Thank you again to those who reviewed, that was a lovely surprise to find this morning.

Here be another chapter, to be followed in a few minutes by another because I have no talent for self-restraint.

Ta.

The letter from Miss Bingley, when it finally arrived, was brief and simply stated how happily settled they were at present in London, with no thoughts of moving in the next few months, and that Mr Bingley conveyed his apologies at not being able to say goodbye to his friends in person. Jane showed it to her brother and announced with a heavy heart that by the time they were ever to see each other again, if that time should ever come, Mr Bingley would surely have forgotten her entirely.

Their only relief from the melancholy was the arrival of Mrs Bennet's brother and his wife, Mr and Mrs Gardiner, who came as usual to spend Christmas with their relations. Mr Gardiner was a sensible and steady-minded person, unlike his sister, and his wife was a woman after her husband's heart and they were therefore able to add much to the family's conversation and entertainment over the period.

The first part of Mrs Gardiner's business on her arrival, was to distribute her presents and describe the newest fashions, remarking on the fact that Vince appeared to be dressed entirely in keeping with the current style despite living in so removed a location.

"It is a singular talent of yours, my boy," she complimented. "To be ahead of fashions without being aware of them. The fashion houses are much deprived in not having you among their number, as are the music halls for that matter. Will you play for us?"

Vince obliged and went to sit at the piano whilst his mother began to relate the tragedies that had befallen her in Mary's refusal to marry Mr Collins and Jane's missed opportunity in winning the affections of Mr Bingley.

Mrs Gardiner nodded dutifully and, later in the evening came to position herself by the piano under the pretense of examining the various scores that lay thereabout.

"I am sorry to hear of your sister's predicament. It seems likely to have been a desirable match for Jane, but these things happen so often. A young man, such as I have heard Mr Bingley described, so easily falls in love with a pretty face for a few weeks, and when accident separates them so easily forgets her, that these sort of inconsistencies are very frequent."

"An excellent consolation in its way," Vince replied, "but it will not do here. Mr Bingley was not so flippant as some seem to think. He was sharp and observant. No, this was something more. It doesn't often happen that the interference of friends, of relations, will persuade a young man of independent fortune and mind to stay away and think no more of a girl, whom he was violently in love with only a few days before. Jane does not suffer by accident, I assure you."

"But the phrase 'violently in love' is so hackneyed, Vince, I am surprised to hear you use it. It is so indefinite. Pray, how violent was Mr Bingley's love?"

"I never saw a more promising inclination. He was growing quite inattentive to other people and wholly engrossed by her. When they danced they made a prettier couple than you could ever hope to set eyes on. His sister was quite furious."

"Poor Jane," replied his aunt. "To be so used. But I say, do you think she might be persuaded to return to London with Mr Gardiner and myself? There shall be many balls and public assemblies to attend. Perhaps all that is needed is for Mr Bingley to be presented with an opportunity to dance again with the object of his affection. What do you say?"

"I shall say that it is the very plan we have been looking for and that I like it very well. Thank you, Aunt."

Mrs Gardiner nodded and asked if there had been others among the Bingleys' party that might have affected Mr Bingley's decision not to return.

"Only Mr Darcy," Vince informed her, "and he is a man of the most upstanding character. He would never keep apart a couple who were so obviously created for one another. And without any impediment to their happiness."

He tried to keep his tone neutral but Kitty, who had been sitting quite close, chimed in with her own thoughts on the matter.

"Oh yes, Vince and Mr Darcy are fine friends and our dear brother won't hear a word against him, despite what Mr Wickham has assured us of his black and prideful nature. Vince is quite devoted, aren't you, Vince?"

Vince's fingers stopped above the keys, unable to deal with the renewed teasing and the secrecy of is true feelings but the cessation of the music caused every head in the room to turn in his direction and he felt a familiar warmth in his cheeks as a blush began to heat his skin from his neck to his hair line.

"Mr Darcy? Is that Mr Darcy of Yorkshire? Pemberley House?" Mrs Gardiner asked ponderously. "I was born and raised in Yorkshire and had the pleasure of being a little acquainted with the former Mr Darcy some time ago as I recall."

Vince began to play again, idly and without thought of what tune he played.

"And what do you remember of him? Of the family and the estate in general?"

"It is a beautiful estate, Vince," she told him wistfully. "You would appreciate it very much, with your eye for colour and gift for art. From memory the old Mr Darcy was a solemn but compassionate man and his older son was likewise. His wife died shortly after the birth of the second son, he is some ten years younger than his brother, I believe, a few years younger than yourself. I cannot believe that anyone could have cause to call Mr Darcy's character black, though I only met him when he was a boy; but I do recall a scandal surrounding his dismissal of a servant shortly after his father's death. The young man had been blackmailing the older Mr Darcy and tried a similar stunt with the current Mr Darcy but to no avail. Or such is my recollection. I would not set too much store by the words of a young officer, Kitty, who is likely trying only to impress either you or your sister enough to steal a kiss."

Vince tried not to smile too broadly and began to play with more enthusiasm. It was at that moment that he realised that he was playing the tune of 'Bright Blue Eyes'. While he might never have the good fortune to see Howard again, at least he could rest assured that the man was one of honour and good character. He did grow concerned, however, that the continued presence of Mr Wickham in their social circle was not in their best interests at all.