Author's Note: I am so sorry it has taken so long to get this posted. I have written and rewritten this chapter about 7 times, and I am still not happy with it, but I figured if I didn't post soon, people would give up on me entirely. I have had a lot of "brain fog" lately and it's affecting my memory and ability to think clearly, and I think my writing, too. The doctor thinks it's because my thyroid has been unstable and that once we get that under control, I will be able to think clearly again.

Six Years Later

"Netherfield Park is let at last," announced Mr. Bennet to his lady one morning, entering her sitting room with a sigh.

Elizabeth, who was seated beside her mother embroidering a gown, looked up with interest. She knew that her father had purchased Netherfield estate with the intent of increasing his family's prestige, after learning of her disappearance from Matlock. Mr. Bennet had hoped that, by increasing his status, he might garner invitations to the homes of the first circles, where his daughter might possibly be employed. Naturally, after his daughter's return, Mr. Bennet had not needed to implement his plan. Thus, he had focused on improving those aspects of the estate which might increase his profits. Unfortunately, no one had seemed interested in leasing the Manor house, and it had remained empty since its previous owners had vacated it.

"Oh good!" replied Mrs. Bennet, "I am sure the extra funds shall help us to afford having two young ladies out. Although Elizabeth was now twenty, she had not yet been introduced to society. Ostensibly, her parents had been waiting until Jane was either married or engaged to introduce Elizabeth to society. Elizabeth supposed they hoped to recoup some of the expenses they had incurred searching for her, so that she and her sisters might have more generous portions. In truth, finances factored little in the Bennets' decision to keep Elizabeth home. Neither parent could bear to part with the daughter who had been so long separated from them, and they hoped to keep her at Longbourn as long as possible. However, once Elizabeth had celebrated her twentieth birthday, Mr. Bennet had announced that his second daughter would finally be brought out. The prospect delighted Elizabeth, who was eagerly anticipating her first assembly.

"The extra funds shall not be quite what I had hoped. I decided it was wise to accept a lower asking price in order to finally have a tenant."

"Oh?"

"Our new tenant is a young gentleman of good character and modest fortune." Mrs. Bennet's eyes lit up.

"Is he single? Might he be a possible match for our Lizzy?"

"He is single, but let us not play matchmaker." Mr. Bennet smiled as he spoke. Elizabeth could not suspect it, but her father had, in fact believed the young man would be a good prospect for his second daughter, and it was this reason that he had accepted a low offer on Netherfield Park.

"Besides," smiled Elizabeth, "If he could not pay the full price for Netherfield, perhaps he cannot afford my expensive tastes." Mr. Bennet, who knew his daughter must be teasing, chuckled, but Mrs. Bennet grew alarmed.

"He is not indigent, is he, sir? You have not let the manor to some indigent wastrel who has gambled away his fortune, have you?"

"Never, my dear. This Mr. Bingley was the son of a prosperous tradesman. Indeed, his father was perhaps the greatest competition your uncle and I faced as we expanded into greater markets. I daresay he would be a good deal richer if it were not for me."

"I suppose this Mr. Bingley was just not as savvy a businessman as you, Papa!" exclaimed Lydia, in who believed no man could compare to her father.

Later that evening Elizabeth sat down to write a letter to the only friend she could count on to have absolutely no opinion about the arrival of Netherfield's new tenant.

Dear Connie,

Elizabeth smiled as she wrote, wondering what her parents would think if they learned she addressed a dowager countess so informally. The correspondence had begun a few months after Elizabeth's return to Longbourn when Elizabeth had read of the passing of Lord Barkely in one of the London papers her father took. She had felt it fitting to send the young widow a short letter of condolence. To her great surprise the former Lady Constance Fitzwilliam had replied swiftly and requested a continuing correspondence. Since then, rarely a week had passed in which the two ladies had not exchanged missives. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet had never queried Elizabeth about her correspondence, but as she had not endeavored to hide it, she was certain they were aware she regularly wrote to the dowager Lady Barkely.

It was kind of you to ask about the plans for my coming out ball; I know you could not possibly care for the details. My parents are not actually hosting a ball for me. I will simply be introduced to society by attending the upcoming assembly in the nearby town of Meryton. In truth, it will not be much of an introduction as I am already at least somewhat acquainted with nearly all the residents of our area. However, I did learn today that there will be a new young gentleman in attendance.

I believe I have previously told you of Netherfield, my father's second estate. Well, Papa has recently leased it out to a young man of moderate fortune whom I believe he hopes to gain as a son-in-law. Mama has made it clear that she hopes I will marry him, and I believe Papa wishes it as well. I am not certain why she does not wish him for Jane instead. They cannot truly have given up hope of Jane finding a good match; she is only 22 and more beautiful than any other young lady I have ever beheld. Though I must confess her form is not quite so perfect as your own.

I never quite know what to think of Jane. She and I were practically inseparable before I became lost to my family. However, I do not think she likes me very much now. I cannot say she is ever cruel to me. Indeed, I cannot imagine Jane being cruel to anyone. She is ever so sweet and kind to everyone, even those who are decidedly undeserving. Nevertheless, I cannot help feeling that Jane resents me. She is never warm or affectionate the way my other sisters are.

You should scold me for complaining so over the behavior of one sister when I have three others who are everything loving and affectionate toward me. Well, I admit that Mary sometimes scolds me when she feels my behavior is not as it ought to be. One would think she was the older sister. At least I know that she is only attempting to be helpful, and that she seeks to correct me out of love. I am usually able to easily forgive her attempts to over advise. However, I will confess that I lose patience when she scolds me for being overly familiar with our servants. After all, it is not as though I am flirting with the footman. She disapproves of my friendliness with the maids. I think she forgets that they are people, too. Eventually, she will have to accept that regardless of the supposed propriety of the matter, I will not treat servants like wallpaper.

Speaking of wallpaper, have you made a selection yet. I am not certain if you were serious in your offer to pay for all of my expenses to come visit you if I will agree to choose wallpaper for the ballroom. Perhaps if this Mr. Bingley turns out to be a toad or something worse, I shall agree to your offer. However, I know you do not truly need my help. And you must admit, your late husband's cousin has been incredibly generous in allowing you to remain in the Barkely estate, asking only that you host an occasional party and help him with improvements normally made by the estate's mistress.

By the way, I thought I understood from your last missive, that your aunt Lady Anne Darcy had passed away some months ago. If that is the case, I am very sorry for your loss. Please express my sympathies to the your Darcy cousins. I would write to Miss Darcy myself if I were not convinced that her father would heartily disapprove.

I should be going now. Tommy wishes me to read him a story. Normally Jane is his favorite sister, since she is so gentle and kind, but he says that I am the best reader.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Your friend,

Eliza

A few days later, Elizabeth became the first of the Bennet ladies to meet Mr. Bingley. The young gentleman happened to call while Mrs. Bennet and Jane were in Meryton visiting the dressmaker and the younger girls were occupied with their governess. It did not occur to Elizabeth to suspect that her parents had planned for her to have the first introduction to the eligible bachelor.

Elizabeth instantly liked Mr. Bingley; in fact, she believed that only a truly hard-hearted person could dislike the handsome, amiable gentleman. However, although she was sure he had enjoyed her company, she did not believe Mr. Bingley was particularly impressed by her, nor did this notion displease her overly much.

For the next several days, Elizabeth answered constant requests from her sisters to describe every detail of their new neighbor. Even Jane seemed interested in learning about Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth wondered at her elder sister's curiosity, never imagining that Jane had glimpsed the young man as he rode through Meryton and had thought his quite the handsomest gentleman she had ever seen.

The night of Elizabeth's first assembly, she was more excited than nervous. After all, she had already met most of the those who would be in attendance. Furthermore, she did not have to worry about having a partner for her first dance, for Mr. Bingley had requested that set from her when he had visited Longbourn.

Elizabeth did have a slight suspicion that her father had prodded Mr. Bingley into requesting the set, which only bothered her slightly. However, her feelings about the matter began to alter when she witnessed the young gentleman's introduction to her older sister. Elizabeth did not think even the least astute of observers could have failed to noticed Mr. Bingley's admiration for Jane. His eyes sparkled with joy when the eldest Miss Bennet first smiled at him, and he only reluctantly bade her farewell when it was time to lead Elizabeth to the first set.

As Elizabeth danced with Mr. Bingley, the two spoke of inconsequential subjects such as the size of the room and the number of couples; nevertheless, Elizabeth could not help noticing the young man's distraction. Finally she decided to have mercy upon him.

"I will not be offended if you wish to ask about my sister, sir?"

"Pardon me, Miss Elizabeth, I do not mean to be a neglectful partner."

"I am not offended, Mr. Bingley. It is clear you admire Jane."

"She's an angel!" Elizabeth smiled.

"What would you wish to know?"

"Is she as kind as she seems?" Elizabeth wondered how the man could have concluded that Jane was kind based on a five minute conversation.

"She never has an unkind word for anyone." Mr. Bingley smiled widely.

"Good! Good!" Mr. Bingley exclaimed, then he frowned slightly. "I imagine Miss Bennet is quite well liked."

"Indeed, sir. She has many friends. Everyone likes a lady with a sweet disposition and the patience of Job." Elizabeth sighed a little thinking Jane likes everyone except me.

"Yes, of course, but –but does she have any beaux?"

"A fair number of gentlemen call on my sister."

"And is she attached to any of these young men?"

"I am not aware of any particular attachment. However, I must confess that we are not such close friends that she would be likely to confide such information to me."

"You and your sister are not good friends? Whyever not, if she is so sweet and good as you say?" I wish I knew, thought Elizabeth.

"Perhaps I am not sweet enough?" Elizabeth responded with a teasing lilt. Mr. Bingley returned her smile.

"According to your father, you are the most accomplished lady who ever walked this earth are possessed of every talent which a gentleman might desire in a prospective wife. Of course, I am aware that father's tend to be biased in descriptions of their own children. My sister Louisa is convinced that her son is the most brilliant child who has ever lived. Honestly, each time he says 'Agah—Baba—Hah!' Louisa acts as though he has just solved one of mathematics' greatest problems." Elizabeth laughed gaily.

"And is that a statement he makes often?"

"Constantly."

"How old is your nephew?"

"Nine months, I think," Mr. Bingley answered after some thought."

"I will not tell your sister that such an accomplishment is hardly unusual for a child of his age."

"Thank you! I could not bear her devastation, and without such a promise, I would fear introducing you to Louisa."

"Will I have an opportunity to meet your sister?"

"Yes, both of my sisters will be here shortly. They were not ready to depart, and I did not wish to arrive late when I had promised to dance the first with you."

"I will look forward to meeting them both. Are there any other members in your party?"

"Only my brother-in-law, Stephen Hurst, and my nephew, Stevie."

The two continued to chatter amiably through the rest of their dance, and when it ended Elizabeth cheerfully released him to her sister. Despite having a partner of her own during the next dance, Elizabeth could not help stealing glances at Jane and Mr. Bingley. The young man had already pleased Elizabeth enough that she had begun to wish to have him for a brother; nevertheless, she could detect no special sentiments upon her sister's serene face.

Through the evening Elizabeth was passed from one partner to another; all were amiable but none caused her to long for a second dance, nor did any cause her to believe they wished for her company for more than a pleasant half hour.

Thus, it was to Elizabeth's great surprise when she found herself pressed for another set by none other than Mr. Bingley. When the gentleman requested her hand, Elizabeth looked to her father, wondering if the request had come at his instigation. However, Elizabeth could only read on Mr. Bennet's beaming countenance that he was pleased by such an outcome, not whether he had prompted it. Supposing it did not matter, Elizabeth graciously accepted Mr. Bingley's offer.

"You have taken me quite by surprise, sir. I had not expected you would wish me to dance a second time," having spoken, Elizabeth blushed, realizing she might seem to be fishing for a compliment.

Mr. Bingley, however, did not snatch her bait, or even seem to notice it was offered. "I have come to solve a mystery."

"A mystery?"

"Indeed, for I have noticed that you have different mannerisms and a different way of speaking from your neighbors, even from your lovely sister. Why is that?" Elizabeth laughed lightly, but her stomach churned. She feared that she had displayed some lower class manners or speech.

"'Tis no great mystery."

"No great mystery? That you should be so different than the one who must by nature have been your closest childhood companion." Elizabeth fought back tears, attempting to sound cheerful as she replied.

"But I was not always at Longbourn, Mr. Bingley." Elizabeth attempted to sound casual as though her absence was nothing out of the ordinary. "You are acquainted with my father's friend and business partner Mr. Clipper, are you not?" In truth, Mr. Bennet tolerated Clipper, and would rather not have called him friend, but it suited Elizabeth's purpose in making the acquaintance seem more intimate than it truly was."

"Indeed, I am. It was through him that I met your father."

"For several years I lived in Derbyshire with Mr. Clipper an his family. His sister, Mrs. Bloom, greatly appreciated my company, as her eyesight was failing." Elizabeth's conscience troubled her a little, as her statements, while not untrue, were certainly misleading. However, Mr. Bingley failed to notice her anxiety.

"Derbyshire! Of course! I should have known it. Is not Derbyshire the loveliest of all the counties?"

"It is certainly lovely, but I am not sure it can compare to home. Are you a Derbyshire native? I seem to remember Papa mentioning that you came from the north."

"Indeed not. I am surprised you cannot tell from my speech. However, I visited the county numerous times as a boy. My grandfather was a wool trader, you see, and my father sometimes allowed me to accompany him during my holidays."

"How lovely. And which part of Derbyshire did you most enjoy?" Elizabeth asked more from a desire to be polite than from real curiosity. Nevertheless, Mr. Bingley's response greatly provoked her interest.

"Pemberley, of course! I believe it is the finest estate in all of England. Perhaps in the world!" The mentioned of Pemberley filled Elizabeth with a variety of emotions she had no wish to analyze, and so she repressed them, and answered with a serene smile.

"Pemberley is certainly lovely."

"You have seen it, then?"

"Indeed, I have visited the place."

"Then you will certainly understand what I mean. Not only are the natural surroundings captivating, the family were always so welcoming." Elizabeth sighed, fondly thinking of the friendships she had formed at Pemberley.

"The young Mr. Darcy was kind to me, and Miss Darcy very dear."

"Just so! I remember watch Miss Darcy toddle after her brother, calling him Fishywim. He never complained. I suppose he was accustomed to being chased by young children. He always had the greatest patience with me. Of course, it never occurred to me before that my exuberance may have been a trial to a boy five years my senior. He spent hours playing with toy soldiers with me, or building forts in the woods. He most likely was well past enjoying such pursuits on his own, but I never doubted he genuinely appreciated my friendship." Elizabeth remembered how kindly Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy had helped her pump water, and smiled at the recollection. "I had hoped I might meet him at some dinner party or ball in London now that I have completed my course at Cambridge. However, I am told he never comes to town any longer. Myriad rumors swirl about town concerning the reclusive Fitzwilliam Darcy, but I do not believe any of them. I expect he simply prefers to enjoy the beauty of Pemberley, and also to remain close to his father. I believe Mr. Darcy suffered a serious injury some years back, leaving him crippled for life."

"I am sorry to hear that," replied Elizabeth, feeling guilty that she did not feel greater sorrow on the gentleman's account. "Perhaps Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy is too busy to travel because he has taken on more of his father's responsibilities." Elizabeth did not quite believe her own explanation, as she would never forget the broken young man she had tended. Nevertheless, the younger Darcy had seemed vastly improved when she had last been in his company, and so she hoped her words were true.

"I believe you are correct. The rumors I hear could not possibly be true. He was such an upstanding young man; he must have turned out well." Elizabeth half wished Mr. Bingley would share the rumors, anyway, for she was curious about the young gentleman. "His parents were always so kind, too. Mr. Darcy always seemed a little rigid, and he had ever so many rules, but he also showed great compassion to poor and kindness to all in his fear." Elizabeth scoffed slightly.

"Do not doubt me, Miss Elizabeth. In truth, Mr. Darcy was showing kindness to my grandfather and I by inviting us to stay in his home. My grandfather was only a trader, after all. At many estates, Grandfather never saw more of the manor than the study and the servants quarters. Indeed, more than once, I was required to sleep in the stables. But at Pemberley, Grandfather and I were treated as cherished guests. Lady Anne always had a kind word for me, and Mr. Darcy at least never had a harsh one." Elizabeth wished Bingley to end this subject of discourse, for she remembered how little compassion Mr. George Darcy had displayed to his own son, and how unkind he had been to herself. She knew that gentleman was generally reckoned to be a kind man and a fair master, and she had no desire to argue with Mr. Bingley.

Thus, Elizabeth introduced a new topic, "Did you ever meet Mr. Darcy's niece, Lady Barkely? She is a dear friend of mine. I have not seen her in years, but we correspond regularly." To Elizabeth's astonishment Bingley's countenance darkened, and she thought he looked quite grieved.

"Lady Barkely, you say? I cannot say that I have met her. Lord Barkely, however, is an excellent chap. We were in school together, and even shared rooms at Cambridge. I did not know he was married. Of course, he was not an earl then, and perhaps he no longer wishes such a close association with a tradesman's grandson."

"I am sorry, Mr. Bingley, I believe I was unclear. It is the dowager Lady Barkely with whom I correspond. I know little of the new earl, but to my knowledge he is still a single man."

"Oh," Bingley sighed in relief. "I have become a little suspicious lately, as I have found since commencement that many whom I believed enjoyed my friendship no longer wish for my company. Even though my parents sold all of Grandfather's holdings, the stench of trade still follows me. Indeed, I begin to believe Father was incredibly foolish, and have begun to consider reentering the world of business. Perhaps if Grandfather's fortune had been larger, life may have been different, of course."

"It is true that money washes away the stench of trade. However, it seems preposterous to reject a man merely because he makes an honestly living." Bingley grinned happily at Elizabeth's proclamation.

Then while attempting to sound casual, he inquired, "And does your sister feel the same way?"