Ok, can I just say wow! I hadn't updated in quite a while and didn't expect nearly this much feedback! So many new follows! Thank you all! I really appreciate it.

The week began and Lizzie pushed aside all thoughts of arrogant, snobbish Britons, stupid society girls, friends who were willing to sacrifice their future happiness, and sisters in love. The reality of a university student's life had her back. The end of the semester was nearing and countless papers had to be written. In between all the papers on terrorism, gender relations and international politics she had no time for anything else. But then Thursday morning arrived.

Lizzie's classes started late, so she for once had actually time for breakfast with the rest of the family, only Mari had already left and the twins were just running out of the door to school. As soon as Lizzie sat down she knew something was wrong. Alison Bennet, usually always dressed properly no matter the time of day, was still in her nightgown and bathrobe.

Lizzie reached for the coffee, when her mother started coughing.

"Mom, are you all right?" Jane asked worriedly.

"Oh, Jane! Not really. I'm afraid I'm coming down with something, dear. I just hope I'll get better soon. I wouldn't want to disappoint the charming Mr Bingley." she sighed with a particularly pitiful voice only to throw herself into another coughing fit.

Thomas Bennet lowered his newspaper and studied his wife carefully.

"Oh, Mom, I'm sure he would understand if you stayed home to get better." Jane assured her.

"No, no, dear. That's not necessary. I'll just have to manage." Mrs. Bennet sighed.

"Are you sure?" Jane asked again.

"Yes, dear. Don't you worry. I'll just lie down for another hour or two before I go over." she slowly rose from the table and went back upstairs to her bed. At the top of the stairs another pronounced coughing fit hit her.

Jane stared after her worriedly. "Oh, I just hope she doesn't feel too bad."

"Jane, I'm pretty sure your mother will be just fine. Nothing takes that woman down." her father reassured his eldest daughter.

She sighed. "I hope you are right. Now, I better go before I come too late." And with one last worried look up the stairs and a smile to her father and Lizzie Jane rushed out of the door.

Lizzie met her fathers sparkling eyes. "Well, my Lizzie, I suggest you cancel any plans you might have for the weekend. It appears your mother is quite determined to matchmake."

"Dad, really?" Lizzie laughed.

"Would you really want to leave your sister at the mercy of the likes of Caroline Bingley and William Darcy?"

Surprised, Lizzie looked at her father. She hadn't thought he knew anything about those two.

"Now, now, you don't think your old father doesn't know what his daughters are up to?"

"You eavesdropped on Charlotte, Jane and me?" she guessed grinning.

"No, your sisters did and what they know, everyone knows." he smirked.

Fair enough. Neither Lydia nor Catherine were known to be able to keep a secret.

True to Mr. Bennet's prediction Friday night arrived and after careful preparation – two days of sighing and coughing – Mrs. Bennet occupied the living room couch. She was the picture of suffering. Lizzie was actually impressed.

"Oh, Mom! You're having a fever!" Dearest Jane, the kindest of the Bennet sisters tended to her mother, while Lydia and Cathy had disappeared of to some party (again!). Mr. Bennet and Lizzie watched the unfolding scene with a mixture of fascination and amusement.

"Don't you worry, dearest. I'm sure it is nothing." Mrs. Bennet whispered.

"I'm not so sure, Mom. I really think you should call the Bingleys and tell them you can't come tomorrow. I'm sure they will understand!" Jane answered. She carefully placed a cooling pad on her mothers forehead.

"How could I do that, Jane? Someone has to cook for them. And I put off some of the cleaning because I didn't feel well these last two days! Also the Harwoods still have to pick up some of the things from the wedding." Mrs. Bennet wailed.

"I'm sure, the Bingleys are capable of opening the door for the Harwoods and ordering in for two days, Mom." Lizzie commented with raised eyebrows.

"Oh don't be ridiculous, Lizzie." her mother rebuked her with surprising strength only to immediately start another coughing fit. "I couldn't possibly burden Mr. Bingley like that." she whispered with a hoarse voice.

"How about I will go and do the housework for you, Mom?" Jane offered finally.

For a second a triumphant smile appeared on Mrs. Bennet's face but it was just as quickly replaced by her suffering face. "Oh, Jane! You are such a darling! But I couldn't possibly ask this of you."

"You're not asking. I'm offering. I insist, Mom. You stay at home tomorrow and rest. I'm sure, I'll manage." Jane said resolutely.

"And Lizzie can accompany you." Mr. Bennet suggested from behind his book. He didn't see his wife's horrified face when he continued. "After all there is no way you alone could ever replace your mother and besides, we wouldn't want to poison Mr. Bingley with your cooking. No offense meant, Jane."

Jane only smiled kindly. "None taken, Dad. Oh, Lizzie, would you, please? I'm sure I wouldn't poison them but you are far better in the kitchen than me and I really could use your help. Please!" she pleaded with her sister.

Lizzie knew it wasn't just because of the cooking and the work. Jane, for all her goodness and kindness and willingness to only think the best of people, was very insecure. Having Lizzie around would reassure her.

"Of course I will help you, Jane." Lizzie promised.

Jane smiled grateful before she turned to her mother. "You see, Mom. Lizzie and I will manage just fine. Now, I think we should get you to bed so you can get better soon." With surprising determination Jane ushered her mother up the stairs.

"You have to admire her determination and dedication." Mr. Bennet commented after a moment of silence.

Lizzie snorted. "Absolutely! Two days! She's been building up to this for two whole days and she hardly ever slipped! But how did she manage to fake a fever?!"

"Hot water bottles." Mari volunteered from the armchair, where she sat with her obligatory notebook. She stood up and walked over to the couch, previously occupied by her aunt, and pulled out a red hot water bottle from between the cushions. "She hid them all over the kitchen and living room." she shrugged.

"Wow. Just … wow!" Lizzie shook her head

"As I said … dedication." Mr. Bennet commented.

And another shorty chapter. But it made more sense to end it here instead of adding more. So, please rate and review. I adore getting reviews and talking to you guys.