Disclaimer: Pride and Prejudice was written by Jane Austen, and as such, she owns the characters and other such things. I own nothing, -nothing.-

Author's Note: Originally, I had planned to make this a one-shot deal, but since a few of you professed a wish to see it continued, I decided I would write another chapter. This chapter contains Caroline Bingley's reaction to hearing about Darcy and Elizabeth's engagement.

It had taken a few days, but Caroline Bingley had finally come to terms with the fact that Jane Bennet would soon be her sister-in-law. She still wasn't happy about this development, but there was little she could do about it, and she knew she would never be able to change her brother's mind. At least Jane was an agreeable young woman, quiet and as refined as one could expect given her background and family connections.

Besides, if all went well, Caroline would someday be mistress of Pemberley, and would there have the chance to show Jane just how much better off she was.

Yes, that would work well indeed.

Of course, considering Jane's character, Caroline was not sure if dear Jane would actually show her envy. What a pity.

Caroline smiled to herself, regarding the sitting room around her. All one could do was see how well their plans worked out. At least as mistress of Pemberley she could keep the less worthy from poisoning its beauty.

So smug was her expression as she sat there, considering these things. What could ruin her mood?

That answer came in the form of a letter delivered to her by a servant a few moments later. The name on the letter was written in Jane's smooth hand, and Caroline regarded the wax seal a moment before cutting the seal open.

Her eyes ran over the first few lines, finding them quite unremarkable, just Jane's greetings to her and a few words on the other less than worthy Bennet sisters. There was a bit in the middle of the letter, however, that caught Caroline's attention.

Her face went deadly pale as she read it aloud to herself.

"My dearest Caroline, how shall I contain my joy? My dear sister, Elizabeth, is to wed Mr. Darcy! They were engaged not long after my own engagement to your brother took place. My heart cannot contain all of the happiness that has found me these past few weeks."

What dreadful, horrid news. Elizabeth Bennet was to marry Mr. Darcy? How could this be? Caroline had been so sure that given time, she could have won Mr. Darcy's attentions, and thus the richness that marrying him would afford her. Now, however, her chances were ruined, gone. Elizabeth Bennet had usurped Caroline's place at Mr. Darcy's side.

What was she to do? Recalling the last time that she had seen Elizabeth, Caroline wondered if all her chances of setting foot on the grounds of Pemberley were now ruined, for though Jane was too kind to hold such things against her, Elizabeth knew more of the truth, and suspected more cruel things of Caroline.

What was she to do?