24. Chapter 24

Chapter 23

Elizabeth took a deep breath, savoring the smell of earth after a cleansing rain. She was walking with Mr Darcy in the park near her Uncle's home, her sister walking several paces behind with Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana. They were enjoying the sunshine and warm weather after several days of unrelenting rain.

Elizabeth looked up as a gust of wind rushed through the small grove of trees, causing the leaves to rustle with a soft, melodic sound. The sun filtering through the thick canopy of leaves caused light to dance on the path in front of her. Jane's soft laughter sounded behind her and she smiled, tilting her head back to catch the beams of sunlight on her face.

Happiness. This is what it felt like; warm sunshine, the smell of verdant foliage, and most importantly, her companion walking close beside her. She wanted to memorize this feeling of utter contentment and peace, hold it close to her heart. Remember it always.

"What are you thinking Elizabeth?" Mr Darcy's soft voice penetrated her thoughts.

Elizabeth opened her eyes to meet Mr Darcy's soft gaze. She bit her lip, blushing slightly. You.I am thinking of you. Since their conversation last Sunday, there had been an unmistakable shift in their relationship. She hadn't realized before how her fears and insecurities had kept her from being completely open with him. Admitting to herself that she loved Mr Darcy had caused the last protective barrier she had placed around her heart to fall away.

She smiled, grasping his arm a little tighter and said simply, "I am thinking how happy I am, Mr Darcy. It is a glorious day." She looked up at him, a playful gleam in her eyes and said teasingly, "The company is not bad, either."

Darcy laughed, bowing his head in acknowledgement. "I am glad I meet with your approval, Elizabeth."

"Indeed you do, sir," Elizabeth said happily. With a raised brow, she said, "I see you have dropped all pretense of calling me Miss Elizabeth, Mr Darcy."

Darcy smiled, nodding his head. "Yes, to me you have always been Elizabeth. Miss Elizabeth is much too formal. Don't you agree?"

Elizabeth nodded her head. "Yes, I agree."

"Although, in company I suppose I will have to continue to address you properly."

Elizabeth laughed, "Yes, my Uncle would not be amused to hear you calling me by my Christian name."

Darcy hesitated briefly before saying, "Elizabeth, I would like for you to address me as Fitzwilliam when we are alone."

Elizabeth arched one delicate eyebrow and asked lightheartedly, "Is that a command, Mr Darcy?"

Darcy stopped, turning to face her. He searched her face, taking in every beloved feature. He smiled, bringing her gloved hand to his lips for a kiss. "It is a request. I would like it very much if you would."

Elizabeth blushed and looked down. She wanted to, but she wished to save it for a specific occasion, so she simply nodded.

Darcy gently raised her chin. "But only if you are comfortable with doing so," he added softly.

Elizabeth stared at Mr Darcy, barely daring to breathe as his gaze roved over her face lovingly. Her breath caught as his gaze drifted to her lips and he slowly lifted his hand, lightly tracing her lips with his finger.

A throat cleared loudly some distance behind them. Darcy closed his eyes, lowering his hand. Opening his eyes he turned his head, glaring at his smirking cousin. Miss Bennet was looking back and forth between him and Elizabeth, her eyes wide. Georgiana's eyes were bright; bouncing lightly on her toes, barely containing her excitement.

He sighed, turning to look at Elizabeth. As she met his gaze, a beautiful blush spread over her face. He smiled sheepishly, offering his arm so they could resume their walk. Remorsefully, he said, "Forgive me, Elizabeth. I forgot myself for a moment."

Elizabeth nodded her head, unable to speak. How mortifying! Jane would certainly be having words with her later. She searched for something to say. Her Aunt had encouraged her to speak to Mr Darcy about her mother. Now that he knew the worst, she could be more open with him; show him that she trusted him.

Quietly, she said, "I received another letter from my mother this morning."

Darcy inhaled sharply. What could that woman possibly have to say now? He perused Elizabeth's face trying to ascertain her state of mind. She looked peaceful, content. Happy. Darcy breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Whatever was said, it hadn't affected her.

"Don't you want to know what was said, Mr Darcy?" Elizabeth asked, her eyes shining with a triumphant light.

Darcy looked at Elizabeth, surprised at the mischievous glimmer in her eyes. His eyes narrowed. "You didn't read it, did you?"

Elizabeth smiled, exultantly. "I did not. I immediately tore it to shreds." It had been difficult. The need to read it had been almost overpowering, but she had prevailed.

With a laugh, she continued, "I shocked poor Simmons. He gaped at me for a full five seconds before hastily bowing and retreating with more speed than I thought possible."

Darcy smiled, placing his free hand over Elizabeth's wrapped around his arm. "I am glad, Elizabeth."

Softly, she said, "You gave me the courage to do it, Mr Darcy. Thank you."

Darcy shook his head, stopping their progress so he could look at her. "No, Elizabeth. You did that." As Elizabeth opened her mouth to protest, he gently placed his fingers over her lips. He repeated firmly, "You did that, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth took a deep breath before saying so quietly, Darcy had to lean in to hear her. "My mother didn't always treat me so disdainfully."

Darcy's brows raised in surprise. "No? When did it start?"

"Not until I was around 8 or so." Elizabeth glanced up at Mr Darcy, her eyes full of a long held pain. "Before that, she always acted exasperated by my behavior as I was rather lively and precocious as a child. But her behavior towards me was never disparaging or contemptuous." In a softer voice, she added, "That came later."

Darcy clenched his jaw in anger. "Why? Why does she treat you so, Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth whispered, "I don't know, Mr Darcy. I have thought about it many times, but I have never been able to discover the motive for her changed behavior towards me." As an afterthought, she added, "Her behavior towards me changed gradually, until by the time I was 12, I could barely remember the mother she had been before."

"Did something occur when you were 8 that could have caused your mother's behavior to change?"

"I don't recall anything out of the ordinary happening at that time." She bit her lip, shaking her head, "But I was a child, if something did happen, I was not aware of it."

"May I ask a personal question, Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth looked at Mr Darcy, surprised by the hesitancy evident in his voice. "Of course."

Darcy paused, debating whether he had a right to ask. Taking a deep breath, he inquired, "How is your parents relationship?"

Confused, Elizabeth responded, "My parents?" She shrugged. "I think the word I would use would be apathetic. They are completely indifferent to one another. They hardly occupy the same room, except for meals. My father spends the majority of his time, hiding in his study."

Darcy had to repress the urge to say some cutting remark against her father. "And your mother? What is her attitude towards your father?"

Elizabeth paused, considering Mr Darcy's question. It was difficult to say as she didn't observe her parents together very often. When they were together, her mother usually ignored her father. They never addressed each other, unless absolutely necessary. For almost as long as she could remember, they had acted like strangers living in the same house. But there were several instances when her mothers expression as she gazed on her father had been...

"Resentful," Elizabeth whispered. She looked at Mr Darcy with sudden awareness, "She resents him."

Darcy's brow lowered in contemplation. "Do you know why?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "No. When I was younger I believed they shared a mutual regard and affection. They were never openly affectionate, but they tolerated one another with equanimity." She rubbed her forehead, trying to make sense of her parents failed relationship.

"I wonder," Elizabeth quietly mused.

Darcy waited until Elizabeth was ready. He was honored that she trusted him enough to talk openly about her family life. He knew it couldn't be easy for her.

"I could be guessing, but I think my parents relationship began to fail when my mother failed to birth a son."

Darcy looked at Elizabeth in astonishment. "Why would that have any bearing on your parents relationship?"

Quietly, Elizabeth responded, "Longbourn is entailed away from the female line, Mr Darcy. When my father dies, Longbourn will go to my father's cousin, Mr Collins. No doubt the disappointment put a strain on their relationship, perhaps beyond repair."

Darcy was silent, not knowing what to say. He couldn't imagine how uncertain Mrs Bennet felt in her future and the future of her daughters. However pitiable her plight, it in no way justified her treatment of Elizabeth. He was grateful that Pemberley was not entailed. If he and Elizabeth only had daughters it would not affect them in the least. And if they were not blessed with children, Georgiana's oldest son would inherit.

Darcy gazed sadly at Elizabeth. He couldn't imagine what her home life was like. He had been blessed with two loving parents, who loved their children and each other. He kissed Elizabeth's hand, compassion filling his heart. "I am sorry, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth smiled softly, "It is not your fault, Mr Darcy. But thank you for listening."

Darcy squeezed Elizabeth's hand and said with conviction, "I said I would always be here for you, Elizabeth and that you could tell me anything. I meant what I said. I am honored that you trust me enough to share this with me." In a soft voice, he added, "I know it can't be easy for you to talk about such a painful subject."

Elizabeth pondered Mr Darcy's words. "It is not as difficult as I imagined it would be." She knew it was because she felt secure in his affections and intentions. She smiled contentedly at the thought.

Wanting to change the subject, she asked about how the search for John Williamson was progressing.

Surprised, Darcy responded, "Hasn't your Uncle kept you informed?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "No, he hasn't. I am anxious for him to be found."

"I am sure. I will be relieved as well. I don't like the idea of you being threatened."

Elizabeth smiled. "I don't feel threatened in the least, Mr Darcy. Although, I don't quite like the idea of being followed by your hired men whenever I leave the house, I don't even notice them anymore. But, that is not the reason I want him found."

"No? You mean there is another reason more important than finding the man who could mean you harm?" Darcy looked at Elizabeth in consternation.

Elizabeth replied with conviction, "Answers, Mr Darcy. My uncle promised me answers after Mr Williamson is found."

"Ah, I see. He was not forthcoming with his history with that gentleman?" Darcy was not surprised. He didn't understand why Gardiner felt it necessary to be so secretive. Probably guilt. Whatever his history, it couldn't be anything good. He just hoped it didn't affect Elizabeth negatively.

Elizabeth nodded her head. "John Williamson is directly connected to my mother, Mr Darcy. I can't help but think he is the reason my mother is so bitter and vindictive." She shook her head. "I guess I am hoping it will help me understand my mother a little better."

Darcy said firmly, "It in no way excuses her behavior towards you, Elizabeth."

"I know. I may never know why she treats me the way she does, but I can at least try to understand her motives for doing so. It will help me, I think. Does that make sense?"

Darcy slowly nodded his head. "Yes. You want to understand her so you can move past the hurt she has caused." Softly, he added, "So you can try to forgive her."

Elizabeth stared at Mr Darcy, tears filling her eyes. He understood. She whispered, "Does that make me a fool, Mr Darcy?"

Darcy stopped and turned, grasping both her hands in his as he said, earnestly. "No, Elizabeth. It does not make you a fool. It is just another example of who you are. You are truly a remarkable woman, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth shook her head vehemently. "No, I am not. If I were, I would have forgiven her long ago. I don't even know if I am capable of forgiving her."

"The fact that you desire it and that you are trying is testament to your strong character, Elizabeth. Most people would hold a grudge and allow their misfortunes to turn them bitter." Like your mother.

Wiping away a tear, Elizabeth responded, "It is because I don't want to turn out like my mother than I am trying to forgive her."

Darcy handed Elizabeth a handkerchief, tenderly wiping a lingering tear from her face. "You could never be like your mother, Elizabeth. You are too good."

Elizabeth didn't respond. She was more like her mother than Mr Darcy knew. Not just in appearance, but temperament as well. How many times had she heard her father say how much she reminded him of her mother when she was that age? If her mother was capable of becoming bitter, than so was she.

As Elizabeth wiped away her remaining tears, she noticed her sister down the path, looking between her and Mr Darcy, a distressed look on her face. Elizabeth smiled reassuringly. She hoped Jane didn't think her and Mr Darcy were at odds.

Elizabeth turned to Mr Darcy, who was watching her with a tender expression on his face. She blushed, clearing her throat. "I think it would be best if we discuss something more pleasant, Mr Darcy. My sister is about to come and take me away from you for causing me distress."

Darcy again offered his arm, drawing her close to his side. "We can't have that." Darcy smiled down at Elizabeth as they resumed walking. "What would you like to discuss? I can think of any number of pleasant topics."

With a raised brow, Elizabeth replied, "How about your upcoming birthday? Tell me, what does the illustrious Mr Darcy want for his birthday?"

You.Darcy cleared his throat, and said, "I don't require gifts, Elizabeth. I have everything I need." Almost.

Elizabeth looked downcast. "Oh. Well, I guess I won't give you my gifts."

Darcy's eyes lit up. "Gifts? You mean you bought me more than one?"

Elizabeth smiled at Mr Darcy's eager response. "I bought you one gift, Mr Darcy."

"But you said gifts, Elizabeth. Meaning more than one," Darcy replied seriously, his eyes twinkling with suppressed laughter.

Elizabeth shook her head in amusement. Mr Darcy looked so carefree, so happy. She realized that it was very similar to his expression from the portrait of him as a young man. She remembered Georgiana showing her that portrait on her very first visit to Darcy House. Was it really almost one month ago?

"I said I bought you one gift, Mr Darcy. Which would imply that the other is not something I bought."

A slow smile spread across Darcy's face. "You made something for me?"

Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. "Maybe."

"Minx. What is it?"

Elizabeth laughed. "Mr Darcy, I remember you saying you liked surprises. If I told you it would not be a surprise, now would it?"

Darcy gave Elizabeth a mock glare. "You, Miss Elizabeth are cruel to leave me in torment."

Elizabeth raised a brow. "So I am Miss Elizabeth again, am I?"

Darcy nodded, "And you will remain so until I get what I want."

"Your gifts." Elizabeth stated.

With a sideways glance at Elizabeth, Darcy replied, mysteriously, "Among other things."

Elizabeth's brow lowered in confusion. What other things? She glanced up at Mr Darcy to see a small smile on his face. As if sensing her perusal, Mr Darcy looked down at her. She sucked in a breath at the look in his eyes. She hadn't seen that particular expression since...their almost kiss. As if knowing the direction of her thoughts, Mr Darcy's gaze moved to linger on her lips. Elizabeth blushed, looking away.

Breathlessly, she asked, "Tell me about your dinner party, Mr Darcy. Who have you invited?"

Darcy blinked at the sudden change in topic. He cleared his throat. "Only those you know. Your Aunt, Uncle and sister as well as my Aunt and Uncle, sister, and cousin."

"What about Lady Worthington and Lord Worthington?" Elizabeth asked.

Darcy raised his brows. "I had not thought to invite them." Thoughtfully, he said, "Perhaps that is an oversight on my part?"

Darcy watched Elizabeth to gauge her reaction. If she wanted them to be invited, then he would. He preferred small, intimate gatherings, but he would not mind adding a few more guests, especially since he hadn't heard from Bingley.

Elizabeth nodded enthusiastically. "It would be nice to see her again. I owe her so much and I would enjoy spending more time with her."

Darcy looked at Elizabeth in surprise. "I didn't realize that you felt that way about Lady Worthington. Of course I will invite her, if that is your wish."

"I would not presume to tell you who to invite to your own dinner party, Mr Darcy," Elizabeth began, then blushed as she realized she had done just that.

"On the contrary, Miss Elizabeth," Darcy replied. He paused, waiting for Elizabeth to meet his eyes, before saying in a low voice, "You have every right."

Elizabeth stared wide eyed at Mr Darcy, her mouth slightly agape in astonishment. He had made veiled references to their future together before, but never so blatantly. Before she could think of a witty rejoinder, or why he had made such an obvious comment, the rest of their party joined them on the path.

Richard looked at his cousin and Miss Elizabeth in amusement. "I think we have kept the ladies out long enough, Darcy. Don't you think?"

Darcy tore his gaze away from Elizabeth to bestow a glare at his cousin. What horrible timing Richard had. "Why don't we ask the ladies, cousin?" Darcy replied, displeased.

With a twinkle in his eye, Richard turned to Jane. "What say you, Miss Bennet? Have you had enough of my dour company today?"

Jane looked at the Colonel for a moment before replying sweetly, "I have, Colonel. However, I would enjoy spending time with your cousin."

"Darcy?" Richard cried in mock horror.

Everyone laughed as Jane blushed. "No, you silly man. I meant Miss Darcy, Colonel."

With a wink, Richard replied, "Of course you did, Miss Bennet."

Richard asked Darcy, "So, what are you two talking about so seriously? I hope we're not interrupting anything?"

With a smile, Elizabeth replied, "Not at all, Colonel. We were talking about Mr Darcy's upcoming birthday."

Richard raised his brows in amusement. "Indeed?" Turning to Elizabeth with a mischievous grin, he asked, "Did he tell you what he wants for his birthday?"

"Richard," Darcy said in warning.

"What?" Richard responded innocently.

Darcy shook his head. Richard had teased him mercilessly the past week about all Darcy wanting for his birthday was a few moments alone with Elizabeth so he could finally kiss her.

Elizabeth looked back and forth between Mr Darcy and the Colonel, sensing an unspoken tension between them. She shook her head. Smiling, she said, "Mr Darcy was informing me of who was coming."

"Ah, so he told you all about his friend, Mr Bingley and his sister?"

Darcy suppressed a groan. He was going to kill Richard. Slowly. "Richard, I have not heard from Bingley. I don't believe he is coming."

Darcy turned to Elizabeth and explained. "My friend, Charles Bingley has been in the North for the past six months due to his mother's unexpected passing last November."

Elizabeth watched as a flash of pain crossed Mr Darcy's handsome face as he mentioned Mrs Bingley's passing. Elizabeth sighed. Maybe she would someday have the courage to broach that topic. She knew that he had never fully healed from that tragic event. He was helping her overcome the hurt of her mother's disdain, the least she could do was help him grieve for his mother properly.

"I am very sorry to hear of Mrs Bingley's passing. Perhaps we will meet your friend on another occasion?" Elizabeth asked hopefully. She was interested to know what type of friends the reserved Mr Darcy had.

"He is invited to Pemberley every August, Lizzy. So I am sure you will become acquainted with him then." Georgiana said excitedly. She couldn't wait until her brother married Lizzy and brought her to Pemberley. Then she would have Lizzy all to herself.

An awkward silence fell following Georgiana's innocent statement. Elizabeth blushed a deep red, turning away from Mr Darcy, focusing her attention on the wild flowers on the side of the path.

"Did I say something wrong?'" Georgiana inquired hesitantly, her expression dismayed.

Hearing the distress in her young friends voice, Elizabeth was quick to offer reassurances. "Not at all, Georgiana. I am very much looking forward to meeting Mr Bingley and his sister."

Richard laughed. "You would not say that, Miss Elizabeth if you were acquainted with Miss Bingley. She is rather..."

"Richard. Enough." Darcy admonished.

Jane, trying to steer the conversation toward a more safe topic, asked, "Tell us about your friend, Mr Darcy. How did you meet him?"

Darcy smiled gratefully at Elizabeth's sister. Yes, Miss Bennet would do very well for Richard. He needed a calming presence in his life to counter his restless and exuberant spirit.

As they made their way back to Gardiners, Darcy shared how he met Bingley at Cambridge, taking the younger man under his wing.

"He was like a little lost puppy," Richard explained with a grin.

Darcy shook his head, "He was not, Richard. He was simply in a new environment, surrounded by strangers."

"That's what I said, a lost puppy."

Darcy glared at his cousin. "Anyway, he quickly acclimated to his new environment as Bingley is naturally a very amiable fellow, and it was not difficult for him to make friends."

"Unlike, my reserved cousin, here." Richard responded impertinently.

Ignoring Richard, Darcy shared anecdotes of the two years he and Bingley were at Cambridge together.

"You mean, he didn't even think to look in the mirror before taking his oral exam?" Jane asked breathlessly, holding her stomach from laughing so hard. She looked forward to meeting this friend of Mr Darcy's. He sounded like a delightful companion.

"I still can't believe you painted a moustache on Mr Bingley while he slept, Mr Darcy," Elizabeth said with amusement, wiping tears of mirth from her eyes. Who knew Mr Darcy had such a teasing streak in him?

Darcy smiled at Elizabeth, mesmerized by the brilliance of her eyes. She was stunning when she laughed.

"Well, Miss Elizabeth. Guess where he got the idea from," Richard said, waggling his eyebrows.

Jane gave an unladylike snort. "Figures. You are a dreadful influence, Colonel Fitzwilliam."

Richard clutched his chest, "I am hurt, Miss Bennet. Darcy would be an old stick in the mud if not for my influence."

Georgiana laughed. "I have to agree with Jane, cousin. You are a terrible influence on my brother."

Everyone laughed as Richard feigned a wounded expression. He shook his head. "No one appreciates what I try to do." With a sly grin, he added, "You haven't asked what Bingley did in retaliation."

"Richard," Darcy said, shooting his cousin a warning look.

Ignoring his cousin, Richard said with a wide grin, "He cut a hole in the back of Darcy's head, the size of his fist."

Everyone burst out laughing. Darcy shook his head, his face flushing from embarrassment. He growled, "It was not a fair retaliation. The ink I applied on Bingley's face washed off within a day. Whereas I had to practically shave my head or walk around with a bald patch until it grew back."

Elizabeth looked sympathetically at Mr Darcy. "I can't imagine you with such short hair, Mr Darcy." Unconsciously she reached up, lightly fingering his hair resting just above his collar. Realizing what she had just done, she snatched her hand away, blushing a deep red.

Elizabeth stammered, "Forgive me, Mr Darcy." She closed her eyes in mortification, wishing she could just disappear. What had she been thinking? To do such a thing in front of Mr Darcy's sister and cousin! She couldn't bring herself to look at him. She forced herself to keep walking, keeping her face turned away.

Darcy took a deep breath. This woman would be the death of him. He glanced at his cousin who wore a very smug expression on his face. When Darcy met his gaze, he winked. Darcy sighed. He glanced at Elizabeth who refused to look at him. She still had his arm but she had distanced herself as much as possible. He frowned, that would not do at all. He reached over, laying his hand over hers resting on his arm, bringing her once again close to his side. Squeezing her hand, he whispered so the others would not hear, "I am not offended, Miss Elizabeth." Quite the contrary.

Elizabeth took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. Tentatively, she glanced up at him to see his reaction. She was surprised at the look of utter contentment on his face. When she met his gaze, he smiled.

"Please don't make yourself uneasy, Miss Elizabeth." Darcy said reassuringly.

Elizabeth nodded her head, and responded softly, "Thank you."

Richard cleared his throat. "Well, don't feel too badly for Mr Darcy as he got back at Bingley a fortnight later."

Jane, still reeling from her sister's indiscreet and improper gesture, asked, "What did he do, Colonel?"

"I know!" Georgiana exclaimed a little too loudly. "He put ink in his tea, which turned his teeth black!"

Elizabeth gasped. "You didn't!"

"Oh, he most certainly did. He made me proud that day," Richard said with satisfaction.

Jane shook her head, "It didn't make him sick, did it?"

"Of course not, I didn't put in that much. Although, it did stain his teeth for a month. His demeanor was rather subdued that month," Darcy recollected fondly.

At Elizabeth's confused look, Darcy explained, "Bingley is a very happy, amiable individual and is rather expressive in his address. It was impossible for him to talk, smile or laugh without his teeth showing."

Elizabeth started laughing. "I see. Poor Mr Bingley. It will be difficult to meet him with equanimity as I will imagine him with a painted moustache and black teeth!"

Darcy smiled. "Indeed. But Bingley is a kind-hearted fellow, he is not one to take offense. He would be the first person to laugh."

"He sounds a lot like you, Colonel." Jane observed with a smile.

Darcy forestalled his cousin by saying, "No, not at all, Bingley is rather..." He rubbed his chin trying to think of the correct word.

"I think the word you are looking for is absentminded, forgetful, scatterbrained." Richard supplied helpfully with a grin.

"Yes, thank you, Richard, " Darcy said dryly. "Bingley is not unintelligent, but he is rather forgetful."

Richard snorted. "That's putting it mildly. It's a good thing the man has a good valet or he would likely leave the house without the proper articles of clothing."

"Richard!" Darcy admonished. "Need I remind you that ladies are present?"

"Forgive me, ladies," Richard bowed his head. "I don't think I need to say that I forgot myself for a moment." In an quiet voice, he added, "As others here have done." Richard winked at Elizabeth, causing her to blush crimson.

Darcy shook his head in exasperation at his cousin. "Well, I hope you will make Mr Bingley's acquaintance soon." Darcy smiled at Elizabeth and her sister.

With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, Richard said, "Now Darcy, tell them about Miss Bingley."

A/N: Well, this is much shorter than I anticipated. I was hoping to get to the arrival of Bingley, but my writing time was limited these past few days due to my kiddos not napping, which is when I am able to do the majority of my writing. So, Bingley will make an appearance next chapter, I promise. But, at least you have an idea of what he is like from Darcy and Richard's description. Good man, Bingley, don't you think? ;-) Poor Jane, having to choose between two good men. What to do? What to do? *wrings hands*

But at least the majority of the chapter was D & E conversation/fluff which was needed I think after their misunderstanding. I think I covered the gamut of emotions during their conversation. Talk about intense! But it was needed. At least you have a little more insight into the relationship of her parents. Interesting, huh?

Still no kiss, sorry. I think Darcy was rather frustrated to have three chaperones on that walk. If you're wondering why the man hasn't proposed yet, he did allude to it in a very marked way - did you catch it? Remember, they have known each other for just under a month!

Thank you so much for all your comments and for all those who have followed and favorited this story.

Please review and tell me what you think, good and bad. There have been several negative comments, and that's okay. I am perfectly aware that I can't please everyone; statistically it's impossible. But even the negative reviews have been respectful (for the most part :-) So give it to me, I can take it!

I responded to everyone who had a question about Mrs B/JW/E mystery. For those who don't have PM enabled or accounts, here is my response to your inquiries:

Ingrid H: In a way, Gardiner separated Fanny and JW (not in the way you think). Jane and/or Elizabeth are not JW daughters. JW left England 25 years ago, before J & E were born.

Guest: Jane is not Gardiner's daughter. J & E are sisters. Darcy was just speculating on the possible relationship between Jane and Elizabeth. They look enough alike that he recognized they were related, but not enough to think they were sisters. In the last few chapters, I revealed that while E looks very much like Mrs B, Jane looks a lot like Mrs B mother.

Guest: JW is not E and J father. Gardiner didn't get rid of JW per se, but he was responsible for thinking he had abandoned Fanny.

Merlin: You are correct in your assumptions :) Kudos!

Also, for all those pleading for Jane and the Colonel to end up together, all I have to say is just wait and see ;) *grins impishly*

Much love!

MAH