AN:Hello and thanks for reading! I've recently changed this chapter to have the prologue and first chapter - nothing new :) Have been working on the next chapter - hopefully will publish soon.

Just a friendly warning - some characters are slightly OoC - this is intentional and has been done to make the overall story make sense. I have tried to not alter them completely, but rather show some change in personality due to specific events. Additionally, I won't always stick to regency conventions, so don't stress too much about those! Hope you enjoy :)

Disclaimer- Pride and Prejudice, it's characters and settings are the work of Jane Austen.

Chapter 1

Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire- November 1811

Elizabeth sought her eldest sister, who had spent the evening so far in the company of Mr Bingley. Jane met her with a smile of such sweet complacency, a glow of such happy expression, as sufficiently marked how well she was satisfied with the occurrences of the evening. - Elizabeth instantly read her feelings, and at that moment solicitude for Wickham, resentment against his enemies and every thing else gave way before the hope of Jane's being in the fairest way for happiness.

"I want to know," said she, with a countenance no less smiling than her sister's, "what you have learnt about Mr Wickham. But perhaps you have been too pleasantly engaged to think of any third person, in which case you may be sure of my pardon."

"No," replied Jane, "I have not forgotten him; but I take no pleasure in the spreading of information about a gentleman when he is not present to defend the claims against him."

"Does Mr Bingley speak of Mr Wickham's character with great contradiction to what we ourselves have seen?"

"I know you shall not be entirely satisfied by it, but he does. He would not share the whole of his history, at first he insisted that it was not his place to do so, which I must agree." Jane smile was tender for a moment as she paused to consider the gentleman, but then she grew earnest once more, "as I know you would have encouraged, I gently persisted and he hinted on some more unhappy matters from the past that would be too unsettling to share with a young lady. Indeed though, Mr Bingley will vouch for the good conduct, the probity and honour of his friend, and is perfectly convinced that Mr Wickham has deserved much less attention from Mr Darcy than he has received; and I am sorry to say that by his account as well as his sister's, Mr Wickham is by no means a respectable young man. I am afraid he has been very imprudent, and has deserved to lose Mr Darcy's regard."

"Mr Bingley does not know Mr Wickham himself?"

"He had thought he had never saw him till the other morning in Meryton, but now recollects the possibility of meeting once before, several years ago."

"This account then is what he has received from Mr Darcy. I am perfectly satisfied. But what does he say of the living?"

"He does not exactly recollect the circumstances, though he has heard them from Mr Darcy more than once, but he believes that it was on Mr Wickham's insistence that the matter be handled so, not on Mr Darcy's convictions. He assured me that Mr Darcy the elder had left his son with clear instructions on how it was to be left, and it gave Mr Darcy great apprehension to not follow through with them as his father wished."

"I have not a doubt of Mr Bingley's sincerity,'' said Elizabeth warmly; ``but you must excuse my not being convinced by assurances only. Mr Bingley's defence of his friend was a very able one I dare say, but since he reports only that which he has learnt from that friend himself, I shall venture still to think of both gentlemen as I did before."

Despite Elizabeth's spoken resolution, the seeds of doubt had been planted in her mind, and the more she considered the conflicting reports and what each gentleman might have to gain from their side of the tale, the less she saw foundation in Mr Wickham's version.

Mortimer House, London - March 1812

The crush of the crowd was a little overwhelming to one not used to such events, but as Darcy had been attending private balls and parties for many years; he was not put off by the amount of ladies and gentlemen that had been squeezed into the grand house. It was possible that he also did not share in the discomfort of others due to the fact that he was quite tall and so stood with his head above much of the rest. It also gave him an excellent view of the room he now surveyed.

Lady Mortimer was known for her extravagant affairs, and had hosted at least two smaller, more intimate events since the start of the year. Intimate meaning almost one hundred guests, but tonight's ball had drawn a much larger gathering. Darcy had managed to avoid attending her earlier parties, and he had not intended to be present this night either. Here he stood though, amongst the chattering and glittering throng. Upon arrival he had made sure to make some conversation with his hostess and dutifully danced with her eldest daughter. As the Mortimers were old connections of his mother's family, he knew he should make more of an effort as a guest, but he normally had little taste for a ball, and tonight's event was no exception. It had been a long evening – though they had arrived late.

Now he stood in the back hall of the house, attempting to cross a surging mass of bodies, to access the card room that was opposite his position. The dancing had halted to allow time for guests to mingle and explore the cool darkness of the gardens. It was an unseasonably mild night, and warmer still in the ballroom, but the festivities were due to resume, and the crowd was pressing themselves back inside. Bingley had been mid-sentence before they had stopped and now he craned his neck as he searched the crowd, and he called up "Can you see him?"

They had excused themselves from the company of Bingley's sisters and a large group of their acquaintances in search of Mr Hurst, though Darcy was certain he knew the whereabouts of that gentleman. He lead his friend across the width of the hall, ignoring the persons who were attempting to move in the opposite direction, and his friend followed in his path, somewhat more politely leaving a trail of "Excuse me" and "I do beg your pardon" behind them. Neither gentleman took notice of the admiring glances that were also left in their wake.

The card room was filled with cigar smoke and the deep rumble of men's voices – it was rare for a lady to pass its threshold. Mr Hurst had tucked himself into a corner and was busy goading the other players into higher stakes. As they made their way towards him, he seemed to successfully defeat several of the gentlemen seated with him and he chortled loudly drawing the attention of others in the room.

"Had enough of the sport?" he called out as he noticed their presence but he was soon too caught up in his tactics for conversation and he would not be moved during a game so Bingley turned to address to his friend.

"Darcy, there is hardly more to keep me in town. I have no fancy for balls and parties, though they once gave me much joy, now I find the numbers in town so stifling- the season means nothing to me - I would very much like to return to Netherfield, and soon."

Having been the second half of such a discussion several times over the last few weeks, Darcy paused before responding – he would answer in just the same way he had all those times before – there were no new reasons to keep Bingley out of Hertfordshire. In his wait though, he noted that another gentleman at a nearby table looked up and studied Bingley with curiosity. He was no one that they had met before, though at such events it was common to sit amongst strangers, Darcy was sure Lady Mortimer had invited every family in town, and her husband had then added his own acquaintances.

"I have no quarrel with you on such an idea Charles," he finally replied, "You may do as you please, but I do not have such leisure with my time – so it would be impossible for me to accompany you now, or even in a few months."

This response had kept him in London for several weeks. Since the 'business' that Bingley had first come to town to settle was completed and the criticisms over that country had begun to fail against his friend's persistent zeal- Darcy, along with Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst had to be creative in their means of keeping Bingley in London. His initial reason for wanting to return - to reclaim the company of Miss Jane Bennet - had been solved easily by his friend and sisters' adamant assurances that she did not match his regard, and would likely have forgotten him. Though he was saddened by this possibility, his hopeful side could not be quashed for long. He argued on the basis of wishing to learn of her feelings for himself, and then following this, of the waste which leasing Netherfield Park was while it remained empty. Neither of these reasons were settled - Bingley had been taught to be quite practical with his finances by his father, and despite Miss Bingley's belief that a gentleman should leave his property unused for part of the year - he thought this inefficient. He could not be entirely convinced of Miss Bennet's lukewarm regard, or that to investigate such a matter himself would be painful (and that his friends and sisters only hoped to keep him from such misery) but he had spoken of her less and less as the weeks went by and Darcy was sure she would soon be forgotten. He still desired to return, but they had had success in delaying him over this one point - as much as he would have liked to think of himself independent in mind and spirit, he was not. Despite Bingley's desire to leave, he would not want to do so alone.

"You know how I rely on you so, perhaps if you were to agree to return, Caroline might as well - for if she does not I will be unable to receive guests, which is a sorry thing indeed."

Just as Darcy was about to reply (that such things were not of his concern) his name was called from the neighbouring table. Lord Mortimer stood, and offered a hand in greeting, clearly only just aware of their coming into the room.

"Darcy!" He repeated before lighting a new cigar and smirking, "could not keep away could you? And my poor Margaret lamented for days after you sent word that you could not come. Good god man, how you like to tease."

"I assure you Robert, that was not my intention." Darcy did his best to explain, but Mortimer only dismissed his excuses with a wave of his plump hand. Introductions were made about the room - Bingley seemed very pleased to meet their host while the gentlemen at Mortimer's table only nodded politely, with the exception one - the one who had studied Bingley curiously earlier - a Mr Gardiner. Instead he stood and joined them, a cordial and knowing smile on his features, while Mortimer returned to his game evidently having served his role of host by introducing guests who did not know each other.

"Pray excuse me sir," he spoke to Bingley, "it was wrong of me to listen in on your discussion, but did I hear correctly? Did you say Netherfield?"

"I did."

"Did you, by chance, mean Netherfield Park, in Hertfordshire?"

"Why yes!" Bingley eagerly turned towards the gentleman, "I have leased that property since before last Michaelmas. Do you know it?"

Darcy considered the man carefully; he was not familiar, though it was not as if Darcy had committed every face in that country to memory. There was only one set of features that had been sealed there, regardless of his attempts to erase it. Still - Bingley would know him if he had been in that country at the same time as them.

"Indeed, this is an honour, Mr Bingley! I would not say that I know it, but I know of it, why, I was only just in Hertfordshire, visiting my sister's family over Christmas."

Suspicions churned in his stomach as Darcy listened to them speak – for the stranger to know of his friend seemed very odd, and yet Bingley seemed to think little of it. The gentleman was still cheerfully speaking to his friend, who had become his usual friendly self - the discussion with Darcy abandoned, "it is a lovely part of the country is it not?"

"It is, I find myself quite longing to return as soon as I might." In all the years that they had been friends, Bingley had never been one to prefer the quiet of the country over bustle and company of town, but over the last few months, it seemed that his opinion had changed. "You must tell me, who is your sister? Who is her family?"

The gentlemen's smile broadened if that was at all possible – "Forgive me sir, I should have said. Fanny Bennet is my sister, I am Edward Gardiner. It is from my dear sister and her daughters that I had first heard of you."

Darcy was sure in that moment his heart stopped and his stomach clenched as his friend also paused – a look of disbelief now evident in his features. He recovered a little quicker than Bingley. "You are the uncle of the Miss Bennets?"

"I am," Mr Gardiner responded with mirth, he looked curiously now at Darcy who did not shy away from the other man's scrutiny. If they had met in a drawing room of Longbourn, Darcy might still wonder at this gentleman's relationship with the mother of that family - he spoke with such candour and deference, there was nothing false about him. His eyes held humour and intelligence. For Darcy, it was easy to guess that this was the uncle who had businesses in trade - and yet he was an acquaintance of the Mortimers. "Fine girls are they not? Especially the older two. Though I am hardly one to speak impartially"

Bingley had seemed to return to the room and the disbelief of moments ago had been replaced by what Darcy thought to be hope. It was a dangerous grounds, after the many weeks of distractions and responsibilities, suddenly before Bingley was a chance, an opportunity. Darcy began to wonder if the gentleman had sought them out, knowing their history in Hertfordshire, perhaps that was the cause for their introduction. He seemed intelligent enough to be inconspicuous in his true actions. How much had the brother of Mrs Bennet been told, most likely she would have spoken of things at great length, but to her brother? And was he the type to take on such cunning schemes? Darcy's reference had made it clear that he had known of the Gardiners' existence and both gentlemen were quietly sizing each other up, while Bingley chatted about how they had become acquainted with the Bennets. Mr Gardiner came to a conclusion from his study much faster than Darcy and spoke more directly to Bingley again.

"Yes, I know I am not neutral in this regards, but I do think them to be most excellent young ladies – they have spent many a happy time in our home. And we were fortunate that one of the Miss Bennets returned to London this year, for Mrs Gardiner quite enjoys their company."

Darcy was aware of which of the sisters he referred to - this was the eventuality of the conversation that had concerned him since Mr Gardiner had first spoken of his connections. Yet part of him hoped for a different answer. His mind whirled at the options before him, how best to handle the revelation of what had been kept from his friend. There was no time though, Bingley seized upon the comment. "One of the Miss Bennets…?"

"The eldest, Jane," Mr Gardiner paused, and Darcy wanted so very much to believe that his smile was confirmation that this had all been a ploy – that Bingley was about to be re-caught in a far more ingenuous trap than one he might have suspected, and yet Mr Gardiner's manner was just so honest. "She was a little low over the festive season, which is not like her at all, so sweet and sensible. On the advice of her sister, Miss Elizabeth, we brought her for a few months in town to raise her spirits. Very smart one, that Lizzy."

His words had an odd effect on both gentlemen, Bingley appeared as though he had just been granted the keys to the kingdom and his breathing grew steadily rapid as he focused on the other man's words. Darcy, however, was torn – his rational mind wanted to question this gentleman's motives and protested what the Bennets might have tol this gentleman. At the same time, the affable nature of his words, the manner in which he behaved was so convincing, he could only be a doting uncle who was making conversation with acquaintances of his relations. And Darcy's heart wanted to hear more of Miss Elizabeth.

"They are here as well," Mr Gardiner gestured towards the doorway that lead back to the ballroom, smiling, "Miss Bennet, that is, as well as my wife. I should return to them, we had not intended to stay out so late, if you would wish it, I would be happy for you to join me."

Bingley was quick to agree, nervously tugging at the hem of his waistcoat, the mission to recover Mr Hurst long forgotten. They began to move from the room and Darcy found he had no choice but to follow – if only to assist his friend.

Mr Gardiner made easy progress through the slightly less crowded hall and into the ballroom. The dancing had begun and couples swirled about gracefully in the centre of the room. They were lead to a cluster of lounges in a small archway, Darcy spotting the eldest Miss Bennet instantly. She was standing beside a seated woman who Darcy assumed was her aunt, except that she was younger than he would have expected. This other woman wore an air of simple yet confident elegance and fashion. While she who he assumed to be Mrs Gardiner was occupied in a conversation with an acquaintance, her niece was not and she did not fail to notice the approach of her uncle and the two gentlemen behind him. The amiable smile that she wore was immediately dropped, her cheeks bloomed and she looked down, alarm evident in the change in her position. Her aunt did notice this change and looked up to see the last few steps of her husband's approach. Excusing herself from the conversation, she stood and stepped slightly in front of Jane with a welcoming smile.

Mr Gardiner affectionately addressed his wife before introducing her to Darcy and Bingley, who both bowed slightly. He explained why he had brought them over, though Darcy could see that was not entirely necessary, for on hearing their names a flash of recognition passed behind her discerning gaze. Again his mind grumbled at the indication that they had been spoken of in Hertfordshire after their departure. She briefly glanced back at Jane, who had still not looked up from the floor, before greeting them politely.

"What a pleasure it is to meet you," Bingley appeared as though he was about to burst, as he greeted her before turning to her niece. "Good evening Miss Bennet."

His soft, tender tone drew Jane's eyes up to meet them. "Mr Bingley," she curtseyed slightly, her eyes never leaving his, "Mr Darcy. How pleased I am to see you both again."

They stood awkwardly there, Bingley and the Gardiners attempting to make easy conversation, while Darcy watched from one side in silence, and Miss Bennet appeared both confused and scared. The first dance had ended, and the music had started to swell again, calling for dancers. Anticipating his friend, Darcy stepped towards the ladies – "Miss Bennet, if you are not already engaged, might I have the enjoyment of this dance?"

She did not verbally reply, but took his offered arm, her surprise mirroring that of his friend. They found their places on the floor, and Darcy watched her carefully, the blush on her features had been washed away and she looked at him with some apprehension. Darcy had tried to observe her carefully, from afar, when they were last in each other's company, but he had not danced with her since the Meryton assembly. She had to accept him, or remain off the dance floor for the rest of the evening, but she did not seem upset or annoyed to be dancing with him now, more disappointed but in a way that would not be easily noticeable to one who did not look too close. Whenever their gazes met, she offered him a modest smile, but it never remained long on her face. Her eyes were often drawn behind him, to the part of the room where the others stood. They moved in silence together and he could not help but recall her sister's teasing reproach - "It is your turn to say something now, Mr Darcy... One must speak a little, you know. It would look odd to be entirely silent for half an hour together". A warm tingle spread through him at the memory of her, a feeling he had come to consider inclination. An unsafe feeling. Breathing deeply he forced away those dangerous thoughts and was brought back to the ballroom in which he currently danced, and to the Miss Bennet that he danced with. Clearing his throat he finally spoke, "and how have you been enjoying your time in town?"

Miss Bennet blushed again and he wondered at the path her thoughts had taken in their silence.

"It has been quite pleasant."

"I understand that you have been with your aunt and uncle for some time..."

"Yes, they have been very kind in allowing me to stay..."

They fell into silence once more; he struggled to think of more polite subjects. In truth he had only thought to prevent his friend's dancing with her, hoping that while they were parted another means to distract Bingley would present itself. He had believed his actions in separating his friend from this woman, not only this night but in the months before, to be just and true - while she, herself, could barely be considered a threat to his friend's happiness - it was the influence of her mother and her friends that Darcy had found concerning. Miss Bennet, he thought, was a sweet, pretty and passive girl who would dutifully marry a suitable gentleman, regardless of a lack of depth in her regard. His friend may have grown to nurture a serious attachment for her, but he saw no partiality in her actions. He could not allow Bingley to enter into such an arrangement without genuine inclination on both sides, especially if it would end with him bound to such vulgar connections. As he danced with her now though, he could see how his perception of her feelings for his friend may not have been entirely correct. Miss Bennet continued to smile prettily at Darcy when they faced one another in the dance, but with each turn he would note how her gaze would drift to Bingley's direction. And her smile did not reach her eyes - instead there was a look that suggested to him the very burdens of his own heart- longing, heartache and fear.

Indeed, Miss Bennet's whole aspect forged a strange, new impression in him. He was involuntarily reminded of another sister... his own, and as they moved down the line together he almost felt a sense of fierce protectiveness. He could not help but see a resemblance, not in appearance but in character, in that moment his heart and mind merged Georgiana with Miss Bennet, and though he knew the situations were entirely different, what he saw was that not only did they share a similar nature of sweetness and gentleness, there was also the lovesick sadness that both carried, and attempted to hide. Still, he cajoled himself – she had not shown any particular regard for his friend, and it did not change the unsuitableness of her circumstances. Perhaps her melancholy nature was more from the reminder of lost opportunities he hoped – he could not know her as well as his own sister, so he would not feel accountable for her sadness. He had been so lost in these thoughts he almost missed her words.

"You must excuse my surprise earlier," her voice was quiet but not as timid as he would have expected, "your appearance, that and Mr Bingley's was so wholly unexpected to me."

"Yes, we did not learn of your attendance this evening until a few moments before."

She seemed to hesitate with her reply, and he noted a change in her demeanour during the pause, less deferential, more confident. "Yes, I understand that to be so, sir, but I knew of your attendance before your approach. When your party first arrived this evening, I was near the front passage, and I believe Miss Bingley saw me, I did raise a hand- but her lack of response… her manner led me to believe that..."

He was silent through this, and as her voice drifted into awkward unspoken thoughts, he understood. Miss Bingley had snubbed her, had given the impression that her society would not be sought. He knew that there had been limited communication between the two women over the last few weeks, he had supported that scheme. Miss Bingley had purposely let the acquaintance dull, but to not even offer a nod of recognition in so public an environment was almost cruel. Especially to one who's heart was so tender. Perhaps this was the true source of her despondency - not from the loss of Bingley but from the lack of acknowledgement from former friends. He apologised and offered some excuse - that Miss Bingley had been complaining earlier of an aching head but insisted on attending - and reminded himself, despite the gnawing sense of fault, not to feel guilt over his past actions, he was in the right. He could not help Miss Bingley's incivility. Wishing to shift her attention, he asked after her family.

"They are very well, I believe. I miss them greatly, especially my sister Elizabeth."

The name tugged at his heart, but he kept an impassive gaze, "I am surprised then that she did not accompany you and the Gardiners."

"In the past she has, but this time she chose not to, because of the wedding."

His heart reacted first once more and it was a challenge to school his face. He did not even speak, swallowing hard the bitter pill that was the possibility he feared, as she continued, "you might recall our cousin, Mr Collins?" Again his heart made conclusions before Miss Bennet added, "he has wed our dear friend, Charlotte Lucas."

"Indeed, how excellent for them." He wondered if she knew the effect her simple statement had on him, and yet there was no indication in her countenance.

"Yes, it is. So Lizzy has travelled to Kent to visit her friend, and has been there for the last fortnight. I understand that she has become acquainted with your aunt, Lady Catherine, and she writes fondly of Rosings - particularly the grounds."

With this he was split almost completely, half hope and half fear - he was to travel to Kent in the morning.

She continued to relate news from her sister, but his attention was distracted. Darcy was sure that Miss Elizabeth would not find the house at Rosings all that pleasing, but the thought of her enjoying the park, walking through the groves and down the paths that he enjoyed, that were almost as familiar to him as his home, was painfully delightful. Once more his body reacted traitorously as his lungs seemed to not expand with air and his heart pounded beneath them. Attempting to subdue both the emotions and the thoughts, he closed his eyes for a moment as though to hide from the image in his mind of the brown eyes that sparkled so pleasantly. He had to change the subject – how foolish of him to ask about her- he had to speak of something else before his demeanour gave away his true affections.

"And the rest of your family remains at home? Has Hertfordshire changed much since last November?"

Jane spoke of the few changes to society, though she admitted she knew only as much as her mother and sisters wrote to her. Blushing she added, "Mostly they write of time spent with the militia."

Darcy would have ignored this comment were it not for the very subtle curiosity in her eyes. She continued with this thought then, in a manner that had far more assertion than he even would have considered her capable. "I understand that you have a connection with them, with Mr Wickham? Though it is no longer kept? So it cannot be a loss for you to have departed from Hertfordshire, when you did."

If only she was aware of how much of a loss it had been for him to depart from Hertfordshire, only for a different reason. He cleared his throat, and decided to state his thoughts of that gentleman, to have her (and hopefully her sister) be certain of them. "I do not mourn the loss of that connection, no – Mr Wickham is not the kind of man I would seek the company of, nor encourage others to, though I cannot prevent them from doing so, if they wish."

She nodded, and he watched her carefully considering this. She had drawn on such tenacity that he had wondered if her words were meant to provoke – but now she did not challenge or question him, it was so unlike the way in which another Miss Bennet might react. He came to the conclusion that she simply wished to understand the connection better, and he felt some appreciation for her kind nature. That shade of error on his assumptions returned, stronger now, and yet Fitzwilliam Darcy could be as stubborn as a dog with a bone.

"I do hope that it was not his being in Meryton that was the cause of your departure, nor the reason for you all to not have returned." She murmured this, in a voice quieter than she had spoken before, and Darcy thought it was not meant to be heard. But he had heard it, and his indignant self bristled at such a concept - he had not run from Wickham! He thought to tell her so, but such a response might lead to further discussion on the subject, and she might question what he had run from. Her words had been a statement more than a response, and so he remained mute.

The dance was nearing its end, and still Bingley had not been moved from her relations side. Darcy began to worry he would have to delay her longer, the guilt that was slowly filling his mind, even with that thought, could not chase away his firm intentions to protect his friend from a poor match, but her next words distracted him from any of his plans.

"Tell me, Mr Darcy – why did you all leave Netherfield last November?" She had spoken so quietly again, but now her tone and manner were all polite inquiry- any one near might think they were engaged in casual discussion. He was almost annoyed that she had asked one of the questions he was trying to avoid, but her eyes held such pleading sincerity that he could not look away and feared being false to, he could not blame her for asking now that she had this opportunity- she may have been puzzling over this question for months if she had seen through the ruse that was Miss Bingley's farewell note. He struggled to reply – to lie would be an act of treachery to his own strict standards of morality and decency, to admit the truth would crush her gentle soul. As the last of the music faded and the dancers stopped moving he chose to remain silent. He led them both back to their waiting company, as though the last question had not been asked.

AN: OK another note just in case, this is not a DarcyxJane story, I like our original couples as they are thank you! I would love to hear thoughts/ responses/ questions (but I wont guarantee an answer!) so leave me a review!