Leaps and Bounds

As Mr. Crawford and Darcy drove through the underbelly of D.C., the memory of Mrs. Younge's deception brought a scowl to Darcy's face. And by the time they approached the house, he was no better. Mr. Crawford stayed in the car and Darcy knocked on the door, trying to control his temper. Georgiana is safe now and she can do her no harm. That's all in the past. I only want to know where Wickham is. Mrs. Younge opened the door and as she recognized him she tried to close it and lock it, but Darcy shouldered his way into the house. "Mrs. Younge, I've come only to ask where George Wickham may be found these days." Darcy glared at her menacingly.

"M, Mr. Darcy," she stuttered as she backed into the living room. "I don't know what you're talking about! I haven't seen Mr. Wickham in months!"

"Where is he?!" Darcy demanded. "Tell me where he is!" Darcy gritted as he laid a $500 bill on top of the table by the entrance to the room.

As the frequent and fervent denials by Mrs. Younge and the demands and monies laid out by Darcy took more than 5 minutes, Mr. Crawford knocked on the door on cue. Mrs. Younge ran to open it and greeted him. Mr. Crawford advised her that he was Darcy's bodyguard, as he was almost as tall as Darcy was, and very muscular, and as they walked into the room, he could see her visibly shaking.

"Mrs. Younge, you apparently need the money. I suggest you take it and tell me where Mr. Wickham is. I can make serious trouble for you," Darcy said as he looked around. "Even going as far as having the government withdraw the funds and grants you are currently enjoying at the expense of your current residents."

Mrs. Younge felt as though she had no other course of action. Wickham's promises resulted in just that, promises. At least, by her running the halfway house, she was provided with steady income from the government. If they were to ever take that away, she would be destitute. So she gave them Wickham's address and promised not to call him and warn him. After receiving said information and promises, the men left and went directly down 2 blocks and over 3 to Wickham's apartment.

They knocked on the door and Lydia opened it. "Mr. Darcy!" she exclaimed as she backed up and Wickham jumped from a chair in the room.

"Lydia, how are you this evening?"

"Fine!" she tried to calm herself. "What are you doing here?"

"I've come to find you and make sure that you're okay. Excuse me, this is my friend, Mr. Crawford." Lydia greeted him as they both walked inside the small room. "George..." Darcy raised an eyebrow. "How are things?"

"Okay... Why are you here?"

"If it's alright with Lydia, I'd like to speak with you, alone." Darcy turned to Lydia, she shrugged her shoulders. "Can we speak downstairs then?" Wickham nodded and he and Darcy went downstairs.

"Again, William, why are you here?"

"The Bennet family is in anguish over this business. I've come to... settle things. It is my understanding that you want half-a-million dollars to marry Lydia." Wickham smiled at Darcy. "Is Lydia in on this? Does she understand what you're doing?"

"She understands perfectly. She says that she's tired of living by their rules and wants to be free. I told her how much we could get and she agreed. It's as simple as that."

"And what about you, George? Are you willing to marry a child?"

"One with money is always appealing," Wickham smirked.

Darcy almost lunged at him, wanting to pound in his face, even more so than he did in Myrtle Beach, but he kept his cool. "And how long will you stay with this one?"

"As long as it takes... to spend the money that is," he laughed. "William, you know me better than anyone, why are you asking all these questions?"

"I just want to know where all the bodies are buried?" Wickham shrugged. "I'd like to speak with Lydia, if you don't mind?" Wickham shrugged again. "If she is, in anyway, unaware of the situation in which you've just presented to me, I'll have you thrown in jail, in an instance."

"And if she isn't? What then?"

"Let me speak to her first, then I'll get back to you." They went back upstairs. "Lydia, if you have a moment, may I speak to you in private, please?" Lydia looked at Wickham, he nodded and she left with Darcy. "Lydia are you aware of the pain and suffering you've caused your family?"

"Oh pooh! I'm so tired of them... all of them. Tired of their rules, tired of their judgements! I just want to do what I want to do! I'm 18 and I have every right to do what I want!"

"I understand how you feel."

"No you don't! You've always done what you wanted!" Darcy looked at her questioningly. "You're parents are dead for God's sake!" Darcy almost fell backwards. "You had plenty of money, you got to run around the world! I want that too!"

"Lydia, I, I had responsibilities also. I had my sister to take care of and I had to go to school to make sure that the money we had, grew. There were plenty of things that I would've liked to have done, but I couldn't. I faced up to my responsibilities, paid my dues, and now I live the better for it."

"Well, I want to do it my way!" She paced the small hallway. "Lord, you sound just like my father! Did he send you?"

"No."

"Then why are you here?! George said you were always poking your nose around in other people's business. I guess we're now graced with the pleasure of your interference."

"Lydia, your family doesn't know that I'm here. They're still looking for you."

"I guess Lizzy and Daddy sent out the hounds and they must've lost my scent," she smirked.

"Your family is very upset about you running away, especially Elizabeth."

"Oh, I know why she's upset! She's upset because I ran away with George! I took her man right from under her nose and she's going crazy with jealousy! Haha! Lizzy's livid! Livid Lizzy," she sang and danced around.

Darcy waited until Lydia calmed down. "Lydia, Elizabeth is upset and for good reason. Not because she's in love with Wickham, but because she knows who he really is."

"That's bull! I know who he is! He's George Wickham and he's in love with me!"

"Lydia, I believe that George may not be telling you the entire truth about himself."

"He's told me everything! I know he did hard time because of you! I know about your sister! He told me how you interfered there! But I must thank you, because that left him for me! He told me everything! He loves me and I love him and we'll be happy together! All he needs is some money and we'll invest it and own our own business and be rich and happy!"

"If I was able to show you and prove to you that his situation in life is not due to me, but to his own selfish and cruel acts, would you leave him?"

"You have nothing to show me! And if you did, it would be a pack of lies, anyway! I'm tired of this conversation, I'm going back upstairs!" Lydia stomped up the steps and Darcy followed her. When she opened the door, she ran to Wickham and threw her arms around his neck. "I can see why you hate him," she whispered, although loud enough for everyone to hear; Wickham laughed and kissed her.

"George, is it all right if I come by tomorrow? We have a lot to talk about." Wickham nodded and Darcy and Mr. Crawford left.

Darcy went home and told Bingley of his adventures, Bingley just shook his head in wonder. They both talked about how different Elizabeth and Jane were from the rest of the daughters and agreed that they would be lucky to win their hearts.

While Mrs. Gardiner and the children remained at Longbourn; Mrs. Philips visited often, but only to grieve her family more by dispersing more bad news of Wickham's behavior in Charlottesville. She told of his gambling debts, drunken ruts, schemes, corruptions, and his frequency of fooling around with the young daughters of shopkeepers to which he owed money. Mrs. Phillips added, "He was too smooth and silver-tongued to be believed! I didn't trust him at all!"

"Neither did I, sis!" said Mrs. Bennet. "And I warned the girls! But they wouldn't listen to me! And now we are all ruined!"

Meanwhile, the word had spread to Kent via the Lucas's. Billy Collins called Longbourn, that morning, and asked Jane to get Elizabeth and Mary in her office. Since they were just next door, this was no large mission. He began his reason for calling them together; he told them of the shame Lydia's situation had brought on their family, how happy he was that he had chosen not to marry one of them, and how Lady Catherine was taking the news. He even implied that Lydia's death would have been a blessing compared to this situation. On whole, the call was nothing more than gloating on the side of Billy Collins. Mary was in total agreement with him, Elizabeth was angry and Jane was calm, almost laughing at him. He hung up.

"Charlotte is married to a jackass!" screamed Elizabeth as Mary went back to work.

"But he is her jackass, Lizzy, not ours. She went into this marriage with her eyes wide open. Let them stay up in Pennsylvania and bother us no more."

Just then the phone rang again. Jane answered it and handed it Elizabeth. "It's Maria."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Yes Maria."

"Lizzy, how come you haven't called me?"

"Maria, why would I call you?"

"After I told Kitty that Mr. Darcy called here asking questions about Wickham, I thought you might want to know more about it."

"What?! Kitty didn't say anything to me! Hold on for a minute. Jane, could you put Maria on hold until I get to my office?" Jane nodded and Elizabeth ran to her office. She picked up her phone. "Thanks Jane." Waited for the click indicating Jane's hang up. "Go ahead Maria."

Maria told Elizabeth the entire conversation between herself and Darcy. Elizabeth thanked her for the information and hung up. I wonder what that was all about? He made it perfectly clear that he didn't want anything to do with me. So why is he asking around? Elizabeth decided she couldn't just call Mr. Lewis and ask him, so she planned to run into him at the club and casually bring up Wickham and Darcy's names in hopes of getting some small clues. Elizabeth drove to the club as quickly as she could, when she got there she found that Mr. Lewis had just left. Damn! I'll have to wait until tomorrow then.

Mrs. Gardiner and her children left for D.C. that afternoon.

In the morning, Elizabeth went back to the club and nearly collided with Mr. Lewis.

"Oh Lizzy, let me tell you how sorry I am about your sister's antics. My heart goes out to you and your family."

"Thank you, Mr. Lewis... I'm glad I bumped into you though. I was wondering if you had a chance to go through Mr. Wickham's things yet?"

"The police went through everything."

"Yes, I know. But they don't know him and I was wondering if I could look for something that might lead us to them."

"You're the second person in less than a week that has asked me about Wickham's belongings."

"Oh... Who was the first?"

"Um, well, um, Mr. Darcy." Mr. Lewis thought it would be all right if he gave out this part of their conversation. Darcy only wanted him to keep quiet about him paying Wickham's debts. "Yes, Mr. Darcy called and asked and I told him that I sold most of Wickham's electronics and computers to the computer store downtown. And that same day, Ms. Dashwood from 'Computers and Stuff' called to say that he purchased all of it and had it expressed to him in D.C."

"Are you sure?" Mr. Lewis nodded. "Oh well, I guess we'll have to wait until we hear from the police then."

"I'm sorry I couldn't be of any help to you, Lizzy. Again express my wishes to your family."

"Thank you." They went their separate ways. Well now, what does all this mean? He purchased all of Wickham's equipment. Hmm, it could mean that he's in on it with him and wanted to make sure no evidence was lying around and... Nah, that's ridiculous, even for me! It could only mean that he is looking for clues and trying to help us find him. As Elizabeth reached her office, she sat in her car a little while and prayed. Please bring him back to me! I have to tell him how much I care about him, how much I... how much I love him. Then she cried at this revelation.

Eventually, Elizabeth went in and called Elinor Dashwood, an old friend, she got the address that Wickham's equipment was sent to. Elizabeth didn't exactly know what she was going to do next, but she had time to think about it.

Meanwhile, Darcy went back to Lydia and Wickham's apartment. Lydia wanted to stay, but Wickham told her to be a 'good girl' and run down to get her hair done. They both looked at Darcy for the money and he grudgingly gave her $50.00; he had no idea what it would cost, but as Lydia wore a big smile when she received the sum, he assumed it was more than enough.

"Well, William," Wickham smirked. "Have you come to any decisions?"

"Yes, somewhat. But it all depends on the Bennet's."

"Stop talking in circles and get to the point! Do I get the money from you or them?!"

"Hold your horses, buddy. Let me lay it out for you. In the first instance, if the Bennet's decide the best thing would be is to have Lydia home with them, regardless of her disgrace, then I'll have you thrown in jail for extortion." Wickham jumped. "Yes, extortion," Darcy smiled. "Do you know how much time a 3-time loser gets in jail? Life! And that would do me just fine. Lydia would eventually get over you and go on with her life and I can go on with mine."

"You mean you can get it on with Lizzy?" Darcy merely raised an eyebrow as he was expecting this from Wickham. "I know that you're in love with her. That is why you're doing this, isn't it?" Darcy said nothing. Wickham was now bent on getting a rise out of Darcy. "You never used to like my leftovers. But then again, she is pretty tasty!" he smiled, smacked his lips and picked his teeth with his fingernail.

"Elizabeth Bennet has nothing to do with this," Darcy said calmly. "I haven't seen her in months. I must admit that she is a lovely, interesting woman, but a bit beneath me, don't you think?"

Wickham was puzzled, he was sure Darcy would bite on that, knowing his temper. "I, I... sure, I guess. But they're rich and she runs the whole thing!"

Darcy shrugged. "Rich?! They're not even close to what I consider rich," Darcy sneered, hoping Wickham was satisfied. "Can I get on with this?" Wickham nodded. "The last instance is, if the Bennet's do not want to live with this disgrace and would prefer their daughter marry you, then I will provide for you. But not to the extent you're looking for. I'll pay off your debts, send you to my farm in Iowa, and you and Lydia will live there and work it for free. It has livestock, horses, gardens and plenty of acreage. I'll provide the place, but you will provide the happiness." Wickham raised an eyebrow in question. "You will live in holy matrimony with Lydia and make her happy. As long as you can do that, I'll never interfere in your lives again. Either way, I'll never interfere in your life again. Now are we of an understanding?"

"What if I don't agree to either of these two choices?!"

"Then you'll be escorted to jail as soon as I leave here. The police know that you hacked into their computers and provided yourself and your friends with early releases. Yes, it would be hard to prove, but at least you'll be back in jail to finish the rest of your term." Darcy smiled and stood up to leave. "You'd better pray for the kindness of the people you were intending to hurt."

"What am I supposed to do now?!"

"Just sit and wait. I'm going to meet with the family right now." Darcy walked over to Wickham, still sitting, and patted him on the shoulder. "And if you're thinking about leaving, just check the front window and the back door. My friends from the D.C. Police Department are outside waiting for you to make a move. I've asked them to shoot first, then ask questions." He laughed as Wickham choked. "You are a fugitive, you know?" With that said, Darcy left.

Later, Darcy arrived at the Gardiner's house on Pennsylvania Avenue, Southeast; it was in a very nice neighborhood. The streets were clean and no one was hanging out on the block. In actuality, it looked like Bingley's neighborhood. I thought the entire Southeast was bad? I guess I was wrong. I should've known Professor Gardiner would've chosen to live in comfort.

Darcy knocked on the door and Mrs. Gardiner answered it with a great deal of surprise. "M, Mr. Dar... I mean William! What a surprise! Come on in!"

Mr. Gardiner on hearing his wife's exclamations at the door, jumped up and ran to her. "William, my boy! Come in!" He patted Darcy on the back. "What brings you here?"

"I found Lydia and Wickham and I need to talk to you and Mr. Ben..." Darcy stopped in the middle of the name of the person who was now standing in front of him. "Mr. Bennet! I, I had no idea that you were still here."

"Still here! Why wouldn't I be?" said a slightly agitated Mr. Bennet.

"Come in William, so that we can discuss this... Now you say that you've found them? How?!" prodded Mrs. Gardiner.

"Well, to make a long story short, I knew of some of Wickham's old cronies and they knew where he was. So I went to their apartment and saw them both."

"Is Lydia... How is she?" asked Mr. Bennet barely above a whisper.

Darcy sighed. "She's fine, physically." The all looked at him with questions. "Wickham has her wrapped around his little finger though."

"What do you mean William?" asked Mrs. Gardiner.

"I had every intention of going there and bringing her here. But she insists that he loves her, she loves him, and that they will be happy and very rich together, no matter what anyone says."

"It figures," Mr. Bennet smirked. "Son, I appreciate what you've done here. We all know about you and Wickham's past. Lizzy has set us straight on that. But I refuse to give them any money! Let her mother give her pennies from the household budget for all I care!"

"Frank, you need to sit down and be calm!" demanded Mrs. Gardiner. "Is there more?"

"Yes. I talked with them both separately, yesterday; that's when Lydia expressed herself. She says that she is old enough to do what she wants and no one can stop her."

"Then she's old enough to get a job and struggle like everybody else!" exclaimed Mr. Bennet. Everyone looked at Mr. Bennet as he paced the floor.

"Go ahead, William," pleaded Mr. Gardiner.

"Uh, yes. Well, um, last night I thought about what I could do. So today, when I spoke with him, I gave him 2 options and told him these options depended entirely on you Mr. Bennet, and your wife." Mr. Bennet turned around. "The first option, I told him that this was extortion and if you agreed, then he would be thrown in jail for life, because he would be a 3-time loser. The second option, if you agreed to let Lydia marry him, would be to send them to live and work on my farm in Iowa. They would live there for free as long as he kept her happy. Of course, he didn't like either of those options, but I told him he had no other choice."

"But what if he tries to run again?" asked Mr. Gardiner.

"Don't worry, I have police officers waiting at each exit of the building. You see, Wickham broke into the court's computer system and rigged an early release for himself and some of his friends. The police are looking for him, so that he can finish his sentence. But, I can smooth that over by telling the courts that the farm is part of a work release program."

"Ha!" exclaimed Mr. Bennet. "I like you, son! You've made my job very easy! I say, lock him up and throw away the key!"

"Franklin Delano Bennet! You are not at liberty to decide your daughter's future without the consent of your wife! Now sit down and calm yourself!" Mrs. Gardiner turned to Darcy. "Would you like something to eat, while we wait? It's almost lunchtime anyway."

"Yes ma'am, I would."

Mr. Bennet puzzled over Darcy's knowing his relations well enough to show up on their doorstep unannounced and the fact that he was in the middle of family business. "Son, how is that you know my in-laws?"

Darcy blushed, but before he could speak, Mrs. Gardiner spoke up. "It was such a coincidence, Frank. We met William down in Nags Head. He's from there and just happened to be home when we toured his estate."

"His estate! I thought you were on a history tour?!"

"We were! William is the owner of Pemberley! One of the oldest and grandest houses in the country!"

"The one that was used for battles during the Civil and Revolutionary Wars?!"

"The very one! He is also the owner of the Mt. Vernon House! As his family is kin to the late George Washington."

Mr. Bennet clasped his face with his hands and exclaimed. "Jiminy Crickets! I had no idea!" After calming himself, Mr. Bennet continued. "Son, no one is a bigger fan of American History than myself, not even Lizzy... If it's at all possible, can I visit Pemberley sometime?"

"Sure, Mr. Bennet," Darcy smiled. "You are welcome at anytime, Sir."

Mr. Bennet realized he still didn't know why Darcy was there negotiating with Wickham on behalf of his family, although he was thrilled at the prospect of talking history with him, instead he asked another question. "Well, how did you come to learn about my daughter and that rascal running away?"

"I, I was picking Elizabeth up to take her... um, out... to see more of the area. And when I got to her room, she had just gotten off the phone with Jane. She was... very upset, she told me everything." As he spoke, Darcy looked back and forth between Mr. Gardiner, Mrs. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet.

"She told you everything, did she? My Lizzy doesn't normally tell all," Mr. Bennet smiled and Darcy blushed.

"Oh Frank, leave the boy alone. He was just at the right place at the right time that's all. And now he's here to help us. Be grateful!"

Mr. Bennet walked toward the phone. "Oh, believe me, I am! Well, I guess I'll get Mrs. Bennet's opinion." Hmm, I wonder what this is all about? I'll have to do a little digging when I get home. Oh Lizzy, you got some 'splaining to do! "Put your mother on the phone, Kitty. I have some news."

Darcy immediately ran to Mr. Bennet. "Mr. Bennet, I must ask you to keep my name out of this. I know it sounds strange right now, but I'm begging you." They all looked at him in astonishment. "Please?"

"S, Sure son. Whatever you want... Oh, oh, Franny, yes I have news. Will you calm down woman and let me talk! We've found them," Mr. Bennet smiled at Darcy, he returned it and walked back to the chair that he had previously occupied.

Mr. Bennet went on to explain the situation with his wife. They battled for a long time; both on opposite sides of the other. The final decision would be left to their other daughters. Eventually, Mrs. Bennet called back with the tally: Kitty voted that Lydia should marry Wickham, she knew they would be happy. Mary voted that they should get married, but that both should have to wear a scarlet letter around their necks to pay for their sins. Jane voted that they shouldn't be married, she had resigned herself to the scandal and disgrace. Elizabeth refused to vote, because she would also vote that they should not get married, but that it would leave another tie. So there it was, 3 against 2, for the marriage. Mrs. Bennet was ecstatic. Mr. Bennet was resigned that his silly younger daughters and his silly wife would get their wish.

During lunch, Mr. Bennet, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and Darcy decided when and how the twosome would become one. Mr. Bennet insisted that it be done at a Justice of the Peace's office, he said he wasn't paying a penny for the wedding. Mrs. Gardiner interjected that every girl, regardless of the circumstances, should be married in a church. She felt the church services might even help the couple. Mr. Gardiner inserted that it should be private, family only, and it could be arranged in less than a month.

"Son, you're not family, but considering all that you've done for us, you are invited also. That is, if you want to come," implied Mr. Bennet.

"Thank you, Sir. Let me think about it and I'll let you know."

"I know that you don't want it publicized that you were even involved. Let me assure you, that if we plan it right, my family will not attend. My wife and Kitty would probably like to be there, but I don't think that's such a good idea. So we must do it in secrecy."

"Lydia must stay here then," added Mrs. Gardiner. "And we can't tell her the exact date. Because everyone will know."

They plotted and schemed a little more, it was agreed that the Bennet family would not attend, only the Gardiners and Darcy.

Darcy also ate dinner at the Gardiners, discussing all matter of topics with his hosts and Mr. Bennet. In between conversations, the Gardiner's two youngest children went to Darcy and asked him to play with them. He played 'Candy Land' with them and 'Monopoly' with the two oldest. Later, he began reading 'Wild Things' to the two youngest before they went to bed. Every once in a while, Darcy's mind would travel to the future and he pictured himself sitting with his own children that looked remarkably like himself and Elizabeth. The afternoon and evening was enjoyed by all, when the conversation did not include Lydia or Wickham. Mr. Bennet watched Darcy carefully and his opinion of him changed drastically, not because he was rich, but because he finally got a chance to talk to him and see him around his family. Mr. Bennet could also see that every time Elizabeth's name was mentioned, a fire lit in Darcy's eyes and a slight smile came to his face.

Later that night, Darcy told Bingley about the whole day's events. They planned that Bingley wouldn't go to Charlottesville until after the wedding. Bingley decided he wouldn't go to his own home until Caroline had left, as he was not ready to see her yet, especially not on his birthday.

Mr. Gardiner went to talk to Lydia and Wickham and tell them the 'good news'. Lydia was overjoyed, to say the least, while Wickham was none to pleased, but pretended anyway. Lydia packed her things and went to the Gardiner's home. After they left, Wickham was taken to a holding cell, where he would be escorted daily to the Gardiner's, in an unmarked car.

As soon as Lydia got to the Gardiners, she ran to the phone to call her mother; they talked for more than an hour. The Gardiners and Mr. Bennet listened quietly with disgust; they heard giggling, screams of joy, and praise from this end and could only imagine what was being said on the other.

After Lydia's conversation was over with her mother, she went into the living room; she knew it was lecture time, but she really didn't care what they had to say. As they talked, Mr. Bennet paced the floor enraged, Mrs. Gardiner angrily wrung her hands, Mr. Gardiner continually wiped his brow, and Lydia yelled back confidently.

"He told me that we have more than 2 million dollars and that I should get my share now!"

"How in the world did he come up with such a figure?!" cried Mr. Bennet.

"I don't know! Probably Lizzy told him! You know she's in love with him!"

"Lizzy would never tell him such a thing! And she is not in love with him! And we don't have 2 million dollars! Your wonderful, soon-to-be husband was trying to take our life savings and more!"

"I believe him and there is nothing you can say! We will live on that old farm and then sell it for profit and then we'll go our own happy way! I don't need anything from you!"

"Then you'll be happy for the rest of your life, because you will never get another penny from me!" Mr. Bennet exasperated to no end, stomped from the room. Later, once he calmed down, he began to pack for his trip home tomorrow.

Lydia turned to her aunt and uncle with the sweetest smile. "When am I going to get married? I can't wait to be George's wife!"

"I, I... The plans are not yet set, dear. But tomorrow after George's visit, we'll go to town and look for a wedding dress."

Lydia screamed with delight and talked on and on about how she imagined her wedding gown and how her hair will be done and her bouquet.

Meanwhile, Darcy surprised Bingley with a birthday breakfast. They spent the whole day together, they played a little basketball and some tennis in the morning, because it was going to be over 100 degrees and too hot to be outside. They ate lunch at the penthouse and Darcy took Bingley to his favorite restaurant for dinner and later they went to see a play.

When they returned, Bingley began packing his things to return to his house the next day. He called the hospital to tell them he was back in town and would report on Monday. There were 2 messages for him at the hospital, happy birthday wishes from Jimmy and Louisa and Caroline; he would retrieve the rest when he got home. Darcy also packed his things, as he would return to Pemberley when Bingley went home.

Elizabeth tried to keep busy; she stopped the sale of a few mutual funds, stocks, etc. and put money back into the accounts. She went to the bank and asked the bank manager about account security. When she told them that someone from the outside had knowledge of her accounts, they were horrified and promised to do something about it immediately. However, when Elizabeth's mind was not otherwise occupied with business, it drifted towards thoughts of Darcy. She decided that on Saturday, she would visit the D.C. address that Ms. Dashwood gave her. She had made up her mind that Darcy was somehow involved in finding Lydia and was determined to find him and ask him about it or thank him or whatever.

In the morning, Darcy drove Bingley home. "Do you want me to go inside with you?"

"No, William, thanks. If she's still here, I don't want you to witness what I might do." Bingley noticed the alarm on Darcy's face. "Don't worry, I won't kill her, I'll just call one of her girlfriends to come get her." Darcy smiled and drove off.

Bingley went inside and found Caroline waiting for him. "I thought you'd be gone by now," he said calmly.

"I thought you might've changed your mind," smiled Caroline.

"Fat chance. You have until this evening to be gone."

"But Charles," she cried. "I have nowhere to go! None of my friends, or so they call themselves, will let me stay with them."

"That's not my problem Caroline!" Bingley snapped and rubbed his temples to calm himself. "I really don't want to get into this with you." Caroline smiled as though she had won. "You have until midnight." Charles began dragging his luggage upstairs.

Caroline ran after him. "Please Charles, I'm begging you! I don't know why you're treating me like this! I only slept with him! I didn't do anything that terribly wrong!"

Bingley turned around, pulled out a small tape recorder from his shirt pocket and pushed the play button. Upon hearing the tape, Caroline ran past him up the stairs, into her room, and cried. Later that evening, Caroline packed a few bags and drove quietly into the night.

Meanwhile, Darcy went to visit the Gardiners and say good-bye to Mr. Bennet. Mr. Bennet pulled Darcy aside. "Son, when will you and your friend return to Charlottesville?"

Darcy gulped. "I'm not really sure, Sir. Charles may come down in a month or so, but, uh, I don't know when I'll return."

"Well, I'd like you to come for dinner. Nothing fancy, but just to silently thank you for everything."

"Why don't you come to Pemberley instead, Mr. Bennet. I know that you'll enjoy my library and I would love to have you down. It would be an honor to show you around."

"That sounds wonderful! I'll call you and let you know if it's possible." Mr. Bennet and Darcy shook hands and as Darcy was turning around to leave, Mr. Bennet said, "Since Lizzy's tour was interrupted, maybe I'll bring her along." Darcy's head snapped to attention and he immediately turned back to Mr. Bennet. "That is, if it's okay with you?" he smiled.

Darcy nodded and left.

Mr. Bennet returned home late that afternoon; he said nothing and locked himself in his library. But, later that evening he came out to join his family for dinner. He told his daughters of his journey and fruitless search and finally, by a stroke of luck, finding Lydia. Elizabeth pressed him for details, but Mr. Bennet was cunning enough to change the subject by telling Elizabeth that he should have listened to her when she tried to advise him of Lydia's wild behavior and the possibilities of something like this happening, back in May.

"Daddy, don't be so hard on yourself," replied Elizabeth.

"Why shouldn't I suffer? It's been my own doing and I ought to feel it. No, Lizzy let me for once in my life feel how much I am to blame. I'm not afraid of being overpowered by the impression. But don't worry, it'll pass and more quickly than it should."

"I would behave better than Lydia if I went to D.C.," implied Kitty.

"You go to D.C.! I wouldn't trust you near it as the other end of town! And not for one dollar! No Kitty, I have, at last, learned to be cautious and you will feel the effects of it! As long as you live under my roof, you will live by my rules! My rules, do you hear me?! Mine! Parties will be absolutely prohibited, unless one of your sisters goes with you! And you are never to go out of doors till you can prove that you have some sense in your head, or you're going to work! When you turn 21 next year, I'll think about what I'm going to do next!" Kitty began to cry and Mr. Bennet tried in vain to comfort her. "Kitty, now, don't cry. I was just releasing some pent up frustrations. I won't hold you to all of that, but you will be under stricter rules than you had previously. When you have calmed yourself, we'll talk later."

That night Jane and Elizabeth were together again in Elizabeth's room.

"I wish I had never spoken a word of this to William Darcy."

"Lizzy, don't get your panties in a bunch. I'm sure William will respect your confidence."

"I know he will, but that is not what distresses me."

"What then?"

"I don't know... How he must be patting himself on the back for escaping. How he must despise me now."

"Lizzy, he might feel a little guilty too. He knew about Wickham and only told you about it because he was forced to."

"I don't know, Jane. At one time, I thought he might be helping us in someway, but then Daddy didn't say anything about him being involved. So now I just think he's somewhere laughing at me... Not caring about what happens to my family or me."

"But Lizzy, you never wanted him to care. Remember?! According to you, you never accepted his love or his proposal, when he offered them... If he has decided to drop his pursuit of you, why do you care?" Jane was trying to get some insight on Elizabeth's agitated state; she still suspected that more went on down in Nags Head than Elizabeth was letting on.

"I don't know! I can't explain it! I know I'll probably never see him again, but I can't bear to think that he's somewhere... laughing at me or hating me."

Jane left Elizabeth to her thoughts. Elizabeth had another restless night's sleep, she tossed and turned and thought all night of Darcy.

At breakfast, Mrs. Bennet planned that the Wickham's might take a house in Charlottesville. Mr. Bennet firmly recanted that Wickham needed to be on the farm in Iowa by the end of September, so it would be impossible for them to live there. He also told her that under no circumstances would they be welcomed at Longbourn.

As Elizabeth drove to D.C., she was filled with thoughts. What am I going to do if I see him? Should I tell him that I love him? He would probably laugh in my face! No doubt, I deserve it. And what if he was the one to find Lydia? What then? Should I ask him why? Should I get my hopes up?

Elizabeth's first stop was at the address she had procured. She saw that the office belonged to a Mr. Crawford, private investigator. This is interesting! She tried the door and found that the office was closed. Oh well, another dead end. Elizabeth shrugged and headed back to her car to drive to the Gardiners.

Meanwhile, Darcy went to the Gardiners for lunch as he was leaving for Pemberley immediately afterwards. They had a nice long talk, Darcy played with the children for a little while. "Good-bye and Good Luck. I'll call you when I get home. You have my number, in case... Well, just in case." They nodded. Before Darcy reached the door, he said. "Tell the kids I'm sorry I couldn't finish it," then he left for the docks to fly his seaplane back to Pemberley.

About five minutes later, another knock came to their door. Mrs. Gardiner went to answer it. "Lizzy! What are you doing here?!" she exclaimed as she hugged her. "No one told us that you were coming!"

Elizabeth walked in and hugged her uncle. "I needed to get away."

"Well, we're glad to see you, dear. How long are you staying?"

"Oh, just for the day. Is Lydia here?"

"No," Mr. Gardiner frowned. "She and Wickham are out. But they should be back in a few minutes. Miriam promised to take her downtown and find her a wedding dress."

Elizabeth wrinkled her nose. "I'm not going, so don't ask me! I'll just sit here and play with my cousins."

Within a few minutes, Lydia and Wickham returned. Lydia smirked at Elizabeth and went directly to her room to get her bag, without saying a word to her sister, while Wickham smiled and even tried to converse with her. Elizabeth would have none of it and went upstairs to see her cousins.

The two youngest Gardiner children were just waking up from their nap and when they saw Elizabeth talking to the two oldest, they went and hugged her.

"Lizzy," said little Amelia as she tugged on Elizabeth's pant leg. "Would you finish our story?"

"What story is that, sweetie?"

"The one from our new book! Mr. Darcy didn't have time to finish it," said Matthew. Elizabeth was in complete shock; mouth and eyes wide open. "Lizzy, are you sick?"

"What?" she snapped out of her state. "No baby, I was just... thinking. I'll finish your story. Give me a minute, okay?" Elizabeth headed straight for the bathroom. He was here!!! Why was he here?! I knew I was right! He did have something to do with finding Lydia! Elizabeth collected herself and went to find the children. When she finished the book, she asked, "When was the last time you saw Mr. Darcy?"

"He was here today, before we took our nap. Why?" asked Amelia.

"No reason. I just didn't know he was in town, that's all."

"I didn't know you knew him," smiled Amelia.

"Yeah, you did! Remember when he said he knew Lizzy and Jane! He said he met you last year," boasted Matthew.

Amelia nodded. "Oh yeah, that's when uncle Frank was leaving. Lizzy, he's so tall! He's as tall as a monster, but he's nice though." Elizabeth just nodded and smiled.

After Elizabeth set the children to playing a game, she went downstairs to seek out her uncle. "I understand that William Darcy was here?"

Mr. Gardiner was looking at TV and nearly jumped out of his chair. "Uh, um, uh, well, um, yes. He just happened to be in the neighborhood."

"Now Uncle E, why would he just happen to be in the neighborhood? I didn't realize that you all were so chummy."

"Lizzy, he just stopped by to see if he could help. But by then, we had already located Lydia and Wickham. And yes, we invited him for lunch and dinner and he accepted. You just missed him, matter of fact. He's gone back to Pemberley, if that's what you wanted to know."

"I, I don't want to know where he is. I was just curious," she shrugged.

Elizabeth waited until late, but Mrs. Gardiner and Lydia had not returned, so she left.

When Elizabeth got home, she told Jane all about her day. She told her about Lydia and Wickham; she also told her about Darcy and the children.

"Why does that surprise you, Lizzy?" Jane was getting upset with Elizabeth for hiding her true feelings from her; they had always been the best of friends and confidants. "Do you think him so devoid of feelings that he can't be nice to anyone?!"

"No Jane. I, I just... I don't know what I think. I didn't expect that he would... Oh, I don't know!"

"Lizzy, you need to face the facts, honey. You care more than you're letting on. William Darcy has captured something deep inside you and you can't handle it!" Jane laughed and Elizabeth tossed a pillow from the couch at her.

"Don't be ridiculous! He intrigues me, that's all."

"Me thinks thou protests too much." Jane threw the same pillow at Elizabeth, but she barely noticed; her thoughts went immediately to Darcy.

Jane and Elizabeth managed to talk Mr. Bennet into letting Lydia and Wickham come to Longbourn for a visit. Jane wondered why Bingley hadn't returned to Charlottesville and had almost given up hope. Elizabeth wondered about Darcy, her mind was too full of him to think about Jane or Bingley or Lydia or Wickham or the business.

Mrs. Bennet was elated that her husband finally changed his mind, but was disturbed that the Gardiner's didn't have a set date for the wedding. Mrs. Bennet called daily to D.C., sometimes more than once. The Gardiner's kept avoiding Mrs. Bennet and Lydia's questions regarding a date and time, but were very irritated at the subversive plots by the two women to find out. Lydia constantly questioned the children and even went as far as to call the clerk at their church. Mrs. Bennet opened all the letters sent to Longbourn, regardless if they were addressed to her, secretly listened in on phone conversations, and even drove up to D.C. for days at a time.

Mr. Bennet had slyly inquired of Elizabeth about her history tour and she noticeably left out Darcy. He also noticed her mood swings and asked Jane about it. Jane could only tell him what she thought, because Elizabeth hadn't really told her anything.

Mary celebrated her birthday, quietly, on August 18^th. The family, as usual, gathered around the breakfast table and gave her gifts.

As the wedding day drew near, Mr. Bennet decided to fake a heart attack. Therefore, Mrs. Bennet had to remain in Charlottesville for the duration.

Darcy worried that the choices he gave Wickham were too rash; had he acted with his heart or his head. He sent letters to the criminal courts in Alexandria stating Wickham's rehabilitation, they sent back their approval. He called Richard and told him what had happened in the past month. In between, he worried about Elizabeth and how she was reacting to all this. Mr. Gardiner called him and told him that Elizabeth had found out, through the children, that he had been there. But told him not to worry, because he had covered his tracks. Mrs. Gardiner called, but she spoke mostly to Mrs. Reynolds, but whenever she spoke to Darcy, it was only to relay information about the wedding.

Wickham visited daily to the chagrin of the Gardiner's. He was his usual self, whenever they were near, but when it was just Lydia and himself, he drifted into a somber mood. When Lydia questioned him about his moods, he would tell her that he was just anxious about the wedding and the wedding night. This made her happy and she flitted about as though everything was going according to plan.

Bingley went back to work, Caroline had since moved out and Jimmy and Louisa were in the process. He talked to Darcy weekly; he even went back to Pemberley for a nice long weekend.

On August 29^th, Darcy drove back to D.C. for the Wickham's wedding.

Early in the morning, the Gardiners surprised Lydia and told her today was the day of her wedding. Lydia squealed as usual; she was thoroughly giddy and completely forgot to call her mother.

Darcy dreaded this day; he went to pick up Wickham to take him to the church. Wickham glared at him with squinted eyes, but Darcy paid him no mind.

They all met at the church at the appointed time and the service was performed without delay.

After the wedding, outside of the church, Lydia was only slightly irritated that none of her family was there. But she got over it quick enough, she just assumed that her father needed them all with him; she didn't regret not going to visit him either. Lydia chatted on in an excited high pitch as though she was telling the world about her day so far.

Darcy offered his congratulations to the 'happy couple' and told them that the honeymoon suite at the Radisson Hotel would be theirs for 3 days. They cheerfully accepted and thanked him properly. Before that Darcy had accepted an invitation to the Gardiner's for a Labor Day picnic and soon afterwards left.

The Gardiner's went home and called the Bennet's to tell them that the wedding had taken place and that the newlyweds were otherwise occupied at the Radisson in Crystal City. Mrs. Bennet was livid, she told them they could have postponed it. Jane soothed and comforted Mrs. Bennet and eventually she saw that postponing the wedding wouldn't have been the answer.

That afternoon, Darcy arrived at the Gardiner's about an hour before the barbecue was ready. The Gardiner children were happy to see him and talked animatedly with him for a long while. He was surprised that the children were so excited about starting school the next day and smiled at the Gardiner's as he listened to each child's exclamations.

During dinner, they talked about the newlyweds, but only in glowing terms. They never discussed the latest events of the past month or let the children know how disgraceful the Wickham's had acted.

After dinner and after the children had gone to their rooms, they remained outside on the patio.

"Do you think they'll keep quiet about your involvement? Can we trust them?" asked Mr. Gardiner.

"Wickham won't say anything, believe me. It would do him no good when he tries to ingratiate himself with the family. But I'm not sure about Lydia. You'd be a better judge of that than I."

"We don't know what to think. Unfortunately, we don't know her as well as Jane and Lizzy. Frances didn't care for the attentions we gave to them and refused to let the others stay with us more than a few days at a time," said Mrs. Gardiner.

"Well," Darcy shrugged. "We'll just have to wait and see. We've done as much as we could, the rest is up to Wickham and his ability to keep his wife quiet."

"You're right, of course," said Mr. Gardiner.

Mrs. Gardiner began. "My goodness William, when I think about all the trouble you went through, I can't help but wonder why you want to keep this secret."

"Mrs. Gardiner, as I have already explained to you both, none of this would've happened if I had only exposed Wickham," Darcy said bitterly.

"I doubt that!" exclaimed Mrs. Gardiner. "Lydia has always been willful. Whatever she wanted, her mother gave her without considering the consequences. Lydia and Wickham were probably... active, when they were both in Charlottesville."

"I don't doubt it," said Mr. Gardiner with a shudder. "Nothing you or anyone could've said would've swayed her from her George." Mr. Gardiner squealed the last word, as Lydia would have, and they all laughed.

"I have wondered though... if I did the right thing. I mean, they are not going to be happy for long."

"You shouldn't worry about that. They made their bed... and he's lucky he's not spending his time in jail!" said Mr. Gardiner.

"I still believe, that if things don't work out between them, your family will blame me."

Mrs. Gardiner knew exactly who he was talking about. "Blame you?! I think you're wrong, absolutely wrong! I can almost assure you that, other than Frances, no one would blame you. Yes, Lizzy preferred that Wickham should be rotting in jail, but she has since resigned herself to the fact that they are married and will be living in Iowa."

"But, she may blame me for not exposing him before this. She probably hates me."

"Lizzy knew about him too. If she doesn't blame herself then she would never blame you. In fact, I know she doesn't. She has way too much sense to be so grossly in error." Darcy shrugged his shoulders. Mrs. Gardiner continued, "Whatever her feelings were toward you before, they've changed dramatically, especially after the way you treated us at Pemberley."

"You ought to listen to my wife, son. She is never wrong," said Mr. Gardiner as he smiled at his wife. "Elizabeth doesn't hate you. When she found out that you were here, every question that came out of her mouth was about you. And I didn't detect any blame or hatred."

She doesn't blame me?! She doesn't hate me?! Can this really be true?! Dear God, let it be so! Darcy's mind wondered, while Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner watched him closely. "Oh, I'm sorry, did you say something?"

"I asked what you were going to do with yourself now that you have no fugitives to apprehend?" teased Mrs. Gardiner, changing the subject; slyly trying to find out if Darcy had any intentions toward Elizabeth.

"I don't know. Right now, I'm a man of leisure. I don't have to report to the bench until January 5^th.. You know, a man of leisure has many occupations to shorten or lengthen his days," Darcy laughed. "I'll just go home to Pemberley and try my best to do them all."

"Well, a family could occupy them as well as anything," slyly implied Mr. Gardiner, as he realized his wife's intent.

"Yes I know. I've lately often thought of marriage and family. But... I haven't yet found that certain kind of woman to accept me."

"And what kind of woman are you looking for?" asked Mr. Gardiner.

"A beautiful woman, full of life, independence, ambition, and passion... One who could teach me about life outside of my own knowledge." Darcy was feeling a little giddy himself, he could hardly believe that he was able to talk about this with the Gardiners. "A woman who questions, challenges, and inspires me. Yes, that is the kind of woman I seek... You see, for a long time, it was important for me to find a wealthy woman, someone just like me, but all the ones that I've met in that bracket, so far, have been a big disappointment. I've come to realize, lately, that all I want are my days to be filled with lively conversation, music, and love, of course."

"That's quite a list, William," teased Mrs. Gardiner.

"A woman who has all of that must be very hard to find?" inquired Mr. Gardiner.

"Believe me when I tell you, it's been hard," smiled Darcy.

"Have you found a woman that even closely resembles it?"

"I did. I mean, I have. Unfortunately though, she doesn't... care for me in that way... I'm afraid I came off as proud and arrogant to her and she told me so, in no uncertain terms."

"Have you done anything lately that would or could change her mind? Has she seen you in the light that we have?" asked Mrs. Gardiner.

"I'm not sure... I saw her again this summer and I felt that she might've had a change of heart, but then something else happened and..."

"Well, I'm sure that if she knew how little of this pride and arrogance remained, she would reconsider her position," smiled Mr. Gardiner.

"I hope you're right, Sir. You really have no idea how much I hope you're right."

"Well, if you took the trouble to track her down, as you did Wickham and Lydia, or shall we say, seek her out again, I'm sure she'd like it," implied Mrs. Gardiner.

"Really?! Do you think she would mind if I went to Long... um, went to visit her?"

"I don't think she'd mind at all," said Mr. Gardiner.

They all smiled, as they each knew what the other was thinking; although Elizabeth's name was never mentioned. Darcy didn't stay much longer.

"Thank you for a wonderful evening. I hope to see you again."

"I believe you will," laughed Mrs. Gardiner. "You know where we live and vice versa."

As Darcy drove home, his mind was occupied by much happier thoughts. If the Gardiner's are correct and Elizabeth doesn't blame me... I might still have some hope after all! I won't build my hopes up too high though, at least not until I've seen her. But I can't go without Charles! I'll call him and tell him that everything's a go and then we'll go back to Charlottesville as soon as I get back to D.C.

Darcy packed his bags when he got home.

After breakfast, Elizabeth and Jane decided that Lydia needed to be shown how to run a farm since this would be her occupation for the rest of her life. As they were walking past some farm equipment, Lydia said to Elizabeth, "Lizzy, I never told you about my wedding." She went on at length about the ceremony, "I hoped some of our friends, like Denny, or Carter, would be there. But, in the end, it was only auntie and Uncle E and that awful dude, Mr. Darcy."

"Mr. Darcy!" exclaimed Elizabeth. "William Darcy was at your wedding?!"

"Oh, yeah," Lydia pinched her lips in a frown. "Somebody had to be a witness, you know... Oh, my goodness! I forgot! It was supposed to be a secret! What'll my sweetie pie say now?!"

"Since you've already let the cat out of the bag, why don't you tell us the rest?" asked Jane.

"Oh no! I couldn't! Please don't make me! George would kill me!" pleaded Lydia as she ran back towards the house.

Elizabeth said no more to Jane on the subject, but her mind raced. When she went to her office, Elizabeth called the Gardiners. "Please tell me why William Darcy, of all people, should've been at Lydia's wedding?"

"Lizzy, I promised not to tell."

"Why is it such a big secret?! I can't believe that you're holding this back from me!"

"Lizzy! Calm down! We promised William and I won't break my promise to him. You must understand that. And why are you so interested anyway?" Mrs. Gardiner knew how to get Elizabeth off her back.

"I, I'm not interested. I just want to know why he was there."

"Then you should ask him yourself."

"I can't auntie. I just can't." Elizabeth put her arms on her desk and put her head in her hands. "Don't bother to ask me why. I just can't face him right now."

Mrs. Gardiner felt sorry for Elizabeth that she didn't know her own heart. "I have to go, Lizzy. Take care, sweetheart."

Darcy left early and drove to Pemberley; he had promised to be home on Georgiana's birthday this year. She was 22 today and he would make it home in plenty of time. On the long drive home, Darcy realized how much he liked Mr. Bennet calling him son. It had been a long time since anyone had called him that. His mind wandered to Elizabeth and how he would propose this time. He almost froze in horror that Elizabeth might refuse him again, so he concentrated on his exact words. What he didn't concentrate on was the road; he veered off the road and down an embankment, finally resting, although forcibly, against a tree.

Last evening, Mrs. Reynolds received a phone call telling her that Darcy was in critical condition and was being flown to a hospital in southern Virginia that was equipped for such emergencies. She immediately found Georgiana and told her the news. Georgiana burst into hysterical tears and Mrs. Reynolds drove her to the hospital.

It was now 8:17 a.m. and Georgiana and Mrs. Reynolds waited in the emergency room. The doctor came out and told them that Darcy had surgery to close up the internal bleeding and set the broken ribs. At the present, he was recovering, but this was a crucial 24 hours; if they didn't find all the leaks, they might have to do more surgery. Georgiana fell back onto her chair and cried even harder. Later, after escorting Georgiana to Darcy's recovery room, Mrs. Reynolds made a few phone calls. First, she called Pemberley, then Richard, then Bingley, then the Gardiner's, and finally Lady Catherine.

Everyone at Pemberley was relieved that Darcy was alive and hopeful that he would recover completely, while Richard promised to drive up the next day. Lady Catherine offered to send Billy Collins, but later rescinded the offer, however, Lady Catherine did insist on daily updates.

Bingley wasn't at home, but later got the message, called the hospital and promised to fly down after surgery. Mrs. Gardiner cried, but later, after talking to her husband, decided that he should go down. Mrs. Gardiner then called Mr. Bennet.

Mr. Bennet, after hearing the news, was in a most agitated state; he paced back and forth in his study, trying to decide what to do. He called back to the Gardiner's and asked Mr. Gardiner to pick him up on the way to see Darcy. Mr. Bennet decided to tell no one of his plans, just that he was going fishing with Mr. Gardiner.

Mrs. Gardiner told her husband to be careful and to call her when he got to the hospital. Mr. Gardiner kissed his wife and children and bid them farewell. He drove to Charlottesville to pick up Mr. Bennet.

Mr. Bennet waited impatiently for Mr. Gardiner to arrive. Elizabeth noticed her father's mood and wondered why he hadn't packed his lucky fishing rod, although she said nothing. Mr. Gardiner came to pick up Mr. Bennet and they were off in a few minutes. Elizabeth also noticed her uncle's mood and decided to call her aunt.

"Auntie, where are my uncle and my father going? I know they aren't going fishing, because neither one of them had their gear."

"Lizzy, are you sitting down?"

"Yes," she said tentatively. "Why?"

"William Darcy has been in a serious auto accident," Mrs. Gardiner heard Elizabeth scream and then drop the phone. "Lizzy! Lizzy!" She knew Elizabeth felt something for Darcy, but until now she didn't know how deep it was. Eventually Elizabeth picked it back up. Mrs. Gardiner heard her crying. "Lizzy, he is in critical condition and could..."

Just then Jane burst in Elizabeth's office; she had heard her scream a moment ago. Elizabeth handed Jane the phone. "Hello!"

"Jane, is Lizzy alright?"

"She's crying, if that's that you mean?!" she said agitated and upset.

Mrs. Gardiner let out her breath, she could no longer hold her tears. "William Darcy has been in an accident and he may not live."

Jane sat down on the desk and through her tears asked, "What happened?!"

"He was in a car accident on his way home and your father and uncle are on their way down to see what they can do," Mrs. Gardiner sniffled. "That's all I know."

"I'll take care of Lizzy. You call us as soon as you hear anything." Jane and Mrs. Gardiner hung up. "Lizzy, come on, I'll take you home. Everything will be alright. William will be fine, you'll see."

"Oh Jane," Elizabeth broke down. "I never told him... I never told him that I love him! He might die and I'll die with him! I can't believe this is happening! Oh God!!!" Jane and Elizabeth sat on the floor of the office and cried more. "I've been such a fool, such an idiot! Why now God?!?! Why now?!?!"

Jane drove Elizabeth home and made her get in bed; she was inconsolable for the rest of the day.

Richard arrived and was shown immediately to Darcy's room where Georgiana was sitting on the bed holding her brother's hand and crying. When she saw Richard she ran to him, hugged him, and cried even more; Darcy had not yet woken up. Mrs. Reynolds called Bingley to let him know how Darcy was doing.

Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner reached the hospital and found Georgiana. She was surprised at their coming, but when they explained why they were there, she was grateful. Darcy didn't need additional surgery, was recovering, and expected to be released in a week or so, if he woke up. Mr. Gardiner called his wife, who in turn called Jane; they agreed that no one else in the family needed to know about this.

Later that evening, Darcy woke up while Georgiana, Richard and Mrs. Reynolds were in the room; everyone breathed a sigh of relief. A little while later, Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet were allowed to see Darcy for a few minutes. He was grateful for their visit and assured them that he was alright.

As Darcy slept, all those gathered ate in the cafeteria together; later they all decided to get rooms at the nearest hotel.

All of those gathered, had breakfast together and went back to the hospital. Georgiana called Bingley to let him know Darcy's status and told him it wasn't necessary for him to come down. Bingley protested but eventually gave in. Mr. Gardiner called his wife to let her know about Darcy's condition and Mr. Bennet called Jane to let her and Elizabeth know. Mrs. Reynolds called Lady Catherine to let her know Darcy's current condition. Lady Catherine kept her on the phone for more than an hour, giving instructions for the doctors, the hospital and everyone else there.

Elizabeth was somewhat relieved after the phone call from her father, but wanted to be by Darcy's side. Later that afternoon, a letter came for Elizabeth, it was from Mrs. Gardiner, dated two days ago. Elizabeth had been in the house a whole day and went outside by the rose garden to read her aunt's letter.

Elizabeth's spirits soared as she finished reading the letter. Deep down, she knew Darcy had something to do with the marriage, but at the same time she feared it. Did he really do it for me? No, why would he do this for a woman who refused him and slapped him in the process? He did give them a reasonable excuse for his interference. Oh, I'm driving myself crazy with all of this! I'll just have to ask him. Please God, bring him back to me?!

As she was thinking about this turn of events and remembering the good news of his health, Wickham interrupted her. "My dear sister. Oh, I'm sorry. Am I interrupting your solitude?"

"Yes you are," Elizabeth replied with a smile, "but it doesn't mean that the interruption is unwelcome." Elizabeth was ready to release some fury, well, not that much, but she thought if she put him in his place once and for all, he would never cross her again.

"I'd be sorry if it were. You and I were always good friends," Wickham stroked his new mustache.

"If you say so."

Wickham was intent on finding out how much Elizabeth knew of his past, while Elizabeth was intent on seeing him squirm. He continued as they walked, "I was surprised to see William Darcy in D.C. last month. We saw each other several times. I wonder what he could've been doing there?"

"Probably preparing for the wedding..." she said as Wickham turned pale, "with Anne de Bourgh."

"Yes, probably. Yeah, that's what it was."

"It must've been something serious to make him come back to D.C."

"Um hmm." Wickham said distractedly. "Did you, uh, see him while you were in the Outer Banks? I thought I understood from the Gardiner's that you had?"

"Yes, he introduced us to Georgiana."

"And did you like her?"

"Very much!"

"Good! I did hear that she's gotten much nicer in this last year or two. When I last saw her she was very snobbish. Well, I'm glad you liked her. I always hoped she would turn out well."

"I believe she already has; she's gotten over those excruciating teen years," she said as he stumbled.

"Did you see any of my old pictures there?"

"I think I remember..."

"I mention it, because as you know I used to live there and it is proof that Mr. Darcy loved me. Even in his death, William can't get rid of my pictures. Mr. Darcy wanted certain rooms kept, as they were when he lived. William still owes me money and much, much more, but, such is life, I guess."

"Money?! I heard that the drug charge wasn't your only bit of trouble. And despite your not fulfilling your obligations of graduating from college, you were still given a large sum of money that you spent in an unbelievably short amount of time..."

"Well, uh, I, uh," he stuttered.

"Come on Mr. Wickham, we're in-laws now. We shouldn't be quarrelling about the past. You will soon be on your way to Iowa and we never have to speak to one another again."

She went in to the cottage and slammed the door in Wickham's face. Elizabeth heard no more from him on that or any other subject; he never tried to talk to her again.

A few days later, the Wickham's left for Iowa and the Longbourn household was soon calm and quiet. So quiet that Elizabeth had too much time to think of Darcy. Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner had returned and they told Elizabeth of Darcy's progress and that he was on his way to Pemberley.

Darcy went to Pemberley to recover, Bingley came down for a few days, all the while Georgiana and Mrs. Reynolds took excellent care of Darcy.

"Jane where are you running off to?" asked Mr. Bennet.

"I got a call from Netherfield. One of the horses broke a leg."

Jane drove off to Netherfield, the hair on the back of her neck stood up and she was nervous. Jane arrived at the house and knocked on the door.

"Hello, Jane."

"Charles!" Jane stood immovable for more than a few moments. "I, I got a call that one of your horses..."

"Please come in."

"I have to get to..."

"Please," Bingley begged and lightly grabbed her wrist. Jane consented and followed him; they walked past the living room to his den. "There's nothing wrong with any of my horses. I had Mrs. Phelps call you under false pretenses." Jane looked at him in astonishment. "I needed to see you... to speak to you and I knew you wouldn't come if I called you."

"What do you need to see me about?" she replied coolly.

"This," he pointed to the desk covered with papers. "These are my phone records. Proof that I called you." Jane only looked at him. "I need you to believe me."

"I want to Charles, but..."

"I have more proof." Bingley then told her about the interceptor equipment that Wickham had purchased and played her several messages that she and Elizabeth previously received, but with his messages intermixed.

"But, but why would Wickham...? I don't understand."

Bingley waved his hand to quiet her and played the tape of Caroline and Wickham. Jane was floored, she stood mouth and eyes wide open. Bingley led her to a chair and got her a glass of water.

"Do you believe me now?" Jane nodded and blinked tears. "Oh, Jane, do you know how much I've suffered?"

Jane shook her head. "I've suffered too!"

"I hoped... I had... I was so close... but then your sister and Wickham. I decided that you had too much on your plate then, so I waited. I waited until they left and I waited until William recovered. But now it's time to think about me... and you." He reached for Jane's hand and knelt down beside her. "Jane, could we continue from where we left off? Can you forgive my family and me?"

Jane sniffed. "Yes." Bingley stood up, pulled her out of the chair, embraced her and kissed her. As they kissed, the kisses became more passionate and they remained that way for a good long time. Jane spent the entire day with Bingley; they had so much to talk about.

During a late afternoon snack, Bingley asked. "Now, what do we do about Lizzy and William?!" Jane laughed.

Jane and Bingley met secretly every day for more than 2 weeks; she had not even shared this with Elizabeth.

On October 5^th, Darcy flew to D.C. when Bingley told him that he was going to propose to Jane, any day.

October 6^th, the day that Bingley proposed, Jane couldn't hold back. She ran into Elizabeth's office to show her the ring.

"Jane," Elizabeth said slowly. "What are you telling me?"

"Charles has been in town for almost 3 weeks! We've been secretly seeing each other and now we're engaged!"

Elizabeth screamed and jumped around her desk. She and Jane hugged and screamed and hugged and jumped and screamed some more.

"Why didn't you tell me?! I would've kept your secret!"

"Oh, Lizzy, we let so many people interfere with us before. We were afraid to let anyone know."

"Well, where is this mystery man, anyway? How dare he come to town and not let anyone know!" Jane giggled like a schoolgirl. "You know mom is going to flip her wig when you tell her!" They both laughed, remembering the last time that Mrs. Bennet's red wig went askew.

"I know, but I think I'll keep her waiting until tonight. Charles is coming over for dinner."

"You'd better stay out-of-sight then. She has radar, you know. She sees diamonds from miles away." They laughed and talked and screamed some more. Jane told Elizabeth about Wickham's equipment and the recording; Elizabeth was understandably amazed.

That afternoon, Elizabeth received a mysterious package that contained only an audiocassette tape with 'Don't Hang Up' on the cover. Elizabeth tossed it in her bag and decided that she would play it later.

At dinner, the Bennet family gathered together. Jane was noticeably missing and Mrs. Bennet asked, "Lizzy, where is Jane?! I'm not holding this dinner much longer!"

"She should be here in a few minutes, she's on the phone."

"Well, if it's not a call from a rich young man, then there's no need to talk so long!" Just then, Jane walked in with Bingley. "Dr. Bingley! We were just talking about you! Come in, come in!"

"Hello everyone! Sorry, I've taken so long to come back."

"No problem, Charles," said Elizabeth as she hugged him and whispered, "Congratulations."

"Jane! Why are you still hanging onto the man's arm? Let him breathe... AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH! OH MY GOD!!!" Mrs. Bennet fainted dead away into Kitty's arms.

"Mom, what's wrong?!?!" screamed Kitty as she dragged her to the couch, while everyone helped.

"She must have seen my engagement ring!" cried Jane.

Everyone turned around to look at Jane and Bingley. Then congratulations and screams of joy and handshakes came all at once. And for 10 minutes no one paid any attention to Mrs. Bennet.

Mrs. Bennet recovered, jumped up and began shrieking at the top of her lungs and hugged Jane and Bingley and screamed some more and jumped herself right into another faint.

During dinner, Jane and Bingley told the family how it all happened and that they had no date set yet.

Later that night, Bingley called his sisters with the news. Louisa was pleased, she had since resigned herself to the fact that he was in love with Jane, especially when he took the teaching tour in Europe to try to forget her. Caroline pretended to be ecstatic; Bingley had since forgiven her, as he was not one to carry a grudge, plus the fact that he was happier than he had ever been in his life.

During lunch, the Bennet's attentions were drawn suddenly to the window, by the sound of a car; it was a very, very long, black limousine. It was Lady Catherine de Bourgh and she was in a foul mood. When she came into the house, she spoke to no one, but asked Elizabeth to walk with her into the gardens and she consented.

When they were far enough from the house, Lady Catherine began. "You can be at no loss to understand the reason for my journey, Miss Bennet?"

"Uh, um, I'm can't think why you're honoring me with your presence," Elizabeth puzzled.

"Miss Bennet," Lady Catherine replied angrily, "you ought to know that I am not to be toyed with. But, however hypocritical you chose to be, you will not find me so." She paused and looked Elizabeth over. "A report of an alarming nature reached me this very morning. I was told not only that your sister was on the point of being most advantageously married, but that you, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, would be soon afterwards engaged to my own nephew, William Darcy!" Elizabeth stood closed-mouthed and speechless. "Although I know it must be a scandalous fabrication and impossible beyond belief, I instantly determined to come down here, to make my opinions known to you."

"If you believed it to be impossible," said Elizabeth recovering, but coloring with astonishment and disdain, "I wonder why you took the trouble of coming so far. You could've called, you know?"

"I came to see you face-face, to insist upon having such a report completely and entirely denied!"

"Your coming to Longbourn to see me, will be taken as a confirmation of it. If, such a report actually exists."

"I am not satisfied, Miss Bennet! And I insist on being satisfied. Has my nephew asked you to marry him?"

"You just said it was impossible!"

"And it damn well ought to be! But your tricks and seductions may have made him forget what he owes to himself and all his family. You have snared him in your web of deceit!"

"If I did, I would be last person to confess it."

"Miss Bennet, do you know who I am?! I'm not accustomed to deceit... I am almost the nearest relation he has, and I am entitled to know all his concerns!"

"But you're not entitled to know mine. And your coming down here will not persuade me to tell you anything."

"Let me be clearly understood! This match that you have plotted so desperately for, can never take place. William is engaged to my daughter. Now, what do you say to that?!"

"Only this, if he is engaged to Anne, then you can have no reason to think he would ask me."

Lady Catherine hesitated for a moment and then replied, "the engagement between them is not the usual kind. From their childhood, they have been intended for each other. It was the dearest wish of his poor dead mother, as well as mine. While she was in her cradle, we planned it; and now, to be prevented by the social climbing schemes of a young woman without family connections, or money! I can't believe it! It will never happen!" she spat. "Your marriage would be a humiliation, to say the least; your name would never be mentioned by any of us."

"Ooh, I'm trembling! But let me tell you something, Mrs. William Darcy will be too busy being happy and in love, that whatever you have planned for her, wouldn't bother her one bit."

"Obstinate, headstrong girl! I'm ashamed to know you! I am not used to disappointment."

"That might make others pity you; but it has no effect on me."

"I will not be interrupted! If you had any sense, you wouldn't want to put William in the position of marrying outside of his sphere."

"Mrs. De Bourgh, if I marry your nephew, I wouldn't be outside his sphere! He is a lawyer and so am I!. So far we are equal!"

"But look where you live! How you've been raised! And who are your father and mother?! Who are you uncles and aunts?! Don't imagine that I'm ignorant of their situations!"

"Whatever my connections are, if your nephew doesn't object to them, why should you?!"

"Just tell me right now, are you engaged to him?!?!"

After a long pause, "I am not."

Lady Catherine breathed a sigh of relief. "And will you promise me never to accept his proposal, if he ever asks you?"

"I will make no promise of the kind. You're wasting your time and mine. Now, I'm going back to the house, why don't you take the hint and go back to yours." Elizabeth turned and walked back towards the house.

"Don't you walk away from me! I have another objection! Your youngest sister's scandalous elopement, I know all about it! Is such a slut to be my nephew's sister-in-law?! Are the shades of Pemberley to be polluted by her visits?!"

Elizabeth turned back to her and resentfully sneered. "I believe you've said enough! You have insulted me in every possible way. I'm only going to say this once. Get off of my property!!!"

Lady Catherine followed her. "You have no respect for the reputation and influence that my nephew has all over this country?! Unfeeling, selfish girl! The scandal sheets will have a field day with this! You dare to refuse to listen to me!" They were back at the house and Elizabeth was about to go inside when Lady Catherine grabbed her arm. "You are determined to ruin him, and make him ridiculous in the eyes of the world," she sneered just above a whisper.

"I'm only determined to look out for my own happiness and the happiness of those that I love. I'm not concerned about you, or anyone else that opposes me or gets in my way."

"And this is your final decision?!" Elizabeth said nothing. "Alright, I now know what I have to do!" Lady Catherine jumped into her limo. "Mark my words, Miss Bennet, you have not heard the last of me! I will do everything in my power to destroy all your hopes and schemes of uniting with my nephew!" Lady Catherine left Longbourn, post haste.

Elizabeth's mind was in chaos. Instead of going into the house, she went to the cottage. She cried and screamed and cursed and threw things around her room and eventually fell asleep.

Darcy was sitting in his living room, thinking about Elizabeth and planning when he would return to Charlottesville, when the intercom went off. "William, this is your aunt! Let me in, immediately!"

Darcy immediately jumped to his feet and exclaimed, "Aunt Catherine, uh, sure." He buzzed her up and waited at the elevator.

Lady Catherine walked right past him and went inside. "I need to speak to you, on a most urgent matter!"

"Sure," he puzzled. Lady Catherine went to one of the high-backed leather chairs in the living room and sat down. "Now then, what could be so urgent to have brought you all the way from Rosings?"

"I have not come from Rosings. I have just been to Charlottesville and am now on my way back home."

Darcy could not contain the surprise in his voice; his cousin Anne called him this morning about what she heard, but she did not mention Lady Catherine leaving Rosings Park. "To Charlottesville?! For what reason?!"

"To see Miss Elizabeth Bennet!"

"Elizabeth?! Why did you visit Elizabeth Bennet?" Darcy tried to look unconcerned. "Can I get you anything?"

"I'm not hungry, I'm angry! Now be quiet and let me finish!"

"Sorry."

"This morning, Mr. Collins told me that his wife's family called her last night with some gossip that disturbed me, to no end. I immediately went to Longbourn to have this news confirmed or denied by Miss Bennet! The gossip going around is that Miss Bennet, is, or will soon be engaged to be married."

Darcy smiled slightly, although not enough to tip his hand, and said calmly, "Aunt Catherine, Mr. Collins is feeding you incorrect information. It's not Elizabeth who's engaged, it's her sister Jane. Jane is marrying my friend Charles Bingley."

"I know what I'm talking about! Mr. Collins mentioned your friend and the other sister, but he also mentioned Miss Elizabeth Bennet's engagement, as well." Darcy shrugged his shoulders. "You're no fun, William. Don't you want to know who she's going to marry?"

"Yeah, sure. Why not? But I still can't figure out why her engagement should cause you so much concern, my car accident sure didn't?"

Lady Catherine chose to ignore Darcy's last comment. "My concern was that the gossip said Miss Bennet would soon be engaged to you!"

"Really?"

"And do you want to know what that little schemer said when I confronted her?!"

"Sure," replied Darcy, smiling at the thought of Elizabeth's fiery eyes dancing with indignation. "I can't imagine what she might've said."

"She was very evasive at first... When I asked her if you had proposed to her, she wouldn't give me a straight answer. Such a smart mouth on that girl, but you know that I'm up to the challenge. I tried pointing out to her, the utter humiliation and disgrace her kind would bring to our family," Darcy moved uncomfortably in his chair, "but she never wavered. She even had the audacity to tell me that your wife would be so busy being happy that she would be able to ignore me. Me!!! Can you believe it?! Oh, we argued for a long time, I finally had to demand outright, if she was engaged to you; she said she wasn't. That answer gave me unbelievable pleasure, as you can imagine. But her next answer didn't. I asked her to promise that she would never accept your proposal, if you ever asked. She told me she would make no such promise and asked me to leave! I then decided to come here and help you. Now I don't know how these rumors started, but you need to put a stop to them and I have an idea. Pack your bags, come to Rosings and propose to Anne like you should've done earlier this year."

Darcy found himself quite calm regarding her last statement. He looked directly into Lady Catherine's eyes, "Aunt Catherine, I love both you and Anne, as a nephew and a cousin should, but that is all. I don't love Anne as man should love his wife."

"William, who said anything about love? We marry for money. That's the only thing that counts!"

"My mother and father didn't marry for money, although they both had it. They actually loved each other, the way they looked at each other... And since we're on the subject of my mother, this supposed wish of hers, that you have been drumming into my head ever since I was in high school, is something that you dreamed up yourself. She never told me anything about it and neither did my father." Lady Catherine was about to interrupt, but Darcy waved her off. "Now, as far as my marriage is concerned. Actually, it doesn't concern you at all. When I have news, I will tell you. Otherwise, your business and your concerns should remain at Rosings."

"News! Are you trying to tell me that you are actually going to propose to that girl?!"

"I love Elizabeth Bennet and I hope that the feeling is mutual. If it is, then I'll propose. If it isn't, then I'll win her love."

"William, you have lost your mind! She is not worthy of your love! My Lord, I was so shocked when I went to visit her, the squalor! I should have offered her money; she needs that more than anything!"

"I really don't appreciate you trying to intimidate Elizabeth."

"But William, I was just trying to save you from yourself! She is a nothing and nobody who will bring you bring heartache and pain, when she moves on to another lover."

"That's enough!" Darcy angrily jumped from seat, helped his aunt to her feet and escorted her out the door and on to the elevator.

"I can't believe that you're willing to put aside the wishes of your family for some tramp! I can't believe that you won't honor your mother's memory!" she yelled, as the elevator doors closed and descended to the lobby.

Darcy was furious, he didn't know who was worse, Mrs. Bennet, Caroline Bingley, or Lady Catherine. He paced the floor and growled to himself, eventually he went to work out in his gym. It was too late to go down to Charlottesville, Darcy decided to wait until tomorrow afternoon, as he had one last appointment with Mr. Crawford.

Elizabeth woke up in a cold sweat, shivering and hungry. Her mind reeled from her conversation with Lady Catherine and her composure was shattered. She tossed and turned on how Lady Catherine could have received such a report and surmised that it could only have come from Charlotte and Billy Collins. After hearing about Jane's engagement to Bingley from Kitty, Maria called Charlotte, Charlotte told Billy, who in turn told Lady Catherine. And someone in the middle, probably Charlotte, assumed that Elizabeth and Darcy would be next.

Elizabeth couldn't help feeling uneasy about Lady Catherine's interference. She probably went straight to William and told him that the family would object to the marriage and she might've been able to persuade him to change his mind about me! That's when Elizabeth woke up from her nightmare. If he doesn't come down in a few days like Charles said he would, then I'll know what happened. I'll get over him in time! Oh, Lord, he'll be at the wedding! Hopefully, I'll have gotten over him by then.

That morning, while Elizabeth and Jane were getting ready to go to work, Mr. Bennet received a phone call from Mr. Collins telling him the same information that Lady Catherine received. He sat laughing for a long time and decided not to even bother anyone with this bit of news. Mr. Bennet knew that all Elizabeth and Darcy needed was time alone and that would happen soon enough; he hoped.

Meanwhile, Darcy arrived at Netherfield late in the afternoon. The trip from D.C. seemed longer than he remembered, but he knew that it was just his impatience to see Elizabeth.

Bingley met him at the door. "I've been waiting for you, my friend!" The two men shook hands and hugged. "Jane look who's here!"

Jane came running to the door. "William!" she stopped in her tracks as he held out his arms to receive her. "Is it alright if I hug you? I won't hurt you, will I?"

"I'm fine Jane. Come here and give your brother a hug!" Darcy gave her a big bear hug. "Congratulations," he whispered in her ear and Jane giggled.

"Thank you," she smiled broadly.

"Come on in, William. We were just sitting down to set a date."

"Have you narrowed it down?"

"We both like the month of December," said Jane excitedly.

"This year or next?" asked Darcy.

"There's no way I'm going to wait another whole year!" exclaimed Bingley.

"Well then, what's the hold up on the date? There are only a few Saturday's in a month."

"Actually," smiled Jane. "We were waiting on you and Lizzy."

Darcy blushed bright red. "I'll do my best."

"You'll have to do better than that!" laughed Bingley.

They all laughed and talked through dinner.

After dinner, Darcy decided to give Bingley and Jane a little time alone before she had to go home. "I think I'll take one of your horses out for a ride. I need to work off some of this nervous energy, before tomorrow."

Meanwhile, Elizabeth came home from work, had a quiet dinner by herself and decided to clean up her room. As she picked up all the things she had thrown around the previous night, she stumbled on to the cassette tape that was expressed to her. She decided to play it while she cleaned.

There was a long silence on the tape, then a voice that startled Elizabeth so much that she stopped dead in her tracks. 'The song you're about to hear is titled 'Don't Hang Up', because of our last night together. I wrote it for you, Lizzy.' Then a saxophone began to play and her heart stopped. Without realizing it, she hit the repeat button, turned off the lights and lay on the bed. The more she heard his voice and that sweet sad saxophone, the more she wanted him. The way he made that sax squeal and cry and at the same time sing; it held her heart and wouldn't let it go. After the third repeat, Elizabeth let the music sweep over her, surround her, envelop her, swell inside her, and become her. She lay there, unable to move, weeping and trembling, shaking and sobbing.

At some point in the evening, Darcy's horse found its way to the cottage. He was about to dismount when he heard familiar music coming from one side of the house. He rode around the back and tied up the horse and crept to the window where the music, his music, was coming from. Through the moonlit shears, he saw Elizabeth rocking herself and crying on her bed; his heart broke into tiny little pieces. He wanted to leave, but his feet wouldn't move; his heart wanted to stay there and be with her, but he knew it was an invasion of her privacy. After a few minutes, he propelled himself from his position, walked back to his horse and rode off. After racing wildly halfway back to Netherfield, Darcy stopped his horse abruptly, jumped off and walked the rest of way. His mind was whirling, his heart was racing; he didn't know what to think of her tears, but he was hopeful that she missed him. That night, he slept better than he had in months.