I'm sorry for the delay folks. I'll apologise in advance for any grammatical errors. I'm a beginner after all.

Elizabeth had woken, unrested and anxious for the day to be over. Lydia was to return to Longbourn this morning and she was not at all feeling prepared for it. She had spent much of the night contemplating her relationship with her future husband. She did not know how she would bear a full month away from him, but at the same time it seemed like not time enough. She knew that she needed to work through her confused feelings, to determine a course of action. Georgiana had promised to write to her often and keep her abreast of any changes to her brother's health, she'd also promised to update her on the outcome of the new Doctor's opinion on Mr Darcy's health.

Leaving Derbyshire had been a hard decision to make, but she was confident that it was the correct decision. Being so close to the man had left her entirely confused and unable to think in an intelligent and rational manner. Then there was the matter of telling her family that she was engaged to Mr Darcy, what would they think of her, what would her father think of her?

Hearing a commotion downstairs, Elizabeth felt dread rise in the pit of her stomach, the Wickhams had arrived. Pushing herself from the bed she made her way from the room and to the stairs, descending slowly to join the rest of the family at the front of the house. When she arrived, Mr Wickham was handing Lydia down from the carriage. She noticed that her sister did indeed look well, a small swell of her stomach proved that she was indeed with child. Mrs Bennet was the first to fawn over her favourite daughter, pulling her into an embrace whilst Mr Wickham stood beside his wife with his usual pleasing smile, she noticed that he worked very hard to avoid the eyes of her father, and indeed herself.

'Oh my child, how well you look. And to be with child so soon! You have done your husband a great service, I am certain you will bear a son.'

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and glanced towards her father who stood with a severe expression. His jaw tightened as he listened to the ramblings of his wife and youngest.

'Oh Mama, I am so happy. To think that I, the youngest, am married before even Jane!'

'And Mr Wickham, what a handsome figure you cut…but what is this nonsense of Newcastle! You cannot think to take my Lydia and grandchild away from me!'

Mr Wickham smiled, it made Elizabeth want to scream in frustration. 'My duties call me to the North Ma'am and I could not be parted from your daughter.'

Mrs Bennet smiled in appreciation of his pretty words, but inwardly Elizabeth wished to call him out on it. How quickly her mother appeared to forget that Mr Wickham had been bribed to marry her daughter, how quickly she seemed to overlook his abandonment of her favourite. Unable to listen any longer to his deception she turned to enter the house, seeing that her father was of the same mind. Their eyes met and understanding passed between them, Mr Bennet it would appear would be passing this visit in his study, without the company of Mr Wickham.

Once the family returned to the parlour, sans Mr Bennet, Elizabeth took up a chair in the corner of the room, half turning from the occupants and applied herself to embroidering a handkerchief, attempting to block out much of the frivolous chatter of her mother, Lydia and Kitty. Sadly, her mother was blessed with such a voice that could not be entirely ignored and so she was forced to attend to much of the conversation that passed.

'And Mrs Wickham, your dear sister Jane is now engaged to her Mr Bingley… I knew it would be so. The man could not keep away from her, such a beauty that she is.'

Jane blushed and looked at her mother helplessly. 'Mama'

'Well Jane, take some lessons from your younger sister, with child already… providing her fine husband with an heir so soon.' Mrs Bennet's expression was smug.

Lydia whined in her normal manner 'I did not wish to be with child so soon, soon I will be unable to attend balls or visit with friends.. it is a tiring business and I find I do not get on with it at all.'

'Nonsense child, it is your duty to your husband. He expects it of you, is that not right Mr Wickham?'

Mr Wickham looked between the women helplessly. 'Er… we had not expected a family so soon, but I shall not be disappointed as long as it is a son.'

Elizabeth looked up at the three conversants in disgust. 'Then you will be disappointed if my sister bears a daughter?' All eyes in the room turned to her. 'That seems uncharitable does it not Mr Wickham, I had it in my mind that you were rather fond of girls.'

Her mother frowned, not quite understanding her meaning, Lydia was quite uninterested in her sister's barbs but Mr Wickham understood her meaning perfectly. Before he could answer, Elizabeth returned her eyes to the task in front of her, ending her part in the conversation.

The man was a cad, a rake. Lydia was still ignorant to the trouble that she had caused her family, or

she wished to remain ignorant of the hurt that she had caused. It made Elizabeth sick. She felt a presence by her side and noted Mr Wickham had drawn up alongside her. He sat in a chair across from her and folded his legs, brushing a piece of dust from his trousers.

'I understand that you have been staying in Derbyshire this past month sister.'

'You understand correctly.'

'With the Darcys?' Elizabeth inclined her head in the affirmative. 'And how do you find them? Has Mr Darcy much improved in your estimation?'

She glared at him, fire in her eyes and a defiant tilt of her chin. 'He is the best of men Mr Wickham, shy, proud perhaps… but in essentials he is an honest, intelligent man.'

'You have come to admire him?'

'Who could not admire him? I find that he and his sister are the most agreeable people I have had the pleasure of knowing in recent times, along with his cousin and Mr Bingley of course.'

Mr Wickham, if he felt her barb, did not display any discomfort. 'I am surprised at such a change in your opinion of the man.'

'It would seem that one needs to rely on their own mind when sketching his character, rather than the testimony of others. He gives his friendship where he finds worth.' She pulled her eyes away from him, unable to look upon him any longer.

Mr Wickham, sensing that he had been dismissed, stood and bowed, returning to her sister's side. The blush that crept up Elizabeth's face was a result of her anger only.

For another half hour, she listened to their incessant chatter about nothing of consequence before she dismissed herself, unable to bear the anger that she felt, and the disgust at the couple's disregard for anyone other than themselves.

Jane followed her from the room, watching as Elizabeth tied her bonnet around her neck. 'Are you well Lizzie?'

Elizabeth sighed in frustration. 'How can you bear it Jane? How can you listen to them speaking as though nothing of any import has passed?'

Jane took up her own bonnet and coat and quickly dressed to walk with her sister. 'You must not let it affect you Lizzie.'

Elizabeth's face displayed her incredulity. 'Jane, even you must feel some vexation. That Lydia's actions might have discouraged Mr Bingley's attentions must have crossed your mind.'

Jane took her sister's arm and the two girls departed the house to wander around the gardens. 'I admit that it did cross my mind Lizzie, I feared that Lydia's disgrace might have been an obstacle too great to overcome, but his constancy throughout our family's troubles convinced me that he must have some great depth of feeling for me.'

Elizabeth squeezed her sister's arm. 'Indeed he does Jane. You are fortunate to have met such a man, any man half Mr Bingley's worth would have fled.'

She allowed her thoughts to turn to Mr Darcy, there were so many unanswered questions in her mind regarding that man. The most pressing question related to his feelings for her, did he love her, did he have any feelings for her at all? He required an heir urgently, that much was obvious, but was that the only reason that he deigned to offer for her again… she had but one short month to come to terms with the change in her circumstances, to come to terms with the change in her feelings for him.

'You seem unhappy Lizzie.' Jane stopped and stared at her sister in concern. 'Pray be honest with me… were you in love with Mr Wickham?'

Elizabeth sighed and smiled at her sister. 'I fancy myself more in love with Mr Collins, than I do Mr Wickham.'

Both dissolved into giggles and Jane linked her arm with her sister's once again as they began to walk. 'I am happy to hear you say it Lizzie. I could not bear to think you slighted by a man for Lydia's favour.'

'I assure you Jane my heart is quite safe from the likes of Mr Wickham.'

'Will you share with me your pain?'

Elizabeth smiled gently. 'It is not a pain that I bear, merely a conundrum, that even you my dear sister will not be able to assist me with.'

Jane nodded, her lips drawn in a tight smile. 'Has it to do with Mr Darcy?'

Elizabeth stopped then, shocked at her sister's perceptive query. 'Why do you mention Mr Darcy?'

'A sadness seems to steal across your face whenever he is mentioned Lizzie, like something terrible has befallen him, or that you have disappointed hopes in regards to the gentleman.'

Elizabeth forced a smile. 'I have no disappointed hopes in relation to the man Jane. You can rest easy, Mr Darcy is a good man and I feel that I understand him a little better than I did before I left for Derbyshire, though perhaps not so much as I would like…' Jane was about to interrupt when Lizzie drew her attention to the path from Netherfield. 'Your Mr Bingley has come Jane.'

A slow and easy smile spread across Jane's features and Elizabeth squeezed her arm before releasing her, Jane hurried out of the gate and up the path to meet her betrothed. From where she stood, Elizabeth could see her sister throw herself into Mr Bingley's arms, and when she saw them steal a kiss she blushed and averted her eyes, returning to the house, her mind full of Mr Darcy's kiss.

Later that evening, after the dinner courses had been cleared, Elizabeth joined her father in his study. She could no longer listen to the simpering of her mother and sister, nor the smooth tales of her Brother in Law. Mr Bingley, good as he was seemed happy enough to oblige him, though she believed that she had witnessed a cool aloofness in his manner when conversing with Mr Wickham that she had not witnessed before. It pleased her to know that he would not be taken in by her Brother's false charms.

Mr Bennet looked up from his book as she entered and closed the door behind her. Taking a seat he offered a warm smile. 'You could take no more of the Wickham's either Lizzie?'

She smiled and shook her head. 'Indeed Papa, they will ruin one another.'

'Perhaps you are right, but at least they will now do it within the bounds of propriety. Lydia is Mr Wickham's concern now. I will always love her, and she is always welcome at Longbourn, but I am not ungrateful that her virtue is no longer my concern.' Elizabeth looked down at her hands thoughtfully. 'I am glad Lizzie, that I do not need to depart with you, with Jane leaving soon I could not bear for the last sensible person on the estate to leave me.'

She turned her eyes to him, guilt gnawing at her insides. The events with Lydia these past months had aged her father and though she longed to tell him, knew that she must tell him, about Mr Darcy, but she found that her courage had deserted her. 'I shall have to leave you one day Papa.'

He looked thoughtful, a little sad at that. 'Yes, but thankfully not any time soon. I must say I am glad to have never met the acquaintance of any man that I would deem to be worthy of your hand.'

She blanched and looked away, his brows knit together in concern. 'Lizzie? What is the matter?'

Forcing a smile she took his hands in hers. 'T'is nothing, I was simply thinking about how much I will miss Jane when she becomes Mrs Bingley.' He squeezed her hands gently and nodded. 'Though, you must know Papa, when I do accept a gentleman, it will be because I love him with all of my heart, and that I know I can respect and trust him.'

Offering a sad smile Mr Bennet nodded in understanding. 'I know Lizzie, I know. That does not mean I cannot dread the day in the meantime, and then when that day comes, I will wish you joy.'

She could feel tears well in her eyes and offered her father a watery smile. 'Thank you Papa.'

Knowing that she must tell her father soon, she decided to enjoy the remainder of the evening in his company as his favourite daughter, and not as the future Mrs Darcy.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Darcy tucked his shirt back into his breeches as the Doctor placed his instruments back into his leather bound bag.

'So, have you any idea?'

Doctor Taylor rubbed his chin thoughtfully. 'Typhus, Mr Darcy.'

Mr Darcy shrugged into his waistcoat. 'Typhus? It cannot be.. Typhus causes a rash Doctor Taylor, indeed I have seen it with my own eyes.'

'I'm afraid that Typhus does not always present with a rash, I am confident in my diagnosis Mr Darcy. That you have survived this long is a positive sign in itself. You are strong and your body seems to be capable of defeating the illness, or at least from slowing it's progression.'

'It simply cannot be Typhus doctor, I know this as I have already survived Typhus as a child.' Mr Darcy finished dressing and turned to the doctor who had a thoughtful expression on his face. 'My understanding is that Typhus cannot be caught again.'

'That is the general belief Mr Darcy, however it is not an accurate assertion. Doctor Johnson is well respected in his field, however your earlier exposure to Typhus may be why he was unable to afford a diagnosis. I assure you, having witnessed the disease in childhood and then those who have suffered a recurrence that what you suffer from is indeed Typhus.'

Darcy rubbed his chin and ran his hand through his hair. 'You are certain?'

'I would not say it if I were not. I have travelled some many miles to call on you Sir, but I did not come to provide you with a false diagnosis.'

'I thank you for your services Doctor Taylor, truly I am grateful.' Darcy slumped into the chaise he took a deep breath. 'Will this consume me?'

The Doctor lowered himself onto a chair. 'At this point it is hard to be certain. Each case is different, every patient individual. What you have described to me is indeed symptomatic of the disease. It may be some many months before we know how you will fare, but I am willing to assist you in any way that I can.'

Darcy closed his eyes. 'I refuse leeches or blood letting Doctor.'

The Doctor chuckled and smiled. 'That is fortunate, because I do not agree with either practices, and certainly not for this condition. Indeed, other than ensuring that you remain hydrated and well fed, with plenty of exposure to the sun and fresh air there is little that can be done for the ailment. You will need to be monitored every few weeks to determine the progress of the disease.'

'I am dying, am I not?' He couldn't believe any outcome other than his demise.

'As I said Mr Darcy, that you have survived as long as this already speaks in your favour.' He pushed himself up from the chair and collected his bag. 'I will call on you again tomorrow. In the meantime I would be grateful if you could request your man to recommend a nearby Inn.'

'I have taken the liberty of preparing a room for you Dr Taylor, I would not have you travel all this distance to assess me and then turn you out into the cold.'

'I thank you for your kindness Mr Darcy.' The Doctor bowed to his host.

'Jenkins, please show Dr Taylor to his rooms and instruct the cook to set another place for dinner.'

The Doctor smiled at the young man gratefully. 'I will do my best to rid you of this scourge Mr Darcy, my methods, though perhaps considered unorthodox in my professional circles, are non-invasive and aimed at making you well enough to fight this.'

Mr Darcy inclined his head in acknowledgment, and once the Doctor left the room with his man he sighed heavily, leaning his head into his hands. Finally he had a name for this illness, finally he had some idea what it was that he must overcome. He had beaten this illness once in his childhood, but the memories of the procedures he endured had not left him, he would beat this disease again.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The days following the Wickham's departure were quiet and easy. Kitty and Mary seemed to be developing a deeper friendship, and Kitty who was born a natural follower was even beginning to show some interest in the scripture and sermons that Mary was so fond of. Elizabeth was certain it was more due to Kitty's lack of entertainment than a genuine interest, but some sensible learning could do no wrong in Elizabeth's eyes. Perhaps, given time, Kitty would bring out a lighter side in her most serious sister. Yes, she believed that the two could be good for one another. Jane was often busy with her Fiance, and though they were gracious enough to try and involve her in their conversations for the first time in her life, Elizabeth felt that she did not fit here any longer.

She could feel the changes coming, they were almost as palpable as the changing seasons. Glad that she had returned to Longbourn, she would be even more glad to return to Pemberley. Being there, she had felt that she was missing her home, her family…she had taken for granted that nothing would have changed, when in fact everything had.

With Lydia's departure, and Jane's betrothal Elizabeth even found time to have meaningful conversations with her mother. Something that had rarely happened before the five Bennet sisters' futures were secured. She was content, and in turn she was ready to give up her childhood home.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Two weeks had passed since Elizabeth Bennet had returned to Hertfordshire, and each day that he received no word of her brought him a stronger sense of unease. With each passing day, he had not heard from Mr Bennet, and now at the end of his second week without the lady, he had determined that she had not spoken with her father.

He wished to tell Georgiana of his marrying Elizabeth, but something held him back. He knew it to be the fear of a further rejection at her hands. His happiness rested entirely with her, he could not be shamed in front of his sister, not when she expected him to guide her through her own romances. Determined was he that he would not fail, that he would be the brother that she could look up to, yet inside with each passing day his façade was crumbling further. He would wait, wait until he determined that Miss Elizabeth Bennet would indeed be his, he was set on having her and if he must he would make it impossible for her to refuse him.

Colonel Fitzwilliam, noticing his Cousin's distraction crossed the floor of the study and perched on the edge of the chair in front of Darcy's desk.

'What troubles you Cousin? You are still thinking of Miss Bennet?'

'There is still no word Richard. She has changed her mind.'

Richard sighed impatiently. 'We cannot keep this from Georgiana any longer, she has a right to know if you are engaged or if you are not. We must off to Hertfordshire.' Darcy's eyes snapped up to meet his Cousin's. 'Come now Darce, you and I both know it, you need to be there to speak to Mr Bennet. You have given her ample opportunity to do so, clearly she has not, else he would have written.'

It wasn't only the fact that he would be reneging on his promise to allow her to speak to her father, but also the fragility of his health that made him apprehensive about making the move back to Hertfordshire, though he longed to see her once again. 'She is not the type of woman to trifle with a man's feelings Richard, she said that she will speak to her father, we must trust that she will.'

'But when? She has had a fortnight to do so! What if something has befallen her?'

'Then I am certain that Bingley would have let me know.'

'Are you certain?' Richard knew what he was playing at, he knew Darcy's weakness for the woman in question but he could no longer forgo Darcy's brooding and melancholy.

With a start, Darcy realised that he was not certain at all. Bingley was a slow correspondent at best and it may not have occurred to Bingley that there was any need to write. He nodded slowly. 'We must come up with a reason to be in the neighbourhood.'

The Colonel suddenly realised that his Cousin was more deeply involved than he had initially thought, or that the illness was slowing his wits somewhat. 'And Bingley, your best friend's wedding, that is not enough of a reason?'

Shaking his head with a rueful smile Darcy laughed. 'Yes, indeed, you are quite correct. Too long have I been feeling sorry for my own circumstances, that I had quite forgotten my friend's joy. We shall return, I will send an express to Bingley today.'

'At last, I cannot bear this womanly drama. I think I should much prefer to grow old a bachelor.'

Darcy raised a brow 'We both know that to be impossible Richard, you hold the opposite sex in too high a regard.'

The Colonel gave his Cousin a rakish grin. 'Indeed Darce, indeed I do.' The Colonel pushed himself to his feet. 'I will inform Georgiana and make the arrangements.'

Darcy nodded gratefully at his Cousin, suddenly thankful to not have to exert his energy, he would require it for the journey back to Hertfordshire, and back to Elizabeth.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Elizabeth, returning from her morning walk, untied the ribbons of her bonnet and dropped it onto the chaise in the hallway as she made her way to the parlour. She was cheerful this morning and she felt lighter than she had in the past couple of weeks since returning home. Pushing open the parlour door with a bright smile on her face she was stunned to find Mr Bingley had brought an extended party with him for his visit. There stood Mr Darcy next to Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Georgiana was seated next to Kitty. Mrs Bennet craned her neck around her chair and rolled her eyes at her daughter.

'There you are Lizzie. Where have you been?'

Her smile had now entirely vanished as she met the dark eyes of Mr Darcy, she did not tear them away as she answered her mother. 'Oakham Mount Mother.' She dropped a quick curtsy and the men bowed. 'Mr Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam.' She turned to Georgiana and saw that her young friend was regarding her with a warm smile. 'Miss Darcy.' Mr Bingley laughed and Elizabeth blushed. 'Of course, Mr Bingley, good day to you too.'

'Do not mind me Miss Elizabeth, it is good to know that you welcome me as you do your own family.' He grinned at her but she could not find the concentration to return his smile.

Georgiana excused herself from Kitty's side and over to Elizabeth's. 'Lizzie! Oh I am so happy to see you. Are you very surprised?'

Looking back to Mr Darcy before dragging her eyes back to Georgiana she took the young girl's hands and squeezed them, forcing some cheer into her voice. 'Indeed I am. I cannot believe you copncealed such a scheme.'

'T'was my Brother and Cousin's idea. I believe that they wished to surprise you!'

Her eyes met Mr Darcy's again. 'I am very much surprised.' Mr Darcy was staring at her, his mask impacable, she had no way to read his thoughts. The Colonel, sensing that the room's occupants were picking up on the tension between Mr Darcy and the object of his affections strode towards her to at least break the eye contact.

'Miss Bennet. I was sorely disappointed to have missed you in Derbyshire, indeed, I insisted that we travel here as soon as was reasonable before Mr Bingley's wedding so that I might renew our acquaintance.' She smiled warmly at him, the man was too agreeable.

'I am honoured Colonel. I was sorry that our meeting was not to be. Tell me, when did you arrive?'

'Late last evening.' He studied her face closely. 'Indeed, my Cousin feels that he had some business that has not been concluded to his satisfaction in the area. I feel that he would not have agreed to impose on Bingley until nearer to the wedding if he had not felt an urgency in resolving his matters.'

Elizabeth looked at her hands, fully understanding his meaning. From the corner of her eyes, she could see her mother regarding her and the Colonel with interest. It would not do to have her mother believe that she held the Colonel in any regard, other than that of a friend.

'And what regiment are you stationed with Colonel.' Elizabeth almost jumped when she realised that her Mother was addressing the Colonel directly, but she was grateful for the distraction that she provided, which was long enough for her to approach Mr Darcy at the back of the room whilst the Colonel obliged her Mother.

Mr Darcy had turned away from the room, his back to the occupants, his eyes fixed on the gardens before him. He felt her presence however and she had noticed the tightening of his shoulders. 'I did not expect you Mr Darcy.'

'I felt that I must come. You asked that I allow you to speak to your father directly. I know that you have not done so.' She bit her lip and hung her head in shame. 'It leads me to believe that you are no longer party to our agreement, that you wish it to be forgotten…'

Her eyes widened 'No!' The words came out quicker and louder than she had anticipated and the eyes of the room fell upon them. She scanned the room nervously, but the Colonel drew them all back into conversation. When she turned back to look at Mr Darcy, he was regarding her with a curious expression. 'Forgive me Sir. You are correct, I have not spoken to my Father. There have been a great many changes here and he is feeling them keenly. I have never been unable to talk to him, but I find myself now short of the courage I require to speak with him.'

'I will not pretend to understand why.'

'I do not wish to retract my agreement Mr Darcy. My father, he knows of my.. my..'

'Dislike of me?' She sighed in defeat. 'It is no matter Miss Bennet. You made your feelings clear in Kent, there is no reason to suppose that your family were not aware of them.'

'You are not angry?'

'Angry? No. No I am not.' He closed his eyes and sighed. 'I did not give a good impression of myself when I entered the neighbourhood, I cannot expect anyone to think highly of me.'

She was surprised, his pride was not drawing him into anger. 'I think highly of you Sir.' Her words were whispered and her cheeks flamed, she heard a harp intake of breath from him and his dark eyes held hers, searching.

'And no longer despise me?' She shook her head, her intelligent brain was taking in his features, analysing his expression, he seemed hopeful, but pale… in fact his forehead seemed to present a sheen of perspiration.

'Mr Darcy? Are you quite well Sir?' he closed his eyes and took short shallow breaths, she could tell that he might fall unconscious at any moment and so slipped her arm into his and guided him to a chair. Miss Darcy who had been watching the entire scene play out was over at their side in seconds, a look of concern on her features.

'Fitzwilliam?'

'I am well. Perhaps a glass of water?'

Elizabeth made her way to the table and poured a glass, pressed it into both of his hands, clasping her soft warm hands around his until he was able to hold the glass steadily, their eyes holding. Georgiana looked at their hands in interest. Drawing her hands back, Elizabeth looked to Georgiana. 'Perhaps it would be best to have Mr Darcy returned to Netherfield.'

The young girl nodded. 'I am right here Miss Bennet.' His voice was terse.

'For now Mr Darcy… but for how much longer.' Her tone would not be opposed and Georgiana had to stifle a smile. She pushed herself up from the table and made her way to the Colonel to inform him of their intentions to leave. Mr Darcy's face showed his annoyance but Elizabeth simply tilted her chin up at him in defiance. 'You may pout all you wish Mr Darcy, but I assure you, if you mean to take away Mr Bennet's favourite daughter, you will require your strength for your application.'

The annoyance disappeared from the young man's features. She wished him to speak to her Father. He had not suspected that their meeting would go so well and that progress would be made so quickly. His eyes warmed and darkened all at once. 'If that is your wish Miss Bennet.'

She smiled shyly. 'That is my wish Mr Darcy.'

He nodded. 'I may not be in the best of health to return to Longbourn tomorrow. Come to Netherfield. There is much we must discuss.'

Drawing in a deep breath she nodded. 'I will come.'

Before anything further could be discussed the Colonel approached and shook his head. 'Darcy, it seems that you will do just about anything to be out of company.'

'For once Colonel, I am reluctant to leave.' His eyes never left Elizabeth's and she blushed under his intense gaze. The Colonel smiled at the pair before him. This was proving to be a much easier expedition than he had first imagined.

AUTHORS NOTE

Apologies for the delay again. I really didn't know where to go with this chapter. I had an idea for the story, but some of the reviews knocked my confidence a little. I suppose that people were confused when Elizabeth chose to return to Longbourn. In her defence, she was confused, had delayed her return to Longbourn on two occasions already and she was eager to be with her family and find out the truth of her younger sister's marriage. Her feelings for Darcy and her insecurities surrounding his feelings for her were also partly what drive her away. She is intelligent yes, but time and space are sometimes required in times like this.

I hope that I haven't lost too many of you, and that you are aren't overly frustrated with this chapter. Though not entirely free from their earlier misunderstandings, I hope that this chapter shows them moving on from those misunderstandings, more on Elizabeth's side and Darcy will be able to move past his insecurities in the next couple of chapters.