The Protector's

The dance at the assembly hall was just under way when the Bennet women arrived. Elizabeth noticed that Mr Callaghan and his younger brother Arthur was deep in conversation when she entered. It was not proper for a woman to interrupt a gentlemen's conversation. Accepting this Lizzy made her way to the refreshments to grab a glass of wine to cool her nerves. Kitty had located Maria while Mary had to endure Mrs Bennet and her friends.

A presence at her side announced Mr Callaghan as he took the opportunity to help himself to a glass of wine.

"How are you this evening Miss Bennet?" He asked as they moved away from the refreshments with their drinks.

"Very well... I had not expected to see your brother here this evening." She answered. She had to admit that his brother scared her a little.

The whole Callaghan family was indifferent to say the least, but there was something very concerning when it came to Arthur. He was young, barely out of his teens, strikingly handsome more so than his brother. Arthur was also in the position to inherit a very big fortune and knew he could tempt most women.

"I am guarding him from young ladies." Callaghan answered mischievously.

"Guarding him?"

"Take it which way you will, my father however insists on Arthur leaving the house and therefore I am here to watch him."

"And who watches you sir?"

"I'll let you decide."

A new dance was about to go under way dancers took their positions on the dance floor. Mr Callaghan guided Lizzy on to the dance floor. As she stood opposite Mr Callaghan, her heart began to flutter irrationally; he was so handsome that she could look nowhere but at him.

Throughout the evening Lizzy was Mr Callaghan's sole attention, he danced and talked with her all night long. That was until a heated discussion between Arthur and Mr Brim grew too loud to ignore. Fuelled by alcohol Arthur was a burning ship of ideas being drenched in more fuel and encouraged by fumes. Only his way was correct and anyone who questioned him would end up embarrassed the next day.

With a sorrowful glance at Lizzy, Mr Callaghan led his brother from the dance making the excuse that Arthur was upset about his father's condition and begged an apology. The room was a chorus of people offering their best wishes and assuring the young Callaghan's that they understood the circumstances. Elizabeth would not allow the pang of guilt to quench her emotions for Mr Callaghan.

How can he be so callous! Her mind growled. He uses his dying father as an excuse, while he wants the man dead. She would not listen to such thoughts she pushed them aside. Lizzy do not be silly – it is right in front of you! Nevertheless, the voice died without a hint of regard shown by Lizzy. Nothing could sway her from the man's grip, nobody in Meryton at least.

~~~~~~~~~~P&P~~~~~~~~~~

In London Lizzy's sister was experiencing different emotions. Pain and ache was her constant companion as she retired to bed until a restless sleep finally relieved her of her aching.

Downstairs the sitting room where Bingley sat was quiet even though Darcy had joined them for tea. Darcy took a sip of brandy while Bingley remained quiet in contemplation, eight months since Bingley had regained their acquaintance. Bingley had reacted badly to the news of Darcy admitting his involvement in deliberately separating Bingley from Jane and hiding her being in town during the winter. Not able to let the silence go on, Darcy cleared his throat, but Bingley remained pale and distant.

"How long are we to remain like this?" Darcy asked.

"I'm not ready..." Bingley muttered.

Darcy felt crushed. Without Bingley, Darcy felt lost these last months, Bingley was not like the regular men of the ton, he was a true friend and Darcy had betrayed him. He had returned in hope of becoming friends once again only to be asked to leave. Darcy however would respect the man's choice.

"I understand," Darcy, said finishing his brandy ready to take his leave.

"I'm not ready," Bingley grumbled again to Darcy's surprise.

Realising Bingley was not aware of his presence Darcy felt relieved. He settled back into the chair.

"Ready for what?"

"There so small and fragile... What happens if I fail?" Bingley said his face growing paler; his eyes stared at the floor, his mind lost in thought.

"Bingley!" Darcy snapped pleased to get the man's attention. "What are we talking about?"

"The baby, her, our. What if I fail at being a father?"The words flooded from his mouth with no control, the result of a build up of emotions over a long period of time.

"Bingley you amaze me." Darcy muttered.

"Do you think I'm ready?" Bingley looked Darcy in the eyes for the first time, looking for his old friend's opinion.

"No not yet. However once the baby is delivered you will be fine, I have heard these things come naturally." Darcy reassured pleased that Bingley seemed to be searching for his friend's guidance.

"Like love," Bingley agreed staring absently into space once again happy.

"Like love." Darcy whispered aware of the pierce through his heart, aware there remained a fierce dagger lodged from his lost love. A wound unable to heal, He still thought about her, but only in memories and dreams. She haunted him so despite his best efforts of distractions.

"How is your friend Lady Amie?" Bingley said sitting on the edge of his seat.

"She is well I believe." Darcy answered, the pain in his heart changed to distaste at the mention of the woman.

Trying to distract himself from the hurt in his heart, he managed to find a distraction in a young woman. He had enjoyed her company at first, but she was not the same as Miss Bennet. No, she was not her. Lady Amie however did not forget his earlier attentions and now he felt trapped by her as she reined in. She was far worse than Miss Bingley for Lady Amie was more cunning. He had to get away. He had to get away even if it was a short visit away from his town house and from Pemberley.

"She is not what you wished for?" Bingley asked noticing the little emotion Darcy had in his voice.

"She is demanding." He sighed.

"I see," Bingley was unsure of what his friend wanted in a woman, but he could see that this woman made him unhappy.

Darcy attracted many women most sort his connections and his fortune. If this lady was smart then perhaps he should offer his friend sanctuary. What he needed was a private sanctuary away from all eyes of the ton.

"Darcy if I do not ask to much I would like your company at Netherfield." Bingley could not help but notice the reassurance such a request was offering Darcy. "Would you do me the honour?"

"I would like that very much," He had not expected an invitation but it was better than his alternative plan, which was to hide at Rosings.

"Excellent I will be glad of company especially since... well you know." Bingley hinted Jane and the baby. "I would also like your opinion."

"What would that be?"

"Well it regards my sister Miss Elizabeth. Jane says there is a young man who is interested in her. I know it is none of my business but I feel duty bound to watch over her. Jane expressed a hesitant dislike of the gentleman as well, which as you know is uncommon of Jane to dislike anyone." Darcy's blood ran cold; Elizabeth was interested in someone else?

"Who is he?" He questioned trying to keep his voice under control.

"Mr Callaghan he arrived back from town as his father has been taken ill. Apparently, Elizabeth and Mr Callaghan are old acquaintances. I myself find the man somewhat dodgy."

Darcy felt concern rocket through his limbs, Elizabeth had attracted Wickham's attentions and his own. He was foolish to think no one would notice her. He felt a sudden urge to be next to her, to protect her. He scolded himself; he should not be worrying about her, as she was not his to think about.

"I will do what I can." Darcy said lightly so not to cause suspicion, he failed however to keep the steel out of his voice.

Worry is such a strong word. I would say I care for Miss Elizabeth and if someone is stupid enough to harm her then I will act as any other man might. Darcy smiled as Bingley poured him another drink, he would not let Bingley know the dark thoughts that circled his mind.

Author's Note: Don't know why but I thought of this poem, if you don't like poems ignore :)

I am a gentleman during the day,

Smile sweetly and laugh at all your horseplay.

I am the gentleman that tells you not to fret

The rock in your life when your upset.

This gentleman that I am,

Is a facade that changes when night comes on.

Deep down is a beast of mine,

I have no sense of decency

As I always think what's under the hemline of your skirt.

Deep down is a beast of mine,

That controls my thoughts during the night time.

On the dance floor I am the perfect gentleman,

I can make you laugh and cry.

At night I am the beast

It's when I come out to play.

I smile sweetly then I make you cry.

Dennis Mead.