Thank you all for the support. Next chapter is already here. Enjoy :) I'm writing to procrastinate from studying haha :D

Chapter 11

Part 1

Mr. Darcy was standing in Mr. Bingley's study at Netherfield.

"Well?" queried Mr. Bingley, "Did Wickham tell you how he entered Netherfield unnoticed?"

Darcy hesitated slightly before replying, "He entered through a servant's entrance at the back."

Bingley frowned, "But surely someone must have opened the door for him?"

There was a short silence.

"Darcy, I understand if you do not want to get a servant in trouble, and I can assure you that there will not be any undeserved punishment, but I do need to know. You know me – I won't reproach a careless servant harshly, but as the host, I do need to avoid future occurrences like this."

"You are right, of course, Bingley," replied Darcy evenly, "And I have every intention of telling you because it is very important. What happened to Miss Bennet was unacceptable. I am merely thinking of how best to broach this subject, because it is a sensitive matter, and I do not wish to offend you, as my particular friend. Moreover, I find it difficult to take Wickham at his word."

"That is understandable, but perhaps your fists were motivation enough for that scoundrel to finally stop lying through his teeth."

"I doubt that," replied Darcy, "Nevertheless, here it is. Wickham claims that your sister invited him and that she let him in."

Bingley was stunned, uncomprehending, "My sister? Caroline or Louisa?"

"Miss Bingley," replied Darcy, unwilling to use either Miss Bingley or Mrs. Hurst's Christian names.

"Why on earth would Caroline do such a thing?" Bingley was flabbergasted.

"Wickham wouldn't say. I suspect there is more to his story, but he left before I could find out more. He is extremely duplicitous, I wouldn't put it past him to have something else up his sleeve. The question is: what does he have to gain by incriminating your sister?"

Bingley frowned, "I will talk to her to see what she has to say on the matter. Hopefully we shall never hear from Mr. Wickham again."

Part 2

Meanwhile, Miss Bingley was opening her mail when she found a letter that stunned her to the utmost. The gall of that man! She had initially thought he would be the perfect pawn in her ploy, only to now realise the extent of her mistake. Not only had he failed his well-paid mission, he was now blackmailing her! Unless she sent him more money, he would explain to her brother that she had tasked him with compromising Elizabeth Bennet publicly. Miss Bingley was stunned and angry. It was out of the question that she would give this man one more penny. And her brother should never find out, he would not be able to forgive her this. Not telling him about Miss Bennet's presence in London had been bad enough, but this would be the last straw to break the camel's back. Her brother was kind, but she wouldn't put it past him to be unforgiving this time. She could already see herself being told to leave Netherfield. She turned her eyes back to the letter. Could that wretched man not die in a drunken fight already! Had he not messed with enough people that an enemy would cut his throat? Preferably before he had time to divulge any information.

There was a knock at the door, and she quickly hid the letter in the middle of the stack.

"Enter," she said.

She blanched a little when her brother came in but did her best to keep her composure.

"Yes, brother? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Caroline. The events yesterday evening were a little trying, but I must speak with you on this matter, it cannot be delayed."

"Yes, yesterday was awful. Imagine what that man could have done! He could have attacked me!" She pretended to shudder at the thought.

"Yes, well..." Bingley cleared his throat, "He claims that you invited him and that you let him enter through a servant's door."

"And why would I do such a thing?" asked Miss Bingley.

"I'm not sure, you tell me."

"Charles, you cannot be serious. What are you thinking? That I fell for the man and decided to invite my beau despite him being scorned by all society? That I would sneak him in and that he would pass unnoticed when he has been the talk of town for the past few days?"

"I do not think you admire him. I do wonder at your motives. Darcy is hesitant to condemn you because he does not trust Wickham one bit. But I've just been to talk to the servants and one saw you leave the room shortly before Wickham accosted Miss Bennet."

Miss Bingley snorted and said, "I went to powder my nose, as did many other young ladies."

Mr. Bingley had a kind-hearted disposition, but he knew his sister well and could sense that something was off. But perhaps his sister was still shaken from the previous evening's events.

"You would believe a reputed liar's word over your own sister?" Miss Bingley continued in a scandalized voice.

Bingley decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.

"Look, Caroline, you're right, I should probably not give credence to what this man says. But you can't fault me for asking. I've even wondered... you do appear to dislike Miss Bennet and..."

"Yes, I will readily admit that I'm not very fond of her. I'm also not fond of Catherine and Lydia Bennet, and they haven't been importuned."

"Do you consider Elizabeth Bennet a rival?"

Miss Bingley was surprised. She had underestimated her brother, he was more observant and more quick-witted than she had given him credit for.

"What?" she asked, "A rival in what respect? I highly doubt for her piano skills. Perhaps for her walking skills."

"Do not jest so. You know what I am referring to. You've had your eye on Darcy for a while. And even though he will not admit it, he is clearly halfway in love with her already. What am I saying, after yesterday's display, I'm fairly certain he's head over heels in love. Part of his rage was jealousy-filled."

"I doubt what you say is true, but even if it were, what is it to me? I admit that I admire Mr. Darcy, and as far as I'm aware, he is not engaged to another, so there is nothing standing in my way. Do you really believe I would stoop so low to harm a supposed rival? We have had this conversation before. I do not use paltry devices, mean arts, or cunning. I show my admiration and hope my affections will be returned."

She neglected to mention that what she really admired about Mr. Darcy was his fortune. Her brother appeared convinced. He apologised briefly for doubting her, and left. Now she had to sort out Wickham's blackmail before her failed ploy fully blew up in her face.