So I know I said it would be another week before my next update, but my amazing Beta (who I just realized I have yet to thank) just got this back to me. So thank you M&M (my Beta) this chapter is dedicated to you!

Chapter 12: The Challenge

They both suddenly snapped back to reality at the high pitched sound of Miss Bingley's shrill voice.Oh, God! They both thought. Life will be unbearable at Netherfield if Miss Bingley witnessed even a fraction of what just transpired… What did just transpire?

Darcy and Elizabeth both looked away and took a step back, both of their faces coloring slightly. They were sure that they had been discovered by Miss Bingley. Neither of them was looking forward to facing her wrath, but they both forced their attention to the group by the fireplace.

They both breathed a sigh of relief when they realized that they had indeed gone unobserved. Miss Bingley's raised voice was not directed at them. Indeed Miss Bingley was so focused on trying to insert herself in Jane and Georgiana's conversation that she had not noticed the obvious display of affection occurring on the other side of the room.

From their vantage point from across the room, neither Darcy nor Elizabeth could hear all of what was being said. From what they did hear and see, however it was clear that Miss Bingley was once again attacking the Bennet family.

Georgiana sat quietly looking at her hands; she had once again retreated inside her shell due to whatever Miss Bingley was saying. It was a shock, however to see the sweet and even tempered Jane, with fists clenched trying to suppress her anger. Elizabeth's curiosity was piqued at once upon viewing her sister, and her suspicions were confirmed by the snippets of Miss Bingley's speech that reached her ears.

Miss Bingley's nasally whine made it hard to make out what she was saying, but Elizabeth clearly heard the words

"Cheapside", "Uncle in Trade", and "what a pity for you, Miss Bennet, that you have not had the advantage of true London society."

Elizabeth's cheeks were burning with anger and indignation at Miss Bingley's blatant attacks of her family. She had looked down momentarily to calm her temper before going to Jane's side and defense.

It was therefore a shock when she once again felt calm enough to proceed across the room. She looked up to start across the room, only to find Georgiana standing directly in front of her and Mr. Darcy.

Elizabeth was stunned to see that Georgiana's face held excitement and a bit of triumph when she looked at her. Georgiana did not choose to explain herself right then, however. Instead she took both her brother's and Elizabeth's hand and started dragging them back across the room, waiting until she was within earshot of everyone else to speak.

"Brother!" Georgiana squealed with barely contained excitement. "I have just learned the most wonderful news!"

This sentence was said, just as they came to a stop by the rest of the party. Everyone looked at Georgiana in surprise and amazement at her uncharacteristic outburst. Georgiana colored, knowing full well that everyone's attention was on her, and that her statement must seem odd in light of what Miss Bingley had just said. Her courage to continue wavered momentarily, but a reassuring squeeze of her hand from both Elizabeth and Darcy (who were full curious by now) prompted her to continue.

"Miss Bingley," Georgiana continued more quietly, but still just as excited, "has just informed me that Jane and Elizabeth are nieces to one of our family's greatest friends!"

"Oh?" was Darcy's only reply, obviously still confused by what his sister was saying.

"Yes, it seems that Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner are Jane and Lizzy's Aunt and Uncle!" she squealed with delight.

"You know my Aunt and Uncle?" Elizabeth asked with a mixture of shock and confusion.

"It would seem we do," replied Darcy. He was clearly pleased with this new information, and would have left it at that if not for Miss Bingley's look. Miss Bingley obviously wanted to say something because her mouth was moving but no words were coming out, and her face was the color of a ripe strawberry. Given Miss Bingley's stunned state, Mr. Darcy decided to take enjoyment in expanding his statement.

"My family has been friends with the Gardiner family for years. It was actually my parents who first introduced Georgiana and I to them. I indeed count them among our greatest friends, and they have always treated us with such kindness."

Darcy paused seeming to contemplate his next words carefully before continuing. "Really they are more like family to us than mere friends, I think. Georgiana and Mrs. Gardiner are continually calling on one another when Georgie is in town, and there is nothing that Georgie takes more delight in than accompanying Mrs. Gardiner and the children to the park for the afternoon. I of course see them less often due to not being in Town as much, but whenever I am in Town we meet frequently for dinner and entertainment. I also find that Mr. Gardiner always provides much appreciated company for an afternoon at our club."

The whole of this speech was delivered to Miss Bingley, with a smirk gracing Darcy's features. He could not believe his good luck, not only at delivering a subtle set down to Miss Bingley, but also at the revelation that the Bennets and Gardiners were related.

Elizabeth was still trying desperately to grasp what she had just been told. She noted the triumphant look on both Mr. and Miss Darcy's faces upon beholding a speechless Miss Bingley. She was considering what such a look from the siblings could mean, and so it was not the normally quick Lizzy who first found her voice, but Jane.

"I do not understand," Jane said, "my Aunt and Uncle have never mentioned the acquaintance."

"I am not surprised," came the response from Georgiana, "for the Gardiners are not the type of people who would use our friendship to gain esteem or advantage. They are greatly respected amongst our peers and have no need to broadcast an acquaintance with us."

She said this while looking pointedly at Miss Bingley, in a manner that made Darcy's heart swell with pride for his little sister. Georgiana had never challenged anyone so overtly, and he was very happy that it was Miss Bingley that inspired a severe enough disapproval to have her so clearly speak her mind.

Miss Bingley could not direct her ire at Georgiana because she did not want to do any further damage to that relationship than she already had. So instead she leveled a glare of unveiled hatred at Elizabeth, who still had a firm grip on Mr. Darcy's arm. The two women just stared at each other for several long moments.

While Caroline looked like she might attack Elizabeth, Elizabeth settled for a look of contentment. Elizabeth briefly let her gaze linger on where her hand rested on Mr. Darcy's arm before looking back at Caroline with a smile. No words were needed by Elizabeth to get a reaction from Caroline who took a menacing step forward.

Everyone in the room could feel the tension build when Elizabeth just smiled more broadly at Caroline's threatening gesture. Before things could get out of hand and since no one else was doing anything, Jane finally spoke up in attempt to break the tension. Her comment was not directed at either Elizabeth or Caroline however.

"Georgie," Jane said in a soothing voice that did not match her inner trembling, "Miss Bingley has been in raptures about your ability to play and sing. Would you be so kind as to delight us with a little music?"

Georgiana hesitated. She was exceedingly uncomfortable performing in front of an audience. Jane's kind entreaty however persuaded her to agree, conditionally.

"I will play," Georgiana replied nervously, "but please do not make me sing."

"I would never ask you to do something you are not comfortable with, Georgie," was Jane's sincere reply.

Jane's sincerity gave Georgiana the reassurance she required as she made her way to the piano-forte. It was a lovely instrument, though not as grand as the one she was used to playing at home. As she riffled through the available sheet music, the others took up seats.

Louisa finally feeling that she might be able to relax, picked up some embroidery and made herself comfortable on a chair that was away from Caroline, but still near enough for her to intervene if Caroline got out of hand again. Colonel Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth, and Darcy all took seats near each other with a full view of Georgiana to enjoy her performance. Bingley stayed seated by Jane, and Caroline took up the now empty seat with them.

Georgiana finally found a complex, yet lighthearted piece of music that she hoped would help lighten the mood of the room, and began playing.

Everyone in the room was thoroughly enjoying Georgiana's playing until Caroline started talking to her brother over the music. Everyone tried to ignore the rudeness she was displaying, but it was hard to do especially when the topic of conversation was discovered.

"Charles," Caroline began in an innocent tone that her brother immediately recognized meant she wanted something, "I must confess that country life does not really agree with me. There is so little to do here, and there is so little variation in society. I think some diversion is in order before I go mad from boredom."

Charles did not answer, but gave Caroline a warning look. Caroline completely ignored her brother's look and continued on; making sure her point was made.

"I was thinking," she continued on pretending she did not see her brother's look, "that a trip to the seaside may be just what we all need. Anywhere that these Bennets are not would work. I hear that Ramsgate is where all the fashionable people spend this time of year."

At the mention of Ramsgate, Georgiana's playing faltered. All three gentlemen half rose from their seats, but before any of them could act; Elizabeth was already on her feet and half way to Georgiana.

"Oh, my dear Georgiana," she said as she quickly strode to the trembling girls side "please forgive me for neglecting you. How can you be expected to play properly with no one to turn the page?"

By this time, Elizabeth had reached Georgiana and could see her hands violently trembling. Elizabeth placed a reassuring hand on Georgiana's shoulder while making a show of rearranging the music with the other. Georgiana had calmed some, but her hands were still shaking slightly, so Elizabeth slid gently beside her on the bench and discretely wrapped an arm around her waist pulling her into a gentle hug.

At this simple act of kindness and comfort, Georgiana was able to resume her playing. The entire little scene was thankfully missed by Caroline, but Darcy and Fitzwilliam saw every movement and gesture. When Georgiana resumed her playing, both men reclaimed their seats and exchanged a look of immense relief.

Only once Elizabeth was assured of Georgiana's comfort did she allow herself to look up to gauge the reaction of the room. Everyone seemed oblivious except for Fitzwilliam and Darcy, which she was incredibly grateful for. When her eyes rested on Mr. Darcy, her breath caught. He was gazing at her with open warmth and admiration, silently thanking her with his eyes.

Georgiana's mind was racing with questions. She had not missed the look that passed between Elizabeth and her brother, and it suddenly hit her why Elizabeth had rushed to her side. Suddenly feeling young and foolish, she decided that she needed some questions answered. Elizabeth's attention was suddenly fully recaptured by Georgiana by a simple question asked with a great amount of despair.

"So you know?" Georgiana asked simply, struggling to control the tears that stung her eyes.

"Yes." Elizabeth said while gently stoking Georgiana's back. "Now is not the time or place to speak of this Georgie, but I will have you know that what happened in no way affected my desire to become your friend! We can speak of this privately whenever you wish, but you should continue playing now before Miss Bingley figures out that there is something amiss." Georgiana continued her playing, and Elizabeth made one final remark.

"I hope Georgie that you do not think ill of me for desiring to become fast friends with you. I must confess that I was selfishly motivated, in that I hoped to win your good opinion to have the benefit of a smart, witty, and cultured young lady such as yourself to confide in. Although I love my family dearly, those qualities I just named are sorely lacking in my own sisters, except Jane of course. I just hope that by confessing my selfish motives, you will not wish to end our friendship."

Georgiana looked Elizabeth in the eye without missing a single note she was playing. She could see that tears threatened Elizabeth at the thought of losing her friendship, but Georgiana had to be sure that what Elizabeth said was true.

"So my brother did not set this up?" Georgiana asked quietly, her eyes never leaving Elizabeth's "I know he carries much guilt over what happened, and I do not want your friendship out of pity!"

"I will not lie to you Georgiana; your brother did ask me if I would be willing to make your acquaintance. He also informed me of the entire situation that occurred at Ramsgate. He did so to protect you however, not to force either of us into a false friendship. It was not his request, or his communication about those unfortunate events that led me to want you as a friend. It was actually Miss Bingley and her constant praise of you. Well, you may think me evil for saying this but it was what I just mentioned, combined with your brother's information that you did not care for Miss Bingley that led me to desire your friendship long before your brother ever made the request. I was overjoyed when your brother requested our introduction, because anyone who could earn Miss Bingley's constant praise, and see through her must be very intelligent indeed. It was my own loneliness and selfish desires that led me to accept your brother's offer of introduction. I would never befriend someone out of pity, for that would be a sorry friendship indeed. I just hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for my selfish motives, and continue to be my friend even though I have proven myself quite unworthy of your notice."

Georgiana was good at reading people's eyes. It was a skill she had perfected from a lifetime of studying her brother, for although his countenance rarely gave any indication of his emotions, his eyes never lied. The only time this skill had ever failed her was at Ramsgate, but then she wasn't looking to find fault in a man who already had her trust.

As Georgiana continued to look in Elizabeth's eyes she was stuck by the full force of what Elizabeth had said. Elizabeth was indeed being honest about her reasons for befriending Georgiana, but it was the deep sadness and loneliness she saw in Elizabeth's eyes that melted Georgiana's suspicions away.

Lizzy, Georgiana thought, truly believes herself to be below my friendship. I cannot allow that, for she is the only person I have ever known who did not want my friendship as a way to get to my brother.

Georgiana gave Elizabeth a broad smile and said, with a twinkle in her eyes "We will talk tomorrow Lizzy, you will not escape my friendship that easily."

All of what transpired between Georgiana and Elizabeth was thankfully missed by Miss Bingley, for she had been escorted out of the room shortly after Georgiana resumed her playing, by a very angry Mr. Bingley.

Mrs. Hurst had also missed what transpired between Elizabeth and Georgiana. For as soon as her brother escorted Caroline away, she took up a seat near Jane and immediately began apologizing for her sister's behavior. Much to Jane's surprise, Mrs. Hurst seemed genuinely embarrassed by her sister's manners, or rather lack thereof.

Although everyone else had missed the exchange between Georgiana and Elizabeth, neither Darcy of Fitzwilliam had. After reclaiming their seats, both men sat in confusion and horror as they watched the scene unfold. The women spoke quietly and under the cover of Georgiana's playing, making it impossible for either man to make out what was being said. The range of emotions they saw on each woman's face, including what looked to them like unshed tears forming in both women's eyes, kept Darcy and Fitzwilliam's eyes glued to them in apprehensive fear.

Both men were on the point of intervening when a smile suddenly overspread Georgiana's face as she said something to Elizabeth. Elizabeth visibly relaxed, shuddering slightly at the release of tension before returning a brilliant smile to Georgiana. Whatever the two women were discussing seemed to be resolved with a happy outcome, thus allowing Darcy and Fitzwilliam each to relax and silently ponder the questions that were heavy on their minds.

Darcy's thoughts did not stray from his sister and Elizabeth. He was overcome by a sudden wave of guilt for imposing Elizabeth's friendship on his sister under false pretenses. He truly wanted to do what was best for Georgiana, but it was not until he saw her and Elizabeth deep in a very emotional conversation that he considered that his approach may have been flawed. He wanted Georgiana to be able to trust people again; surely asking Elizabeth to befriend her to help her through her emotional crisis was not the best way to do this.

If Georgiana discovered that Elizabeth had only befriended her at his request, Georgiana would be even worse off, for it would cause her to not even trust him. How do I always make such a mess of things? Darcy thought, I will confess my interference to Georgiana tomorrow after I have spoken to Elizabeth. I just hope that Georgie will see I was only trying to help, and not be too disappointed in me.

Colonel Fitzwilliam's thoughts were also engaged on a similar subject, but Miss Elizabeth was the primary concern of his thoughts. He had been watching Elizabeth all night, and couldn't help but be taken in by her beauty and kindness.

Darcy was right; Miss Elizabeth was just what Georgiana needed to get over Ramsgate. From what Darcy had told him, Miss Elizabeth had readily and enthusiastically agreed to befriend Georgiana even before she knew the details of why Darcy made this request. Darcy seemed to be under the impression that Elizabeth's kind nature would not allow her to refuse such a request when all the details were known. For some reason, it had seemed to escape Darcy's notice that Miss Elizabeth needed no inducement to agree. Fitzwilliam suspected that Elizabeth truly wanted Georgiana's friendship and it had nothing to do with helping Georgiana or gaining Darcy's regard. He was in fact sure that Miss Elizabeth and Georgiana would have become fast friends even without his and Darcy's interference.

Fitzwilliam also knew from Mr. Bingley, that Miss Elizabeth had never wanted Mr. Darcy's good opinion, and until very recently was determined to hate him. Given all that he knew, the only conclusion that made sense to him was that Miss Elizabeth wanted Georgiana's friendship, period. Having resolved the matter of Miss Elizabeth and Georgiana to his minds satisfaction, Fitzwilliam turned his thoughts to other things he had witnessed that evening.

Although both Miss Elizabeth and Darcy seemed to think they had been unobserved, Fitzwilliam had witnessed their very intimate exchange earlier that evening. He had to draw Miss Bingley's attention to himself (making sure her back was to Darcy and Miss Elizabeth) so that they were not observed by anyone else.

Fitzwilliam had been surprised at the wave of anger that threatened to overtake his rational thought at Darcy's clear disregard for Miss Elizabeth's feelings and reputation. Fitzwilliam knew without a doubt that Darcy was in love with Miss Elizabeth. He also knew that Darcy's skewed sense of family duty would prevent him from allowing himself to find happiness with a woman whose circumstances in life were decidedly below his own.

As for Elizabeth's feelings, it is true that he did not know her well. He only knew what Darcy had told him and what he had observed of her that day. Even with his limited knowledge of her, however he knew that Miss Elizabeth was a true lady in every sense of the word. She cared not one whit about Darcy's fortune or position in society, for those things seemed to mean nothing to her. He also knew that she would not flaunt propriety, thereby risking her own reputation unless she had very strong feelings for his cousin.

If Elizabeth was truly in love with Darcy, which Fitzwilliam strongly suspected was the case, he would not just sit by and watch Darcy toy with her emotions. Fitzwilliam decided that Darcy needed to either get over his pride (what Darcy referred to as family obligation) or let Elizabeth go.

Fitzwilliam truly believed that Miss Elizabeth was the only woman who would ever make Darcy truly happy, and after all Darcy had been through, he deserved happiness. Darcy just needed a little push to steer him in the right direction.

Perhaps, thought Fitzwilliam the thought of losing her forever will get him to stop fighting against his emotions, and actually act on them.

Georgiana's song was coming to a close and Fitzwilliam decided to use the cover of the last strains of music to put his plan into action.

He leaned in toward Darcy, and said in a low and slightly menacing tone "Miss Elizabeth is a true treasure. All the riches in the world could not compare to a woman such as her."

He looked Darcy in the eye, making sure that Darcy took his full meaning before continuing.

"It will be a luck man who wins her love, for a woman such as that could make even the poorest of men feel like a king."

Darcy felt like all the air had been knocked from his lungs as his cousins full meaning hit him. Fitzwilliam has been paying marked attention to Elizabeth all night, but surely that was just his cousin's easy manners and luck at finding a lively conversationalist in Elizabeth… right?

Darcy never took his eyes from his cousin, and his face darkened as he saw the answers to his unasked question clearly written in Fitzwilliam's face.

Yes, Fitzwilliam did mean to pursue Elizabeth. Yes he would give up all claims to fortune to have her. Yes, he did know Darcy's own feelings, but would still interfere if it meant Elizabeth loving him for the rest of his days.

Darcy could feel himself flush in anger and jealousy. He wanted to tell Fitzwilliam to back off, that he loved Elizabeth. He couldn't, however because his heart and head were still at odds concerning her.

Darcy wanted to just allow himself to act on his heart but he could not forget his mother's dying words to him. "Marry well Fitzwilliam," she had said weakly "marry a woman to be proud…" and then she was gone.

Darcy never knew what his mother's unfinished thought was. He turned to his Aunt Catherine for help after his mother's death, desperate to know what she had meant. His Aunt Catherine had told him that his mother wanted him to marry someone who would bring pride, wealth, and position into the marriage. In short, his cousin Anne. Aunt Catherine said it was his mother's dearest wish that a marriage between them would unite the two great estates of Pemberly and Rosings, and make the Darcy's the most powerful family in the kingdom.

A heartbroken young Darcy had believed every word; recently however he had begun to question the truth of what his Aunt said. Darcy's own parents had married for love; wouldn't they want him to do the same? Sure his parent's match was equal in the eyes of society, but it was love alone that brought them together. If only Darcy could make sense of his mother's final words, but he couldn't and so he remained lost in the turmoil of emotions and thoughts that would not quit.