A.N. Thank you, gabyhyatt, Joan, Liysyl, sacredwoman, Happy Lizzy and guest for reviewing. I really appreciate it. Now, all lovely readers, here is a new chapter, written when I was not feeling too well. It's not the best effort but I hope you still find it interesting. Happy reading and do remember to review. Writers need your encouragement!

Chapter 14

"Fitzwilliam, what a pleasant surprise," Anne said. "Sorry to interrupt your tender moment. Do introduce me to your lady friend."

Darcy frowned but complied with her request. He added, "What are you doing here, Anne? And all by yourself."

"Walking, as you see, to Oakham Mount."

"But that is a long way for here, especially for someone in your condition. Let me take you back to Netherfield."

"What condition?" Anne retorted with her voice hiked up. Then she lowered the hook of her long coat and pushed the front lapels opened to reveal her protruded abdomen. "I am with child, by Mr. Collins, my husband! Richard is wrong to say that my marriage was in my imagination. Mama is wrong, to ask me to hide my child! I am going to walk to Oakham Mount to see where my lovely husband was killed. I want to feel him once again."

Darcy scowled, not attempting to hide his displeasure. "Even if you and Mr. Collins were really married, you should not acknowledge him. He was a monster who had tortured and killed several women."

"I do not believe a word that lowly Daisy Milford has said," Anne shouted. "William's murderer must be the one who had killed the women and abused that wild child. The killer forced my husband to let him use the parsonage and for some reasons, he followed him to Hertfordshire and killed William. Oh, my poor William!"

Elizabeth gasped on hearing Anne's belief that Collins was a good man. She wanted to tell Anne her own experience, being attack by Collins. But she could not do so without Anne thinking that Elizabeth had a hand in the pastor's death. Elizabeth touched Darcy's arm.

"Miss de Bourgh, Oakham Mount is a few miles away. You may not be able to reach it and return by the time sunset. It may be wise to attempt it tomorrow, partway by a carriage. I am sure Mr. Darcy will be willing to take you there."

Anne drew in a deep breath to calm herself. Then she said in a more subdued tone, "Did you know my husband, Miss Elizabeth? Did you agree that William was a nice man devoted to his religious belief? He would never kill those women. I am done with following my mother to anywhere. I will go to London after I see Oakham Mount. I will hire the best lawyer to prove that William and I are married and clear his name. I will prove that Lord Metcalf, Richard and Mama are all wrong."

Elizabeth exchanged a glance with Darcy and then said some words to placate Anne. "My acquaintance with Mr. Collins was of short duration. I think Mr. Darcy should take you back to Netherfield now."

Darcy took Anne's hand, nodded to Elizabeth and walked his cousin back towards Netherfield with a grim expression on his face. Elizabeth strolled towards Longbourn. Not only had she got a wicked Mr. Wickham trying to blackmail her, but Collins also seemed to have a staunch supporter who had the resources to stir up a storm. If only Elizabeth could have forgotten about Wickham and Anne. She would focus on her writing and using what she had learned in the future to improve Longbourn.

~0~

That night Mary and Elizabeth sat by a window watching the stars.

"The stars are awfully bright tonight, are they not?" asked Mary.

"Yes, they are, and so shiny and beautiful," Elizabeth replied. She then fetched the diary she had written in Lucy's time to show Mary.

"Your imagination is pretty amazing!" Mary said after quickly scanning the diary.

"Thank you. Will you give me some comments so that I can revise the manuscript and send it to Uncle Edward?"

"You want to ask him to help you publish it? But surely we are gentlewoman, we should not 'work'."

"I am done with being a defenceless woman," Elizabeth said. "This incident with Collins, the Wicked Pastor taught me that. I am going to earn money and invest it for our future. With my assistance, Papa will improve the yield of Longbourn and Mama will learn to cut her expenses. We will provide for ourselves adequately, by the time Father dies, many many years later."

"Now that Mr. Collins is dead, the entail is broken. Papa can name anyone as heir. I do not think we should need to worry about our future. Also, Jane said Charles would take care of us in any case."

Elizabeth was not so sure about the entail, especially if Miss de Bourgh could prove her marriage to Collins and that she delivered a son. But Elizabeth would not worry Mary at this point.

"Did you not get frustrated with relying on other people or circumstances to take care of our future? Why can we not take care of it ourselves? We have all the books in the world to read. Father and many landowners have the same books about farming and estate management that are available to us. Why did we not do that ourselves, seeing that Father is unwilling to do so. You and I can work together."

"I would like that," Mary said, happy to be included in this venture by Elizabeth. "Papa prefers philosophy and history to practical books."

"Exactly. I do not want to blame Papa or Mama for the situation in Longbourn. All of us should take some responsibility too. I think Papa has done some good work to rein in Kitty and Lydia's improper behaviour."

Mary nodded head. "But we still have to resolve the issues about Mr. Wickham."

"Oh, Mary, please do not ruin a perfectly encouraging evening with a talk about that monster."

"Well, I can't help but think of him."

"I know and that is why I am worried, but his hatred for Mr. Darcy and his greed for wealth are so much that he will not risk any immediate action."

"He is a manipulative pig," Mary grumbled. "I hope we do not have to meet him soon."

"Let's hope we have a few days to breathe before the next time."

"We should have found a solution to this problem by then, do not you think?"

"Yes, we should have."

"You know what strikes me as strange, though?" Mary added.

"What?"

"Mr. Darcy seemed to have a deep-seated hatred for Mr. Wickham, I wonder what Mr. Wickham did to him."

"It must be horrid. Mr. Darcy is an honourable man! He will not have an implacable resentment towards Mr. Wickham, if the militiaman is not real devilish." Elizabeth defended.

"You think Mr. Wickham could be blackmailing Mr. Darcy?"

Elizabeth pondered for a moment. "I doubt it, if Mr. Wickham was, he wouldn't need us then."

"That's a good point. Whatever the case be, I want this whole drama with Mr. Wickham to be over as soon as possible."

"So do I, I hate the effect it has on father."

"I'm glad mother knows nothing about it," Mary said.

"Me also. It's getting late, let us go to bed. But promise me you will review the diary. And I shall talk to Papa about improving Longbourn's yield tomorrow."

And so, the conversation ended and the sisters went to bed, both with many thoughts on their mind.

~0~

The next morning, the sisters' apprehension came true. They received an unwanted visitor in the person of Wickham. Elizabeth was woken roughly by Mary, who panicked at Wickham's sudden arrival.

"Lizzy, wake up at once. Mr. Wickham is downstairs with Father."

"What?" asked a confused and drowsy Elizabeth.

"Mr. Wickham, he is downstairs with Father. Get up!"

Elizabeth jolted awake.

"What? Why? So early in the morning? Did the man have no work to do from Colonel Forster? What could he possibly want?"

"I have no idea."

"Oh no," Elizabeth mumbled. "I hope it is not a new scheme to demand more money."

"Quick! Get dressed. We must discover what all this is about."

Elizabeth got dressed hurriedly and ran down the stairs with Mary.

At that moment, Mr. Bennet showed Mr. Wickham out of the house. Mary and Elizabeth went after their father to his study and immediately bombarded him with questions.

"What is Mr. Wickham doing here so early, father?" Elizabeth said.

"Why did he come?" Mary jumped in too.

"Why are you so down? I hope he did not make any more threats?" Elizabeth continued.

"Or did he make any new demands?"

Mr. Bennet signaled for them to be quiet and as soon as they were, he said, "The scoundrel asked for…"

"He what, father?" asked his daughters, their voices dripping with concern.

"He declared his love for Lydia. He met up with Lydia secretly yesterday afterward."

"This has gone too far!" Elizabeth cried out. "he has dragged Lydia, a young girl not yet fifteen, into this as well? Is he going to ever stop?"

"The worst part of this," said Mr. Bennet, "Is that it is very likely that Lydia is in love with him."

"That's sadly true," admitted Mary, "Mr. Wickham is a handsome man and many girls throw themselves at him when he first stationed here. Someone who is attractive and a reason to be centre of jealousy, those are the two things Lydia seeks. Papa, I am sorry the last three months of hard work by the governesses and you did not prevent Lydia from falling for the rake."

"We cannot let him have Lydia," Elizabeth said. "Mr. Wickham is too much of a wicked soul and he has probably deceived her with is colourfully constructed sentences."

"He certainly does have a way with words," Mr. Bennet admitted, "Even just now talking to him, I near forgot that he was blackmailing me. He smirked and charmed. What a strange person he is!"

"Mother should not hear about his intentions with Lydia," Mary commented.

"Oh, I doubt we can protect your mother much longer. Mr. Wickham is becoming increasingly bold."

"Are you certain we should not involve Mr. Darcy?" Mary asked, hopefully.

"Maybe we will have to eventually, but not yet. Not just yet." Mr. Bennet said.

"Hasn't it escalated out of control already? We are at risk of losing Lydia and our hands are tied. I say it's time we invited help," Mary insisted.

"Well, we will when I say it's time!"

Mary and Elizabeth were shocked by their father's outburst. He had not raised his voice in anger in years.

"I'm sorry, father," Mary apologized.

"It's alright. I shouldn't have raised my voice."

"I am going back upstairs," announced Mary.

Mary left in a hurry, went into her room, and burst into tears, weeping uncontrollably until Elizabeth came, bringing her some food and comforting her. When Mary had composed herself and eaten, Elizabeth left the room and went for her morning walk. She was happy that she had time at least to talk to Mrs. Hill about some ways to curb Mrs. Bennet's spending with her knowing about it.

~0~

"Elizabeth, a word please," Mr. Wickham seemed to be waiting for her at the fork to Netherfield. "I trust that you are fine, Lizzy."

"Quit the pleasantries. What do you want?"

"Wow, harsh. Okay then, let's get straight to the point, I hope you have not forgotten our agreement?"

"How could I? You want me to set up Mr. Darcy so that you can extort him as you please."

"That is a fancy way to put it, but yes, our agreement. Why so grumpy? I thought you hated Darcy Boy's guts?"

"No, I hate your guts, Mr. Wickham. Now back to what you were saying?"

"Fine, since you want to be that way. When are we going to execute our plan?"

"Nothing is going to be executed unless you swear to steer clear of Lydia."

"Ahh, so that's what has gotten you so worked up."

"Stay away from my sister, or I will damn the consequences," Elizabeth said with her fists tight.

"You will damn the consequences, eh? Well, I will have you know that I am truly in love with Lydia."

"You shut your lying mouth," Elizabeth stepped forward so aggressively that Wickham took a step back involuntarily. Lucy and Brenda had taught Elizabeth some moves to fight bad guys on the streets and defence herself if the needs arose. Elizabeth was seriously tempted to knock the smirk off Wickham's face.

"I really do. I do not know a woman like Lydia. She is truly amazing."

"Lydia is a girl. Stay away from her or you can forget about our deal!"

Wickham licked his lips and took a step forward, "I like a woman who knows how to bargain. Alright then, but you must do everything I say…" he paused and took a long look at her form, "…And maybe more."

"Stay away from Lydia," Elizabeth repeated.

"You will send a note to Darcy inviting him to Longbourn for dinner tomorrow."

"To what purpose?"

"Seduction, of course, when you get a moment alone with him. And make sure someone discovers both of you in the act."

She stared at Wickham pointedly for several seconds before asking.

"Seduction?"

"Yes, you see men are rather fragile creatures. We are weak-willed and give in to pressure easily."

Elizabeth nodded her head, absently. She needed to talk to Mr. Darcy privately. The dinner scheme suited her, as well. She decided to trust Mr. Darcy to help them.

Wickham smiled triumphantly, "Very well then, I have spoken to your father. Be sure to remind him how much he owes me, I will be distraught if I do not receive the money on the day I asked."

"I will be sure to let him know."

"And cheer up, will you? I am doing you a favour. He will be forced to marry you after he realizes what he has done. A lifetime of wealth and prestige? I am surprised I must threaten you into assisting me. Prudes like yourself disgust me."

Elizabeth did not say a word in response. The sooner Wickham was gone, the sooner she could get on with her work for the day.

"I will check on you every day. Hopefully, I shall not have a reason to be upset with you."

"Goodbye, Mr. Wickham." She turned and went inside without looking back.

~0~

Elizabeth decided to take the invitation to Netherfield in person. If she could have a moment to talk to Mr. Darcy, it would be better than wait till the dinner the next day. Mary was calm enough to join her. When they arrived, they were told that Jane had joined Mr. Bingley on a visit but would return shortly. Mr. Darcy and his aunt and cousin were out. While the sisters waited for Jane to arrive, they decided to take a walk through the garden. Miss Bingley waved them off cheerfully. She would not admit that she was furious with Mr. Darcy for not taking her out together with his relative. She would not like to speak to the lowly sisters politely in the parlour when all she wanted was to vent her anger at them.

"Mr. Wickham will truly stay away from Lydia from henceforth?" Mary asked.

Elizabeth nodded her head.

"How were you able to achieve that?"

"I threatened not to do what he instructed me to. He made a show of detailing the consequences that would follow if I ever disobeyed him but promised not to touch Lydia. He means for me to marry Mr. Darcy with the aim of extorting him. I hope I can explain everything to Mr. Darcy. He will help us. He is a magnificent person, so forgiving and understanding."

"It is surprising how much you have fallen in love with Mr. Darcy since your first acquaintance, Lizzy."

"I am not entirely sure it is love but I do feel very strange when I am around him."

"That is known as love."

"Have you ever been in love, Mary?"

"The Colonel is attentive but I am still uncertain. And most men look for beauty and women in the prettiest dresses. You know I am plain."

"We are all drawn to beauty. But you are wrong. You have your own beauty. You must not let Mother's belittling words to harm you. You will find your man one day."

Unknown to the ladies, Caroline Bingley was up to her old trick. She had followed the two sisters and hidden closer by to listen to their conversation.

"I am very nervous to see Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth said. "What if I cannot summon up the courage to tell him about Mr. Wickham's plan?"

"We talked about this earlier, Lizzy. It was your idea, was it not?"

"I know. It is just that sometimes the alternative seems easier."

"You mean helping Mr. Wickham compromise and extort Mr. Darcy is preferable to telling Mr. Darcy the truth about Wickham's conspiracy? Would you prefer to seduce Mr. Darcy and then blackmail him into marrying you?"

"You make it sound like it is a walk in the park."

"I'm sorry, I know this must be difficult for you but you have to be able to make the right decision. Our family's safety depends on it."

"I understand that. Believe me, I do."

"I do not understand why you and father initially refused to tell the one person who Mr. Wickham fears. But now things have truly escalated and a move must quickly be made."

"Has Mr. Darcy not done too much for us already?"

"That was my logic at first, but how do you suppose Mr. Darcy would feel if all this blows out of proportion and he finds out that you could have told him all along? How would he feel?"

"I suppose he would be upset."

"You suppose? He most definitely will."

Caroline, who had been listening eagerly, had heard all she needed to. This confirmed the other conversation she had overheard Mr. Darcy with Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She sauntered off brimming with righteous fury. Her own Darcy? A conspiracy against her own Darcy? As she hopped along, she formulated a plan, she had to make this as big a deal as possible.