AN – with this chapter we have all the pieces in play. Now I only have to move them around the board in the correct order.

'Lizzy,' Jane hesitated, watching her sister brush her long dark hair before bed, 'do you have an understanding with Colonel Fitzwilliam.'

Laughing, the merriment crowded into Elizabeth's eyes. 'Why would you think such a thing? You know we are acquainted, indeed we like each other very well but not in that way.'

'It is the way you act in his company,' a frown appeared on Jane's serene countenance. 'There is such a familiar ease between you, it may be mistaken for love.'

'Jane, you were present when we first met Colonel Fitzwilliam,' Lizzy looked puzzled, 'and know of our conversation then. Any match between us, even if we wished it is impossible.'

'Feelings change over time,' Jane's gaze locked with her sister's. 'I know you, Lizzy. You would take a man of the Colonel's income if you truly loved him.'

'I do not,' Elizabeth very deliberately put her brush down and turned to face her sister. 'You must believe me, Jane, for if I cannot convince you, no one will believe me.'

'People are talking,' Jane warned, a sympathetic expression clouding her eyes. 'I heard Maria Lucas mentioned your upcoming betrothal. People are expecting an announcement.'

'Let them,' Lizzy frowned, angered by the presumption. 'Just because people say it, does not make it true,'

'Can you not see how it appears,' Jane commented, her brow furrowed. 'You have been in each other's company at every social gathering. Tonight you danced both the supper and final set with Colonel Fitzwilliam. That is enough to set tongues wagging. However, when the Bingley party came into the assembly rooms, the Colonel could not wait to introduce you. It appeared he wished you to know his cousin. Then you dance two sets with Mr Darcy and engaged him in conversation the entire time. He did not dance with anyone else, including the women of his party. Everyone saw how that angered Miss Bingley. Indeed, Mr Darcy seemed displeased with our assembly and everyone at it, except you, Lizzy.'

'Then,' she stated irreverently, 'perhaps Mr Darcy will make me on offer and astound us all. We shall all be saved and I will throw you into the path of the excellent Mr Bingley. There, will that suit you, Dearest Jane.'

'Do be serious, Lizzy,' Jane's easy countenance suddenly changed to one of great urgency. 'You may find yourself engaged to Colonel Fitzwilliam by the weight of opinion.'

'Jane,' Elizabeth took in a fortifying breath, 'I understand your concerns and will ensure to check my behaviour in the presence of the Colonel the next time we are in company. There, will that satisfy you?'

'Yes,' Jane finally smiled. 'I could not bear to lose you to a man you do not truly love. Take care, Lizzy, you are in more danger than you suppose.'

Watching her sister exit the room, Lizzy returned to the mirror. Finishing her hair, she contemplated her sister's words. Yes, she did act very familiar with Colonel Fitzwilliam because she considered him as a brother. Yes she could see herself as his wife. They would have felicity and similar outlooks. However, Elizabeth Bennet knew she'd be trading love for affection, respect for security and her heart for friendship.

-ooOOoo-

'What did you think of Miss Elizabeth, Cousin,' Colonel Fitzwilliam asked Darcy in a quiet tone, hoping to engage the man without the rest of the room.

'I heard her described as a local beauty,' Caroline butted in. Collecting her cup of tea, she made her way to the sofa closest to the wing backed chair beside Mr Darcy. Settled in the main parlour, the party would partake before retiring to bed.

'Then I would have to agree with societies impression,' Richard commented quickly, trying to hide his revulsion for the woman. 'Her beauty is not as classical as Miss Bennet's, but there is something about her eyes which draws attention.'

'Miss Bennet is an angel,' Charles added to the conversation. A delighted smile covered his face at the thought of the beautiful young lady. 'Perhaps you could invite the Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth to tea tomorrow afternoon, Caroline. I am sure Miss Darcy would enjoy the company of young ladies close to her age. Do you not agree Darcy?'

'Really, Charles,' Caroline hijacked the conversation once again, 'they might be pretty, in a country fashion sort of way but I believe Mr Darcy would not want his sister to associate with those so far beneath her station. They are tolerable at best.'

'Do either of the Miss Bennet's play?' Georgiana finally asked in a timid tone. Even she heard the spite in Miss Bingley's tone and did not like anyone to be spoken of without the ability to respond.

'I have rarely heard anything better,' Richard stated, 'than to hear Miss Elizabeth play. Although not as technically proficient as you, Georgiana, the young lady plays with passion.'

'I should very much like to be introduced, Brother, if that is acceptable to you,' Georgiana deferred to her sibling and guardian.

'I will be available to supervise this first meeting,' Darcy nodded his limited consent. 'Tomorrow will be suitable, Miss Bingley, if you will consent to invite the two eldest Bennet sisters.'

Holding back a frown, Darcy tried to look pleased for his sister. Making this request of Caroline would make it possible but cost him. Several concerns entered his mind. Firstly, Miss Elizabeth Bennet could be impertinent, something he did not wish Georgiana to emulate. Secondly, her position in society, so far beneath his own was not a good match for a friend of his sister. Thirdly, Georgiana's shyness could be overwhelmed by someone so lively and intelligent. Finally, he did not like the feelings the young lady generated within his heart. Two dances and he'd become enamoured of her fine eyes. Because of this reason alone, Darcy felt the need to distance himself, not encourage a closer attachment. It might give the young woman impossible hope.

'And,' he tried to comfort himself with the silent thought, 'she is destine to be my cousin's bride.'

-ooOOoo-

'This came from Nethfield just now, Ma'am,' Hill curtseyed while handing Miss Bennet the letter.

'Oh,' Mrs Bennet snatched the envelope from the silver tray. Reading it over several times, Fanny muttered about the elegant hand. 'Request the company of Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet for tea this afternoon. Jane, this is a complement to you, you know. Mr Bingley admired you above all others at the assembly last night. And although I don't know why, Mr Darcy payed you as much attention as the Colonel, Miss Lizzy. I do not see why you don't accept the man and leave Mr Darcy for Lydia. She will make him a fine wife and ten thousand a years. How rich she will be.'

'Mama,' Jane and Elizabeth glared at her vulgar display.

'We only met the gentlemen last evening, Mother,' Jane reminded. 'They seem amiable enough. However they may indisposed and unable to take tea with the ladies.'

'Well let us hope that is not true,' Mrs Bennet declared as if this would make it so. 'We will pray for a sudden summer thunderstorm. You shall walk Lizzy, seeing you are so frond of the exercise. Jane may take Nelly that way you may be invited to stay for dinner. Then you will see the gentlemen.'

The sisters simply looked to each other with a roll of their eyes. They'd lived with their mothers faults these many years. Given the opportunity, she would through them into the path of any rich man.

'No,' Mr Bennet could not abide by this plan, 'I will have the carriage called. However, you may walk home if the gentleman does not offer his carriage. Then if there is to be summer thunderstorm, you mother will be pleased indeed.'

So the Bennet sister's found themselves on the road to Netherfield later that afternoon. While Jane anxiously awaited the meeting, Lizzy could only wish her all the luck in the world with Mr Bingley. Apart from that excellent gentleman, Miss Elizabeth Bennet did not wish to know any other in the party. She changed her mind the moment she met Miss Darcy.