caroline chose to entertain herself in this manner for a long time that evening; as his composure convinced her that his admiration for Elizabeth's fine eyes, was nothing serious, but she wasn't all that sure about his libido. Men have been known to dally where they shouldn't.

Later that night, upstairs Caroline pulled Louisa into her bedroom and told her what Darcy said about Elizabeth.

"Caroline, you shouldn't worry yourself about her. Even if he is admiring her fine eyes, she is not here with him and you must take advantage of that fact."

"Louisa! Are you suggesting what I think you are?!"

"Even if you have to get him drunk first."

"I, I can't do something like that. I have too much pride to let myself into his bed without being invited."

"Caroline, where has pride gotten you?!" Both remembering how that same pride cost her modeling jobs. "Do you want the man or not?!"

"Yes," she said timidly. "But he will hate me for it."

"He might, but you will never know if you don't go through with it... Be assured, William is a decent man and he will do the right thing by you." Caroline looked perplex. "I know this is a bitter pill to swallow, but you need his money."

"I don't just want his money!" she exclaimed hatefully. "I love him!"

"Well then, this will just be a means to an end. Think about it." Louisa left Caroline to her thoughts.

Meanwhile, Bingley had just retrieved some voice-mail messages and pulled Darcy aside.

"William, I'm going to have to cut this pleasure trip short." Darcy looked almost relieved. "One of my patients is rejecting his transplant and I have to go back as soon as possible."

"I can be packed and ready to leave in the morning."

"Or you could stay here... You really don't have anything to do in D.C. You could stay here, I'm sure I'll be back within a week."

"Are you planning to return as soon as you get your patient back on their feet?"

"Yes I am. I'm really enjoying myself down here."

"You mean Jane Bennet is here and you don't want her to fall into the arms of another man?"

Bingley slightly embarrassed. "You know me too well, my friend." They both chuckled. "Plus, I'm planning on throwing a housewarming party in late November. Caroline has agreed to plan it."

Good! Caroline will be here and I will be there. "Well, I did want to look into some things that I have neglected since coming here. I think I'll drive you, take care of business and be ready to return whenever you are."

"That sounds like a plan! And that way we could leave the Suburban for Caroline and Louisa so they could pick up the things they need for the party... I'll leave a note for them in the morning." Darcy understood why Bingley didn't want to tell his sisters tonight, because they would want to go with them. "Be ready at eight, okay?"

"I'll be ready." Darcy said as he ran up to his room. This respite from vacation would prove good for him; he needed to work, to feel needed. He would speak personally to his private investigator, fly down to Ft. Bragg to see his cousin and drive to Pemberley to see how his spies were doing. He could do that in a week.

"Jane, I'm transferring Charles," said Mr. Bennet.

"Thanks dad," she smiled and waited for the click over. "Good morning Charles."

"Good morning to you too Jane. How are you and why are you in the office so early this morning?"

"I'm fine, I just needed to take an inventory of the drugs that were shipped yesterday."

"Oh. Um, the reason I'm calling is because I have to dash off to D.C. this morning. One of my patients is rejecting his heart and I have to see what the problem is."

"Oh my, I will keep him in my prayers. And you too!"

"Thank you... Jane, I just had to call you to let you know that I hadn't run out on you."

She smiled, "Charles, I would never think that!"

"I'll be back in a week or less... Jane..." he hesitated, "I'll miss you."

Stunned at his forwardness, Jane reciprocated. "And I'll miss you."

He smiled broadly at Darcy when he got the answer he hoped for. "I'll call you to let you know when I'm coming back, okay."

"I'll be here. Take care."

"Bye." Bingley was sad only for a moment, but then he reflected on what had just transpired and again his joy was transparent. "Ready?"

"Most definitely," replied Darcy.

Darcy drove off the property and into town, passing a tan Volvo on the way out. As they passed, both Elizabeth and Darcy looked out their windows and seeing each other; they instantly remembered where they had seen each other before. Georgetown Mall Parking Lot!

Later that morning, Caroline read the note that Charles had left. You could hear a scream that might shatter the windows. "Ah!" Louisa ran into the dining room. "He has left us! They've left us!"

"Who has left us?"

"Charles and William! They have gone back to D.C. They have left us in the God forsaken place to fend for ourselves!"

Snatching the letter out of her sister's hand, Louisa read it. "Oh Caroline! It says here that they will be back in a week's time. They have left us the truck so that we can go shopping, etc."

"Wait till I get my hands on that brother of mine! He has messed up my plans!" Louisa smiled, believing her sister would follow the advice she had given last night. "Ooh! He could have asked us to go along! He didn't know if we had other plans or not! Together, we were supposed to leave this place in a few days anyway, together! I could have planned the party better in D.C. At least the shopping would've been of a better variety. What do I know about this town or their shops? And how do we get there?"

Trying to calm Caroline down, Louisa said, "We could call Jane and have her take us around?"

"She's probably too busy. She does work for a living, you know?"

"I didn't know that. What does she do?"

"She's some kind of horse doctor or something like that."

"Well, even if she is, she will want so much to look good in our eyes for our brother, that she will do whatever we want."

"You're absolutely right Louisa! You are always right!" she smirked. "But I don't feel like going today. It's almost noon, I'm hungry and I have a headache."

"We'll call her tonight then."

They spent the rest of the day planning the things needed for the party. That night they called Jane and she agreed to pick them up around 11:00 a.m. Friday.

Meanwhile Bingley and Darcy arrived safely in D.C. Darcy dropped Bingley off at his home and Darcy went straight to his. Bingley drove his own car, a blue BMW, to the Hospital as soon as he washed and dressed. Darcy called his private investigator to arrange a morning meeting, his travel agent to arrange flights and car rentals, and Richard to advise him of his plans.

Later that night, both men thought of the eldest Bennet daughters. Bingley pleasantly remembering Jane's words, he drifted peacefully to sleep, while Darcy was resolving to forget Elizabeth by coming up with all sorts of excuses why she wouldn't be good enough for him, he drifted fitfully to sleep.

Yesterday, after visiting with his patient and assessing the situation, Bingley decided that surgery was the best plan of action. However, after visiting with the same patient this morning, Bingley decided to wait because the patient's vital signs were not conducive to surgery today. Bingley stayed at the hospital all day long to monitor his patient.

Darcy visited with his private investigator, Mr. Crawford, for above an hour. Mr. Crawford had looked for signs of Wickham, but to no avail. He had not reported to the halfway house, nor had he reported to his parole officer. He had not taken a plane, train or bus. He simply disappeared.

It was easier to get into Bingley's office than Darcy's. So Wickham got a night job on a free-lance cleaning crew that paid in cash. He gained access to the hospital and tapped Bingley's phone. Whenever he returned to his current residence, he would replay all of Bingley's phone conversations. The first three weeks, there was nothing, as Bingley was, of course, out of town. But activity picked up when Bingley returned. Wickham replayed the following conversation taped on October 30^th.

"Hey William, how's it going? How's Georgiana?"

"Fine Charles, everything's fine. I'm calling to see when you will be going back to Charlottesville."

"Probably, not until Saturday."

"Your patient... How is their recovery?"

"Swimmingly!"

"Good!"

"William, I think it's better if I drive down in my own car, because if I have to leave again, I don't want to put you out."

"You won't and don't think of it like that Charles. Even if I don't have anything to do, I would gladly take you back, anytime you needed or desired it... That is what friends are for, am I right?"

"You're right. I appreciate it, but I'm still going to drive by myself. I have other motives, you know. The lovely Jane may want to take a drive somewhere." They both chuckled.

"Sure, I understand. I surely don't want to get in your way!"

"What about you, William, you may want to take a certain raven-haired beauty for a drive, huh?" Bingley laughed.

"What?!" Darcy sputtered. "I don't know what you mean!"

"Come on William, I did notice how you were always seeking her out. I am not blind and neither is Caroline."

"Elizabeth Bennet is... yes she is very attractive." Indeed! "But I don't think anything will happen between us. I mean she's from a different sphere, you know?"

"No, I don't know!" Bingley spat out angrily. "You need to get over this hang-up you have with family fortune and social position! It'll do you in one day!"

"Charles, I won't interfere in your love life, so don't interfere in mine!"

"I hear you." Eager to change the subject, "Have you heard anything yet?"

"Nope. Politicians! What else can I say?"

"So let's make the plans for Saturday morning. I'll come by, like last time. 10:00 a.m. okay?"

"I'll be there."

"I'll call you if anything changes. See ya!"

Wickham was pleased with what he heard. He sat at his computer trying to find anything on Charlottesville and Elizabeth Bennet. He found standard information on Charlottesville; it's location, history, etc., but he found some very interesting things on this Elizabeth Bennet. For one, she had procured two bank accounts. The first held enough money for a family of 7 to live comfortably and run a farm, but the second was a very active account, money always coming in and going out, CD's, money markets, mutual funds, etc. He decided right then and there to pack up and move to Charlottesville.

"It should take only a month for me to woo her and marry her. She's probably some country bumpkin, so this should be easy. And the best part about it is Darcy is very interested in her. Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too!" He laughed for a good long time.

Darcy woke up satisfied that everything was going according to plan and Georgiana was safe. So, he packed up his bags, had breakfast with his sister and she drove him to the airport.

"I'm glad you came down William," she hugged him with tears in her eyes. "But it's always so hard to see you leave."

"I know Georgie." Darcy squeezed his sister. "I hate to leave you, but you are grown now, working and all." He smiled. "I'm so proud of you... You are leading a life of your own and your old decrepit brother must back away from raising you," he sniffled.

"I love you," she whispered.

Her words brought him an immense shock of pain. But he kissed her on the forehead and teased, "I love you more." She looked up at him with a big smile. They heard the announcement of final boarding to D.C., they released their embrace and he ran to the gate. As he gave the steward his ticket, he turned around to wave at his sister and she waved back emphatically. He boarded the plane.

On the short plane ride, the drive to the penthouse and while unpacking and packing his clothes, Darcy thought of his sister. After their parents died, he had to raise her with a little help from the housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, his cousins Rick and Andrew and their parents, and his Aunt Catherine. They were all very proud of her and came to her graduation this past summer. That was something special. In remembering the graduation, Darcy's eyes welled up and a lump came to his throat, just as it did that day.

Darcy could also remember their 'I love you more' game. Whenever, William was going away or on the phone, Georgiana would start it just like she did today and he would end it just as he did today. When she was little, she would hug him around the legs, look up at him and smile; now that she was older, she would hug him around his neck and smile. It would bring many days of joy to his very somber and sober life.

Wickham arrived to scope out the place. The employment around town was thin, but he had heard that the country club was hiring. He went to the club, gave Charlotte a bewitching smile and she let him in, immediately, to see her father. Mr. Lucas explained that they were looking for a tennis instructor and Wickham flashed him one of his famous smiles that sold Mr. Lucas on hiring him on the spot without checking references and such.

This would work out fine, because Wickham had played on Duke's varsity tennis team during his two and a half-year stint there. He had been pretty good and was highly ranked amongst college players. "Thank you, Sir."

"How soon can you start?"

"Well, I have to find a room to rent..." Wickham paused long enough to believe his luck had changed. "How about Monday!"

"Monday it is then, around 10:00 a.m."

"Thanks again, Sir." Wickham left the club positively beaming. He headed back to town, found a room just as easily as he had found a job. He unpacked his belongings, set up his computer and other equipment, and left for the local bar.

Jane arrived, in her sea blue MG, at the appointed time, she rang the doorbell and was let in to living room by the butler.

After half-an-hour, Caroline came down stairs, "Jane! I had no idea that you were so punctual! Please excuse our tardiness," she smiled sweetly. "Louisa!" she shrieked. "Get a move on! Dear Jane has been waiting for you!"

Jane was a little pissed off, because she had plans but put them off until later so that she could get to know Charles' sisters better. "Can I see your list? It would give me an idea of where to go."

"Sure dear. I'm just forever grateful to you for doing this. I have yet to forgive my brother for his leaving us here, but then we probably wouldn't have the opportunity to know you better."

Just then Louisa came down and made her apologies. The ladies then went shopping, but they stayed out longer than Jane had anticipated. Caroline and Louisa actually ended up picking up things for themselves rather than for the party. And boy, could those two women shop. She would have to have call Lizzy and change their plans. Jane dropped the two of them back at Netherfield and was so exhausted when she arrived at the cottage, that she had to back out of their plans for a movie.

Caroline and Louisa called Jane to invite her to lunch, payment for putting up with them yesterday as Caroline put it. Jane agreed and Mrs. Bennet was ecstatic because Bingley was also expected back around noon. Jane left around 11:30 a.m., but before she got 5 miles, it suddenly started pouring down rain. Jane had to get out of the car to pull the top on as the wind picked up. By now she was drenched to the bone, but she had managed to secure the top down. As she drove through town, she could see that all the lights were out, as a power pole had been knocked down, but she trudged on to Netherfield. When she got about a mile from the property, she saw a lightning bolt and heard a great crack.

Bingley and Darcy started out at the appointed time, however, halfway down they both had to pull over because of the downpour. Finally, after 20 minutes, the weather let up a bit and they proceeded on. As they rode through Charlottesville, they also noticed that all the power was off. But as they drove toward Netherfield, they noticed the back of a car with a tree covering it. They pulled up close and got out to investigate. Bingley pulled his car closest to the wreck and Darcy behind him.

Bingley froze in horror when he saw Jane inside.