Ooooh loving the dichotomy of opinions at this point. I had though this would be less controversial, but you guys have proved me wrong. i love the various opinions about characters. so the person causing the divide? Good ol Mrs B. some are cross with D for not being more accepting/talking to E.. Some really angry with Mrs B. wanting her cut off from society (and by extention cross with me for allowing her to rampage!;), and some unhappy with e for her opinion about family.

lol. I agree with all, to a degree. I think that familial affection is difficult to disregard, even when one knows that their mother (father brother sister children) are not very easy to get on with. I do think Darcy was difficult to understand at first. Even these days extroverted people often find it hard to understand introverted ones. back then there was no concept that some people might find things harder than others, who wouldnt enjoy a ball full of strangers? i know i would hate it if the person I went with abandoned me at the first chance!

Anyway, glad you are all getting invested in the characters. I am trying to keep them true to form. A bit more insight in to Ds thinking in this one. not much E/D but do not fear, there'll be plenty more.

oh and I assume that most of you read thhe first story, an amazing 699 reviews now. by far my most reviewed story. thanks guys! ️

...

Chapter Four - Knock and ask your heart what it doth know.

After the house was bereft of the Bennet sisters, Darcy found himself in the library, he was reading through his journals. The ones of his marriage that had not happened. It was curious he had always believed the events were possible and desired, rather than his injured head conjuring a fiction. He coveted the life he had led, the one with Elizabeth by his side, and he would do anything to make it happen. She belonged with him, his heart yearned for her.

What of his potential in laws though? He was annoyed with himself for not being better prepared. Mrs Bennet had never really liked him, until he married her daughter, and so had felt no need to be nice to him. He knew that part of that dislike had been because he had said those untruths about Elizabeth, at the assembly. Elizabeth Darcy had confided in him that her mother, whilst not overly maternal, did respond poorly when one of her daughter's was insulted. He had to respect that, even if Elizabeth purported herself to be her mother's least favourite.

'Twas not to be helped, Elizabeth came with her family and it was a trade he was more than willing to make, now he just needed to let her know this.

He considered all in that life that might be better, if changed. Months of heartache for his friend and Jane, well that was easily avoided, considering he was key to keeping them apart.

What could he do about Mr Wickham? There was no way he was letting those events with Lydia play out. The problem lay in the concept of him knowing the future. How did he really know it was the future?

He just believed, in his heart and with all of himself, that it was true.

If he believed Elizabeth was to be his wife, he believed that Wickham was destined to run off with Lydia, almost ruining her and her family. Eventually destroying the joyful, if exuberant, girl she was.

He decided to write to Georgiana, first to warn her of his intentions with Elizabeth and second to ask her about Wickham. He had been too concerned about confronting him lest he be tempted to disclose Georgiana's past.

Dearest Georgiana, ...

...

Whilst Darcy was writing his letter, Bingley was seeking out Caroline. He did not wish to have this conversation, but knew it must be done. Darcy's words of encouragement were ringing in his ears.

"You must take control, you do not know how far her malcontent will go. It has caused you, I mean, it may cause you great unhappiness, especially if you are considering a wife. What woman would want her as a sister?"

Bingley was certain Jane and Caroline were good friends, but he was equally certain Darcy was right about Caroline not liking being supplanted.

"Caroline, might I have a word?"

"If you must Charles, I am rather busy"

Bingley looked around incredulous, as far as he could tell Caroline was not doing anything of note.

"Caroline, we must speak about Darcy"

She sat up straighter "Has he declared his intentions to court me? Am I to be the happiest of women?" She smiled widely at him, laughing as if telling the best joke.

"I am afraid not"

"What, has he just decided to ask for my hand? I must confess I was rather looking forward to a courtship. It cannot be helped" she stood and paced "I must return to town, there is so much to be done"

"No Caroline" Bingley sighed in exasperation, staring at his delusional sister in disbelief "Caroline, I am sorry. I may have given you the impression that Darcy was considering a match with you. He is not and wished for me to inform you of this."

"What can you mean? If he has not decided for me, surely there is still hope? I just have to show him what an excellent hostess I am. At least some good will come out of the ridiculous suggestion that we hold a ball."

"No, Caroline. He is decided, and you will not receive an offer from him."

"We shall see Charles, I have much to do" and she swept out of the room, leaving a bewildered brother in her orange clad wake.

...

Longborn was a-buzz with the news of the arrival of their cousin. Mr Collins had come to visit his relations and, likely, select a wife.

Mrs Bennet had deftly steered him away from Jane and was satisfied when he had seemingly settled on Elizabeth. She had noticed some of the looks Darcy had sent in the direction of her least favourite daughter, but given he was a most disagreeable man she did not think any thing would come of it. She would not pass over Mr Collins, who seemed ready and willing to marry, for Mr Darcy who barely wished to dance. Even if he was worth ten thousand a year.

The Bennet ladies, accompanied by their cousin were walking to town, when the sight of a most handsome man arrested their progress. He was walking with one of the officers. Lydia, not heeding societal strictures, crossed the road to gain the pavement just in time to engineer an introduction.

"Allow me to introduce my friend, Mr Wickham"

The ladies curtsied and the gentlemen bowed and the group entered in to conversation about the local militia and society, Wickham expressing great pleasure about being here and being able to accept a commission.

'Twas not many minutes later when Kitty nudged Jane and pointed out the approach of Mr Bingley. Elizabeth, having resolved to think no further on Mr Darcy, also turned seeking his presence, instantly forgetting her own resolve.

"Ladies" Mr Bingley's exclamation was as genial as ever "how particularly pleasant to see you. We were just on our way to Longborn to ask after your health." He nodded at Jane.

"As you can see, sir, I am quite recovered. I thank you for your concern"

Elizabeth happened to notice the countenance of two of the other gentlemen. Darcy, having looked at Miss Elizabeth and been gratified with her eyes seeking his, turned his attention to the gentleman he knew to be standing with her.

Mr Wickham turned white and Elizabeth saw anger and resolve form across the countenance of Mr Darcy.

"Whickam. What a surprise to see you"

Elizabeth frowned, she could tell he was in no way surprised, and yet how could he have known Wickham would be here on this morning?

"Darcy" the voice was a different pitch to the one he had been using to converse not five minutes earlier and she noticed him swallow nervously.

"Joined Colonel Forster's regiment have we?"

Wickham gulped and nodded.

Darcy did not bother to acknowledge the man any further. Just turned his attention to the ladies, taking care not to single out Miss Elizabeth.

"Ladies, perhaps we should move on, might Mr Bingley and I escort you?"

Lydia giggled, what a fine joke, but the ladies allowed themselves to continue. Mr Wickham turned on his heel and stomped away, it seems his sojourn to Hertfordshire was a grave error, but what was he to do?

"Excuse me, but you would not happen to be Mr Darcy of Pemberley?"

Darcy looked at the squat sweaty man who was a trifle too close to Elizabeth for his liking. The memory of his aunt's parson hitting him full force. How could he have forgotten? Did he not propose to Elizabeth at one point? He could not worry about that, trusting that path to stay true.

"I am sir. And to whom am I speaking?"

"My name is William Collins, sir, and I can have the very great pleasure of informing you that your aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, was in the best of health two days ago and of course you will be wanting to know that Miss Anne was also in excellent health, I left them both quite content with the loss of my company, you can be assured I always avail myself to their needs if, well if they need anything."

Darcy raised an eyebrow and chanced an amused look at Miss Elizabeth, who promptly suppressed a smile and turned her head, so as not to laugh. Mr Collins likely had not drawn breath throughout his little speech, it was little wonder that he was panting as he was.

"Indeed, a pleasure" Darcy thought quickly "Miss Mary is walking alone, sir, I can escort Miss Elizabeth" and offering her his arm he turned away.

"I had forgotten how verbose your cousin could be, of course, mine has quite a similar affliction but of a much more jovial bent and his discourse is not quite so tiresome."

"How could you have known my cousin was verbose sir? He has only just introduced himself, quite rudely I am aware, I do apologise for him importuning you."

Darcy almost smacked himself on the forehead, when was he going to stop saying too much in front of Elizabeth?

"I have heard of him from my aunt, although I had not realised he was your cousin until just now. He has never met me, of course"

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes but Darcy hurried on, not wishing to give her any further time to dwell on what he had said.

"I am pleased your sister has quite recovered"

Elizabeth turned her eyes to Jane, a small smile playing about her mouth "yes, I am very pleased. She is not usually so severely affected by a cold, I confess it had me worried."

"I am certain there will be no ill effects"

Elizabeth turned her curious eyes to his face, he affected a look of innocent consideration "Are you now? Well I am pleased to hear it, I look forward to ensuring your predictions are accurate"

"Miss Elizabeth, I can see we are nearing your aunt's abode, I must speak with you about Mr Wickham"

Elizabeth was most curious about the gentleman "I cannot tell all but he is not a man to be trusted. You are most discerning and I am certain you would not be drawn in by happy manners hiding poor character, but he is a most accomplished deceiver. I feel incumbent to warn some of the local populace. Would you be able to help me? Whom should I speak to? Your merchants should not extend credit and they should keep a close eye on their daughters"

Elizabeth gasped in shock

"Forgive me if I have spoken out of turn, but I would not wish to see the good people of Meryton suffer."

"I appreciate the concern, sir" Elizabeth was confused, Darcy did not seem to care much for the people of Meryton, why bother if they were to be taken in? She could not but be impressed by the concern in his manner and she was gratified by his asking her.

"I would suggest speaking with Sir William, he is the local magistrate and will know how best to warn our local tradesmen."

Darcy bowed, and assured her he would, before bidding the party farewell as they entered their aunt's abode.

...

It was two days later and Elizabeth was, once again, tossing and turning. Her nightgown a tangle around her legs her mind refusing to stop whirling.

Mr Darcy, whom she had thought of as the proudest of men, had been showing her every attention and kindness. He had called on Sir William on her advice and spent half the afternoon with him, according to Charlotte. He had called and talked with all of her sisters and had even been for tea that afternoon, conversing with her father and even exerting himself to compliment her mother on her arrangement.

She had assumed he disdained her family and yet he was showing every sign of tolerating them. Vexing, teasing, man!

Then there was Mr Wickham. Darcy's words still ringing in her ears and she had found her self sat next to him at her aunt's supper party the previous evening, before she knew of his actions with Sir William.

He had started off with pleasantries and she had felt he was a most interesting person. She had wondered if there had been a misunderstanding between him and Mr Darcy. She had found herself encouraging his conversation, hoping to find out more. Then talk had turned and he had begun suggesting Mr Darcy was not a gentleman, had denied him a living. All manner of untruths were told.

Elizabeth listened with every appearance of polite interest but turned at the end of his tirade and told him, in no uncertain terms, that his lies were not welcome.

She was now exceedingly cross with herself for having allowed him to speak so, having sat so close and had such a despicable conversation. She had completely ignored Mr Darcy's warning because Mr Wickham had been agreeable and charming. Had Darcy been wrong? Was she not discerning enough to see under happy manners!

Oh how wretched she felt! Especially when he had called the very next day and been so aggreeable. There had been no time for private conversation for her to confess all to him and she was now fretting about what he would say of her.

She vowed to herself she would not be so careless in future, she would be the woman Darcy seemed to believe she was able to be. She would be better, for him.

And with those thoughts she slipped in to a deep sleep, a small smile playing about her lips.