ELIZABETH SAT IN HER family's pew that morning still not recovered from the revelations of the day before, nor truthfully from any of the events since staying with her sister at Netherfield. Her naivety had been exposed, and she wished to go back to her idyllic life that in her mind existed but days ago.

She normally sat next to her father to silently communicate their thoughts on the sermons from the pulpit. They each had slightly more liberal leanings than the kind, but very conservative, old man who had served the parish since the time young Thomas Bennet was christened. But, until she could understand the contradiction her parent's marriage, she decided to keep her distance and so relegated herself to the very end of the bench with Mary by her side.

Without her father to keep her attention, and with Mary's steadfast attention toward the parson's words, Elizabeth was free to examine her surroundings while catching bit and pieces about the parable of the rich farmer. She studied her neighbors to see if any were chastised, and her gaze come to rest on Mr. Darcy.

He was sitting with Miss Bingley to his right and Mr. Hurst to his left; Mr. Bingley abandoned his own family to sit next to Jane. Mr. Darcy's posture was rigid and he was stoically attending to the sermon with no shame or conviction writ upon his face.

His wealth was greater than the sum of every parishioner's combined. If anyone had temptation to fall greedily into the trappings of wealth as the farmer in the parable, it was him. Elizabeth reasoned Mr. Darcy either was not guilty of the avarice being cautioned against, or he was too far above being convicted by some lowly country clergyman's words. She wished she knew his character better to ascertain the matter.

Before the service ended, the banns of marriage were read aloud for Jane and Mr. Bingley. Despite her own tumult of the past few days and some slight misgivings at the speed of her sister's engagement, she was all joy to know her most deserving sister would find complete happiness in her Mr. Bingley.

Knowing Mr. Darcy's opinion of the engagement, Elizabeth could not stop herself from a surreptitious look to his pew as the engagement was being made public.

A look of disgust was evident of his face, but the cause was not from his own views of the match. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst let out loud sounds of obvious, unofficial disagreement covered by disingenuous coughs as the banns were read aloud. The tension was unmistakably felt by all of the congregation. Mr. Darcy was clearly mortified to be sitting next to such indecency.

Elizabeth appreciated that whether or not he privately agreed with Mr. Bingely's sisters, he at least had the good sense to be obviously appalled. After shifting as far as possible from Miss Bingley, Darcy caught Elizabeth's eye offering a sympathetic apology with the nod of his head, and she offered him a weak smile of thanks for making his displeasure with the shrewish sisters obvious for everyone in the church to see. She was pleased he would publically support his friend.

After church, with her head held high, Mrs. Bennet graciously issued an invitation for a family dinner to celebrate the engagement for the next evening without mentioning the outburst of Miss Bingley or Mrs. Hurst. Mr. Bingley was clearly embarrassed but accepted on behalf of himself and the rest of the Netherfield party without mention of the disruption during the service. Giving a warm kiss to Jane's hand and an apologetic whisper to her hear, he quickly parted to take care of the now pressing business under his own roof. Some things were not to be bourne.

THE CARRIAGE RIDE TO NETHERFIELD was completed in silence. Miss Bingley sat in the corner with a triumphant smugness that Darcy found revolting. Mrs. Hurst's unaffected look of innocence was equally so.

Darcy and Charles walked directly to the study, and Mr. Bingley slammed the door behind him.

"Darcy, this is the last time I will abide by my family's disrespect. I have never been so mortified in my life. Both my sisters and Gilbert will be in their carriage in an hour. I have no concern for where they may go. Caroline can go to the devil. Louisa and Gilbert can accompany her there too."

Darcy pushed a glass of brandy in his friend's hand to calm him down.

"Charles, be rational –"

"Damn you Darcy! Do not tell me to be rational. Your sister would not do something to embarrass you, and in public no less. Your sister respects you too much to hurt you in such a way."

Darcy contemplated Bingley's words with pain. It may be a different circumstance, but his sister had acted in a way to cause him embarrassment and hurt, and only the span of a couple hours stood between his family's pristine reputation and a public shame Bingley could not even comprehend. At least Georgianna was truly sorry and did not act with malicious intent.

He rose to pour himself his own drink. To hell with abstaining on the Sabbath. "I suppose my sister is truly too good at heart to do something as cruel as your sisters did today. That I will give you. However, I do not think it is in your best interest to send your sisters away just yet. They should be made to atone, and it is best for your own sake to have respect among your neighbors and future family. You will not earn such by sending your sister's away just yet; you must show others you can manage your family. The Bennets need to be graciously received in your household and in public. Once it is established you will not tolerate such disgusting behavior as displayed today from even your sisters, then you may do what you will them."

"I have no interest in handling them any longer, nor do I care to force them to do anything. I prefer to send them off permanently, so they will never offend Jane's family and my neighbors ever again."

"Charles, you have promised to hold a ball. You need one of your sisters to not only plan the ordeal but act as hostess. You hold the purse strings for not only your unmarried sister but for the Hursts as well. Step up and take control – force them to bend to your will in this matter. I understand you threatened Caroline for her disgusting transgression against me this summer, but that was not enough to punish her deed. I also take very serious exception with keeping me in the dark over the situation."

"Oh, come now Darcy, you agreed with how I handled things when we spoke about it the other day. I have apologized. And, we are getting away from the subject at hand."

"Bingley, we were both drunk when you confessed. That is hardly fair. I have had time to reflect, and your sister will not go unpunished by me. I am sorry for it only because I am your friend, but I cannot abide by the insult of her behavior. Her actions today have solidified my decision."

Bingely's anger was starting to cool, and despite feeling rage especially toward Caroline, his brotherly concern would not go die a quiet death somewhere in his soul. "I do not take your meaning; what is it you are suggesting?"

"My suggestion is for you tell both your sisters that they will plan the ball as promised. Make it an engagement ball in honor of your betrothed. They should issue invitations personally and make good by the Bennet family with each personal visit to all your neighbors. If they choose to do otherwise, then by all means cut them off if you wish it. But, you need to put some weight behind your demand. Your father gave you control of both your sisters' fortune. It is not even required for you to dispense it should you not wish it. Give them no other option but to do as you say. Furthermore, limit possible offense by limiting the interactions between your sisters and your new family. And, for God's sake, man, do not take your sister to call there or dine at Longbourn on the morrow. Their apologies should take place in the same arena as the insult – in public and with as least of trouble to the Bennet family as possible. After your sisters have reversed the damage of today and you have made your marriage, the send them off to their own establishments and out of the way of this society. "

"An engagement ball for Jane, hosted by Caroline? I do think that is rather just. After today, I am to the point I consider withhold both of their fortunes if needed. Gilbert has an income to rely on, and Caroline can go to family in Yorkshire as a penniless spinster if she finds herself under my wrath again. And what of yourself, Darcy, what is your plan toward my sister? As much as I detest her actions not only today but earlier this year in regards to you, I request to know what you plan. Further, I ask you to recall you cannot demand satisfaction from her. Dueling is illegal."

Darcy chuckled at his friend. Leave it to Bingley to go from blazing mad to making light of his sister's foolishness.

"I am sorry to say that I received a missive from my aunt recently that concerns your sister. Apparently, she assumed with her connection to me and with her one introduction to my Aunt Ellen, she could claim acquaintance to Matlock. My aunt was not pleased in the least. As punishment, I only intend to inform your sister she will not find the drawing rooms in town as open to her this season. I will reassure you that you and your new wife shall be unaffected, so do not worry on that score. To your sister, I also intend to make it known I will never marry her despite whatever circumstance she may contrive."

"Well, that is nothing less than she deserves. Let us get to it. I will call in Louisa to lay down my terms and make Gilbert aware that he needs to step up concerning his wife. That will leave you to Caroline. After you are finished conveying your own messages, please send her my way."

Darcy made his way out of Bingley's study thinking of the letter his aunt sent in which she expressed her disdain for Caroline Bingley. He had been remiss in the past several days with his correspondence. It dawned upon him how fortuitous it was that he never sent his original letter to his aunt and how fortuitous it was that his reply was interrupted that evening by the most wonderful encounter of his life. Had I had not discarded the reply and actually finished it, I would owe Aunt Ellen quite an explanation after introducing Elizabeth as my wife. Thank you father in heaven for I am an idiot writing such about the future Mistress of Pemberley.

It was also fair to say that the events of that evening clouded his mind to the point he was all but sure he had destroyed the draft of that letter. As much as he despised relaying his personal dealing to even his family, he would need to properly reply to his aunt straight away and teller her of his plans to take a wife. She was always his champion, and if anyone could set an easy path for Elizabeth among the ton, it was Aunt Ellen. He just prayed she would be happy enough he was finally settling down to overlook the degradation of Elizabeth's family. Like Bingley, he would brook no disrespect for his future wife, even from the Fitzwilliams. Unfortunately, before he could write to his aunt, he needed to deal with the unpleasantness that was Bingley's sister.

DARCY WALKED INTO the morning parlor where he found Mrs. Hurst being summoned to her brother's study. Miss Bingley stayed in her place at a dainty little table pretending to be engrossed in some book. As Mrs. Hurst marched from the room her head held higher than a French aristocrat marching to the scaffold, Darcy made a point to give her no notice and leave the door wide open while asking the footman remain in the doorway at attention.

He gave only the slightest of bows to Miss Bingley and went toward a large picture window overlooking the almost barren garden. He purposefully turned his back to the servant and did not look to Miss Bingley as he spoke coolly and quietly.

"Miss Bingley, despite the lack of foliage, I do believe the prospect of the hills are quite enticing. Can I request you join me to take in the view?" Although he stationed the footman so that he and Miss Bingley were properly chaperoned, he indeed a private conversation.

Caroline was beside herself with excitement that Mr. Darcy clearly sought her out and remained alone in a room with her. He had never done so before.

She was not blind however, so she tempered her excitement; she saw how he was displeased with her actions in the church. But, then again, he was her brother's best friend. Of course Mr. Darcy should take the side of her brother in a public setting, she reasoned. She was certain Mr. Darcy's true thoughts were closer to her own. She would gladly act for the both of them if he could not openly show his disdain for the Bennet family. He may think nicely of Elizabeth Bennet as a proper young lady although Caroline could not see it, but she knew he did not think Miss Eliza worthy of marriage. Caroline thusly concluded Mr. Darcy must also think Miss Jane Bennet was not appropriate for his friend either.

Caroline sauntered closer and placed her arm through his.

"Madam, it pains me to be direct; however, I wish to relay to you some intelligence that I recently received by letter from my aunt, the Countess of Matlock. I am sure it will cause a degree of mortification to us both."

Caroline stiffened at his words but listened as he continued, and she tried to ignore his angry countenance.

"It has come to the attention of my aunt you have perhaps belied a connection you have not actually formed. My aunt, you see, is quite protective of her place in society and is careful as to whom she allows to claim of intimacy with her or her family. After learning of her displeasure, I concluded the gentlemanly thing to do was to provide warning as I understand you are planning to return to town after your brother's wedding. Unfortunately, you may not find certain places as welcoming as you would like during the Season."

Caroline was red as a beet, and Darcy knew he may feel a trivial amount of guilt later for being unkind, but he enjoyed watching her squirm. He lifted Mrs. Bingley's hand out of the crook of his arm, allowing the mask of indifference to crack as he finally looked down at her showing his repulsion. In a fashion more dramatic that was his intent, he released her hand letting it fall unceremoniously to her side.

"Mr. Darcy, I never… and I have been introduced to the Countess-"

"Madam, I am sure with your fine education and superior knowledge of society, you are aware an introduction does not make a connection. And, to bandy about that connection, which you certainly cannot claim, in London society was a grave mistake on your part. Anyhow, while I appreciate your hospitality and will respect your position as mistress of this house until Charles's wedding to Miss Jane Bennet, I would like to make something else clear to you if I may again speak directly?"

Darcy took her silence as acquiescence. He turned and looked directly into her face. To her, he appeared even more imposing than just moments ago.

"I am not enough of a gentleman to be forced into a marriage with someone like you. If you attempt to ruin your reputation in a compromising manner, it is nothing to me. Further, your disparagement of the Bennet family is a disgrace that I will not tolerate – now or ever. You owe your brother respect, and that extends to his betrothed and her family – including Elizabeth. Comport yourself as a lady not only in my presence, your brother's presence, but the presence of entire Bennet family, or you will feel my wrath in society. I am done enduring you and your sister for your brother's sake. And, do not ever attempt to enter my bed chamber again. I care for Charles as a brother, but so help me, I will not think twice about ruining your name. My aunt will make things difficult for you to be sure this season, but I suffer no qualms to make things utterly impossible if you ever cross me or anyone in my family. Do not doubt I have the clout at every level of society, and do not try my patience, madam. Further, you will go speak to your brother, and you will do everything he asks of you."

Miss Bingley was frozen in place, and Mr. Darcy was trying cage his temper. She had never been spoken to in such a manner, and he had never spoken to a woman thusly in all his life – men, yes, but a woman, certainly never.

He realized there was a lone servant watching, but he was beyond caring if this was gossiped about below stars. Miss Bingley deserved the humiliation. When he felt the master of his voice again, he said, "Lastly, in case you were unaware, unmitigated desperation is not an accomplishment."

He spun around to walk back to his room mostly satisfied if not a small bit disappointed for exposing such an amount of emotion to Miss Bingley. He always tried to check his temper in front of women out of respect to their sensibilities, but this one deserved the full effect even at the cost of letting his emotions rule his better sense.

Mr. Darcy protected his reputation and name at almost any cost, and the same courtesy would now extend to Elizabeth and her family as he would make her his wife. Miss Bingley would never be a thorn in his side again. Unlike his friend, he never thought twice when he laid down the gauntlet.

Miss Bingley was not seen again for the next several days until she and Mrs. Hurst made the rounds to the neighborhood personally inviting all the principal families to an engagement ball to be held on the 26th of November and in honor of their lovely sister-to-be. It was well remarked upon how the haughty sisters seemed less so condescended to visit each home for a full half hour while using most of that time to discuss their excitement and great pleasure that was their brother's engagement.

WHILE MR. DARCY was giving Miss Bingley the set-down of her life, Elizabeth and Jane were sitting on their bed reflecting on all that had happened during the earlier church service.

"Sister, while I am most happy for you, I do pity you for gaining such sisters upon your marriage. After having to manage Mary, Kitty, Lyddie, and even myself for all these year, you think the fates would deal you a kinder hand? Instead, you are to be rewarded with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst upon leaving us. 'Tis a cruel world indeed. I do not think my love for a man would survive marrying into such a family."

Jane laughed with her sister. "Oh, Lizzy dear, you are not giving anyone credit by saying such things."

"After this morning, how is it you are so calm? I have a great deal of anger on your behalf. Your fiancé better take his sisters into hand if he is to be worthy of you."

"Of that I am sure."

"Mr. Bingley seems a gently, amiable sort of man. I could not even read anger on his face after church, embarrassment perhaps, but not the fury required to spur him into action. How is it you are sure?"

"He is a great man, Lizzy, and he will not stand for such effrontery even from his own family. I am sure of it just as I am sure that he loved me. He promised me before he left for Netherfield I would never have cause to be hurt or embarrassed by them again. I have faith in him. I am pained for his sisters, but it is a great feeling knowing he shall put me first in his life. I never thought to have such a man to marry."

"Well, then, I shall be glad you have a fierce protector, and I shall be sad to give over my post to him."

Jane reached over to give to give Elizabeth a sisterly embrace, and Elizabeth clutched her back with all the might she had. "Lizzy, you will always be my greatest champion. Mr. Bingley will not replace you in my heart. I have just rather made room for him. You will not lose me. You have seemed so distant these past few days. I hope my reassurance provides some comfort, but would you like to discuss anything else. I will always be here for you. You have been my greatest friend and confidant. I could not bear that to change."

Elizabeth just nodded. Jane did not even realize the conflict in her own words. If Mr. Bingley put Jane first, Elizabeth was sure Jane had put him first, she was just not aware yet.

So much had already changed. She thought to her parents in the garden. To her dismay, her parents embodied the intimacy of marriage. If Jane and Mr. Bingley were to share the same closeness, Elizabeth knew she did not fit into that. She wiped her eyes and resolved to be strong in front of Jane as much as she wanted to give in and unleash all of her feelings. She would not plague her dear Jane with all the uncertainty and conflicting thoughts on Mr. Darcy, their parents, or even the sisters' upcoming separation.

"Well, Janie, I appreciate that sentiment more than you can know. I do think I shall especially need it tomorrow when Mr. Collins arrives."

Even Jane laughed. "Yes, from Papa's letter, Mr. Collins does seem rather… unique in personality."

"Oh, Janie, you know he sounded like a buffoon in his letter to Papa. Do not be so gracious. And, you know if he proves to be unattached and truly means to, how did he put it… oh, yes, if he means to extend an olive branch, then you know I am next in line for Mama to marry off."

"Surely Papa will not allow such."

Elizabeth smiled in relief. She knew very well her father had no intention of losing any of his remaining daughters to marriage anytime soon. She now understood the promise her father extracted from her mother to cease her matchmaking ways in light of Mr. Collin's unspoken visit. Her father was certainly sly. "No, Jane, I do not imagine he will allow it. But, despite how our father tries his best to reign in our mother, she will do her best to promote a match right under his nose." Her father was sly, but her mother could be more so when determined.

"What if there was a man truly worth of you Lizzy? I think Papa would have no choice but to see you marry. What if Mr. Darcy approaches father?"

"Jane! Why would you say such a thing? And, no, Papa would not let me go to such a man."

"Lizzy, you said he kissed you. I am not blind. While at Netherfield, he only had eyes for you. It was very sweet how attentive he was the night before last while you played for us in the drawing room. Even at church he stared at you when you were not busy staring at him this morning. Although it was quite obvious to me because I am aware of his partiality, do not fret. I doubt it was not so plain to those who do not know you as I do. But, dearest sister, do not overlook the compliment of such a man. What I would not give to see you as happily settled."

"Jane, consider this – he is a confirmed bachelor who has publicly insulted me and was continually rude to me several times while in company. Then, suddenly when the chance appeared while I was alone, he dared to accost my person in a dimly lit library. Not a day later, he barely spoke no words to me, and then he shamelessly and drunkenly flirts with me for you, Mr. Bingley, and those wretched sisters to witness. Did you even realize your own suitor at the time was well in his cups? Finally, I find out he has stared at me in church in front of the whole congregation. How are any such actions a compliment? There is even more, Jane that I do not wish say." Elizabeth was exhausted. She wished for a day free from him and the thought of him. It was bad enough he was the best friend of the man her favorite sister was to marry. She likely had a lifetime of being in his company. "I do not understand his game, but do not think him so sincere. For your sake, I will endeavor to tolerate his company."

Jane, in her wise ways, did not say anything further. She only rested her hand upon Elizabeth's arm and gave her Lizzy a warm smile of understanding. Jane knew Elizabeth would arrive to reason in her own time and of her own volition, and any attempted assistance would just lengthen the journey.

Elizabeth recalled his comfort yesterday when they were hiding in the hedgerow and how he shared in her mortification. He was not judgmental or repulsed by the scandalous and private words of the elder Bennets. He was sympathetic, kind, and did not attempt to expose them from their concealment. What was it he said about being blessed to have such love? He even left her presence as soon as she requested it without question once her parents slipped away. She was being wholly unfair. "Jane, forgive me. I understand he is the best friend of your future husband. As your closest friend and sister, I will do more than tolerate him. I will attempt to be his friend."


A/N: My apologies for taking so long to update! I have been sitting on a few completed chapters and second guessing myself a little. I also have a lot going on IRL too… just as I am sure you all do as well. Thank you so much for taking the time to read. I cannot tell you how humbled I am by it all. Your feedback is appreciated!

I know there was not a lot of D/E interaction in this chapter. But, that will be remedied in the next. You will not have to wait long. Also, the last half of this story will be nothing but their interactions. We are approaching that point.

Darcy is harsh in this chapter… but Caroline is much deserving – you will probably agree later. She won't make too many more appearances, but her earlier actions will have a lasting effect. And, he is a man that doesn't put up with a lot of people's crap… except maybe Lacy C's.

To 'The Reader'… I would love to tell you why Jane and Mr. Bingley take the plunge so soon, but the two explanations might give away too much of what is to come.