"Mr. Collins. How are you?" She smiled lightly.

"Oh my dear cousin, I am fine. Thank you so much for asking. I have noticed that my esteemed patroness Lady Catherine De Bourg was here earlier. As I was remarking to my wife earlier-"

"Mr. Collins. If I may be so bold as to acquire why you have come?" William had entered the hall and come to the rescue, before Mr. Collins could launch into another speech. Unfortunately, William fell victim to another one of his speeches.

"Charlotte. How are you?" Lizzie embraced her friend.

"I am well. And you?" Charlotte enquired.

"I must confess, I have been better." Lizzie sighed.

"Oh, Lizzie. What is wrong?" Charlotte placed a hand on Lizzie's arm.

"Just a very bad day." Lizzie smiled sadly. "Really, Charlotte, its nothing to worry about."

"Oh, cousin. Will you tell me why my patroness called upon your lovely home?" Mr. Collins rushed across the room.

"Mr. Collins, I do not know if not is the right time for this conversation." Lizzie smiled softly.

"My dear," Charlotte added, "if we do not leave now, we will not reach my families house in time for supper."

"Quite right, my dear. Quite right. Well, good day Mrs. Darcy, Mr. Darcy." Mr. and Mrs. Collins scurried out the door and Lizzie and William were left alone in the hall once again.

"Well, Mrs. Darcy." William sighed and shook his head.

"Well, Mr. Darcy." Lizzie responded the same way.

"Alone at last." William smiled.

"Except for your cousin, and Georgiana, and Charles and Jane." Lizzie took a step towards William. He opened his arms and pulled her into his arms.

"Yes, except for them. But no matter who is here, I will always find time to be alone with you."

Jane and Maria exited from the sitting room just as Charles was walking into the hall to join them.

"Lizzie, I think it is time for you to rest. You have had a trying day." Jane said.

"I agree, my dear. Come, let me see you to your room." William took her hand and led her upstairs. He led her through the sitting room and when they reached the door to her room, Lizzie froze.

"No, I cannot." She pulled her hand out of her husbands and began backing away from the door.

"Lizzie." He reached forwards and caught her in his arms, pulling her close. "You do not have to stay in your room, if you do not wish." He held her tighter.

"Thank you." She whispered into his chest.

"Come, let me get you to bed." He slowly walked her to his bed and helped her under the blankets.

"I love you, William." She mumbled, just before she fell asleep.

He brushed a strand of hair away from her face and kissed her forehead. He found an extra blanket in the closet and covered Lizzie in another layer. "And I love you." He whispered, kissed her forehead again and left the room. He ran into a maid outside the door. "This door is to remain open until I close it at a later hour. Tell all the staff."

"Yes, sir." She curtsied and hurried away.

"Darcy." Charles called up the stairs. William turned and saw the top of Charles's head.

"Yes, Bingley?" He stated.

"I hate to be the barer of bad news, however-"
"Oh, Jane, I had no idea that you would be here!" The harsh voice traveled through the house.

William pressed the heels of his hands into his eyes and muttered, "Why, of all people, why?"


A/N:
This story is coming to a close, just to let you know.