Leaps and Bounds

At breakfast, Bingley and Darcy planned what they would cook tomorrow for Jane and Elizabeth, while Louisa sat shocked and Carolina fumed. The men decided on something simple; fresh garden salad, fresh string beans, twice-baked potatoes, and baked chicken a-la-Darcy (special herbs and spices), and a strawberry torte from the local bakery.

Jane and Elizabeth went to work and Mrs. Bennet followed them before going to the club.

"Jane call Lizzy and tell her to get over here, at once!" cried Mrs. Bennet.

"Why Mom? What's wrong?!"

"Just call her Jane, I can't discuss this without the both of you!"

But before Jane could pick up the phone, Elizabeth opened the door. "Jane... Oh, mom... What are you doing here?"

"Come in, come in!" Mrs. Bennet smiled. "Sit down dear. I need to speak with both my beautiful daughters." Elizabeth looked at Jane for an answer, but Jane just shrugged her shoulders. Mrs. Bennet smiled sweetly, "I have heard that both of you are dating the men of Netherfield." Both Jane and Elizabeth obtained looks of horror. "Now what I can't understand is why you never told your mother! Your own mother!" She paused enough to look at her daughters. "Mind you, I am very happy, especially for you Lizzy! But I am very put out that you did not tell your dear, dear mother! So tell me everything right now! I am not leaving here until you tell me! How can I face my friends at the club, when they know more of my daughters than I do!"

Jane and Elizabeth protested that it was only one date, but Mrs. Bennet wasn't satisfied and therefore wouldn't budge. Eventually, they each told her of their respective dates, though with much trepidation. They only gave her details, nothing else. Finally, Mrs. Bennet left, still unsatisfied, but with enough of a story to embellish for her friends. Jane went back to work and Elizabeth went back to her office and worried what trouble her mother might stir up.

Later the men went to the club, Darcy swam while Charles talked to Mr. Lucas about using the party room at the club for the housewarming party. He wanted to invite so many people that Netherfield wasn't big enough, so there was a change of plans. Mr. Lucas agreed to November 26^th and the contract was signed for the room. He promised that Caroline would call on him tomorrow to plan the whole thing. She would have the authority to sign for the wait staff, the food and the liquor.

As Bingley was leaving Mr. Lucas's office, he ran right into Mrs. Bennet.

"Oh, Mrs. Bennet, how are you this morning?"

"Fine, Dr. Bingley, just fine!"

"Good! How are Jane and Elizabeth?"

"Oh, I just left them, they are well. Jane's beauty is returning more and more every day. But you know that, don't you? Anyway, what did you and Bill have to discuss?"

"I'm giving a party here instead of at Netherfield. It's going to be on November 26^th!"

"The 26^th! Why that's the day after Jane's birthday!"

"I didn't know that."

"Jane will be so happy! She'll be ecstatic about the whole thing! And it's all for her! She'll be so happy when I tell her! I'm going to call her up and tell her the news. Oh Dr. Bingley, you just don't know what this means to her!"

Mrs. Bennet ran to the phone leaving a completely confused Bingley to his thoughts. At length, he went to find Darcy.

Wickham saw Darcy enter the indoor pool, but Darcy didn't notice him; he was too happy about Elizabeth to really notice anyone. For nearly two weeks, Wickham had been sneaking around the club trying to overhear any conversation about Darcy or Elizabeth. He only picked up bits of information, here and there. Darcy had been regarded as a cold stiff and Elizabeth as a playful beauty with sparkling eyes, but that they were dating despite their apparent differences. His plan, he thought, would be easy as well as perfect, but as to date, he had not met Elizabeth Bennet. To steal her from him, marry her and take her money. I can live on easy street and laugh at William at the same time! Oh what a delight to live in the Caymans! He walked down the hallway, just missing Bingley.

Caroline told Louisa that tonight would be the night. Louisa was extremely happy that her sister would be married soon and out of her hair. They planned what she would wear, how her hair should be, the perfume to be used, everything, even down to what she should say. They both agreed it was a perfect plan.

Bingley and Darcy grabbed lunch at the club and went back to Netherfield. They were surprised to see that Louisa and Caroline weren't waiting for them; so they went to their respective rooms. Bingley called the hospital and Darcy called Georgiana, and Richard. They came down for dinner at 7:00 p.m.

During dinner, Bingley informed Caroline of the change in plans for the party and told her that she was expected at the club tomorrow to finalize the contract. A little after dinner, Caroline retired early, saying she hadn't slept well last night. Caroline, took a bath, put her perfume on and her negligée and crept into Darcy's bedroom to wait for him. Later, around 10:00 p.m., Louisa and Jimmy went to their room.

Darcy and Bingley stayed up to watch the sports highlights on ESPN. Then talked about their dates tomorrow, and many other topics until way past 2:00 a.m.

Finally, as they were discussing the Bennet daughters, they started towards their rooms.

"I purchased this new cologne before we came back to Netherfield. I'm not sure about it, but I'd like your opinion. Would you come with me to sample it?"

"Why don't we do it in the morning?"

"No, if I sample it tomorrow and I don't like it, it will stay on me, no matter what else I put on. I need to do it now, so that I can shower it off tonight, in the morning and before our date. It won't take long."

Bingley followed Darcy up the stairs and to his room. They lights were off, so Darcy reached to turn them on while Bingley stepped into the room.

When Darcy turned the lights on, Caroline jumped from the bed, nearly naked and yelled, "Surprise daaarrrr..." However, she stopped mid sentence when she saw her brother and Darcy standing stock still with their mouths dropped open in astonishment. Thoroughly embarrassed, Caroline grabbed the comforter on the bed and ran out of the room, screaming and crying and cursing herself.

Neither Bingley or Darcy said anything for a few minutes, they couldn't. Bingley embarrassed by and for his sister and Darcy petrified that his friend would think something was going on between Caroline and himself.

Finally, Bingley spoke up. "W, W, William," he stuttered, "I, I, I don't know what to say. I'm sorry. I had no idea..." Darcy waved his hand to cut off his friend, but Bingley didn't see it, so he continued on. "I had no idea that she would go to such lengths to get you." Bingley sat down on the bed with his head in his hands.

Darcy leaned his back against the wall. "No Charles, I'm sorry. I shouldn't be here. I'll leave in the morning," he said despondently. He walked over to the closet pulled out his suitcases. "Tell Elizabeth that I had urgent business and tell her how sorry I am that I had to cancel our date."

Charles jumped up. "No William!" he grabbed the suitcases from Darcy. "You can't go! You have to stay! I can't let you leave like this! Caroline has to be talked to. I, I just don't know what I'm going to say." Bingley rubbed his temples. "This month has been full of surprises!" Darcy chuckled lightly, that gave Bingley a glimmer of hope. "I'll talk to her tonight, but first you and I must talk." Darcy nodded his head and they sat down and talked for more than an hour about what they would do about Caroline. Before Bingley left the room, he grabbed Caroline's belongings and turned to Darcy and said, "Make sure you lock your doors from now on." Bingley smiled and left the room and Darcy locked the door.

Charles stood outside Darcy's room for a minute, relieved that his friend took his advice to lock the door and puzzled to know what to say to his sister. Slowly he walked down the hall to Caroline's room.

Bingley heard her crying and cursing from outside the door, he knocked and opened it up only to find Caroline packing her bags. "Caroline what are doing?"

"Leave me alone!" she cried.

"I'm not going anywhere and neither are you!" He paused as she continued to pack. "What were you thinking?!"

Caroline fell to the floor on her knees and Bingley jumped down to comfort her. She cried and cried and Bingley held her tight. "I don't know, I don't know! I love him and he doesn't love me!"

"But doing something like this wasn't going to make him love you, Caroline. You must have known that," he said still trying to comfort her.

She shook her head and tried to talk through the sniffles and tears, "I know, I know, but he would marry me and learn to love me."

"Caroline, that is not how it works. He would only hate you and you don't want that, do you?"

"No! I would die if he hated me!"

"You wouldn't die Caroline."

"Oh yes I would! I would kill myself..."

"You'd be hurt, but eventually you'd get over it. Just like you'll get over this."

Caroline shook her head vehemently. "I'm so embarrassed!"

"The first step is to apologize to him."

"How can I apologize to him?! How can I even look at him again?!"

"You'll think of something. The only thing that I can tell you, is to be his friend. He'll appreciate that more than anything."

"You think so?"

"I do! You know how much he values friendship" Caroline nodded her head in agreement. "It would last much longer than any relationship you might've had with him."

"You're right," she said wiping her tear-streamed face. "I'll find a way to apologize to him first thing in the morning!"

"Good! Now get some sleep." Bingley gave her big squeeze, got on his feet, removed her suitcases from the bed and tucked her in. "Good night."

"Good night, Charles. Thank you," she smiled weakly.

Bingley smiled back, turned off the light and left the room. When he got to his room, he looked at the clock and saw that it was well after 4:00 a.m. What a night! He fell into bed and quickly went to sleep.

Meanwhile, Darcy tossed and turned while Caroline decided to write Darcy a letter of apology to be placed under his door before he woke up. The letter went as such:

Caroline finished the letter and satisfied with the contents, crept down the hallway and slipped the letter under Darcy's door. Darcy heard a noise at the door and woke up. After rubbing his eyes, he listened for further noises, but only heard a door close. He turned on his light, he was sleeping fitfully anyway; then he saw the letter under the door.

Darcy retrieved the letter, opened it up and as soon as he saw that it was from Caroline almost threw it away. Instead his curiosity got the better of him and he read it. He felt thoroughly sorry for Caroline, but also he felt guilty himself. He felt he lead Caroline on all these years, by not saying anything until the other night. But now that it was all out in the open, he would face it head on.

Darcy decided he would write back to Caroline, as he was not ready to face her.

Darcy was able to get a few hours sleep, after he placed his letter under Caroline's door. He woke up around 8:30 a.m., got washed, dressed and went down to breakfast. Everyone was in the dining room eating breakfast when Darcy entered. They all said good morning and ate quietly.

Bingley wondered if Caroline had apologized to Darcy and if he had accepted it in return. Caroline received Darcy's letter and wondered how they could be friends without the strain that was apparent between them. Darcy wondered if Caroline got his letter and was really capable of forgetting about marrying him. Louisa wondered how the night went between Caroline and Darcy. Jimmy wondered what was for lunch.

After breakfast, Darcy and Bingley left the house to go grocery shopping. In the car, Bingley started the conversation. "I hope Caroline apologized to you, William."

"She wrote me a letter, early this morning, apologizing for her behavior and our embarrassment. And I returned my acceptance and my apologies in letter form, before she awoke."

"Your apologies?! Why did you apologize?!"

"Charles, you know this is partly my fault. I saw how she fawned over me all these years and I never dissuaded her."

"You never persuaded her, either."

"That's not the point Charles. She believed that there was something between us and I let her believe that. It is truly my fault... But I told her that we should forget the whole thing and try to be friends."

"Well, I guess you know best. Now on to better subjects, Jane and Elizabeth!" Both men smiled.

They laughed and talked to the grocery store, while shopping, on the way home, and up until the time they went to get ready for tonight.

After breakfast, Caroline and Louisa went to the club to finalize the details of the party. Louisa tried to pry details from Caroline about her night with Darcy, but Caroline wouldn't say anything. After their meeting with Mr. Lucas, Louisa went to lounge in the pool while Caroline needed to work out her frustrations, so she went to the indoor tennis courts.

At the tennis courts, Caroline met Wickham. He gave her his best smile as he could see that she had money. And when she introduced herself, he was pleased to know that she was Bingley's sister. He had heard that she was very interested in Darcy and thought that he could use her if he couldn't make any headway with Elizabeth. Most of the information Wickham had was piecemeal, but Charlotte filled in the holes, when necessary.

Caroline was intrigued by this good looking man and thought she would make Darcy jealous by having another man's attentions. She may have written an apology and said that she just wanted to be friends, but Caroline wasn't about to give up on Darcy. She would just have to find another way to get him and the name Wickham meant nothing to her, as she met Darcy only a few months after Wickham had been kicked out of school. She could use him for the time being. Caroline still had to find a way to get Elizabeth out of the way. He might come in handy in both situations.

By the time Caroline and Louisa got back to Netherfield, Darcy and Bingley had already left for Longbourn and their dates.

Bingley and Darcy knocked on the door to the cottage, Elizabeth answered and greeted them cheerfully. She led them into the kitchen, since their hands were filled with bags of groceries.

Jane was already in the kitchen, waiting to show them around the room. "Welcome to our neighborhood, gentleman!" she smiled and they laughed.

"Should we start dinner?" asked Darcy.

"If you like," said Elizabeth. "But why don't you come and sit in the living room for a while. We can have a nice conversation before you start slaving away in the kitchen."

Everyone went in to the living room and talked for about half-an-hour, before Darcy jumped up.

"I think I'll start dinner now. Charles," he said abruptly and patted Bingley on the shoulder.

"It can wait a little while longer, can't it William?" asked Elizabeth.

"It can, but I fear that the conversation we're having, may take my mind from preparing dinner. And in no time at all, we'll be looking at each other, wondering whose stomach growled the loudest."

They all laughed and went with Darcy into the kitchen. Elizabeth showed Darcy where the pots, pans and utensils were, while Jane showed Bingley where he could find the condiments, spices, etc.

While Jane and Elizabeth unpacked the grocery bags, Darcy asked, "Bingley would you open these three bottles, please?"

"Sure! Jane, where are the glasses?" Jane opened the cupboard and they grabbed 4 glasses. Both ladies preferred the Chablis, while Bingley preferred the Merlot.

Darcy, on the other hand, reached for the sherry. "For the meat and for my soul," he raised his glass as did the others. "Now please ladies, remove yourselves from my kitchen." Jane and Elizabeth turned to leave. "Charles, get back in here! The least you could do is keep me company." Charles sheepishly stayed while Elizabeth and Jane laughed themselves back into the living room.

While Darcy and Bingley were in the kitchen, Jane and Elizabeth sat close together to talk.

"He's funny, Lizzy?"

"Yes he is. He should show this side of himself more in public." Jane nodded her head. "Sometimes I think he's just shy, and other times, I think he's arrogant. I just don't know what to think."

"Well, I like him!"

"I think I'm beginning to... and it worries me."

"Why should it worry you Lizzy? I believe he likes you too, otherwise he wouldn't be cooking us dinner."

"But Jane, he and Charles will be going back to D.C. soon and I'm not into long distance relationships."

"I know, I've thought about that myself..."

The banging of pots and pans interrupted them and Elizabeth jumped up and yelled, "Is everything alright in there?"

"Yes!" both men said and laughed.

Elizabeth and Jane smiled. Jane went on, "I wouldn't mind a long distance relationship or any kind of relationship with Charles."

"Jane, you are already head-over-heels for Charles and he is the same about you. But I don't know where William and I are going? And with my luck, I probably won't know that until right before he leaves."

"Do you want to have something with William?"

"I don't know... But if he continues to show me this side, I can't see why not."

Charles came into the living room. "William kicked me out!" Jane and Elizabeth bit their lips trying not to laugh.

Charles and Jane sat in the living room and talked, Elizabeth involved herself in their conversation every once in a while, but her mind was on the person in the kitchen.

Eventually, Elizabeth gave in to her curiosity and went into the kitchen. She smiled when she saw Darcy standing over the stove with an apron on, a drink in one hand, stirring a pot with the other and swaying to the music on the radio. She cleared her throat to get his attention; he didn't hear her.

He turned around to get some more spices and was startled by her presence. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough to question why you don't like to dance," she raised an eyebrow.

"Yet you have refused me repeatedly," he raised an eyebrow in return and she blushed. "Don't worry, Lizzy, I won't ask you why, I'll just leave it alone... for now. But you still owe me a dance."

"I believe I do," she replied as their eyes locked on to each other's. Trying to gather her senses, Elizabeth said, "Can I help you with anything?"

Darcy turned towards the sink. "No thank you," he then removed the apron and washed his hands. "I was just coming out to join you."

Before they left the kitchen, Darcy checked the food and fidgeted with his watch. Then he escorted Elizabeth into the other room, joining Jane and Bingley in their current conversation.

About 35 minutes later, Darcy's watch chimed. Everyone looked at him as he rose to go to the kitchen. "Charles, I need your assistance." Bingley followed Darcy.

Jane and Elizabeth resumed their previous conversation.

"How's it going, so far?" Elizabeth asked Jane. "I left you two alone for a few minutes. Did anything happen?"

"Nothing terribly important. We kept the conversation, general."

Elizabeth frowned. "Oh..." The men returned laughing. "Every time you two get together, you're always laughing. What's the joke?"

"Nothing..." said Darcy and both men snickered. "It's just that Charles is so inept in the kitchen!" The men now laughed heartily and Darcy continued, "We almost didn't have any meat to go with the vegetables!" Everybody laughed, until Mrs. Bennet burst through the door.

"Well, I'm glad to see everything's alright in here!"

"Mother, why are you here?" asked Elizabeth rather impatiently.

"Oh, no reason. I just came to visit my two beautiful daughters. Can't a mother visit?!" Elizabeth turned bright red, especially when she saw Darcy turn stoic.

"Mom," Jane got up before Mrs. Bennet sat down.

Before Jane could say another word, Elizabeth grabbed her mother's arm and escorted her back out to the entryway. "This is not the time for a visit!" she whispered angrily. "You are interrupting..."

Jane had followed and interrupted Elizabeth before she lost her temper. "Mom, can it wait until tomorrow?"

Mrs. Bennet shook her arm from Elizabeth's grasp and gave her an indignant look, then turned to Jane. "Yes, my dear, it can wait." She looked again to Elizabeth and spoke loudly. "And I am sure if you ask the gentlemen, they will tell you that I am not interrupting! Lizzy, you didn't even give me a chance to say hello! I never taught you to be rude!"

Elizabeth just walked away, she walked through the living room to her bedroom to do some silent primal screaming. Jane walked back to living room with her mother in tow.

"I just wanted to say hi! Umm, something smells good in there! What are you cooking Jane?! It smells delicious! Jane is such a wonderful cook and she..."

"I'm not cooking, Mom. William is doing it all."

"Oh really?" Mrs. Bennet dragged out this sentence like she was taking a long puff on a cigarette. "Well, I'll be off now. Bye-bye!" Ooh! Wait till I tell the girls!!!

After Mrs. Bennet left, Jane made her apologies for the interruption and went to get her sister. Jane knocked on Elizabeth's door. "Lizzy, you can come out now." She opened the door and went in.

"The wicked witch is gone?! I can't believe it, and after only a few minutes! This is a new world's record!"

Jane seeing that Elizabeth was not quite ready to join the party, left her alone. "Come back out when you've collected yourself." She closed the door behind her and went back into the living room with Bingley and Darcy.

They all noticed how changed the atmosphere had been; but said nothing. They sat quietly until Elizabeth returned.

Darcy jumped up to meet her. "Can I have your help in the kitchen?"

"Sure," she tried to sound cheerful. But he was last person she wanted to be alone with at this moment.

"Here, you need another drink," said Darcy as he handed her some of his sherry and was pleased when he saw her smile. "Could you help me put the meal on the table? I don't trust Charles."

She smiled again and sighed as she took plates and bowls out of the cupboards. He knows exactly how I feel. And it's so sweet of him to try to take my mind off other things. "How many bowls will you need?"

He told her, then they poured and scraped together and set the table. Then called Jane and Bingley to dinner. Dinner passed on pleasantly with compliments to the chef and conversation around the table. Elizabeth began to relax and everyone felt at ease.

After dinner, Jane and Elizabeth cleaned up, while Darcy and Bingley sat in the living room to talk. They only talked about general things, neither one wanted to bring up Mrs. Bennet.

After Jane and Elizabeth came back into the living room, Bingley had an idea. "How about a walk?! It's just the thing after a fine dinner and before dessert and coffee." They all agreed.

It was about 10:00 p.m. when they all walked out of the house. Jane and Bingley walked slowly, while Elizabeth and Darcy were in front.

"Lizzy, can I ask you something?"

Uh-oh, here it comes! "Sure."

"If I asked you to come to D.C. to visit me, would you come?"

Elizabeth was very surprised as she expected him to ask her about her mother. "It depends... It depends if my aunt and uncle are in town. Otherwise, I would have no where to stay."

He smiled, picking up her hint. "Well, my sister is coming around Christmas and I would like you two to meet. I know that Christmas is a time for family, but I'm afraid she can only stay a few days. So although it may be inconvenient for you, I really wish you would consider it."

"I'll think about it," she smiled up at him.

At that moment, he wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her, "You have the most..." but steadied himself. "I think we should head back to the house," Darcy cautioned as he saw Elizabeth shudder a moment ago. What he didn't know is that Elizabeth wasn't cold at all, she shuddered because he looked at her with those deep, dark, intense, pleading eyes and felt for sure he was about to say something that would make her kiss him.

They walked back into the cottage to find Jane and Bingley already partaking of the torte and coffee. Darcy and Elizabeth eagerly sat down and joined them. The men left a little after they finished dessert. Bingley secretly kissed Jane on her cheek and Darcy did not, could not come close to Elizabeth; he feared that he could not control himself; instead he kissed her hand.

Bingley and Darcy rode back to Netherfield in the happiest of spirits. Bingley thought of his kisses with Jane in the garden that night. Darcy felt he was making serious progress with Elizabeth.

Jane and Elizabeth straightened up the cottage and hummed to themselves. Jane was happily humming about the stolen kisses in the garden with Bingley. Elizabeth was humming a slow soft song about the torment of her feelings toward Darcy.

They all went to bed and soundly slept. Caroline, however, was fit to be tied when she heard Bingley and Darcy come in laughing.

Jane and Elizabeth woke up to the loud banging at the front door. Elizabeth grabbed her robe and ran for the door. Much to her dismay, Mrs. Bennet stood at entrance and angrily walked past her.

"Mother, it is too early for your hysterics. Can't we delay this until this afternoon?"

Jane jumped out of bed as soon as she heard Elizabeth's words. It was going to be a fight between her sister and mother and she would need to do all she could to avoid it. Because, as Elizabeth was prone to say, 'it wasn't going to be pretty.' "Mom," Jane exchanged kisses with her. "I'm glad you came over, why don't you come in and sit down while Lizzy makes some coffee and I'll tell you all about my date."

Elizabeth was about to open her mouth in protest, but Jane shot her a look to make her obey. While Elizabeth made coffee, Jane told their mother about her date, intentionally leaving out Elizabeth and Darcy. If Lizzy wants to tell her about William, then she'll have to do it. But I won't be the one to tell her! Lizzy would jump all over me for that breach.

"Oh Jane, Jane, Jane! I'm so happy for you my dear! We'll be hearing wedding bells soon enough! You know he's giving a party for you on the 26^th of this month?!"

"Mom, the party's not for me! It's his housewarming party!"

"Oh nonsense girl! If it was a housewarming, then it would be at his house!"

"Mom, he simply invited too many people and needs the space at the club."

"Well, when I told the girls about the party, they agreed with me! Oh I have so much planning to do!" Elizabeth stood behind her mother with a tray full of coffee, cups, spoons, etc., just shaking her head in disbelief. "Well, it's about time! Now you sit down and tell me about your date!"

"I will do no such thing!" Elizabeth felt her head start to throb, so she calmed herself. "Mom, there is nothing to discuss. There is nothing between Mr. Darcy and I."

"I know that you're upset with me for coming to visit, but you're forgiven." Elizabeth was stunned, to say the least. "Now that we have the apologies out of the way, tell me everything!"

Elizabeth looked to Jane for help, but Jane just shrugged her shoulders. "Mom, you haven't been listening..." She paused, "All right, you've won! William and I are passionately in love, but needed Jane and Charles to help us hide our lusts!" It took all Elizabeth could muster to hold in a laugh and Jane just turned away.

"Lizzy! Do not take me for a fool. If you keep this up, I'll be forced to ask Mr. Darcy myself." Elizabeth gasped. "And you know I'll do it!"

Elizabeth reluctantly gave in. However, she told her mother basically that she and Darcy were kitchen help. That Charles wanted a nice peaceful dinner with Jane and Darcy volunteered to cook. He called her to ask her to join him; then they decided it would be cozier for Jane and Bingley at the cottage rather than at Netherfield with his sisters. "And we tried to leave Jane and Charles alone for a good part of the evening. That way they could get to know each other better."

"And what did you and Mr. Darcy do while you were leaving Jane and Charles alone?"

"We cooked, exchanged recipes, talked and cleaned up. That's all! I repeat, there is nothing between Mr. Darcy and I!"

"Oh well, I had hoped that you and that awful man would get along. Maybe if you tried harder to be pleasant, like Jane."

"I'll try mom." Mrs. Bennet left.

Jane turned to Elizabeth. "How did you do that?"

"Years of practice, my dear," said Elizabeth as she waved her hand in the air, portraying royalty and they laughed.

That morning, Jane and Elizabeth drove to the club. Elizabeth went to see Charlotte.

"Tell me everything, girlfriend!"

"There's nothing really to tell, Charlotte." Realizing that Charlotte's gossiping was how her mother found out about her date with Darcy, Elizabeth decided to tell her nothing. "He was pleasant enough, but not interesting at all. The man can cook though!"

"Oh Lizzy, I'm sorry. I thought you two would hit it off."

"Well that's the way the cookie crumbles." Neither Charlotte nor Elizabeth realized that Caroline was yet again listening around the entryway. "Anyway, how have you been?"

"Oh, just fine."

"When did you start working weekends again?"

"We've been rather busy, especially since the new tennis instructor was hired."

"Tennis instructor?!" inquired Elizabeth as Charlotte realized her goof. "Why, is he good looking?"

"I guess one would say he is."

"Hmm, I wonder if Kitty has seen him? Probably not, since I haven't heard any gossip from her or Lydia. All we've heard about is Denny this, and Carter that. Anyway, I have a tennis game with Jane. I'll see you later."

"Later."

In the meantime, Jane went to look around the indoor tennis courts, but didn't see anyone she knew, but her 2 youngest sisters. "Kitty! Lydia!" Jane waved.

"Jane!" they both yelled and ran over to her. They had been chatting with most of the amateur tennis team.

"Do you want to meet our friends?" Lydia asked as she waved the men over. Lydia and Kitty introduced her sister to them all.

"It's very nice to meet you all," smiled Jane. "How's the tour going?"

Denny spoke up. "We're heading to Newport News today for a tournament. We should return by Wednesday."

"Good luck, then."

"Thank you," finally spoke Carter.

Lydia and Kitty praised the team and each member; Jane half-listened but smiled. Then Elizabeth appeared and Lydia and Kitty bid the same introductions. Jane and Elizabeth eventually left the giggling girls and the fawning young men and went to the far court to play.

Later, Bingley, Darcy, Caroline and Louisa walked into the clubhouse. Caroline and Louisa went their separate ways, Caroline to the sauna and Louisa to the pool; while Bingley and Darcy headed toward the tennis courts to meet up with Jane and Elizabeth.

They approached as Jane and Elizabeth were hard at play. Both men admired the ladies, Jane was as graceful as a gazelle and Elizabeth quick and cat-like. They also admired their tennis outfits that showed off their legs and bodies. Jane saw the men at the same time that Elizabeth hit the ball to her. Jane smashed it back and called time-out before Elizabeth could return it. Elizabeth looked questionably at Jane as she walked away but then realized before she even looked over, where Jane was headed.

Bingley's spirit soared as he saw Jane's smile at him. Darcy's spirit needed no more soaring, but was pleased that Elizabeth's eyes sparkled toward him. He remembered his one comment to Caroline, 'they were brightened by the exercise,' and he laughed despite himself.

"What's funny?" inquired Elizabeth to Darcy.

"Nothing," he smiled. "It's just that... I was wondering, are we playing doubles or are we playing men against the women?" They all looked at him. "Well, I'd hate to play against the two of you." They all laughed.

They played doubles: Darcy and Elizabeth versus Bingley and Jane. They didn't play to win, just for some exercise. Bingley and Jane instinctively knew how the other was going to play a ball; therefore, no communication was needed. Darcy and Elizabeth were always running into each other, blaming the other for a miss, banging rackets and arguing over any and everything; they really enjoyed it. After several games, they decided to get something to eat in the club dining room. But first they went to the boys and girls showers.

As Jane and Elizabeth walked in talking and laughing, Jane remembered. "Lizzy, I left my racket cover on the bench. I'll just run and get it."

"Sure," said Elizabeth and she walked in the locker room. At the same time, Louisa and Caroline were about to walk from the other side of the locker room, but Caroline had a plan and pulled Louisa back.

"Ooh, Louisa! I needed a sauna after the night I had," she winked at Louisa.

"You tell me this every time you and William have a marathon night together," they giggled.

"I know, but last night was something I couldn't describe! He has such a magnificent appetite that sometimes I feel I'm just not enough for him!" Caroline and Louisa pinched their lips to hold in their laughter as they heard Elizabeth gasp.

"What do you mean, Caroline?"

"Well, last night when he came in late, I was waiting for him and I accused him of seeing someone else." Elizabeth was so angry that she was about to scream, but slowly pulled her top back on and tied her shoes.

"No! You confronted him?! What did he say?!"

"He denied it, of course."

"Men always deny it, until the bitter end. Do you think he was out with Eliza Bennet?" said Louisa as Elizabeth slowly crept to the door.

"I'm not sure. But even if he was, I'll find out. And if it's true, then I'll spread it like wildfire. That'll teach her to mess with me! We'll be gone soon and she'll have nothing but her sullen reputation to look forward to."

"Did he give any indication that it was her?"

"I asked him and he gave me no answer, then he grabbed me with such force and took me to places beyond imagination." Elizabeth ran out the door, to the stairwell and cried in the hall. Caroline heard her leave and she and Louisa fell out laughing.

A few minutes later, Elizabeth heard someone coming and straightened herself up. It was Jane. "Lizzy, what are you doing in the stairs?"

"I, I wanted to get something to munch on."

"But we're getting ready to eat. Come on let's get a move on! The men are probably almost dressed."

Just as Jane and Elizabeth were walking in, Louisa and Caroline were walking out. "Jane, sweetheart! How are you?!" Caroline screeched and then hugged Jane like she was her best friend. "Hello, Eliza," she said as an afterthought.

"Hi Caroline. Louisa," smiled Elizabeth through gritted teeth.

"It's good to see you again, Lizzy," replied Louisa.

"Have you seen my brother and William?" said Caroline, then she looked at Elizabeth with disgust. "Of course you have," she sneered then looked back at Jane. "Will you be joining us for lunch?"

"Yes, we're meeting Charles and William in the dining hall, as soon as we freshen up."

"Then we'll save you a seat." Caroline and Louisa left them standing in the hall.

"That's all I need Jane. To sit and eat and be polite to Caroline!" spat Elizabeth.

"You'll be just fine, Lizzy. Don't let them bother you." Elizabeth stormed off. Jane caught up to her and while they showered, Jane said, "Lizzy, we need to talk. You've been flying off the handle lately. Is something bothering you?"

"No Jane. Nothing that I can't handle."

"Handle it then! I won't have that famous temper of yours flaring up to embarrass me!"

Elizabeth let the water beat down on her face, to cover her tears. "Is that what I do Jane, embarrass you?"

"No Lizzy, at least not yet."

Elizabeth turned off the showerhead, grabbed her towel, dried off and walked back to the lockers. She sat there for a while contemplating what had just happened to her. What is wrong with me?! I usually can control my temper better than I have lately. Jane has been saving me quite a bit lately too. But, I can't let Caroline see me like this!

Jane followed a little later. "Lizzy, I didn't mean to upset you. I just want to know what's going on."

Caroline and William, that's what! Damn, I was really beginning to like him! Well, at least my eyes have been opened. I'm not going to be one of his side dishes! "I don't know Jane. I wish I knew," she lied. They dressed in silence and walked towards the dining room. When Elizabeth saw Caroline and Louisa sitting and chatting with Bingley, she felt her stomach flip-flop. Elizabeth grabbed Jane's arm. "Jane, I think I'm going to go home now. I don't feel well."

Jane knew Elizabeth was lying, but decided not to push her. "I'll go with you then."

"No, you go on. I'll be fine. I just need to lay down for a while." Jane frowned. "I'm sure Charles will make sure you get home safely." Elizabeth turned and walked away before Jane could respond further.

Darcy had been watching the whole thing from the food line, although he couldn't hear what was being said; and as Jane went into the dining room, he ran out. "Lizzy! Lizzy!" Elizabeth cursed herself, but then turned around. "I thought you were going to join us for lunch?"

"I was, but I'm not feeling so well right now," she turned to walk away.

"Can I take you home?"

"No, I'm not sick enough for you to leave your friends."

"Then I'll walk you to your car."

Elizabeth was about to lose her temper when she remembered Jane's words. "Thanks."

As they walked, Darcy wondered what was wrong with her. "Lizzy, what's really wrong?"

She looked up at him and saw honest concern, but chose to ignore it. "If you really must know. I just don't think I can sit through a whole meal with Caroline."

"I understand your problem, but I don't want to sit with her either," he smiled. "If you don't join us, then that would leave me with both her and Louisa. You, of all people, know what torture that can be!"

Elizabeth smiled slightly. "Despite your begging, I won't join you." Seeing everyone in the parking lot looking at them, she quickly walked away.

He ran after her. "Is that what's really bothering you... or is it me, perhaps?"

"Wh..." she was about to tell him off, but instead she just shook her head. "Can't you see?! Everyone's looking!" she whispered. "I don't want to be part of gossip. This town is way too small for such major dish." She got in her car. "And my mother is leader of the pack!" Elizabeth drove off, leaving Darcy eating her dust.

Darcy was about to put his head down, but he noticed that everyone was now staring at him. So he picked up his pace and strolled back to the dining room. He thought about their plans for this evening. Does she still want to go to the movies? As he entered the room, he went straight to the food table, absentmindedly grabbed a few things to eat, and sat down with his friends. Jane looked at him with a question in her eyes, but he returned that look with a question in his. Other than Caroline's constant chattering, they ate mostly in silence.

They all drove Jane home. Darcy was somber and pensive and said nothing as he sat in the back seat with Louisa and Caroline.

"Do you want me to come in with you? To check on Lizzy?"

"No thank you, Charles."

"Are we still on for tonight?"

"I'll call you." Jane went into the cottage and Bingley drove off. Jane went straight to Elizabeth's room and saw that she was crying. "Lizzy?" Elizabeth turned over and held her arms out to Jane. Jane sat on the bed and hugged her. "Lizzy, what's wrong?"

"I don't know Jane!" cried Elizabeth. "I don't know!"

Jane let Elizabeth cry on her shoulder for a good long while. "You're not in any shape to go out tonight. I'll just call Charles and tell him I'm not going."

"No! Please Jane, don't do that! You should go, I think you should go! I'm just going through something right now and I need to be alone... Call Charles and tell him to pick you up."

Jane complied and called Bingley to tell him they were still on for tonight. He gave the receiver to Darcy and he asked how Elizabeth was doing. Jane couldn't tell him anything specific, just that she wasn't able to go with him tonight. Darcy was truly disappointed that he and Elizabeth wouldn't have more time together, plus the fact that with Charles going out, he would have to bear the burden of Caroline all evening.

While Jane and Charles went out, Elizabeth resolved not to see Darcy again, if it all possible. He'll be leaving soon and I'll never have to see him again! Mother will be out of my face before long and I'll have peace again.

Meanwhile after dinner, Darcy paced in his room. He wanted to call Elizabeth but didn't dare. He needed something to do.

He was about to startup his laptop when Caroline knocked on his door. "William," she sang, "is everything alright in there?"

"Yes Caroline."

"Oh, well I'm going to bed now, but if you need anything, just call me. Okay?"

"Sure Caroline."

Caroline was pretty sure that after Elizabeth snubbed Darcy that he would come crawling to her, so she waited in her bedroom; he never came.

Jane knocked on Elizabeth's door to see if she was going to church. Elizabeth told her that she didn't feel up to it.

Darcy and Bingley got up to go church. At breakfast, Bingley told Darcy about his date with Jane and what movie they saw together.

Jane saved a seat for Bingley and Darcy. They greeted each other in the warmest manner. Darcy asked her about Elizabeth and Jane told him she wasn't up to coming; he was very disappointed, to say the least.

After church services, Darcy and Bingley went their way and Jane went hers. Jane spent the day with the family as Elizabeth requested to be alone. While Bingley and Darcy had a tennis date with Mr. Lewis and Mr. Lucas; Darcy's mind wasn't really on the game. But the older gentlemen were no match for them and after an hour so, Bingley and Darcy won the match.

The day went slowly by. Caroline tried everything she could think of to bring Darcy out of his mood, but to no avail. Darcy finally went to his room and called Rick.

"Still no trace of Wickham?" inquired Rick.

"No, but his criminal record has been erased and so has some of his friends."

"What?! How did you find that out?!"

"Well, I asked the warden how Wickham's early release came about. He couldn't tell me, because attempted..." Darcy caught his words. "His crime has a mandatory 6-year sentence. When he went into the computer to find out how his papers were transferred, his record was no where to be found on the system. I called my private investigator and he found out that Wickham took computer classes while in prison. And we all surmised that he was the one to erase his and his cohort's records. But we can't trace him anywhere. I'll call you if I hear anything else."

"Talk to you in a few days."

Waking up early, Elizabeth felt the need to be with her family. She needed her dad, most of all; Jane had been very patient with her these last few days, but Elizabeth feared she had pushed her sister to her limit. As she dressed, she heard Jane waking up and went in to talk to her.

"Jane," Elizabeth knocked on her door. "Can I come in?"

"Yes, Lizzy, come on in!"

Elizabeth came in tentatively and sat on her bed. "Jane, can you ever forgive me?"

"There's nothing to forgive you for."

"I've been a complete idiot lately! I promise not to give into my temper. Nor will I give into whatever is bothering me."

"Lizzy, I really think you need to find out what's bothering you. What do you think it is?"

"Jane, I've made such a mess of things... I can't tell you about it, but it involves William Darcy."

"I thought as much. Why don't you tell me what's going on... I promise not to show any reaction. Just tell me!"

Elizabeth bowed her head. "I can't!"

Jane didn't push her. "I hope you work it out, Lizzy. I truly do."

"Well, if I can't work it, then I only have myself to blame."

Eager to change the subject, Jane said. "What are you doing up so early?"

"I thought we'd go over to the house and have breakfast. Will you join me?"

"Sure, but you'd better call mom first. You know how she is." Jane jumped out of the bed and ran to the shower.

Elizabeth called the house and told her mother to expect them in 20 minutes. Mrs. Bennet was happy that Elizabeth was coming to breakfast, she had worried about her when Jane said she wasn't feeling well. But knowing her second daughter, she knew that the last thing Elizabeth wanted was to be mothered. So she left her alone.

Mr. Bennet was very happy that the family was all gathered together, it was rare occasion indeed. As they sat at the table, Mr. Bennet called to his wife, "My dear, I hope that you have ordered a good dinner today, because we are expecting some company tonight!"

"Who my dear?" she asked, but before Mr. Bennet could answer. "Oh, Dr. Bingley is coming?! Oh my goodness!" she started twitching in her chair. "Lydia, check to see if Hill has been to the market. We can't have such a distinguished guest coming without having a feast fit for a king!"

"Calm down Franny! It's someone whom I've never met in my life." Mr. Bennet always liked to speak in riddles to tease his family. This statement aroused a general astonishment amongst his family, and he had the pleasure of eager questions from them. After amusing himself awhile, he explained. "About a month ago I received a letter and about 2 weeks ago I answered it. I thought it was a case of some delicacy and I gave it my most earliest attention." Elizabeth looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Mr. Bennet smiled, "It is from my cousin, William Collins, who when I am dead may turn you all out of this house as soon as he pleases!" Everyone was horrified, except Elizabeth; she smiled as she held a secret with her father.

"Oh Frank, don't mention that odious man in my presence! I think it's the worst thing in the world that your estate should be handed over to your brother's family, just because we didn't have sons!"

"I agree Frances, but there is nothing we can do about it. However, if you listen to his letter, you might feel a little compassion for him."

"I don't think so, Frank! I think it's very cruel of him to write at this time, especially since my nerves are so on edge! Why couldn't he just keep quarreling with you as his father did before him?!"

Mr. Bennet ignored his wife's ranting and read the letter.

After everyone digested their food and the letter, they went their separate ways. Kitty had to drive Lydia to school since she missed the bus, Elizabeth and Jane went to work, Mary went to the library to investigate Catherine de Bourgh, and Mr. and Mrs. Bennet went to the club. They were all expected back at Longbourn by 3:30 p.m.

"From his letter, he seems to be a polite young man. And if he is coming to make amends with our family, then I won't be the one to discourage him," said Mrs. Bennet.

"That's a good girl, Franny!" Mr. Bennet chuckled as they drove to the club.

Billy Collins arrived promptly at Longbourn at 4:00 p.m. and was greeted warmly by the entire family. As soon as he arrived, he asked to be taken on a tour of the house and grounds, Elizabeth reluctantly offered to take him. Billy Collins calculated in his mind the worth of all of the furniture, the knick-knacks, the horses, and the land; he was very pleased. He and Elizabeth came back to Longbourn at dinnertime.

During dinner, Mr. Collins related how fortunate he had been to be employed by Lady Catherine. He remarked, "I have never in my life witnessed such behavior in a person of such rank - such kindness and compliance." He also told of her sickly daughter and of their riches, all at considerable length.

"Does she live near you?" inquired Mrs. Bennet.

"Oh, my goodness, yes! It is only a lane that separates my humble little house from the great house 'Rosings Park.'

Mr. Bennet saw all the silliness in his cousin that he expected and rejoiced in it; he was just like his father, short, fat, and greasy. He even teased him in his own sly way. By the time dinner ended, it was found that Billy Collins was a simple man, more or less an idiot. He was also a name-dropper, it was always Senator this or State Representative that. He was sickening in his praise of Lady Catherine and he admitted to following her advice, blindly. Whatever she suggested or intimated, he did it.

By night's end, Lydia and Kitty thought Billy was beyond gross, Jane and Elizabeth shivered when he came near them, Mary thought he was handsome and intelligent, and Mrs. Bennet was hopeful that he would give them the house.

Bingley called Jane, but had to leave a message on the answering machine, since no one was home. Darcy pined and worried for Elizabeth.

Later that morning, Billy inquired of Mrs. Bennet of the dating status of her daughters. She told him that Jane was not available, but her other daughters were. He was disappointed that Jane was taken, but he then chose Elizabeth as the point of his affections.

He spent the whole day following Mrs. Bennet around. He even went to the club with her and there she proudly introduced him to her friends.

Later, everyone came back home and gathered at the family table. Mrs. Bennet went on and on about how much of a success Billy was at the club and how Mrs. Eunice Phillips, Frances Bennet's sister, invited them all to her and her husband's townhouse for dinner. It was all agreed that they should all meet at the house at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow night.

Charles called Jane around 10:00 p.m.

"Hi Charles!"

"Did you get my message last night?"

"Yes I did, but we got in so late, I didn't want to call you at that hour."

"I wish you had, I worry so much about you."

Jane smiled, "Thank you. I appreciate it, but I'm fine."

"How's Lizzy? William is desperate to know."

"Much better. Maybe he should call her."

"I suggested that, but he just can't bring himself to do it... Enough about them, can I see you tomorrow night?"

"I'm sorry Charles. We have family in town and we're going over to my Aunt and Uncle Phillips's tomorrow night."

"Oh... Well, when can I see you?"

"Call me Thursday morning."

"Okay, good night."

"Good night."

That evening, everyone gathered into two cars. Billy, Mary and Jane rode with Elizabeth while everyone else rode with Mr. Bennet. The streets in downtown Charlottesville were uncommonly packed and there was no parking on the main street. So Mr. and Mrs. Bennet got out in front of the Phillips's and went inside. While Kitty, taking over for her father in the driver's seat, followed Elizabeth to find parking.

They found two spaces close to each other and as they walked towards the house, Lydia spotted Carl Denny across the street. "Denny!" Lydia yelled and waved frantically.

Denny and his friend turned around and looked towards the voice and as he recognized it, promptly dragged his friend across the street. "Hello ladies!" They all greeted him, but all eyes were on the stranger; the stranger noticed.

"Ladies, this is Mr. George Wickham, an old friend of mine and the new tennis instructor at the club... George, this is Jane Bennet, her sisters, Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine or Kitty, and Lydia."

"Pleased to meet you all," smiled Wickham, again not believing his luck.

"This is our cousin, Mr. William Collins," pointed Jane.

"Good to meet you too, Sir," Wickham smiled again.

"Where's the party?" Denny asked.

"Right here!" exclaimed Lydia. "We are all dining at my Aunt and Uncle Phillips tonight. Why don't you join us?" No one noticed the black Mercedes that passed them a moment ago.

"I'm sorry, but we haven't been invited. That wouldn't be polite," implied Wickham.

"Oh, who cares about invitations, my aunt won't mind. The more the merrier, I always say," demanded Lydia.

"We have plans tonight Lydia," said Denny.

"And how long are you planning to stay in the area, Mr. Wickham?" asked Elizabeth.

"For a while, I hope!"

As soon as Wickham finished his sentence, Bingley and Darcy came strolling up. "Jane, fancy meeting you here! Hello, ladies," waved Bingley.

Jane began to introduce Collins to Bingley and Darcy, but Darcy walked over to Elizabeth. Elizabeth was angry at his presence, while Darcy was just as eager to talk to Elizabeth and was about to say something to her, when he recognized the stranger.

Darcy stood stock-still, but red with anger, Wickham followed Elizabeth's eyes and turned around and as he did so, he turned white as a ghost when he came face-to-face with Darcy. Wickham had known Darcy since childhood and he knew the last thing Darcy wanted to do was embarrass himself or anyone he knew. So he just stood there, relaxed, and within a few milliseconds, Darcy turned around on his heels and walked back to the car, not even saying a word to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth didn't want him near her and was glad for his abruptness. He isn't the one who's gonna be dragged through the mud when Caroline spins her web! I'm glad he decided to leave!

After a few minutes, Bingley joined Darcy and they drove off. Denny and Wickham also went on their way; they were going to one of the local taverns where Wickham had a tab.

When the Bennet ladies and Collins walked into the Phillips's, they saw the reason for the unavailable parking spaces; there were at least 35 people in the townhouse. Way too many people in so small a space, but Collins was in his glory all night. He flitted and fluttered around Elizabeth while she introduced him to everyone in the room hoping he would leave her alone for a few minutes. He did leave her to converse with everyone, but would always come back.

Darcy jumped out of the car and ran into the house, up to his room and closed the door. He immediately called the private investigator. "Mr. Crawford, this is William Darcy, sorry to disturb you after business hours, but George Wickham is here in Charlottesville!" Darcy's voice rose with each word. "With me! Quite a coincidence, don't you think?!"

"You think it's intentional, don't you? You think he's come for revenge?"

"I do. I can handle him when I know what he's up to. But this! I'm clueless!"

"Be assured Mr. Darcy, that I will stay up all night until I find out what's going on. I'll call you in the morning. Good night."

"Good night."

Darcy then called Rick. "Rick, can you guess who's here in Charlottesville?!"

Richard, hearing the anger and distress in his cousin's voice, assumed it to be only one person. "Wickham?!"

"You guessed it! That man is up to something! And I swear if I don't kill him first, I'm going to find out what it is!"

"Calm down William! You don't want everyone in the house to know your business, do you?!"

"You're right. You're absolutely right. But you know how I get. That man almost destroyed my sister!" Darcy whispered with anger.

"You just need to relax William. Go riding tonight. Play some tennis tomorrow. You need a level head about you when you meet up with him."

"You are the calm in my storm, cousin. Did you know that? I really appreciate your help and advice."

"Do you want me to call off our spies?"

"No. If Wickham fails with me, he most certainly will try Georgie again. I don't want anything else to happen to her. I can't even think of what I'd do then."

"I'm with you on that point, Wills. I'll just call them and let them know what's going on. Okay?"

"Okay. I'll call you when I find out something. Good night."

"Good night."

Bingley had been standing outside Darcy's bedroom listening to his conversations, because he saw what happened on the street in town with Wickham.

"William," Bingley knocked and opened the door. "I thought I told you to lock your door at all times." They both chuckled. "Is anything wrong?"

"No."

"Come on William, I'm not stupid. I saw what happened with George Wickham. I was in the car with you when you drove away like a maniac, remember?"

Darcy sighed and put his head in his hands. "George Wickham... is a person from my past, one who I had hoped never to see again. He caused my family a lot of pain and damage. I won't go into the details, but just know that if he is discovered dead, it will be my doing."

Bingley was shocked, he always thought his friend the most composed person he'd ever met and now this same friend was talking of murder. "How can I help?"

"You can't, unless you know what he's doing down here?"

"He's a tennis instructor at the club! I met him last week."

"I'll call Mr. Lucas tomorrow morning to see what I can find out. Thanks Charles." Darcy began laughing hysterically. "We've been searching for Wickham for almost 2 months now and you're the one to find him, by accident no less!"

"William, I wish I could be more assistance to you. And I wish you wouldn't hold these kinds of things in. You don't have to give the details, but you should at least let your friends know when you are in dire straits."

"I know. I'm just so used to doing things myself, that I don't even think about letting someone close to me know what's going on."

"If I find out anything else, I'll let you know. Good night."

After they were back in the cottage, Jane said to Elizabeth, "Lizzy, did you get a chance to speak with William?" Jane was completely oblivious to anyone whenever Bingley was in the vicinity.

"Nope," Elizabeth said as she rolled her eyes.

Jane shrugged her shoulders and left Elizabeth to her thoughts. "Good night, Lizzy."

"Good night."

Darcy woke up late, as he didn't sleep well. He was tortured by memories of Wickham with his sister and several times that night he woke up screaming. He hurriedly washed, dressed and ate breakfast. Bingley and his sisters were waiting for him, so that they could all go to the club together. He had called Mr. Crawford that morning and found that Wickham had obtained a charge card and had purchased some expensive computer and audio/visual equipment.

They arrived at the club, Bingley went to the indoor tennis courts to keep Wickham busy, but found he wasn't there. Caroline went to the sauna and Louisa went to the pool.

Darcy went to see Mr. Lucas. "Hello Charlotte. How are you?"

"Fine Mr. Darcy!" Charlotte was shocked by his courtesy, she didn't even think he remembered her name. "How are you?"

"Alright. Call me William, please? Is your father in?"

"Not right now, but he'll be back in about half-an-hour. Is there something I can help you with?"

"No... Well, yes. I noticed that you have a new tennis instructor."

"Yes we do!" Charlotte smiled brightly. "Mr. George Wickham!"

"My backhand needs a little work and I figured while I'm here I should get some help. How qualified is he?"

"Oh, very qualified. Everyone seems to like him."

"Where did he come from?"

"Um, I'm not sure." Charlotte stood up and went to the file cabinet with all of the employee records. She couldn't find one on Wickham. "Hmm. I'm sorry, Mr. Dar... William. I can't find his file. Maybe my father has it in his office."

"Charlotte," William said calmly. "I have an important tennis match with a senator next month and I really don't want to embarrass myself. You understand, don't you?"

"Yes of course. But I can't remember... He really doesn't say much about himself." Charlotte had now become intrigued, as she remembered Wickham always changing the subject whenever someone asked him about himself.

"Oh well, I guess I'll have to wait for your father then."

"Wait! I'll go and check in his office." Charlotte came back out of her father's office, perplexed on the whereabouts of Wickham's file. "I can't find it... Dad!" Mr. Lucas walked into the reception area. "Mr. Darcy is here to see you."

"Capital! Capital! Come on in."

"Thank you for your help, Charlotte," said Darcy as he disappeared into the office.

Darcy asked Mr. Lucas the same questions as he had asked Charlotte. He had no answers either. It seems that Wickham had avoided bringing in his resume and references since the date of his employment.

"No worries though. He's a very likeable young man and all the ladies seem to like his instructions." Darcy thought, No doubt! Wickham always had a way with women. "I'll just call down to the courts and ask him to come up." Mr. Lucas called the courts, but no one had seen Wickham for almost an hour. "Well, well! He's around here somewhere. When I find him, I'll ask about his credentials again."

"That's alright, Mr. Lucas. I'll just try him out myself." Darcy left Mr. Lucas's office and turned to Charlotte. "Thanks again Charlotte. See you around!"

Meanwhile Bingley had come back to the clubhouse to find his sisters. He saw Louisa at the pool and asked where Caroline was, she pointed him to the sauna. Bingley went to the sauna, found that it was locked and went wandering back to the main floor of the clubhouse. There he found Darcy, Darcy told him what Charlotte and Mr. Lucas knew, over coffee. They decided to leave, Darcy went to get the car while Bingley search for his sisters. He went to the pool and told Louisa to be outside in fifteen minutes.

As Bingley walked back toward the sauna room, he saw Caroline coming out. "Caroline!" he yelled, making her jump almost out of her skin. "I have been looking for you for 40 minutes! Get dressed and meet me outside. We are leaving in 15 minutes!"

Caroline ran down to the locker room and Bingley went upstairs.

In the afternoon, Bingley came to Longbourn to personally invite the Bennet's to his housewarming party at the Club; the invitation included Billy Collins. Collins was so thrilled by this invitation that he asked Elizabeth for the first two dances. Before Bingley went to the house, he went to Jane's office to see her and especially invite her as his escort.

Later that evening, Elizabeth came to the club to seek out George Wickham. She found him on the courts giving instruction to Lydia. Wickham was holding Lydia very closely, but Elizabeth didn't pay any attention to it; she just wanted to become better acquainted with him. Lydia and Wickham saw Elizabeth and straightened up, at that time, some of the tennis amateurs came over, including Denny and Carter. Lydia went off with them while Wickham went over to Elizabeth.

"Would you like to join me for dinner? Or are you waiting for your friends?"

Seeing an opening, Elizabeth said, "Oh, I believe one of them would think dinner at this particular club would be beneath him. It's alright for amusement during the day, but at night!" They laughed as they went into the dining room.

"You mean William Darcy, I suppose?"

"Yes I do."

"How long have you known him?"

"Almost 2 months."

"And do you... like him?"

"Sometimes he's nice, but other time he's cold and... and rigid. He confuses me."

"He confuses a lot of people. He's always been like that."

"How would you know that? How long have you known him?"

"My whole life," he said dejectedly.

"What?! But I thought..."

"I guess you saw what happened between us last night?"

"No, I, I didn't notice."

Wickham waited until they were seated in the back corner of the dining room and then related to Elizabeth his story of misfortune, due, in large part, to Darcy. At length, he told her that, he was old Mr. Darcy's godson and that after his own father died, he and Darcy grew up together at Pemberley. He continued that old Mr. Darcy loved him like a son and how jealous Darcy was of this. Before Mr. Darcy died, he left it in his will that when he graduated from college that he'd be given a large sum of money to do whatever he wished. He wanted to build his own computer company and could have been 'the first Bill Gates.'

"Well that all sounds good so far," said Elizabeth wanting more.

"But then when Mr. Darcy died twelve years ago, William did everything he could to get me out of the way. He got me thrown out of Duke when I was near graduation. He had some friends plant drugs in my room. I know it was William, because we shared a room. No one else had access to the room and he wasn't even investigated. I denied it, of course. My fingerprints weren't even on the packages. But instead of listening to me, they listened to William; he convinced them to put me on criminal probation for a year. He got me kicked out of school and this unjustified and premeditated farce was put on my permanent record, so that I would never be able get into another college! And therefore my inheritance, my due, was never to be."

"Oh my goodness!" she whispered.

"But wait there's more. After years of trying to keep myself employed, I got a nice job at a Myrtle Beach country club. I loved that job, the beach, the sun, and the sand! Well anyway, I ran into Georgiana, William's sister, down at the beach. She was attending a summer camp for the musically gifted and was glad to see me. It had been years since I saw her and remembered that she was very, very shy. So I made it a point to have dinner with her about 2 times a week. Then towards the end of summer, William came down, he saw us together and went ballistic. He accused me of doing disgusting things with his sister, he had me brought up on charges, but Georgiana couldn't be pushed to lie, no matter how much he threatened her. So the charges were dropped, but William didn't stop there. I don't know if he paid someone to do it or did it himself. But, some robberies had taken place at the club where I was and William made sure that my name was at the top of the suspect list. The police seeing that I had a previous drug record, took me in and held me for 2 days. But when they had no proof, they released me. But by that time, the club owner didn't want any scandals, so I lost my job and everything!"

Elizabeth was horrified. "I knew it! I knew there was something devious about him! He deserves to be publicly disgraced! Tarred and feathered!"

"He will be someday, but not by me. Until I can forget the love of his father, I will never expose his son. What goes around, comes around, I always say."

"I'm appalled! I would have had to do something for revenge."

"No Elizabeth. Revenge only backfires. Anyway I really do understand him, I hate him, but I understand him. He's so proud of his heritage, that he would do almost anything not to sully it. He's probably a good person, deep down.

"How can this kind of pride do him any good?!"

"It's often led him to be liberal and generous, to give his money freely, to display hospitality to the homeless, and to relieve the poor. But he does this, to keep up the respect and influence of his family name, not because he really cares..."

"Can you tell me more about Georgiana?"

"I wish I could call her friendly, but she's too much like her brother... very, very proud. As a child, she was cute and affectionate, and extremely fond of me; and I babysat and played with her for hours and hours. But after the Myrtle Beach incident, she changed. I tried to call her, but she refused to see me. I think William had her brainwashed or something. I haven't seen her in years though, and I believe she still lives at Pemberley... She's probably now about 21 years old. Your sister Lydia's age."

"Lydia is 17!" exclaimed Elizabeth while Wickham looked shocked.

Wickham also told Elizabeth of Darcy's impending engagement to Lady Catherine's daughter, Anne.

That night Elizabeth related the story to Jane. Elizabeth liked Wickham and believed him completely, while Jane, on the other hand, was not so sure about this tale.

"How can you believe someone you've known for only a day, Lizzy?"

"Because he doesn't look like he's concealing anything. He's open and honest and handsome... Anyway, why would he lie to me?!"

"I don't know, Lizzy."

Jane and Elizabeth went to their rooms. Jane dreamt of the housewarming party and pictured herself having a happy evening in the company of Bingley; while Elizabeth dreamt of dancing all night with Wickham, and seeing the hatred in Darcy's face.

Activities in Charlottesville were at an all time high in preparation for the party. Caroline was at her best when she was planning a party. Mr. Lucas had given Caroline total run of the place, since money was no object. She had commandeered Charlotte as her personal assistant for this task, more like a personal slave.

Several phone calls were made, extra wait staff was hired, and decorations previously ordered would be brought in by truck. In addition, food services would be brought in by vans on the day of the party.

This party was to be a black-tie affair, Caroline's idea, so every man scrambled to the local tuxedo shop, while most of the women went to Richmond. Except the Bennet's, they went to D.C. to shop. Their aunt, Mrs. Gardiner, had told them about a little shop on Wisconsin Avenue, NW, just above Georgetown. This particular shop specialized in high fashion from all the New York houses.

Each of the Bennet ladies found something to their liking, well Elizabeth didn't like the prices, but felt it was a one-time deal and gave in. Jane had chosen a crisp white, sleeveless, satin, a-line gown with a chiffon wrap. She looked like a fairytale princess and Elizabeth teased that she would even buy her a tiara to go with the ensemble. Elizabeth, of course, chose a black satin, a-line gown, with a sequined, heart-shaped strapless top and matching satin jacket. Mrs. Bennet saw a nice black and white gown and jacket for herself, Mary decided on a plain black gown with a white top and bow, Lydia grabbed a black gown with a leather bodice and jacket, and Kitty chose the same as Lydia except in white.

Bingley and Darcy went to the same local church they had gone to before, the one the Bennet's belonged to. Bingley headed straight for the Bennet family, fifth row from the front, while Darcy preferred to sit in the back. Darcy, of course, was torn in his feelings for Elizabeth and did not want to face her.

After services, Darcy went to get the car, while Bingley stayed behind to speak with Jane. "Jane," he said as he pulled her aside away from her family. "What are you doing tomorrow? I'd like to take you out to dinner."

Jane smiled. "I'm not doing anything tomorrow night. Where would you like to go?"

"William highly recommended 'The Pipe.' Why don't we try it?"

"Lizzy did say the food was excellent! I'd like to try it."

"Fine, I'll pick you up tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. If I can't get an 8:00 p.m. reservation, I'll call you with the changes."

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow."

Meanwhile, Caroline did more planning, advising and shopping; she claimed she was thoroughly busy. So busy that her family didn't see her much that day, neither did her personal assistant, Charlotte.

Later that evening, Bingley called Jane to confirm the details of tomorrow's evening out. They talked for another hour on different topics, especially about Darcy and Elizabeth; but Jane was not forthcoming with information about Elizabeth.

The Bennet's celebrated Jane's birthday over breakfast, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet gave her a sweetheart locket with her baby picture inside. Elizabeth gave her a gift certificate to 'Victoria's Secret' lingerie store. Mary, Kitty and Lydia pitched in and got her a light blue cardigan sweater. Jane was very pleased and thanked her family with hugs and kisses.

Later that evening, Bingley, prompt as usual, picked up Jane and they went to dinner. They both agreed that the food and atmosphere was wonderful at 'The Pipe.'

After dinner, Bingley handed Jane a long black velvet box. "Happy Birthday!"

"What is this?!"

"Open it!"

Jane gasped as she opened the box. "Oh Charles, it's beautiful!" The box contained a gold bracelet with three angel charms hanging from it.

Bingley had the biggest smile on his face as Jane beamed. "This one," pointing to the praying angel, "is from William. This one," pointing to the angel sleeping on a cloud, "is from Caroline, Louisa and Jimmy. And this one," pointing to the cupid angel, "is from me."

Jane leaned over the table and softly kissed Bingley on the lips. "Thank you," she breathed and sat back down. "Please let everyone know how much I love this bracelet." Bingley clasped the bracelet around Jane's wrist and kissed her on the cheek. They sat looking at each other, not saying anything, for a long, long time.