38. Chapter 35:Whom shall I fear?

Ch 35: Whom shall I fear?*

Lizzy stood before her mirror, staring at her ruined dress. I am glad I was not wearing the green one I like so much. She laughed to hold back the tears that threatened. Mr. Darcy was right. I only wish I had been able to talk to Papa sooner. But he will be gone tomorrow. I must think on that. Perhaps Jane will be willing to invite Mary and Kitty to stay in our rooms with us tonight, and we can stay up all night talking! I fear I will not sleep so long as that man is still in our home. Lizzy shuddered at the memory of Collins' cold, clammy hands on her person. I know they are as uneasy as I am. We will keep company tonight, and rejoice seeing him off in the morning. With a sigh, she began undoing the many small buttons down her back.

This will not do! This will not do! She paced across the room. Suddenly angry, she pulled the torn gown from her shoulders, wadding it up in her hands. Her first instinct was to throw it into the fireplace, but there was no fire lit. Even so, a sobering thought stayed her hand. Is this not what I have always done, thrown away and refused to look at what has been difficult and uncomfortable? Surely I did that with Lydia's behavior, and in doing so, I only encouraged her to continue in it. I ignored Mary and Kitty because they made me uncomfortable and I did not wish to be troubled. How foolish was I to immerse myself in distractions that kept me from acknowledging what was going on around me. What did that accomplish?

Sighing, she released the dress from her grasp, allowing the wrinkles to fall from it. I cannot hide from this; not today. Only by facing what was going on around me have things become better. How grateful I am for Aunt Gardiner's and Mr. Bradley's sage advice.

So…I will give this gown to Kitty and ask her to pull it apart and remake it into something worth wearing. …And I shall remember what occurred this afternoon and learn from it, and make sure my sisters do as well. No, Mr. Collins, you shall not have Longbourn, nor shall you make me a prisoner of fear. I refuse to allow you to intimidate me. With a flourish, she snapped the dress in the air and laid it over the back of the small couch.

With renewed energy, she turned toward her wardrobe to select a dress for the evening. A moment later, she heard the bedroom door open and Jane's soft steps enter the room. Lizzy whirled anxiously, exhaling in relief when she recognized her sister. "Oh Jane! You frightened me!" she panted.

"I am sorry, Lizzy. I should have announced myself, even with the hall door locked," Jane apologized. She quickly took Lizzy's hand, "How are you faring? Will you be up to having guests tonight?"

"I admit I am still a bit uneasy, but I am well. I will be well. I will not allow that man to steal anything more from me, and he will certainly not steal this evening from me! Considering how little Papa cares for the company of those he has not had a long acquaintance with, can you believe that he has allowed us to invite them all tonight?" She laughed lightly. "What do you think of this dress?" She held up a pale blue gown.

Jane's eyes sparkled warmly. "The blue is lovely on you, to be sure, and the color is fashionable. But to be entirely honest, you look so much better in deeper colors like this." She held out a rich red dress.

"Are you sure this is not too much for the evening?"

"Absolutely. Not to mention when your Mr. Darcy sees you in it…."

"My Mr. Darcy! Jane, you sound like Kitty now! I have known him but three weeks! You can hardly call him my anything after so little time! Not to mention he has made no declarations…"

"Really, now? Rising at the break of dawn to traipse about the countryside in hopes of running into you is not declaring something?" Jane chided, helping Lizzy into her gown.

Immediately Lizzy's cheeks turned red, the blush extending to her shoulders. "Oh dear! I had no idea… Please, you must believe me, nothing…"

"Calm down, there is no need to be overwrought." Jane reached for a hairbrush. "I should not tease you now, I can tell. I am sorry. Do not worry, no one has seen anything, and I believe it only happy coincidence that you have encountered him on your morning walks. I suspected nothing. It was only when the colonel mentioned it to me that…"

"Colonel Fitzwilliam! Oh no! What must he think?" Lizzy dropped her face into her hands.After what Mr. Carver thought of us—and he was not the son of an earl! What have I done?

"Oh dear!" Jane draped her arm over her sister's shoulder. "He had only the highest approbation for you and his cousin, I assure you. Though he is a tease, to be sure, he is exceedingly fond of Mr. Darcy, and counts him as a brother. Perhaps you will consider it too forward of me, but I know he would forgive me for telling you that he is delighted to see the happiness you bring to his cousin. He would happily see you situated as mistress of Pemberley. He would do nothing to endanger your reputation and thus injure a most beloved cousin."

Looking up, an expression of relief in her eyes, Lizzy tried to smile. "I suppose…I really thought nothing of meeting him as we walked. Truly, there was nothing untoward in his manner. He is so much easier in the out of doors than he is in a parlor; the difference is striking. He is everything that is amiable and gentlemanly when we walk together. The more I talk with him, the more I believe that he is the best of men. Our minds are so similar."

The wistful look in her sister's eye troubled her. Returning to plaiting Lizzy's hair, Jane asked, "But there is something that still concerns you?"

"He is a gentleman of the first circles, the master of a great estate. I am just a country girl, how can I possibly aspire to a man such as him? I must understand that this can be nothing more than a harmless flirtation that will end with him exiting the neighborhood when he has finished being useful to his friend." Lizzy's chest tightened at the thought.

Jane carefully set the brush on the dressing table. "My dear, perceptive sister," she laughed, "you count yourself so wise at times, and yet you have missed so much. For all you have talked, there are indeed some important things about your Mr. Darcy that you do not know."

Lizzy's brows lifted in alarm.

"Most important among these things is what he aspires for in a wife. The colonel has told me of his aunt and uncle, that they were a couple who loved each other deeply. His Uncle Darcy had little use for the Ton or its whims. He was, at heart, a country gentleman who loved nothing more than his home and family. Who does that sound like?

Lizzy answered with a chuckle, "It sounds very much like our Papa."

"It does, does it not? The elder Mr. Darcy loved his wife and his children dearly. Now his son wants the life he saw his father having. He has no desire for an heiress of the first circles. He wants someone who will love the life he loves. A simple country girl may very well be the kind of woman he most desires."

"And your Colonel Fitzwilliam told you all this?"

"Yes, he did."

Lizzy rose to stare at her sister in the looking glass, poised over Jane's shoulder. "Could he have told you of Mr. Darcy's preferences as a means of revealing something more? I notice you did not deny that he was your Colonel."

It was Jane's turn to blush hotly. "Like your Mr. Darcy, he has made no declarations to me," she responded primly, tucking a stray curl into place. "But I must confess that I do like him very well indeed."

A sudden commotion from downstairs drew their attention. "It sounds like our guests have begun to arrive." They grinned at each other and, clasping hands, dashed for the door.

In the hallway, they met their father and uncle. "Jane, Lizzy, you look very well tonight," Mr. Bennet declared warmly.

"Your good father is quite correct," Mr. Gardiner agreed.

"Tell me, do the both of you still feel up to company after all that has transpired today?" Mr. Bennet sighed sadly, feeling the weight of the troubling events.

The girls glanced at each other before Lizzy answered, "That man has stolen enough today. I have no intention of allowing him to take any more from us. We are all very much looking forward to keeping company tonight. I believe it will help us to put today's uncomfortable events behind us. I am determined to only look at the past as it gives me pleasure."

"Where have you found wisdom beyond your years?" Mr. Bennet sighed.

"Your aunt would be proud of you all," Mr. Gardiner agreed.

The girls stepped up to kiss the cheeks of both men.

"That's the way to treat your old father," Mr. Bennet patted their hands. "Go on downstairs. Your uncle and I will join you in a moment."

They glided lightly down the stairs. A moment later, Collins appeared, dressed for dinner. Mr. Bennet scowled. "What exactly do you presume, Mr. Collins?"

"Is it not time to entertain your guests? Then dinner is to be served, if I am correct. You cannot expect me to remain above stairs. What would my fellow clergymen think of such an abominably rude display?" Collins straightened his lapel and moved to push past the two older men.

"I believe my brother made it quite clear to you that you were not welcome at dinner tonight," Mr. Gardiner growled. "Your unconscionable behavior toward my niece disqualifies you from keeping polite company."

Collins laughed dismissively, "You have greatly misunderstood me, sirs. But we can behave as civilized men here, can we not?"

"No, apparently you cannot," Mr. Bennet declared firmly. "I meant exactly what I said to you this afternoon. You are not welcome at my table. I will not permit you to be in the same room as any of my daughters again. I give you a choice - you may keep to your rooms tonight, or I will have my butler show you to the door right now. I will accept no other alternatives."

"This is unheard of, sir! I am your cousin, your family, you cannot…"

"I can and I will. You have already set the standard. I am only returning it to you in kind. Now return to your rooms or get out." Mr. Bennet crossed his arms over his chest and glowered.

Collins mumbled under his breath and shuffled back to his room. Mr. Bennet followed him and watched the door shut. He removed a key from his pocket and locked the door with a determined turn of the key. "That should persuade him to remain in his place," he muttered.

"Yes, it should," Mr. Gardiner agreed. "Now, let us go down and enjoy our guests. Tonight we have the rare privilege of being in intelligent and sympathetic company without concern for pleasing the fancies of society. We should not allow such an uncommon opportunity go to waste."

"You are correct. Mr. Collins' behavior brings up memories of what happened to Fanny…" Mr. Bennet's voice trailed off grimly.

Gripping his brother's forearm, Mr. Gardiner nodded. "I know. But you are protecting your daughters as my own father never did. Even when we brought our concerns about our uncle to him, he did nothing to protect my sisters. Fanny's tragedy was the result of his inaction. You are doing better by your own girls. I know that neither of us will sleep tonight, but we will see them safe. Perhaps that will allow you to put these ghosts to rest."

Mr. Pierce and Mr. Bradley were the first to arrive. The sisters gathered on the front steps to greet them, too impatient to await their formal announcement by the Longbourn staff.

"Mr. Bradley!" Mary was the first to his side, welcoming him like a much loved grandfather.

He took her hand and kissed it warmly. "Miss Mary!" He leaned in and whispered, "He told me. You have made him a very happy man this day. You both have my blessings, dear child."

She kissed his weathered cheek, blushing, "You are very welcome here, Mr. Bradley. My father has been looking forward to your company very much."

"Miss Mary," Mr. Pierce's deep, comforting voice interrupted, "you look most lovely this evening."

"Thank you, sir." She blushed deeply as he took her hand and kissed it softly.

"There is Mr. Bingley's carriage!" Kitty called, dancing down to the bottom of the stairs.

A few moments later, the carriage lurched to a stop and Mr. Bingley bounded out. He energetically handed his sister out and hurried to greet his hostesses. "Such lovely company, I do declare. I can hardly think of when I have been greeted by so many agreeable ladies. Were that every dinner party should begin so!" He beamed as he found Kitty suddenly at his side. "Miss Kitty," he bowed over her hand and kissed it shyly.

"Welcome, Mr. Bingley, Miss Bingley…"

"Louisa, remember? Or have we returned to that formality once again?"

"Louisa," Kitty grinned, reaching for her friend's hand. "I am so glad you have come. How I have longed to have a dinner party. We have had practically no company at dinner since a very small party when Papa was gone to Kent. I must say it has been dreadfully dull. I am so pleased you have joined us!" She led them up the stairs into the house.

From the side of the carriage, Jane and Colonel Fitzwilliam watched their retreat.

"He certainly is an enthusiastic sort," Richard noted, shaking his head in bewilderment. "He reminds me of a pointer puppy I once had. Made a wonderful companion for my sister, but worthless as a hunter. He could not contain his bark, and was always jumping the gun!" He laughed warmly. "Do not get me wrong, Miss Bennet, he is a delightful fellow…"

"But quite eager, no? Have no worries, sir. I understand you perfectly. In many ways, he reminds me of my sister, full of good cheer and good thoughts toward everyone, but now always wholly effective in expressing it all," Jane replied demurely, a sedate smile in her eyes. "Please, do come in."

"I would like that very much." He offered her his arm and they mounted the stairs.

Lizzy and Darcy lingered as the carriage pulled away toward the stables.

"The clouds are gathering, sir. It looks like rain," she observed, looking into the distant sky, the gathering clouds glowing fiery red and orange in the setting sun.

"Indeed, you may be correct, Miss Elizabeth. The wind smells like rain." He glanced at her with a wistful laugh.

"You think it odd for us to be discussing the weather when this morning we debated Plato?" she challenged, her voice hardly above a whisper.

"You must own that it is somewhat odd."

"That a gentleman farmer should be attuned to the weather and concerned for its turning. No, sir, I can hardly account that as odd at all." Her twinkling eyes betrayed her mirth.

"And what am I, but a gentleman farmer." He laughed at the ironic truth of her statement. "I cannot say I have ever aspired to be more than that."

"You are a gentleman farmer, and I am a gentleman farmer's daughter…"

"So far we are equals." He offered her his arm.

Her breath hitched as she understood his subtle declaration. Jane was correct! A warm flush in her cheeks, she took his arm and entered the house.

Collins paced angrily in his room above stairs. From his window, he had watched the ladies of the house greet their guests. Those brazen little chits! How dare they put themselves forward in such a manner, and with Lady Catherine's nephews! The shame of it! I cannot believe Mr. Bennet would permit such behavior in his daughters! He should know better than to allow the girls to impose on men so far above themselves. Would these men pollute their families with such connections? No, this is not to be borne. No, it will not be. Lady Catherine will thank me for the service I render her this night.

His thoughts were interrupted by the squeal of a door opening. Laden with a tray, the young maid pushed open the servant's door. "The master ordered a tray be brought for you, sir," she muttered, eyes down.

Collins sneered at her. "Finish your business and make it quick," he snapped with greater annoyance than he felt.

"Yes, sir," she stammered. Her shaking hands rattled the glassware on the tray.

"Stupid fool! You will break the crystal! Have a care! Have a care!" He stepped toward the maid who was now nearly in tears. "If you break anything, I will cut the cane for the housekeeper myself!"

She juggled the tray slightly and finally set it to rest on a small table. "Hill don't beat the staff," she muttered angrily. "The Bennets won't 'ave it."

Collins grabbed her arm and yanked her to him, "Then I will do it myself! Out with you! Do not return. You may collect the tray tomorrow when I am not in my rooms. If I see you again, I will be sure to make you pay for your insolence myself." He whirled her about and shoved her toward the servant's door. She ran through it and scurried away. He heard her footsteps running down the narrow corridor. A thin smile broke out as he tested the doorknob. In her haste and discomfiture, the maid had failed to lock the door.

Below stairs, a merry party formed. The parlor was filled with a large group of friends who listened as Colonel Fitzwilliam regaled them with stories of the young officers he had been called upon to train during his last tour of duty.

"I must say, Colonel," Bingley laughed, "the way you tell it, the Army is far more entertaining than most dinner parties I have attended." He grinned at Kitty.

"I assure you, that is simply the positive nature of my cousin coming through," Darcy cut in quickly. "He has had much experience in refining his tales for the polite drawing room his mother, Lady Matlock, insists upon. His experiences have been far from fitting for civilized company." He looked at Fitzwilliam with an expression of great compassion. Richard returned it with a look of gratitude.

Both Bradley and Lizzy watched the interplay between the cousins closely, seeing how much it revealed about both men. Mr. Bennet noticed Lizzy's attentions toward Mr. Darcy, only slightly surprised at the warmth in his daughter's eyes. Bradley approves of him, says he's a worthy young man. I trust his judgment. Bradley is not a man to suffer fools gladly. Nor is my daughter. His cousin is a good man as well, but he has seen hard days. Jane's quiet nature soothes him. He turned his eyes to his eldest daughter, seated beside the officer. I believe she fancies his self-assurance. He is quite different from those young pups that have come sniffing after her, wet behind the ears and barely weaned from their mamas. None of them lit her eyes the way he does. He sighed wistfully. I knew I would lose them one day. But is it fair to lose them all at once? Looking at Pierce, I can see he is waiting to have words with me concerning Mary. He's been fond of her for quite some time, but the last two months seem to have solidified his interest. If the look on her face is any indication, she returns it. Perhaps Kitty will encourage Bingley to continue on at Netherfield. She has become such a different girl with her sisters' attention. Bingley's high spirits suit her well.

He glanced at his brother and sighed. Mr. Gardiner nodded wistfully, clearly guessing Mr. Bennet's thoughts. Leaning across the small table that separated them, Mr. Gardiner patted his brother's shoulder. "You knew it would come. At least they are all worthy men. Fanny will be beside herself with joy," he whispered.

"Once Collins is gone, we will write Madeline and ask if she feels Fanny is strong enough to return. She should not miss this time with her girls."

"That is a splendid idea. I am sure you miss her."

"I do," Mr. Bennet smiled softly, "I do."

The laughter and congenial conversation continued until Hill indicated to Mr. Bennet that dinner was ready to serve. He rose and offered his arm to Miss Bingley, and escorted her to the dining room. Couples formed and exited the parlor with Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bradley bringing up the rear.

Mrs. Bennet prided herself on setting a fine table. Even in her absence, her staff and daughters did her proud. The Colonel proclaimed it the finest meal he had enjoyed since he left his own mother's table. Bingley heartily agreed, though Mr. Bennet secretly suspected he would have agreed with any praise of his daughters. That alone was enough to endear him to his host.

Bradley compared the white soup to that served at Pemberley, and Darcy agreed. Fitzwilliam declared that high praise indeed, given Darcy's highly discriminating palate.

"It is a shame that Caroline could not be with us tonight," Louisa remarked amidst sips of the rich soup. "She does so enjoy a good white soup."

"Might I inquire if she is well this night?" Mr. Bennet asked, "I have heard much of your sister, and must confess to my disappointment in her absence." His brows rose with a touch of sarcasm.

"She was far too tired from her travels to perform well in company," Bingley smoothly answered, unflustered by his host's pointed humor. "We strongly recommended that she remain behind so that she could rest and regain herself. She has never been one to travel with equanimity. Even as a child, she found it quite taxing."

"I remember when you both visited me at Pemberley," Darcy agreed, "it was several days before she was sufficiently recovered to leave her rooms."

I know he means to be encouraging, but I hate to be reminded of her then. She was dreadful! But I suppose it was not so different from how she has always been. Bingley felt the blush rising on his cheeks.

"Well, I suppose we shall just have to have you all to dinner again when Miss Caroline is fully recovered," Jane quickly offered, recognizing Bingley's distress.

"Hear hear! That is a capital idea." Fitzwilliam raised his glass, toasting the suggestion. The other guests followed suit.

The meal progressed in the same vein with polite manners and intelligent conversation all around. Finally Mr. Bennet recommended that the gentleman withdraw with him to his study and the ladies to the drawing room. Jane led the ladies away as the men watched. They then followed Mr. Bennet to his sanctum.

Once there, they quickly dispersed, Darcy to examine the bookshelves, the colonel and Bingley to a friendly game of chess, Gardiner and Bradley went to converse near the fireplace, leaving Pierce a moment with Mr. Bennet. Without a word, his host went to his brandy bottle and offered his guest a glass. Pierce accepted it with a thoughtful glance around the room.

The young curate smiled to himself and shrugged his shoulders. I am among friends here. If I cannot find strength in this place, then there is indeed no hope for me. With a deep breath, he began, "I had hoped to have a moment to speak with you, sir."

"Well I hope it is not a private audience you desired, Mr. Pierce, for there will be little of that tonight." Mr. Bennet lifted his brow sardonically.

"I can see that, sir. But I believe you know well enough what I am here about, and if there were indeed a need for privacy, you would not have allowed me even this much opportunity." Pierce raised his glass to his host with a matching expression.

"You presume a great deal, young man," he laughed. "Just what business do you have with me?"

"You cannot have failed to notice my preference for your daughter, Miss Mary. I…" his heart caught in his throat, "I would like for your permission to court her." He held his breath without realizing it.

"Court her! That is astonishing, Mr. Pierce. The way I saw you looking at her this evening, I felt certain that you would be asking for her hand tonight." He cocked his head toward Pierce and nodded at the men behind him whose attention had now been riveted on the soft conversation.

For a moment, Pierce was dumbstruck, uncertain of how to respond. Finally he composed himself to say, "I would certainly ask for her hand if I could, but I am still but a curate, I have little to offer her. The only settlement I could offer today would not be a fitting one for a woman such as your daughter." Though his tone was somber, he winked at Bradley over Bennet's shoulder.

"I see, that is indeed a quandary," Bennet smoothly replied.

Bradley cleared his throat loudly, turning all attention to himself. "I believe my young friend underestimates his value, Mr. Bennet."

"Indeed, how is that?" Mr. Bennet stepped toward the vicar, settling himself in the empty chair next to him.

"If he will take my offer, you are speaking to the next vicar of the Kympton living in Derbyshire," Bradley gazed intently at Pierce.

"Indeed. I was not aware that it was in your power to decide such things, sir." Mr. Bennet leaned his chin on his fist, waiting for explanation.

Darcy turned from the bookcase to join the conversation. "Ordinarily, that is true, Mr. Bennet," he began, coming to stand behind Bradley's seat. "But in this case, he is quite correct."

"Well go on. With an opening like that, you can hardly expect me to be satisfied with anything less than the whole story." If you are going to keep up with my Lizzy, you will have to be able to stand such an interrogation. She will not tolerate prevarication by anyone.

"It took me a long while to convince Mr. Bradley to become my vicar. Part of our agreement was that he would be able to choose his successor and train him during his lifetime. I have promised to accept his choice and install that man as vicar when the time comes. In the meantime, Mr. Bradley's curate will have use of a manse that was built for Mr. Bradley by my good father during his curacy. He will be well treated, as was his predecessor," Darcy and Bradley shared a warm smile.

"Mr. Darcy, like his father, is a man of his word, Mr. Pierce and Mr. Bennet. It will be done as he promises. The Darcy family has a legacy of generosity to their clergy," Bradley affirmed, the look in his eye speaking more than his words.

Mr. Bennet screwed his lips into a thoughtful expression. "Well, I suppose there is only one thing for me to say after such a declaration." He cast his steely gaze on Pierce. "Do you plan to accept his offer? And, if so, do you wish to change your question to me?"

Pierce stared in stunned silence for a moment. Finally he composed himself and squared his shoulders. He glanced around the room at the encouraging faces that met him. How unconventional to ask for my beloved's hand from her father in the presence of so many. But these are the men who will be my future family. I am sure of it. My brothers, my uncle, my fathers… He glanced at Bradley, who blinked and nodded his approval. Pierce felt a hard lump in his throat. "Sir, I do wish to accept Mr. Bradley's kind offer, and I would like to ask your permission to ask your daughter, Miss Mary, for her hand in marriage."

Finally Mr. Bennet smiled, "I congratulate you on your boldness, sir. Not many men have the heart to ask such a question in the presence of so large an audience. There are few men I can tolerate with equanimity, but I believe you may be one of them." Seeing the still uneasy look on Pierce's face, he took pity on the younger man and clapped his shoulder.

"Thank you, sir," Pierce finally began to breathe again and reached to shake Mr. Bennet's hand. Soon he was surrounded by congratulations and well wishes on all sides.

Finally Mr. Bennet captured their attention once more. "It seems a good time to rejoin the ladies. The girls have no secrets among themselves, I am certain. They will immediately see Mary's joy and wish to share it with her. So I will bring this," he held up his crystal decanter, "and offer a toast to our courting, but not yet engaged, couple." They all laughed and followed their host to the parlor.

As the men entered the room, Mary immediately sought her beau's eyes. One glance spoke all she needed, and her eyes lit with delight. As predicted, her sisters were closely watching, and Kitty let out a squeal of glee and rushed to embrace her older sister. "I am so happy for you!" she whispered in Mary's ear.

Blushing, Pierce made his way to Mary's side. Gallantly he took her hand and lifted it to his lips to kiss it gently.

"Hear, hear!" Bingley cried, applauding. The others followed his lead, congratulating the not-yet couple's joy.

"But we are not yet engaged," Mary protested, confused.

"You are surrounded by friends who love you, and they have enough faith that you soon will be, that they are free to wish you joy," Bradley explained, his eyes moist. "Such moments are incredibly rare and precious. Enjoy it, Miss Mary. It is certainly time for you to be at the center of such a one."

Tears stung Mary's eyes as she scanned the room full of happy faces and loving support, joy overwhelming her. She turned to see her father at her side, and stretched on tip toe to kiss his cheek. She turned to Mr. Bradley and did the same. "I am so very very happy."

"Play us a song, Mr. Bradley!" Mr. Gardiner cried, retrieving an old violin from a cabinet near the fireplace. The girls all looked surprised to see the instrument. "I see you did not know that your mother once played this instrument. I do not believe she has touched it since Jane was born. But it is high time that it be played once again."

Modestly, Bradley took the instrument. Encouraged by Darcy's smile, he tuned the violin against the pianoforte and began to play a lively tune. He played two more pieces, encouraging his audience to sing along. Then he played a duet with Mary, to the delight of all their listeners. Finally tired, he invited the ladies to exhibit their talents.

Somewhere in the middle of Louisa's polished performance, a deafening crack of thunder rattled the windows. The ladies screamed, startled, then giggled. A moment later, huge raindrops began pelting the windows. The storm increased in intensity until the pounding rain obscured all vision.

"Oh dear!" Jane exclaimed. "However will you make it back home in this weather?"

Her father came to stand beside her, laying a warm hand on her arm. "They cannot go home in this weather, my dear." He raised his voice slightly. "It seems the caprice of the weather is upon us, and the night is not fit for a dog to traverse through. May I extend the hospitality of Longbourn to you all for the night?"

"Oh yes, Papa!" Kitty squealed, catching Louisa's hands in hers. "You must stay in my room with me! It will be such fun… We can invite my sisters to join us…"

"Will that please them?" Louisa asked timidly.

"Indeed it will! It is ever so much fun. We do it often. Please say you will!"

Bingley watched Kitty's exuberance with a lump in his throat. What a dear friend she is to Louisa. Louisa needs this so, especially after what Caroline had to say this afternoon. Kitty glanced up at him and smiled. He beamed at her, sighing happily. "Thank you so much for your gracious invitation. My sister and I will be delighted to accept."

Glancing at Jane, Fitzwilliam declared, "Since we shared a carriage with the Bingleys, I suppose their acceptance insures our own."

"You are free to walk if you will, cousin," Darcy countered, his eyes twinkling. "An army man like you can hardly mind such a little thing as the weather.

"Retired, cousin, retired. That is the significant point to be remembered. My days of tromping about in the rain are over, if I have any say in the matter!" He laughed heartily. "Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Bennet. I shall enjoy spending a nice dry evening amongst this delightful company."

"And you, sirs?" Mr. Bennet turned to Pierce and Bradley.

"My mother raised no fools, sir!" Bradley chuckled. "These old bones will be grateful to stay warm and dry tonight!"

Mr. Bennet breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Though company generally makes me uneasy, tonight, of all nights, I am grateful for the intrusion. I still doubt I will sleep, but my heart will rest easier. I know Edward's threat cut Collins to the core, but the presence of Mr. Darcy's vicar in the house, to witness any dubious behavior, will surely stay his hand. The toad will certainly be unwilling to risk an unfavorable report reaching his patroness' ears. He settled back in his chair to enjoy the fellowship of the company around him, an uncommon feeling of warmth suffusing his being.

* PS 27:1