A/N: Thanks to everyone who continues to support me by reading, following, favoriting and especially reviewing. Real life has really put a damper on my writing time and if I had more time I would have loved to respond to everyone individually to say thank you for commenting! It will be a goal for the future but for now I wanted to push out the next chapter. This one gave me a bit o' trouble so I'm glad it is finally up. Hope you enjoy!

Recap: Elizabeth falls one her way to tea with Caroline and Louisa; Darcy finds her and brings Bingley to her; B holds E's hand; D & B bring her back home to Longbourn.

Chapter 7: New Characters to Study

Mrs. Bennet's displeasure at seeing her second eldest return home without tea with the ladies or the intended overnight stay was softened solely by the presence of Mr. Bingley himself. She was excessively pleased he had accompanied her daughter back to Longbourn and entreated him to stay on for refreshment and silently admiring his handsome, and she was very certain, expensive coat. "I am sure that Elizabeth's father would wish to thank you, sir."

Bingley smiled widely and looked to Elizabeth for her permission but she was looking away, embarrassed by the attention. No one had exited the house upon their arrival but Elizabeth saw all of their noses pressed to the glass in an attempt to recognize the carriage. As Mr. Bingley and the maid helped her hobble to the doorstep her mother had flung open the door, wailing loudly about the plight of her daughter. Elizabeth was glad for the momentary distraction, and only Mr. Darcy's very visible shudder reminded her of its root.

When Bingley could not get the confirmation he was looking for in the face of Elizabeth he turned to his friend who was standing resolutely behind, holding the reins of his mount. He frowned at Bingley's silent entreaty and turned full away, weakening Bingley's resolve to accept the invitation. He looked to Mrs. Bennet who was eagerly nodding her encouragement. If only the mother thinks I should stay it must not be auspicious. Without any support from his beloved or friend he decided he would call back on the morrow to check in on Miss Bennet and her ankle.

Elizabeth wanted nothing more than a respite so she could collect her thoughts, but had braced herself for his likely affirmative answer. After all, one of Mr. Bingley's greatest charms for her was his inability to give offense. When he said that he would be leaving she breathed a relieved sigh that her unspoken petition would be answered.

Her ankle was not giving her much pain but she still required assistance and so Mary and Kitty helped her climb the stairs to her bedroom. Kitty fetched a clean dress and Mary helped untie the laces of her boots and remove her stockings. Hill brought her some tea and wrapped her ankle in strips of dampened cloth. "You will be just fine, Miss Elizabeth," Hill said fondly, patting her arm. "All of my boys, and the girls as well, have fallen like this some time or another. By tomorrow you will be rambling over all of this country, I imagine."

Elizabeth smiled at each of them, thankful for their attentions but filled with more gratitude when they allowed her some time to herself. She made her way to a small stool and table that she used for writing and fetched paper and ink. She stared down at the blank page, collecting her thoughts for Jane. How much easier it would be to speak to her! She gulped and began, with not a small amount of uncertainty, her letter to Jane.

Oh Dearest,

Whatever to do? I find myself in the most peculiar position. I have shared with you the news of our neighbors - the young man and his sisters who took possession of Netherfield. Since I last wrote I have increased my acquaintance with that household, particularly the gentleman. He is a most amiable gentleman, filled with kindness to his horrible sisters and miserable friend.

Elizabeth stared at her paper. She must get to the point of her situation.

I believe he has high regard for me and may even be falling in love with me, Jane, and I-

Elizabeth stopped, her heart thudding in her chest. She could not write it. She looked again at her paper. She wanted to convey to Jane that she may be falling in love with Mr. Bingley and ask her advice on what to do but her pen would not continue the thought. She felt certain that when she fell in love - the very deepest love that would induce her to marry - she would declare it openly to everyone she came across. Jane was the more bashful of the two and Elizabeth could imagine her concealing her emotions for as long as possible, but Elizabeth was incapable of banishing her emotions so far beneath the surface of her being. Why was she not overflowing with praise about Mr. Bingley? Did she not prefer him to any man she had ever met? Elizabeth laid her pen aside, cross with herself.

Charles Bingley was also cross with himself, and his friend, and his sisters. He was unhappy he had not taken the opportunity to stay at Longbourn. He generally made his decisions quickly, and they were mostly to his own benefit but he liked having the support of Darcy. Bingley was not stupid. He knew Darcy thought this girl was like all the others but Bingley was certain Darcy would learn to see what a treasure she was, just as he had. He had not spoken to Bingley once as they travelled back to Netherfield and retreated to his quarters upon their arrival. Bingley had gone into the morning room in search of Caroline and Louisa to deliver the relieving news that Miss Bennet was safe at home and they need not worry.

"Worry?" Caroline snorted. "Why would we worry?" she asked with wide eyes. "Miss Bennet has insulted us by her absence today, brother, do you not agree?" She went on without affording him an opportunity to answer. "I was so looking forward to deepening our acquaintance but she has made clear her sentiments about Louisa and me. This must be the work of her family. Such ill-breeding. It is no wonder she would neglect an invitation such as this. She knows not what it means to dine with a family like ours. Surely you cannot think well of someone who would slight your sisters."

Bingley bristled at the insinuations. "Miss Bennet fell and was injured while journeying here today, Caroline. She did not intentionally miss your engagement."

Caroline frowned for a moment but then went on. "Well, I am insulted all the same. To walk, it must be three or four miles, in all that dirt and mire. That does not show respect for your hostess, I am sure. If she was sensible of my feelings on the matter she would have taken a carriage to see me."

Bingley stood, mouth agape at Caroline's insinuations. Miss Bennet certainly did not fall by design. He must soothe the sting of her absence as any good brother would and come to Miss Bennet's defense as any good suitor would. He returned his mouth to its pleasant smile when his older sister spoke. "Brother," Louisa drawled, "last summer would you have wished for me to walk to Miss Stewart's manor? I imagine it was about the same distance as Netherfield is from Longbourn."

Caroline smiled wickedly at her sister's question and looked to her brother whose grin had faltered. "Yes, brother. Would it not have been abominably rude for Louisa to appear at Miss Stewart's house with muddy stockings and wild hair? Particularly after Miss Stewart had been so kind as to introduce her cousin, Mr. Hurst, to Louisa?" Bingley frowned, looking between his sisters, and actually considering the matter. He may very well have been upset as Louisa, like Caroline, rarely made herself agreeable to anyone.

"I do believe Miss Stewart would have thought me obstinate and headstrong which would have been a reasonable assessment of my behavior." Louisa smiled sweetly at her brother and went back to playing with her bangles.

Bingley walked away without responding, vexed by his sisters' absence of empathy and the kernel of truth in their words. Caroline felt the conversation a triumph and smiled largely at her sister who had finally made herself useful.

Darcy was pacing his room, frustration at his friend and the young lady filling his thoughts. Bingley must be mad! he thought. She is not rich, nor sensible. He would have been more fortunate to fix upon Miss Lucas. At least her mouth speaks sensibility and modesty. MIss Lucas is overflowing with virtues befitting a proper lady when compared to Miss Elizabeth Bennet; she is not amiable in the least.

His mind would not stop fixing on the incongruence of the match. Miss Bennet speaks her mind far too readily for someone like Bingley. He does not know how to respond more times than he does. He needs someone gentle and kind to give him time to form the thoughts which flow more slowly and to temper the thoughts which run wild. Gentleness and kindness are not two qualities I would assign to her and so I do not think Miss Bennet to be capable of managing him in those ways.

Darcy let out a huff. She is an unflinchingly willful creature! How foolish she was to walk; she could have faced grievous injury should she have fallen harder. And she has some ridiculous fears about horses. What would Bingley do with her? He does not enjoy ambling about the country without his horse. Darcy walked over to the chest of drawers and stared into the mirror. If they are married I suppose I will always be called on to walk with her as I do not mind that sort of exercise. Darcy frowned at himself in the mirror. If I do not lay my feelings bare about Miss Bennet perhaps that will be a fitting role for me. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Master of Pemberley and most excellent walking companion. He shook his head to rid his mind of his sardonic thoughts and called for his valet to run his bath.

The Bennets' cousin Mr. Collins arrived at Longbourn as expected, well at least by Mr. Bennet as Mrs. Bennet could not remember the details of the visit as her brain was too filled with images of wedding breakfasts and trousseaus. Even her fear of starving in the hedgerows could not remove the fantasy of matrimonial bliss.

"Good day, my dear family, good day" he blustered as soon as he had dismounted from the hackney chaise. "And what a glorious day it is when providence has allowed me to set eyes upon the beautiful daughters of the brother of my dearly departed father." He slowly made eye contact with each squirming Bennet girl and then bowed deeply, knocking his parson's hat to the ground.

"Why does he use four words when one will do? And why is he looking at us like that?" Kitty wondered aloud. Elizabeth shushed her and turned back to assess this new character as he greeted Mr. Bennet. Her father had withheld any details about his nephew as a special treat to his favorite daughter. His dress, the very blackest of blacks that had not suffered repeated washing, told her that he was newly ordained, and not well established. His cheeks were ruddy which could indicate excessive drink or overexposure to the sun. As it was early afternoon, Elizabeth hoped it was the sun. His hair was long and stringy and he needed to tie it back or patronize a barber in town. Did this mean he was lazy or to be commended for his Christianlike indifference to his appearance? He caught Elizabeth in her appraisal and returned her gaze hungrily, his mouth transforming to a wolfish grin. Her eyes bulged in mortification and she quickly focused on her sisters standing next to her.

Satisfied with his initial inspection he accompanied the Bennet family into the sitting room for some refreshment. Mr. Collins settled into a chair across from Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet and immediately set to complimenting them both. "Madam," he said, addressing himself to Mrs. Bennet. "I was shocked to find that you are the mother of these young ladies. I would as easily believe that the roles were reversed and Cousin Elizabeth was the mother and you but a maiden."

Before her mother could giggle girlishly Elizabeth interjected tartly, "Sir, are you suggesting that I resemble a matron? I am much obliged to you, I am sure."

Mr. Collins, utterly perplexed at how his flattery could have been taken in such a manner spluttered a few words of clarification and then apology, "Cousin Elizabeth, I am mortified if you believed my words to be a slight on your excellent person. You are most certainly not a matron." He finished his sentiments with a leer, confident his misstep was in their minds only and in any way completely forgiven.

Mr. Collins soon made himself disagreeable to each young lady in Longbourn. Well, each perhaps, except Mary who managed a small smile at his continued comparisons of Longbourn to Rosings Park, the home of his esteemed patroness. Mary found him exceedingly upright and moral, and she could give allowances for his loquaciousness as one could never say too much if it came from a pure and godly heart.

Mrs. Bennet's vanity was not stoked by her husband's nephew, though her family feared it to be so. She could easily see the stupid manner in which Mr. Collins comported himself. However, his physical presence finally reminded her of the precarious situation of Longbourn and the attractive connection to a noble and powerful lady stoked something far more influential than vanity: desperation. His occupancy played at her fears and reminded her that a Bennet must always remain at Longbourn. The question of which Bennet was easily answered. Jane was to marry the son of an Earl and Elizabeth was to marry Mr. Bingley. Lydia was destined for greatness, and Kitty could not stop frowning at the man. Mary was the answer. She turned to her second least-favorite daughter in wonder. Mary was to be their savior.

The next day Mr. Collins was walking in the garden with Mrs. Bennet when the subject of her daughters arose. "Miss Elizabeth is certainly spirited," he commented, the glint returning to his eye.

"That she is, sir," Mrs. Bennet agreed, readying herself for the delicate dance of steering his affections. "Many have admired Lizzy's spirit, including a particular gentleman in the neighborhood." Mr. Collins narrowed his eyes as they continued walking. "I must tell you that I believe her to be very soon engaged."

He pursed his lips thoughtfully, a bead of sweat dropping from his brow and landing on his cheek. "Is that so? Are you aware of any other attachments?"

Mrs. Bennet quickly replied with the negative. She spied her middle daughter reading a book on the other side of the garden. "I think my daughter Mary would be very interested in accompanying you to town today, sir. I thought I heard you say you needed a new lace for your boot."

Mr. Collins looked over to where Mary was sitting, comprehension dawning on his face. So, she had already determined who he was to marry. Presumptuous woman! Lady Catherine de Bourgh she is not! "Perhaps all of my fair cousins would consent to join me," he said slowly, turning to smile sweetly at Mrs. Bennet.

"Of course," she said uncertainly. She rose to inform the girls of their errand. Soon they were all travelling on the road to Meryton, each daughter shuffling to be away from Mr. Collins, save Mary, but none successful as he continually slowed his steps or sped up to join them all. As they passed near Lucas Lodge, Kitty noticed Maria in the garden and asked if she could invite her to come along. Elizabeth agreed and the party slowly followed her down the lane to call on the Lucases.

Maria happily agreed to accompany them and ran inside to fetch her bonnet and spencer. "What a delightful child," Mr. Collins remarked as they stood awkwardly in front of the house. Maria had not thought to invite them inside and Elizabeth had no time to suggest it before she sprinted indoors.

"She is no child, Mr. Collins," Lydia exclaimed, tugging at her dress and rolling her eyes in frustration. "She is a full sixteen years old, one year more than me and I am a grown woman. La, how silly men can be about age."

Mr. Collins reddened and walked over to a group of roses. Well the youngest is certainly not suitable. She has not yet learned to control her impulses. He placed a hand on his chin. On the other hand, with a wife so young I could mold her. Perhaps her youth is an advantage. He gazed over at them where he detected Elizabeth speaking to Lydia quietly in assumed chastisement. If only the eldest was not promised to another. She would surely be suitable for Lady Catherine and I feel that spirit would translate into other areas of her comportment. I suppose there is the very eldest in London but that is too inconvenient to think on. I really must settle on a wife before I leave Hertfordshire. She demanded I choose one. He moved his eyes to Mary and Kitty who were standing very close together but not speaking. Kitty's eyes were wandering to and fro, not settling on anything in particular and Mary was looking at the ground. I know the mother wants Miss Mary for me but Miss Kitty is much prettier. Miss Mary would be a good, respectful, pious wife whereas Miss Kitty has a bit more fire like the elder. Miss Mary would certainly make her happy but Miss Kitty... He gasped aloud, suddenly reaching an epiphany. "Miss Kitty," he addressed her forcefully, startling her as he strode over. "What is your Christian name?"

Kitty was agitated by his sudden and marked address. "Catherine, sir," she responded slowly.

Mr. Collins's face lit up. "Just as I thought. The very same as my patroness."

Elizabeth was pleased to see Charlotte exiting the house with her sister Maria. "You will join us in walking to Meryton?" Elizabeth asked joyfully as she greeted her friend.

Charlotte nodded and said, "I will. If for no other reason than to apologize for my sister's rudeness in leaving you out of doors." She smiled brightly at Elizabeth to convey the humor in her words and turned to be introduced to Mr. Collins.

"Miss Lucas, it is a pleasure to be introduced to you. I had the opportunity to meet your sister Miss Maria and found her charming. I was not bothered at all to be left standing outside even though it is a rather chilly day." He grinned broadly at her and Charlotte returned his pleasantries and then turned to raise an eyebrow at Elizabeth. They all set off again and soon reached the tiny village of Meryton.

"Denny!" Lydia immediately called out to a soldier as they entered the town. She waved her hand in greeting and invited him over to speak with them. With him came another soldier who was a stranger to all of the party.

The militiamen stopped short in front of the group and bowed quickly. Denny was a small man, with sandy hair that was cut short but unruly all the same. He possessed a cunning look about his eyes and mouth and only sharpened when he smiled. "Miss Lydia, what a pleasure to see you again. May I introduce you to my friend Mr. George Wickham? Mr. Wickham has just taken a commission in Colonel Forster's regiment." Denny made the introductions to all of the Bennet and Lucas ladies and in turn Elizabeth introduced Mr. Collins.

Mr. Wickham was a smart looking gentleman, tall and muscular but with a softness around the mouth and eyes that was missing in his friend Denny. Elizabeth felt he must smile and laugh a prodigious amount. His eyes were a light green-grey and his hair a pleasing chestnut brown. The effect was not as striking as Mr. Bingley's ginger locks and piercing azure eyes, but he was a handsome man all the same. His easy stance bespoke comfort with his surroundings and Elizabeth was delighted to have the addition of a new acquaintance when she had so recently bemoaned her solitary state.

He immediately sought conversation with Elizabeth, asking her in easy tones about the town of Meryton and what amusements might be found. Elizabeth found him amiable and was pleased with his good humor.

Charlotte stood at the edge of all the conversations. Lydia and Kitty were speaking in rapid succession to Denny while Mr. Collins looked on with envy. Mary and her sister Maria were conversing about music while Mr. Wickham gazed appreciatively at Elizabeth. Charlotte was mourning her entrance into spinsterhood when the gentleman turned to her.

"Miss Lucas," Wickham said, addressing Charlotte. "Are you the daughter of Sir William Lucas? I have heard much of him and the work he has done in Meryton."

Charlotte blushed profusely under Mr. Wickham's intense gaze. She was confident he was a rake but goodness, what a beautiful one. "I am, sir," she answered bashfully.

Elizabeth took note of the tone of her voice and peered more closely at her friend who was rocking nervously on the balls of her feet. Charlotte looked well today, with her hair pulled back neatly and a rose colored bonnet pulled tight against her scalp. She was wearing an ivory shawl over her moss green cape and in Elizabeth's opinion she really did look lovely.

Mr. Wickham kept his gaze firmly on Charlotte. "I understand your father was mayor before his elevation to the knighthood and that he made his fortune in trade."

Charlotte blushed again and Elizabeth could not wait to tease her as she had so recently been teased. The smile on Charlotte's face was encouraging to Elizabeth. It had been absent for many weeks and Elizabeth had been worried that Charlotte had given up on falling in love. Perhaps Mr. Wickham would be able to convince her that she was not bound for a life of being a governess. Before she could respond Lydia interjected with an invitation.

"Mr. Wickham, will you come to our Aunt Philips this evening? Denny will be there and Aunt Phillips will certainly be pleased to have more militiamen."

Mr. Wickham looked straight at Charlotte. "Will you be there as well, Miss Lucas?"

Charlotte felt her mouth transform into a smile and her eyes sweep demurely to her toes. "I will Mr. Wickham." She looked back up and met his hungry eyes.

"Then I will as well. Thank you Miss Lydia for the invitation. I will be pleased to accept." He bid adieu to Mr. Collins and the ladies as Denny wished to see to some business before returning to the encampment and lingered a bit longer with Charlotte than was expected for a new acquaintance. Elizabeth could do nothing but be happy for her friend and her glowing reaction to this new young man.

A/N: I loved the review for Chapter 6 asking for Mr. Collins to be handsome and nice. I thought about it for two full days. What a fantastic idea! Maybe in the next one I write.

Please review! [Yes, I'm begging!] I will try to write really quickly on the next chapter and post ASAP... [Yes, I'm bribing.] Please review!