A/N Erm… so first of all Hello to everyone still following and to new readers of An Unpopular Notion! Secondly, no your eyes aren't deceiving you, an actual update has arrived! I can only apologise for the absolutely horrendous wait between chapters. As you know I was in my final year at Uni, and the past couple of months has been the post-uni-what-on-earth-am-I-going-to-do-with-my-life-now phase, and I really could not face writing this. I had planned this chapter ages ago and several times I had opened up the file to start on it but I just didn't like what was being written. That being said, I am once more delving back into the world of AUN, (greatly helped by recently re-watching 1995 p&p), it's only a shortish one to get back into the swing of things but I hope that you enjoy it and thanks for sticking around!

Recap- Darcy, Georgiana and Richard have agreed to visit Bingley in Hertfordshire. Darcy has finally decided to act on his desire for Lizzy, who doesn't know they're arriving. Elsewhere Morecroft did not follow safety precautions with his use of candles, leading to flames spreading through his room as he was passed out from opium on his bed.

Chapter Twenty Five

Darcy sighed in relief as Georgiana fell asleep, the excitement and rocking motion of the carriage leaving him with only having to deal with Richard. It had been a long and exasperating journey for the older Darcy. Georgiana was in a constant bubble of anticipation, her usual quiet demeanour replaced by that of an energetic and effusive young woman. She expounded on her expectations of their impromptu holiday and would constantly reference the coming meeting with her new friend. Darcy would not have minded this half so much if Richard had not taken to wiggling his eyebrows every time Elizabeth was mentioned and took every opportunity to insert an innuendo into conversation. It took years of Darcy self control not to lean across the carriage and throttle his cousin. He contented himself with sending the Colonel his most frightening glare, unfortunately all this did was intensify the smirk that seemed to be permanently fixed on Richard's face.

He looked out at the surrounding countryside and let his mind wander. The stirrings of excitement were growing stronger the nearer they came to their destination. He had thrown caution to the wind and decided to follow his heart. His mind now made up, Darcy was determined to win the affection and hand of Elizabeth and he would let nothing stand in his way. He thought back to his conversation with his Aunt and inwardly smiled. He had the approval of Matlock House and that was all he desired. He mentally corrected himself; he almost had the acceptance of his favourite Aunt and Uncle. Providing the Bennet's were not hiding some great and irreparable scandal he could see no permanent obstacle to his dearest wish. Darcy's were known for their perseverance and he would not make such an important decision an exception to this notion.

He was excited, nervous and terrified of his coming task. He had never had to woo a lady as Richard had so often pointed out and he was not quite sure how he would go about it. He was glad in a way that his wayward cousin had joined him in this venture and that he would be staying with Bingley. Charles had fallen in love so many times he was sure that he could glean some advice from his friend without it being a completely mortifying experience.

He was just about to turn his head when his eye caught sight of a sign for Meryton. His heart rate sped up and a gnawing feeling began in his stomach. Darcy chanced a glance at his cousin who was already looking at him curiously; Richard then peered out the window and gleefully chuckled as he too noticed their location.

"Oh Darce, you look positively green. I cannot tell you the excitement I anticipate for these coming weeks!"

Darcy grimaced and shook his head.

"Thank you Richard, as always your ability to put me at ease never ceases to amaze me."

"Not at all cousin. Not at all."

Darcy took stock of his surroundings as the carriage tumbled through the village. Apart from the momentous task of gaining Elizabeth's hand he also had to ingratiate himself into the community. His apprehension of being the centre of attention was extreme and he was not looking forward to meeting so many strangers. Hopefully the colonel with his jovial manners and Bingley, who could talk to anyone, could deflect the stares away and allow him to court Elizabeth without any unnecessary distractions.

He gently nudged his sister awake who blearily looked up at him as they entered his friend's estate. As they crossed a small bridge and rounded a corner he took in Netherfield. It was a handsome house, not as much as Pemberley, but of course, in Darcy's mind nothing was. The Palladian architecture enhanced rather than detracted from the now autumn beauty of its surroundings. He could see why Elizabeth had mentioned her love for walks; he could imagine her rambling along this countryside, her curls bouncing as she navigated the woodlands.

They were met by an exuberant Bingley who had seen their carriage make its way towards his new home and he was now waiting by the stone steps. He grinned as one by one they climbed out of the coach, his very nature made him amenable to company and the past week of solitude had not sat well with him at all.

Well, it was not all solitude he reminded himself as his mind was cast back to his recent dinner with the Bennet's and in particular his meeting with his Angel. He must have let out an involuntary sigh as he was interrupted from his memories by his friend clearing his throat.

Darcy, used to his friends' occasional departure from the here and now was amused at his lack of attention, but could not help a niggling of worry. He recognised the expression adorned on Charles's face. It was one he had seen many times over the years. His friend was infatuated. He could only hope that by some miracle his interest did not lie with his Elizabeth.

Pulled back into the present Bingley smiled sheepishly and pulled Darcy into a hug, firmly grasped the Colonel's hand and kissed Georgiana's hand in greeting before ushering them into the house

Once freshened up from their journey, everyone reconvened in the dining room for dinner. It was to be a relaxed affair, especially as Caroline was not there to give airs that were unnecessary and inappropriate for the setting. They had soon settled into the usual enquiries of health when Georgiana, who viewed Charles as almost another brother-like figure could contain her curiosity no longer and set her cutlery down and turned to face her host.

"Mr Bingley, Charles. I cannot keep my enquiries to myself any longer. Have you seen anything of Miss Elizabeth Bennet lately? My brother told me you had made her acquaintance when you first moved into the area."

Bingley, who had no knowledge of a prior acquaintance between Georgiana and Elizabeth looked quizzically at Darcy and wondered why he had never mentioned anything in the return letter. It was then that he noticed his usually stoic friend had a slight red tinge to his ears and a knowing look from the colonel resulted in a whole host of reasons for this lack of disclosure from his friend. It appeared that Darcy had some explaining to do. Not one to miss an opportunity to tease the usually unaffected man, Bingley thought he would have a bit of fun with the poor chap.

"As a matter of fact I dined at the Bennet's only two nights ago and I cannot tell you what a joy it was! Miss Bennet especially is a most wonderful creature."

Not allowing Georgiana to ask more specific questions Bingley launched into a monologue on the virtues of one Miss Bennet, he just neglected to inform the party that he was in fact talking about the eldest, Miss Jane and not the younger sister. He did not fail to notice his friend becoming more and more uneasy as his speech continued.

"Oh she really is the most kind and beautiful lady of my acquaintance, excluding you of course Georgie; I just cannot find a fault. The dinner I had at Longbourn was superb and the rest of the family were all that is welcoming and friendly. I think you shall enjoy their company immensely! I really do feel that I would like to develop my acquaintance with the family further, especially with Miss Bennet."

During Bingley's speech the colonel had caught the host's eye and a silent communication was passed between them. Richard knew what Bingley was about and was vastly amused. Georgiana had also cottoned onto their game, she was not so unobservant as her current companions believed her to be and subtly nudged her cousin and sent him a pointed glare before turning to face her brother. The Colonel sighed, disappointed that his fun was over and decided to break the torment that William appeared to be trapped in.

"So Bingley, enough about Miss Bennet, I believe that Georgie was referring to Miss Elizabeth, what news of her? Or were you too distracted by the apparent paragon of perfection, the eldest Miss Bennet?"

Mr Bingley looked fleetingly disappointed that his teasing was at an end but figured he had plenty of opportunities during Darcy's visit to make him uncomfortable. He laughed off the Colonel's comment and gave a brief account of his meeting with Miss Elizabeth but owned that he had not spent much time with her as his attention had indeed been occupied elsewhere.

This statement had the desired effect and Darcy's head, which had been bent slightly downward, lifted, and his jaw that had been tightly clenched, was now relaxed. So caught up in his own misery from the conclusions he had jumped to, he had failed to notice he was being played. His relief at finding out that his best friend was not, in fact, half in love with his future wife was immeasurable. He was also thankful that no-one at the table had seemed to notice his momentary lapse in composure and made more of an effort to partake in the conversation once more.

It was late when the party had finally decided that they should retire. They had enjoyed reminiscing over memories and thinking of various excursions they could enjoy whilst staying in the county. First on the agenda, to the pleasure of all the party, was to call on the Bennets the following day. Georgiana rose first to leave the room and after he was sure that she was out of hearing range he turned to Darcy and the Colonel with a grin.

"So Darcy. Miss Elizabeth Bennet ehy? And here I was thinking it was me you were coming to visit!"

With a snort at Darcy's stunned expression and a clap on the Colonel's back Bingley sauntered out of the room. Darcy turned to Richard, disbelief written across his face to which the Colonel just laughed.

"Please Darce, do not tell me you thought you were being discreet? You were not fooling anyone!"

Darcy groaned and scrubbed his hands over his face in embarrassment.

"I am tired Richard, I shall see you in the morning."

"Very well cousin, run along for your beauty sleep, you shall need it as you will not only be facing your intended tomorrow, but your in-laws as well!"

The Colonel took one glance at Darcy's even paler face and quickly exited the room. He had not had this much fun in years!

Darcy rose with the sun the next morning, thoughts of the impending visit to the Bennet household keeping him awake for the majority of the night. He made his way to the breakfast room and was not surprised to find it empty of his sister, Richard and Bingley as it was still particularly early. He set about collecting a drink and some pastries when he the morning paper was delivered. Offering a quick thank you to the footman he settled in a chair and perused the sheets.

He sat up straighter in his chair as his eyes scanned one of the stories. It appeared that news was rife about town that one of Lord Morecroft's country homes was burnt down. There was not a large amount of information available but it appeared that the staff had managed to escape but there were no signs of Morecroft. Darcy read on in concern as the article continued to say that a body had been found, but not identified and that there was a possibility that Mr E. Blake was also in residence when the fire erupted. He was reported as being at the house the night of the fire but no-one had heard from him since.

Darcy shakily put down the paper and ordered a footman to gather him some writing implements. He would write to Edmund, hoping that he had been travelling and that is why he has not been heard from.

Thank you for reading! I always enjoy and appreciate the comments that you give even when I haven't updated in ages! I hope that you enjoyed the chapter and I'll be back soon!

Amy