LMFG: I meant 'parson'. Oops! Thanks for spotting that, I've fixed it now :)

Len: Thank you, I will fix that :)

Guest & Jenvet: I know crying is not like Elizabeth, but if you came face to face with a man who almost assaulted you, however strong you are, I think you would be a bit OOC, but that's just my opinion. But don't worry, once she has had time to come to terms with it, she will be back to the Elizabeth we all know and love! I can even envision another punch, delivered by Elizabeth this time … ;)

peacocksandlockets: I'm sorry if it offended you, I didn't mean to imply that, but I can see how it could come across that way. I have re-worded it :)

Thank you for all your reviews! Hope you like these next two chapters :)

Mr Darcy led Elizabeth back to the dance floor to the raised eyebrows of many. For such a gentleman to single out a lady twice could only mean one thing. Caroline shot daggers at them from her place in the set. She was not immune to the mutters and the implications of Darcy dancing Elizabeth twice when he hardly ever stood up with anyone, and she was furious. She had been after Mr Darcy for almost five years, and that little upstart wench had darted in and swept him away in less than a month! She simply had to do something. She could not yet think of what, but once she did, it would be put to action immediately.

Mr Darcy and Elizabeth themselves found their second dance even more enjoyable than their first. They did not talk much, instead they spent the time gazing at each other and revelling in the moments that their hands touched.

When the set finished, they clapped with everyone else, and Darcy extended his arm to escort her into supper. She took it happily, and as they sat down, soon found themselves in a very vigorous conversation about the merits of certain breeds of sheep and the difference in their wool. Darcy was amazed to have found a woman who was more interested in the sheep he farmed and the grounds of Pemberley than the estate itself. If a woman ever asked about Pemberley, it was usually to request a description of the various rooms and parlours there. Indeed, the only room Elizabeth seemed interested in hearing about was the library. Her eyes shone as he described its magnificence to her. A small smile formed on his lips as he imagined them spending many hours there as husband and wife.

A few moments later, in the midst of their conversation, Mr Collins came up to them and promptly introduced himself to Mr Darcy, stating that he hoped he was remembered from the night at the Phillipses. Mr Darcy stared at him in unflattering disbelief. Mr Collins then went on to explain just whom he was, and began to praise Lady Catherine, Mr Darcy's cousin Anne, and Mr Darcy himself excessively. Elizabeth was deeply embarrassed, but also slightly amused, for she had heard Mr Darcy's honest opinion of his aunt just the day before. He then moved on to the subject of Elizabeth, much to her horror.

'I see that you have monopolised my cousin for the majority of the evening, but do not worry, I am not offended. I have resolved that as you show a preference, I shall not offer for her, and will instead console your dear aunt when you announce your engagement.'

'Mr Collins,' Mr Darcy said sharply. 'I do not remember discussing an engagement between myself and Miss Elizabeth with you, and I must entreat you not to spread such rumours, or I shall speak with my aunt myself and she if she cannot make do with another parson.' He glared at him, and Collins shrank before their very eyes. 'I am surprised that you can so make light of your cousin's reputation. Miss Elizabeth is a perfect gentlewoman, and I will not have you or anyone else slandering her.'

Mr Collins made a deep bow. 'My deepest apologies, sir. I was not implying –'

'I daresay I do not know what you were implying, but perhaps you should return to your seat before you make the mistake of damaging my good opinion of your extended family,' Mr Darcy said civilly.

Mr Collins mumbled something that sounded like another apology and sank into another deep bow before leaving them to speak with Charlotte Lucas, who would surely smooth his ruffled feathers.

Elizabeth bit her lip. 'I apologise for my cousin. I am afraid he often speaks out of turn, and must have been extremely excited to find someone in the neighbourhood that not only knows Lady Catherine, but is related to her as well.'

Mr Darcy smiled at her earnest apology and her embarrassment. He was annoyed with her cousin, particularly because he had interrupted his discussion with Elizabeth, and had now created a rift of sorts between them. However, he was also amused that her simple cousin was the first (apart from Charlotte Lucas) to realise he was in love with Elizabeth.

'Do not apologise. I am not at all surprised my aunt chose him as her parson. He is just the type of person she likes, for he shall agree with everything she says.' Keen to soothe her feelings, he changed the subject. 'Have you tried the pheasant? It is quite delicious.'

'Mr Darcy!' Elizabeth said, flabbergasted.

'Yes, Miss Elizabeth?' he asked, smiling slightly.

'You cannot simply go from an embarrassing subject to discussing pheasant!'

'And why not?' he asked.

Elizabeth scrambled for words. 'Because – because …'

He smirked to see her so disconcerted. 'Very well. I shall return to it if it pleases you. Before your cousin so rudely interrupted us, I was about to ask whether you and Miss Bennet would like to stay at Pemberley with myself and Georgiana this Christmas. The Bingleys will be coming for New Year, so we shall be a large party then.'

Elizabeth stared at him blankly.

'Miss Elizabeth?' he asked, concerned.

'You would – you would invite us to your estate?'

Mr Darcy frowned at this. Why on earth would he not invite them to his estate? After spending time in the country and speaking more in depth with Elizabeth, he had come to the realisation that it was not your wealth or social standing that determined your worth as a person. He was amazed he had not realised it before. Why, he had two examples of people who were rich and had standing but were absolutely atrocious people in his life already. Caroline and his aunt! Whereas Miss Bennet, though poor, was one of the nicest people he had ever met, and reminded him slightly of Georgiana. And Elizabeth … after meeting her and speaking with her he could not imagine loving or marrying anyone else.

'I would be honoured to have you at Pemberley,' he replied at last.

She searched his face to determine if he meant it. After determining that he did, she replied hesitantly, 'Oh. But Jane is meant to visit my aunt and uncle in London at Christmas.'

'Excellent!' he exclaimed. 'Then you must invite them too.'

She looked at him in amusement. 'You are excited because it means you do not have to invite my parents,' she said archly.

'Perhaps,' he agreed with a smile. 'But I would like very much to meet your aunt and uncle.'

Elizabeth looked shocked. 'You – you do know that they are in trade?'

He flinched. 'Yes, and I would be honoured to meet them. Have you forgotten that Bingley's family was in trade at one point? There is nothing wrong with it, and I like him excessively.'

Elizabeth flushed, conceding the point. 'They have several little ones. I am sure you do not want –'

'Nonsense. Georgiana and I adore children. I am convinced they must come. Elizabeth, I will have you say yes!'

She raised her eyebrows, but at his eager smile, she relented. 'Very well, Mr Darcy. We would be deeply honoured to join yourself and Georgiana for Christmas. I must say, I think you are turning into Mr Bingley, eager to please everyone!'

'I am eager to please you, Miss Elizabeth. There is a difference,' he replied. She blushed.

'I say, Darcy! What are you and Miss Elizabeth discussing so animatedly?' Mr Bingley asked.

'This upcoming Christmas at Pemberley,' Darcy replied.

'Oh, yes!' Caroline swooned. 'Pemberley is such a fine estate; it must be so beautiful at Christmas! And to think we shall get to see it!'

'Oh the contrary, Miss Bingley. I shall be receiving you and your family at New Year, as I already have several guests engaged for Christmas this year.'

'And pray tell, who are these mysterious guests?' she asked, batting her eyelashes. Darcy smothered a laugh as he realised that she thought they were fashionable people of the Ton. How mistaken she was.

'The Bennets and the Gardiners. I daresay you shall meet them at New Year,' he added as Caroline sputtered.

He turned to Elizabeth to continue their private conversation. 'What date would be agreeable for you to arrive?'

'I am not sure, sir. I shall have to speak with my father about it. And write to my aunt and uncle, of course.'

'He will give his permission, will he not?' Darcy asked, suddenly worried.

Elizabeth smiled at his concern. 'I daresay if he refused, my mother would howl until he relented.'

Darcy smothered another laugh. 'Quite. On another note, you shall meet my cousin at Christmas.'

'Indeed? And is he like mine?'

'Not at all,' Darcy replied. 'He is a colonel, and very agreeable. I think he shall take a great shine to you.'

'Well, I have no fear of falling in love with him, even if he turns out to be a perfect gentleman. I have had quite enough of soldiers for one lifetime.'

Darcy smiled. 'You may eat your words when you meet him.'

Elizabeth merely arched a brow. Darcy returned to his supper, hoping fervently she would

still prefer him to Fitzwilliam come Christmas. He was half-hoping to propose at Pemberley, but still had no idea of her feelings. He knew she was warming up to him, but he also knew she would not accept him unless she loved him.

'Cheer up, Mr Darcy. You look quite miserable,' Elizabeth laughed.

'I am merely thinking you will enjoy my cousin's company much more than mine. He converses with great humour and ease.'

'I doubt that,' she said archly. 'And I thought you performed your best at Pemberley? I am looking forward to witnessing it.'

Darcy gave her a small smile and returned once again to picking at his food.

'Fitzwilliam,' she said quietly so no one could hear the improper address, 'what is wrong?'

Darcy swallowed. He had no idea how to confess his hopes and fears about having her at Pemberley in a month's time. Instead, her reverted to a more familiar topic, but no less important.

'I hope you will give Georgiana a chance. She is very keen to meet you. I know she is pronounced as proud by many, but she is simply very shy, especially after the events of Ramsgate. I hope very much the two of you can be friends, because her spirit was akin to yours at one time.'

'You are very kind, and you must inform her I am eager to make her acquaintance as well. Anyone who is dear to you, Mr Darcy, must be worth knowing.' She eyed him in concern. 'Is that all?'

It was nowhere close to what he was feeling, but not wanting to ruin the rest of Elizabeth's evening, he nodded and forced a smile.

'Now you have me worried,' she said.

He turned to look at her fully, surprised.

'I know a false smile when I see one, Fitzwilliam, and I have never seen you pretend to smile. Please tell me what is the matter.'

'I confess my heart is somewhat troubled,' he whispered.

She regarded him in some surprise. 'Have you set your heart on a lady, then?'

'Yes, but I am worried I will shortly lose her to another man,' he replied.

'She knows the real parts of you, does she not?'

'Yes,' he admitted.

He was gratified when she replied in a shocked tone, 'Then she is a fool if she chooses another man.'

'Thank you, Elizabeth.'

They fell into a companionable silence. It was an unfortunate time to do so, for they caught the tail end of Mrs Bennet's conversation with Lady Lucas.

'Oh, yes, my dear, I am certain they are to be married. Just think! My eldest, mistress of such a fine house! Why, she shall want for nothing. Mr Bingley is very amiable of course, but that is nothing compared to the fine carriages and jewels my Jane shall receive! I always knew she would make a good match, for she cannot be so beautiful for nothing.'

Elizabeth blushed in mortification at what Mr Darcy must be thinking of her and her family. Darcy himself was reflecting on the changes Elizabeth had wrought in him. There would have been a time where he would have been offended at Mrs Bennet's comments and implications,

and no doubt endeavoured to separate Jane and Bingley. Now, however, having been assured of Jane's affection by Elizabeth and the lady herself, he was content to ignore Mrs Bennet's enthusiasms and pass them off as comments any mother eager for her daughter to marry well would make.

'… my Lizzy I shall have a harder time marrying off. However, I daresay her cousin may offer soon. And of course, Jane and Bingley's being married will allow for the rest of my daughters to make good matches. And you, of course, Lady Lucas, must soon be just as fortunate with your dear Charlotte.' It was clear Mrs Bennet did not believe this, however.

No, what now offended Darcy was the clear implication that Mrs Bennet did not believe Elizabeth capable of a good match because she was not as beautiful as Jane. Darcy agreed that Jane had a certain classical beauty, but Elizabeth was indefinitely more attractive in his eyes. Besides, he wanted a wife that would not appreciate Pemberley as an estate, but as an outpost of the countryside's natural beauty, and he was sure Elizabeth would feel the same way about it as he did.

When supper was over, Darcy offered Elizabeth his arm, and they went to sit with Jane and Bingley while talk of some singing was discussed. Elizabeth lost no time in confiding Jane of Mr Darcy's plans. Jane was most agreeable as long as their aunt and uncle were happy with it. Elizabeth rather thought the incentive of seeing Mr Bingley again sooner than expected was the main motive behind it. Jane confided that Bingley had to travel to London tomorrow for some business, but would be back in a few days. Upon hearing this, Darcy suggested he go with Bingley, and perhaps call upon the Gardiners to extend a personal invitation to Pemberley.

Elizabeth was overwhelmed, amazed that he would even think about setting foot on Gracechurch-street, let alone for her. She was so caught up in the whirlwind of emotions this statement produced that she hardly noticed Mary making a foolish display of herself on the piano.

Mr Darcy did, however, and thought to himself with a sigh of how much he was willing to endure to gain Elizabeth's heart.

Poor Caroline, she just can't take a hint. Now she's out for revenge …