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It's finally time...Mr. Darcy returns to Longbourn!

CHAPTER 20

Pemberley

Darcy had been in town finalizing preparations for his and Georgiana's visit to Hertfordshire when the express arrived from his steward. The missive informing him of a fire that had claimed several tenant cottages before being brought under control had forcibly altered his plans, and they had instead traveled immediately to Pemberley. Now, more than a fortnight later, he was convinced his steward could easily continue the work already underway. The families were fortunate that no lives were lost and the injuries sustained were not of a lasting or permanent nature. As there were rarely empty cottages on the estate, it was not possible to move the families to vacant homes. Instead, the displaced tenants had been housed either with their neighbours or in the servants' wing of the manor itself while their own homes were repaired or rebuilt as necessary.

Darcy was ensconced in his favorite chair by the fire in the library. The spring air was chilly and damp due to prolonged days of rain, and the crackling fire served to warm the room's occupants while simultaneously dispelling much of the gloom associated with stormy days. Grasped between the thumb and forefinger of his left hand was the ring he hoped to one day present to his beloved Elizabeth. The stones were from his own mother's jewels and had been reset so the eleven rose-cut white diamonds now surrounded a brilliant rose-cut emerald. The overall effect was that of a flower set in gold. He had been staring at the ring, lost in his own thoughts, for some time when his sister came upon him.

"Here you are, brother! I had begun to think I would not find you. Are we still planning to depart for Hertfordshire on the morrow? I wish to have Sally begin packing my trunks."

"What? Oh, yes. Yes, we must depart in the morning or we shall risk missing the wedding."

"What is that in your hand, William?" She leaned in for a closer look and then gasped. "Oh, goodness!"

Darcy could not help but smile at her unchecked enthusiasm. "Do you approve then? Of the ring?"

"It is magnificent. How could I not approve? When shall you present it to Lizzy?"

"I do not know, sweetling. I have often misapprehended the state of Miss Elizabeth's feelings. I cannot help but hope that I am not mistaken in this. In any case, I shall bring it with us to Hertfordshire and pray that while we are there the opportunity to bestow the ring on its intended recipient will present itself."

"I do not think you are mistaken, brother. Or if you are, then so am I. For I believe Lizzy to be very much in love with you."

Darcy could not help but be surprised at this intelligence from his sister. "Truly?"

Georgiana laughed. "Yes, truly. Honestly, William, while other ladies may differ, Lizzy would surely have objected to your inviting her family to Pemberley if she did not hold some affection for you. Not to mention her behaviour after the confrontation with Lady Winslow. Were Lizzy's feelings not engaged I do not believe she would have troubled herself to seek you out following that debacle. Do not let your fear cost you the opportunity for love, brother."

"When did you become so wise?"

Georgiana gave her brother a grin that reminded him very much of Elizabeth and replied, "When I began spending time with Lizzy, of course."

The Darcy siblings departed at first light Monday morning with plans to arrive at Netherfield on Wednesday. As he had originally planned to be in the neighbourhood for some weeks prior to the wedding, Bingley had extended an invitation for Darcy and his sister to remain at Netherfield while he was on his wedding trip. Darcy's desire to further his relationship with Elizabeth overrode any qualms about intruding on his friend's hospitality, and the invitation had been gratefully accepted. Though Darcy did lament the loss of the previous two weeks in the company of his Elizabeth, he consoled himself with thoughts of seeing her at the Bingley wedding and then, if the fates were kind, she would welcome his addresses while the Bingleys were away. He hoped that by the time the Gardiners visited Pemberley in the summer, he and Elizabeth would be engaged or perhaps even already wed. It was these happy thoughts that sustained Darcy on his journey.

"Will Miss Bingley attend her brother's wedding or shall she remain with her aunt?" Georgiana interrupted her brother's reverie.

"I cannot say for certain as I have not discussed the matter with him, but I believe it was intended for Miss Bingley to remain with her aunt until autumn. She must be allowed time to find her place in her new society and cannot well do so if she is frequently traveling."

Georgiana hid a smile at the sentiment. "No, indeed. I daresay she will require a six-month at least to gain her footing."

"I should not be surprised if that were indeed the case. I did understand Mr. and Mrs. Hurst would be at Netherfield."

"I see." Georgiana became pensive. She was not fond of the society of Bingley's sisters and was contemplating ways in which she might politely avoid Mrs. Hurst for their all too brief visit. After a moment she spoke again, "It is unfortunate we shall not see much of Mrs. Hurst then. For I am certain she will feel the absence of her sister."

Darcy gazed at the young lady before him and wondered, not for the first time, when she had ceased being a child. "She will likely feel it most keenly. But do tell me Georgie, why is it we shall not see our hostess?"

"Oh, perhaps I am mistaken. It is simply that I assumed you would wish to call on the Bennets as soon as may be on our arrival. Surely our visit will carry us very nearly until dinner and I am certain to be far too tired to be of much company after such a day. Of course, tomorrow is the wedding and we shall all be very much engaged until after the wedding breakfast."

"I should not encourage this way of thinking, you know." Darcy attempted a serious expression as he spoke. "But I find I cannot fault the sentiments."

The remainder of the journey passed without incident and in due time the siblings found themselves at Netherfield. They were greeted by their host who was, just that hour, preparing to call on the Bennet family.

"But I say, Darcy, should you and Miss Darcy wish to join me, I certainly do not mind waiting."

Georgiana looked to her brother and on seeing his approval for the scheme answered for them both. "We thank you for your consideration, Mr. Bingley, and shall make all haste to join you."

In a shorter time than either of the men thought possible, the trio had arrived at a Longbourn in chaos. The sounds of Lydia's wailing could be heard long before they gained entry to the house. "Mama, I must be allowed to go to Brighton without my sister! Mrs. Forster has invited me as her particular friend. Me. Not Lizzy! She cannot be allowed to accompany me for she shall ruin everything!" The remainder of her lamentations were unintelligible as she continued to cry. Mrs. Bennet's shrieking then joined the fray, "I do not see why that ungrateful girl should be allowed to ruin her sister's travels. It is not as though Lizzy has done anything to deserve such recognition. She has done nothing but discourage my dear Lydia since she returned from Kent!" Lydia's voice was heard once again, "Oh, I hate you Lizzy! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!"

The visitors had by this time gained the door and Bingley had lifted his hand to knock when the door began to open and another voice could be heard. To anyone who would take the time to recognize it, Elizabeth's voice held a lethal tone of hostility, though certainly not at a volume which could compete with her youngest sister. "I have no particular wish to join you in Brighton, sister. But it seems we must both learn to suffer our misfortunes!" Seconds later a face appeared to accompany the voice. She did not immediately see their visitors, but on swinging the door wide, Elizabeth came face to face with Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy, and Mr. Bingley. She stared, coloured, and was silent. Now, she thought, my mortification is complete. If my family had determined to behave in the manner most likely to cause Mr. Darcy to regret his pursuit, they could not have performed better. After a seemingly eternal pause of only a few seconds, she greeted the party. "I fear you find us not at our best just now. I should like to welcome you inside, but perhaps we would do better to walk in the gardens for a time? I would be happy to summon Jane."

Georgiana looked pained for her friend. Surely no one would wish to have their family exposed in so indelicate a fashion. Wishing to put Elizabeth at ease as the elder girl had so often done for her, Georgiana spoke before either gentleman could summon a reply. "Of course, Lizzy. Your grounds are lovely. I, for one, welcome the opportunity for some exercise after spending three days in a carriage."

Elizabeth gave the younger woman a look of gratitude and turned to have Mrs. Hill summon Jane. She then lead the visitors to a corner of the garden on the far side of the house where the angry voices from inside could no longer be heard. As was their custom, Jane and Bingley drew somewhat apart from the others. After introducing Miss Darcy to Mary and Kitty, Elizabeth turned to their remaining visitors and spoke. "I feel I must apologize once again for the behaviour of my family, Mr. Darcy. And Georgiana…what a terrible introduction you have had to our home. I fear my youngest sister is very used to having her way and is not dealing well with the unaccustomed shock of being denied."

"It is not a reflection on you, Lizzy, pray do not think you must apologize for your relations. Gracious, should that be the case I fear I must still be apologizing for my aunt's behaviour whilst you were in Kent!" Georgiana spoke with great conviction, but quickly realized the impropriety of her speech. "Oh dear. I should not have said such a thing!"

Elizabeth could not help but laugh. "No Georgie, you should not. But it seems this is a day for improper speech, so I believe we shall have to do our best to overlook one another's faults." Her response immediately put Georgiana at ease and they began to speak of inconsequential matters. Elizabeth enquired after the fire and expressed her pleasure in the anticipated results of the planned repairs. In due course, Mary, Kitty, and Georgiana found themselves agreeably engaged with one another, leaving Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth to speak with some degree of privacy.

After several minutes' conversation, Darcy could contain his curiosity no more and asked, "Am I to understand you will be traveling to Brighton?"

"So it would seem, sir. I very unwisely attempted to interfere in my sister's plans to follow the regiment to Brighton, and for my reward I shall now be required to accompany her."

"With the regiment? Surely not!" Darcy could not contain his shock at the turn of events. He had plans for the coming weeks. This simply could not be!

"I see you share my opinion of the matter, Mr. Darcy. But I can assure you the decision is made. My father has already notified Colonel and Mrs. Forster of the necessary change in plans and we are to depart on Friday."

Darcy was incredulous. Friday?! He thought to have weeks to court Elizabeth, not days. He could not possibly gain her acceptance by Friday! "I apologize Miss Elizabeth; but why? What can your father be thinking?"

Any other day Elizabeth might wish to censure Darcy for his condemnation of her father, but she was not feeling particularly generous toward the man herself at the moment. "I cannot say, Mr. Darcy. I can only offer to relate to you the whole of our conversation and hope that you might see what I do not. I fear I have brought the situation on myself."

Darcy did not speak, but rather waited for her to continue. "You see, when Lydia began to crow over her invitation, I felt it necessary to speak to my father regarding the dangers of allowing a girl such as my sister loose in a camp full of soldiers, and in the company of one such man in particular. Fear not, I did not expose either you or Georgiana." Accepting his nod of thanks as encouragement to continue, Elizabeth commenced relating to him the conversation that had taken place only minutes before his party had arrived.

CHAPTER 21

"It began this morning when Lydia received a note from Mrs. Forster…" Lydia was skipping through the house bragging to any who could hear that she would remove with the regiment to Brighton on Friday. Jane's wedding was nothing to Lydia's triumph. Elizabeth's thoughts on the matter were not so sanguine. That her younger sister was an insufferable flirt was horrible enough when she was among their neighbours. What grief the girl could cause her family if left unchecked was too much to be imagined. Loath though she was to cause more uproar on the eve of Jane's wedding, Elizabeth felt she must speak with her father regarding Lydia.

She knocked on the door of his bookroom and on being bid to enter said, "Papa, might I have a moment of your time?"

"Of course, of course, Lizzy. Have you also come to beg to go to Brighton?"

"Indeed not papa, I have not the least interest in traveling to Brighton. Although is about that journey that I wish to speak."

Mr. Bennet gazed at Elizabeth over the top of his spectacles before gesturing for her to sit. "Well, my Lizzy, what is it?"

"Father, I must beg you to reconsider. My sister is full young to be out in company, much less to be left to her own devices in a camp full of soldiers."

"She will not be left to herself, Lizzy. She will be under the supervision of Colonel and Mrs. Forster."

"Mrs. Forster cannot be a sensible woman. She is hardly older than Lydia herself and I am certain the Colonel will be much too occupied attempting to govern his men than to keep a mindful eye on his wife's young friend."

"Now, now Lizzy. Surely you cannot be jealous of your sister. You have had your share of travels. It is only right that Lydia should have her turn."

"No, papa. I am not jealous. I am merely concerned. Surely you must see! If you do not take the trouble to check her, Lydia will become the most determined flirt ever to make herself and her family ridiculous! If you were only aware of the damage…" Elizabeth trailed off and her father interrupted.

"Has she chased off any of your lovers then, Lizzy? For Bingley seems not at all put off by your youngest sister. She has not stopped him proposing to our Jane, nor has she caused him to flee their engagement. As Jane is to be married on the morrow I daresay her future is secure regardless of Lydia's actions."

"Papa, Jane's future may well be secure, but what of your other daughters? Lydia's behaviour surely reflects poorly upon us all."

"You are fully aware that you are well thought of wherever you are known. What is this really about, my dear? I have noticed that you have seen less of your Lieutenant Wickham since your return from Kent. Are you perhaps resenting the loss of his affections?"

Elizabeth only just stopped herself from rolling her eyes. Never had she less appreciated her father's humour than in this moment. She took a deep breath to help maintain an attitude of respect. "No, papa. I have, in fact, discouraged that man's attentions. I fear we have been greatly deceived as to his character."

"Do you speak of particulars?"

"No father, there is nothing specific I may relate to you at this time. However, during my visit amongst Mr. Darcy's relations in Kent, I learned that Mr. Wickham's character is not what we have been given to believe. I fear he is no gentleman, and I fear for Lydia's reputation and that of all her sisters."

"So gossip of one kind has been supplanted by that of another. 'Tis all nonsense. Even if Wickham is not as he would have us believe, your sister has no fortune, and nothing to tempt such a man. Lydia will never be easy till she has exposed herself in some public place or other, and we can never expect her to do it with so little expense or inconvenience to her family as under the present circumstances. Better that she should indulge her follies in Brighton where the gossip surrounding her is not likely to reach local ears."

"Papa!" Elizabeth could not keep the censure and exasperation from her voice. "It is not Lydia exposing herself that I fear. I fear her bringing shame upon her entire family with her antics. Surely you must see that!"

"No, Lizzy. What I see before me is a young woman who being missish, jealous, and petty. However, if you are so determined the chaperonage of Mrs. Forster is not sufficient then absolutely, you shall go to Brighton. You shall accompany your sister, and you shall be her protector. There, have I settled it all to your satisfaction?"

"No, indeed you have not. I have no wish to go to Brighton!"

"As it happens, I have no wish for the peace of my household to be disrupted for the coming months. As my wishes take precedence in this instance, you and Lydia are bound for Brighton the day after Jane's wedding. I will send a note to Colonel Forster informing him of the change in circumstances immediately. I shall leave it to you to inform your mother and sister."

Elizabeth turned to Darcy and completed her narrative in saying, "I was spared that particular indignity by the shrieking of my sister who had apparently been eavesdropping on my conversation. I believe you arrived just after that."

"Good God! And this is his final word?" Darcy could not believe that Elizabeth's father could be so willfully blind to the situation of his family.

"Though my father is but rarely set in his decisions, I fear this is one of those times. I had not thought he would sacrifice propriety for peace, but it seems I have been mistaken."

"I would be willing to speak to him of my own dealings with Wickham if it will be of assistance."

Elizabeth could not hold back a smile at the idea of a conference between her father and Darcy. She shook her head and replied, "I do not think, Mr. Darcy, that he would give much credit to your words. Though I certainly would not interfere should you wish to try."

Darcy was affronted. No one had ever questioned his word. Well, none except Elizabeth. After a few moments in silence he finally said, "I do not understand. Why would your father—or anyone—doubt the veracity of my words?"

"Oh, dear. I had not considered having to discuss another unpleasant topic today. Can you not simply accept my opinion in this?"

"Madam, you have just informed me that my word as a gentleman is to be doubted. I believe I require the explanation of such a charge."

"Very well. But I will beg you to remember you have requested, nay, demanded this intelligence and any pain it causes shall be of your own making."

Darcy nodded his head in assent, he did not trust himself to speak.

"You will recall our, er, conversation concerning your behaviour this past autumn?" She winced as she saw pain and embarrassment flash across his face. He nodded again.

"Well, sir, you hardly left a better impression on the neighbourhood than on myself. I will own that some of the damage was of my creation. After your insult at the assembly I found solace in laughing at the arrogance you had displayed and hesitated not in recounting the story to my dear friend. Of course our mothers overheard, and from there the tale was soon spread throughout the town."

Darcy's face now grew red. "I had not known myself to be heard, and I cannot begrudge that you would relate your embarrassment to a friend. But I do not see how my reputation could become so sullied by one careless remark."

"You are very generous, sir. It was not only the events of that evening that set the town against you. You came to the neighbourhood as the guest of a new resident. Expectations were high that you, Mr. Hurst, and Mr. Bingley might add to our limited society. Instead, while Mr. Bingley was everything amiable and pleasing, you rarely spoke to anyone outside your own party, insulted Sir William in his own home, and committed the capital offense of offending my mother, who is perhaps the biggest gossip in all of Meryton, if not Hertfordshire. I am now aware, of course, that you are naturally shy. And I have seen something of the society to which you are accustomed and can therefore see past the appearance of your behaviour to its intent. My neighbours do not have that privilege. I am sorry to once again cause you pain."

Darcy's voice was full of chagrin when he replied, "No, no. As you said, this is pain of my own making. I had not considered how my actions would appear. In truth, I was not concerned. I was too much engaged with thoughts of Georgiana, and distancing myself from a certain bewitching enchantress to give proper consideration to my friend's new neighbours." Elizabeth blushed at this reminder of the duration of his affections and was unable to make a response.

They were silent again for some time before Darcy asked, "What do you suggest Miss Elizabeth? My efforts come too late to save you from an unwanted journey. How might I win the good opinion of the people of Meryton?"

Elizabeth laughed. "I suppose you should at least attempt to do so if you are to visit your friend after his marriage. It will not do for Bingley's guests to go about causing offense. It

will be difficult to manage during your brief visits, but I have confidence in you, Mr. Darcy. You might begin even today."

"How so?"

"Oh, my mother is certain to invite Mr. Bingley to stay for dinner. When she does she will be forced to include you and Georgiana as well. You may then have the opportunity to accept not just with civility, but with at least the appearance of genuine pleasure. During the meal you will have certain opportunity to practice your conversation skills as my mother alternates between her raptures over Jane's wedding, her worries regarding the wedding breakfast, the joy of Lydia's visit to Brighton, and very likely her lamentations of how I shall certainly ruin everything."

Privately, Darcy hoped Mrs. Bennet would not disparage Elizabeth within his hearing. He was not certain he would be able to respond with any civility if she did. Aloud he said, "With such inducement before me, I am no longer certain I wish to gain anyone's good opinion. From your description I had do better to join Richard in France than to face the battlefield of your mother's table."

Elizabeth laughed at the picture this presented. "Why, Mr. Darcy, I do believe you just made a joke! I am all astonishment. In truth, by suffering through such a spectacle you will win the notice of my father and he might ease your way with the other gentlemen in the area when you next return."

"At least now I will not enter the fray unarmed."

Elizabeth and Darcy were soon joined by her sisters and Bingley. Kitty was the first to speak when the group had reassembled. "Is it safe, do you think, to enter the house? Mary and Georgiana wish to practice a duet and I have promised to show them my newest drawings."

Neither Jane nor Elizabeth could find the will to chastise their sister for her intemperate speech. Elizabeth cast a glance at her elder sister, and Jane answered, "I believe we may return to the house, but I wish to warn our guests that our mother and sister are likely to revisit the topic of Brighton many times this evening."

Bingley reassured his betrothed, "Do not worry dearest. Tomorrow we are to be wed, and there is nothing which can overshadow my delight in that knowledge!"

"Indeed, Miss Bennet, we each of us have experienced family quarrels and will not seek to cast aspersions over this one." Darcy's speech was awkward, but genuine and had the desired effect. It was a relaxed and happy party that entered Longbourn a few minutes later.

The remainder of the day progressed much as Elizabeth had expected, including a painfully embarrassing meal during which her mother alternated between praising Jane's sense in capturing Bingley, and scolding Elizabeth both for ruining Lydia's happiness and for refusing Mr. Collins. Elizabeth could not fault the look of genuine relief on Darcy's face when the evening at last drew to a close and he was able to leave with his sister. Elizabeth walked with them to await the carriage.

"I am prodigiously proud of you, Mr. Darcy!"

"Have I earned a promotion then?"

"Indeed. I believe you have attained the rank of Captain of the Conversation! You shall soon be renowned for your skills at navigating the treacherous waters of dinner time gossip."

He made an exaggerated bow, and Georgiana broke in with a laugh, "You should not encourage him, Lizzy. Such praise will certainly go to his head!"

"We would not want that! Though perhaps we need not worry about creating excessive pride in your brother." This was said with an arch smile and a lightness that dared the listener to try to take offense. Which, of course, he could not.

Darcy only shook his head at the impertinent woman before him and once again regretted he would not be able to pursue her during his visit. It was that thought that drove his next question, "Miss Elizabeth, are you still in the habit of walking out in the morning?"

Elizabeth, hoping rather than believing she understood his intent, answered quickly. "I am. Though tomorrow I fear I shall have to limit myself to the grounds of Longbourn. If I should disappear before my sister's wedding there would be no forgiveness coming from my mother!"

"Oh, but your grounds are so lovely, I cannot think it a very large sacrifice to stay near your home," Georgiana forwarded the conversation.

"Indeed it is not, Georgie. There is a lovely stream which runs the length of the northern most edge of the grounds that I find to be very soothing on days when I cannot frequent my usual haunts."

"You must visit it tomorrow then," Georgiana encouraged her friend.

"I believe I will. But I shall have to go very early for it would not do for me to be absent when the household awakes."

The carriage arrived just then and the party bid farewell to their hosts before Darcy handed his sister inside. Once they were all settled, Darcy noticed the delighted grin on his sister's face.

"You seem quite pleased with yourself, Georgiana."

With a smirk she replied, "I have no idea of what you are speaking."

"You are becoming too impertinent for your own good."

"But not for yours, which is all that matters."

Bingley looked appropriately confused at this conversation, and not wishing to incite further curiosity on his part, the siblings ceased their banter.

Jane and Elizabeth lay side by side on Jane's bed. Both were acutely aware it was the last evening they would spend in such an attitude. "I shall miss you Jane. I shall miss this. We have shared these night time conferences for as long as I can remember."

"I shall miss you as well, dear sister. For while I have no doubt Mr. Bingley will be an excellent husband, he will make a very dreadful sister!"

Elizabeth laughed at that. "Indeed, he shall. I am thankful you will not be so very far away. Oh, do not fear, I will not make a nuisance of myself by arriving every day uninvited."

"Only every other day then?" Jane teased.

"You have caught me out! Now I shall have to amend my scheme and come only once per week, but then when I am least expected."

"I wish to speak seriously with you for a moment, Lizzy."

Elizabeth smiled at Jane's unusually serious expression and replied, "Then I shall endeavour to indulge you and restrain my wit for the time being."

"I fear things at Longbourn will be very difficult for you once you return from Brighton. Though we had all hoped that my marriage to Mr. Bingley would soothe mama's nerves, it is very clear that has not been the case. I do not understand why she is still so very angry with you, but I fear when she no longer has my wedding or Lydia's flirtations with the militia to occupy her mind she will return to the subject of your many perceived failings."

"This is serious indeed. But Jane, truly, you must not worry yourself. I have ever been the subject of our mother's many complaints and I did not anticipate a change with your marriage. I shall manage as I always have. Besides, if he was not frightened away by our family this evening, I believe that Mr. Darcy will renew his attentions when I return from Brighton. So perhaps I will not be long at home anyway."

"I do not think him so inconstant as to be chased away by one difficult meal, Lizzy. Has he spoken to you then? Have you come to an understanding?"

"Not yet. But I have reason to hope we will have such a conversation tomorrow."

"For your sake I hope you are correct. He is a good man, and no matter how you attempted to pretend otherwise, I could very well see how his absence affected you these past weeks."

"I did miss him. I missed him very much. Oh, Jane you will think me most improper!"

"I cannot imagine that to be so."

"When he arrived today with Georgiana and Charles I had the strongest desire to simply throw myself in his arms and beg him to take me away from this place!"

Jane pretended to be affronted, "Not, I should hope, until after my wedding! For I would never forgive you then!" The sisters laughed. "Of course I do not think you improper. Have I not been telling you these many weeks that you are in love with him? I cannot count the times I have considered asking Charles if we might just elope and have done with it!"

"I would never have thought it of you, but I am delighted to know I am not alone in my thoughts."

"No, Lizzy, you are not. Now, to return to my original intent in this conversation. Charles and I have been speaking of our living arrangements after we return to Netherfield."

Elizabeth nodded to indicate she was listening, and Jane continued. "We have agreed that regardless of whether we remain at Netherfield or look to purchase an estate elsewhere," Jane paused, took a deep breath and said, "we would like to invite you to live with us until such a time as you are married."

Elizabeth was stunned at this picture of generous felicity. "Truly, Jane? But surely you do not wish to begin your marriage with a sister lingering about!"

"Is that what you think of marrying Mr. Darcy? That you would not wish to have Georgiana 'lingering about'?"

Elizabeth was appalled at the comparison. "Of course not! But Georgie is only sixteen, it is hardly the same thing."

"It is precisely the same thing, Elizabeth Bennet. She is Mr. Darcy's dearest sister. And you are mine. You will not be happy at Longbourn. Even papa demonstrated today that he is willing to sacrifice your happiness for his own peaceful existence." Elizabeth had not considered that before, but could not deny the truth of Jane's words.

Jane had not finished. Sensing her sister might be reluctant to accept her invitation, Jane had save what she hoped would be her most persuasive argument for last. "If Mr. Darcy does indeed renew his addresses when you return from Brighton, do you not think the courtship would be more peaceably conducted from Netherfield?"

"You do not play fair, Jane Bennet!"

"I learned from you, Lizzy. Now, say you will accept our invitation."

"Jane, I," Elizabeth started, but Jane could hear the reluctance in her sister's voice and pounced.

"I shall tickle you until you agree!" And so she did.

Several minutes later the pair lay gasping for breath and Elizabeth panted out, "I surrender, Jane. I surrender. When I return from Brighton I shall take up residence with you and Bingley. Wherever that may be."

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