Hi, everybody, I am back! I hope everyone likes this new chapter, I would encourage you to reread the last chapter as well though, as i did change a few small things. To my beta readers and my best friend who wrote the sonnet for me, thank you so much! And as always, thank you everyone for reading it!

Chapter 24

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On her way to meet with Flora Morley, the tobacconist's working girl, Elizabeth had unintentionally begun to make the girl an innocent victim in her mind. A delicate flower, beautiful and pure, muddled and torn by the desires of a selfish man. Deceitful, despicable Lt Wickham! To seduce a young girl who was without protection in this world and then leave her, penniless and with a babe. It could not be imagined!

This dramatic picture was somewhat damaged by meeting the 'delicate flower.' Flora was at least her age if not a little older and seemed as if she had never heard the word 'modesty' in her life. She was loud, suggestively dressed and defensive of her current condition. Especially towards Charlotte, Flora seemed angry to be approached. But soon after Charlotte let her know that they were there to help instead of scold or berate, she did become significantly friendlier.

Indeed, she was not a bad sort, only a little uneducated and unrestrained, nor could Elizabeth blame Flora for falling for Lt. Wickham's charms. So while she was not quite the innocent girl that Elizabeth had at first imagined, she was still to be pitied. Flora was at least less at fault then Lt. Wickham especially as she had genuinely thought they would someday get married.

Elizabeth and Charlotte interviewed Flora on the types of skills she had and then promised to write their contacts to find a position for her in another town. If she moved away she could make up any story about the father (a common one being that her husband had been a soldier who had died in the war).

After many reasurances of help, Elizabeth and Charlotte left and returned to their homes. There was very little new information brought to Longbourn on Friday. But Saturday the town seemed to erupt.

All of Meryton was thrilled to blacken the name of a man who, but one week ago, had been almost an angel. Every tradesman declared him in debt to them and every else seemed to have some tale of intrigue. The whole of the town was convinced he was the most blackhearted young man in the world and - if they were to be completely honest - they had personally been suspicious of his apparent goodness. Elizabeth realized that the stories were getting more and more ridiculous and soon found that she could not believe half of what she heard despite her certainty in the immorality of Lt. Wickham.

Elizabeth did her best to take note of the more believable complaints and direct the affected people to either the Kinsleys or her father. She did what she could to be helpful but found that the Meryton community was somewhat suspicious of her involvement. Many people seemed resentful of her because she had been such good friends with Lt. Wickham and more still praised her for eventually seeing through Lt. Wickham's lies and choosing Mr. Darcy instead. But those people also asked her why she did not warn others. Elizabeth could only apologize but could not offer an explanation because she had none.

Because of this, Saturday passed miserably for Elizabeth and Sunday was even worse. The Sunday services had already been a powder keg of excited gossip but then Flora announced her condition under a thin veil of 'confessing' to the delighted horror of the entire town. Despite supposed sorrow and regret, Flora seemed to enjoy the attention and Meryton was more than willing to give it to her, eagerly hanging on her every word as she told her more and more improbable story over and over again.

After the services there was a never ending series of men coming to visit Mr. Bennet. It lasted all afternoon and by evening Elizabeth could see how exhausted her father was.

He was quiet all through supper and then called her into his study with him. He was silent for several minutes. She had never seen him look so troubled.

"It is worse than I thought. I had not imagined goodness, but I had thought there would be caution. On both sides."

"What do you mean, Papa?"

"I would not have believed that a good face and a charming persona would have been enough to induce men who were dependent on their business to lend him significant amounts of money. And I would have thought that Lt. Wickham would not risk debtors prison by creating very large debts. It would be reckless, edging toward madness for a healthy, educated young man with a respectable career to create debts he could not repay!"

"It was foolish for sure, but surely he will be able to pay them off eventually."

Mr. Bennet let out a sarcastic laugh. "Maybe in ten years. The total I have so far is almost three hundred pounds."

Elizabeth felt faint. "So much?"

"Yes, and it is sure to only grow. And I-" Mr. Bennet paused, took off his spectacles and massaged the bridge of his nose. "Longbourn cannot cover such a sum right now with planting season and your sister's wedding. I had always intended to start putting more money in savings but there always seemed to be more urgent priority…"

Elizabeth did not know what to say and so held her silence until, after a few moments, her father spoke again.

"I will do what I can to, in the short term, soften the blow to our local economy but the hurt will still be felt. And you may have to settle for a very simple wedding indeed."

"Do not worry about that right now, Papa. What else can be done? Will you write Coronel Foster and ask him to enforce the debt?"

"Yes, of course. And because of this intervention, I believe they will eventually get their money back. That is the only advantage to debts being so significant; Foster can hardly ignore it. Though it may take some time for Wickam's normal wages to pay back such a large sum, it is best to start as soon as possible, hopefully before he can accrue more debt in Brighton. Because of this I have determined to write tonight and send it, with all the necessary signatures and debt amounts, in the morning post."

"I agree; it must be sent immediately. Would you like my help? I can write it for you if you would like."

"No, Lizzy not this time, thank you. But maybe stay and look over it for me when I am done."

Elizabeth browsed one of her father's books while he wrote, occasionally consulting on a phrase or word and then read over the letter when he was done. It was simple and to the point, describing the realization of the debt left behind and a list of the merchants affected and asking for assistance in collecting the owed money.

Elizabeth went to bed soon after, somewhat comforted to know that there was a plan in place to help those affected.

Jane was already in bed but still wide awake. Her engagement ball was the next evening and in her excitement she was having trouble sleeping. Elizabeth felt somewhat guilty for avoiding Jane that last week. It had not been for any selfish reason, rather a fear that if they had an intimate conversation she would tell all to her precious sister and ruin what should be one of the happiest times of her life. But now it was obvious that Jane wished to talk and Elizabeth could not disappoint her.

The sisters giggled and talked in the dark for hours, simply enjoying each other's company. If Elizabeth was more then usually interested in Jane's affairs, with no interest in speaking of herself, Jane did not notice. Only very late indeed did they finally fall asleep. Thus it was nearly eleven in the morning before they awoke.

Elizabeth rushed through her morning activities, excluding her piano practice, so that she could walk into town with Charlotte and her younger sisters, ostensibly to get dresses and hair notions for the ball. But for Elizabeth it was to hear any new updates on the gossip about Lt. Wickham.

However, she found that she was better informed than the general public because of her conversation with her father that had included the actual names and amounts instead of the wild suppositions being bandied about in town. Thus hair accessories became her goal in truth and she focused anew.

Elizabeth's dress for the ball had been made new for the occasion - a rich blue silk gorgeously trimmed in white lace. It was more extravagant than she was used to wearing but her mother had insisted on it because she was the bridesmaid and to impress Mr. Darcy. Two weeks ago when the dress had been ordered Elizabeth had been excited to wear it while dancing with Mr. Darcy. Now it made her sad to imagine wearing it. But she still had a role to play at her sister's engagement ball and so for half an hour debated the various merits of pearls, fresh jasmine or silver combs for her hair.

In the end, Elizabeth chose jasmine and bought some tiny silk flowers for her slippers and waist to match the fresh ones that would go in her hair. Then she helped her sisters make their last minute purchases as well.

It was fortunate that she was there for, as she was helping Kitty choose between two different shades of pink ribbon, she heard a commotion at the counter. She went over to investigate and found that Lydia had tried to put her purchases on her tab, as she was currently out of allowance money. The haberdasher, Mr. Miles, was insisting that he could not put anything on a tab anymore and would only accept cash payments.

"Lizzy! Tell him how absurd he is being! It's one shilling and I am Lydia Bennet!"

"Miss Lydia, I truly mean no offense! I only-"

"Please, Mr. Miles, do not concern yourself. Of course we will all pay in full today. As soon as Kitty has made her choice I will pay for both of them."

The merchant thanked her and hurried away to help another customer. Lydia glared at her and asked loudly, "Lizzy, why did you-"

"Hush. We will speak of it after we leave."

Lydia tried again but Elizabeth caught her arm and held it tight. Lydia stood silent and fuming until Kitty was done and Elizabeth had paid.

The moment they exited the shop Lydia wrenched her arm away and stomped her foot. "Lizzy! You cannot treat me like this! I am not a child to be hushed in the shop! And why was he behaving like that? It has never been a problem to just bring the money next time!"

"If you would not be treated like a child then do not behave like one," Elizabeth said in a tone quiet but acidic with frustration.

"What is going on?" Charlotte asked as she rejoined them.

"Lydia was trying to put her ribbons on the tab. I don't think anyone in the village will be allowing any tabs for a little while."

"I can understand that," Charlotte agreed and then asked Kitty about her ribbons.

Elizabeth tried her best to explain to her careless little sister that the merchants had been taken advantage of and would have to be tightening their belts. Lydia could not imagine a life of such petty concerns and was angry that someone would doubt her ability to pay back a shilling. Elizabeth told her that it wasn't about her or the shilling but Lydia was still miffed when they returned home and complained loudly to her mother the moment they walked through the door.

Her mother was sympathetic to the slight as Lydia hoped, but unfortunately for her, Mr. Bennet happened to be present for her complaints as well.

"He was right to behave so! And you should not, ever, be putting anything on tab. It puts a burden on the merchants of our little village and is a tasteless, irresponsible thing to do."

"Papa!"

"Do not 'papa' me, young lady! This is not the first time I have told you this and if you cannot be responsible with your allowance you will soon find yourself banned from the village unless accompanied by Lizzy or Mary."

This threat caused a horror entirely disportionate to the minor inconvenience it would cause Lydia. Normally her father would tease her a little more and then give in under the wails of his youngest daughter but this time he was firm and only got angry the more that Lydia whined.

What started as a conversation on whether a shilling should or should not be allowed on tab quickly escalated to an oration on the general irresponsibility and childishness of Lydia. His family watched in surprise as Mr. Bennet, rather than leaving in frustration, cut Lydia's allowance in response to her disrespect and kept cutting it until she was silent. Then, Mr. Bennet ominously told her he would be carefully watching her behaviour at the ball that night.

The rest of the afternoon Lydia was sullen and angry but the rest of the family went about their business as usual. Their mother would normally have interceded for Lydia but after her husband threatened to include her own allowance in the cut, Mrs. Bennet decided she was too busy with Jane to worry about Lydia. Thus the afternoon passed with only the normal amount of pre-ball chaos.

When the time came to start getting ready, Elizabeth felt more depressed than excited. For weeks she had associated this night with dancing with Mr. Darcy and now without him, it felt meaningless. She did her best to hide these feelings and concentrated on helping each of her sisters get ready rather than primping herself. Because of this, she was the last to be ready but was still pleased with the result. She felt luxurious in the fine silk and the deep, vivid blue set off her creamy skin well. She wished Mr. Darcy could see her in her gown.

Still, she could not hold a candle to Jane that night. Jane was alight with joy; only a lifetime of composure kept it restrained but she was gorgeous with happiness. Supporting but not defining her incredible beauty was a light pink gown of excellent quality. As Mrs. Bennet had said, Jane's actual bride's dress would be more somber as a wedding was a serious event so this was the dress to truly celebrate the wedding. Yet as incredible and costly as the gown was - it had cost more than Elizabeth's, Mary's and Kittys combined - it still dimmed in comparison to Jane's smile. Elizabeth could hardly restrain the desire to cry with pride and joy at the sight of her sister. There were a few tears all around but soon the Bennets all squeezed into their carriage and were off for the night.

When they arrived at Netherfield, Charles was at the front steps pacing in his eagerness. As they approached, Elizabeth could see that he was all but bouncing with excitement and then, when Jane accepted his help out of the carriage, and he saw her for the first time he wore a very satisfactory gape of appreciation. He was staring so avidly at Jane that he forgot to help Elizabeth out and laughing, she hopped down herself.

Mr. Bennet exited next and helped the other four Bennet women out while Charles was still distracted by his fiancée. When he finally remembered to greet the rest of them there was some good natured ribbing as they all entered Netherfield together.

Caroline, Mr. Hurst and Mrs. Hurst were waiting for them inside and welcomed them with good cheer. The Hursts had arrived earlier that day and would be staying through the wedding breakfast and then returning to London. The two families had just enough time to go over last minute arrangements before the first guest arrived. As the sister of the bride Elizabeth had an almost hostess-like role, and so did her best to be especially vivacious and pleasant. The next half hour was busily spent greeting guests and supporting Jane in the welcoming line.

Finally the flow of new guests started to wane and the main couple joined the party. Elizabeth was following them into the ballroom when a movement caught her eye. She turned and coming down the staircase was Mr. Darcy.

Elizabeth froze. Her heart leapt and then immediately plummeted. He was returning her gaze but his expression was serious and reserved. She could not remember any of her prepared statements or apologies and only wished to run to him. But the urge made her only feel more awkward. How could she run to him? His cool expression made her feel like they were strangers.

Mr. Darcy had reached the bottom of the stairs and was coming closer. Her heartbeat pounded in her eyes and Elizabeth wondered if she might faint. Suddenly, Mr. Cromwell nimbly stepped around her and rushed up to Mr. Darcy.

"Mr. Darcy good sir, I'm pleased you have arrived. Pray, a moment of your time?"

Mr. Darcy pulled his paralyzing gaze away from Elizabeth and answered the tailor. Elizabeth took a deep breath and tried to gather her thoughts. Before she had succeeded the music began and her first partner, John Long, found her and led her away.

Elizabeth could not politely refuse as she had already agreed to dance this set with him. Her next set was still open however and she would, if nothing else, speak to Mr. Darcy during that time. As she danced she thought she felt Mr. Darcy's gaze often on her but knew it could have been her overactive imagination as her thoughts never left him. She hoped it was her imagination for in her distraction she felt she danced very poorly indeed and was somewhat embarrassed, though her partner did not complain.

Finally, the set was over and she looked around eagerly, spotting him in a group of men all with wine glasses in the midst of a serious conversation. It would be rude to interrupt but she needed to speak with him.

She started moving through the crowded ballroom when suddenly Charles stepped onto the musician's platform and called out, "Greetings everyone! Thank you so much for coming! I so appreciate you all being here to help me celebrate the fact that Miss Jane Bennet is willing to marry me!"
This charming speech incited a round of applause and few playful groans at the sentimental line. The groan Charles just grinned at and continued. "If you think that was over the top, I regret to inform you that I have written a sonnet for the occasion."

The groans were louder this time but so were the cheers. Charles bowed to both and then faced Jane, he was blushing but also grinning and with a confident voice recited:

"Oh loveliest flower of the springtime,

bringer of sunshine to light clouded days,

from first sight, you have had my heart and mind

held spellbound in a thousand tender ways.

No greater joy have I found in my life

than your fair smile and your beautiful eyes.

No measure of toil, challenge nor strife

can trouble me when you are by my side.

My dreams are filled with the sound of your voice;

your laughter all the music I need.

One day to the next I will rejoice

in showing you my love in word and deed.

Without you I am lost, my world is bleak;

you, Jane, are all the happiness I seek."

Charlies finished with another bow and, amidst thunderous applause, bounded over to Jane who was hiding her face and blushing profusely although obviously pleased.

As soon as normal interactions resumed, Elizabeth continued toward Mr. Darcy but before she made it five steps, Mr. Collins stepped into her path.

"Cousin, worry not, for I have every intention of dancing with all my fair cousins this evening! And I flatter myself, I believe you will find me even more proficient in the art."

"No, indeed, Mr. Collins, I was not coming this way to entice a dance from you, believe me. While I look forward to dancing with you this evening, I was-"

"You need not be so demure, Cousin Elizabeth. We are family after all. Come, they are lining up for the next set."

"Please, Mr. Collins, you misunderstand-"

"Yes, you see, Mr. Collins, you will have to excuse us, for this is my dance," said Mr. Darcy from behind Elizabeth.

She could not help a little jump and when she turned around all she could do was stare. His expression was still reserved but he was there, next to her! He bowed and she curtsied out of habit, and when he gestured toward the dance line she followed him silently. She wanted to say everything and yet could say nothing in this public place.

When they reached their spots the dance had already begun but they joined the flow easily and after a few minutes when the dance brought them close again Elizabeth said, "I am happy you are back."

"Yes, I- I could not disappoint Bingley."

Elizabeth felt embarrassed that she had hoped he had returned for her and was silent. After some minutes she tried again. "When did you arrive?"

"Just an hour before the party."

"Oh," was all Elizabeth could think to say. Then the steps of the dance were too quick and Elizabeth felt too awkward to say anymore.

When the dance ended both of them seemed to hesitate. "Would you like a cup of punch?" Mr. Darcy asked.

"Yes, thank you."

Together they walked to the punch table and Elizabeth was happy for this moment if nothing else. Nothing was resolved and she was afraid that it wouldn't be but still, he was here and dancing with him had been wonderful. Just touching his hand and seeing his dear face... She had missed him so much and she was so happy to see him again. And he looked so very handsome in his dark green breeches and waistcoat. Elizabeth couldn't help but admire the dashing figure he cut.

Mr. Darcy served her a cup and for a moment they both stood, sipping their punch and watching the party going on around them. Elizabeth had so much to say but there were too many people around them, it was too loud and she did not want to ruin this tentative peace. She would have to do it but not right this moment. This moment she would enjoy.

Just then Charles bounded up and asked her to give her 'brother' a dance. She could not refuse but glanced back as she was being pulled away, only to see Caroline approach Mr. Darcy.

It is alright; we still have all evening. I will be sure to pull him into a quiet corner or balcony for the night is over. Maybe we cannot resolve everything but at least we can figure out where we stand.

Three more sets Elizabeth was occupied. In the second Mr. Darcy danced with Jane and with him among the dancers she struggled to concentrate. Then dinner was announced and the party all filed over to the tables. It was unfashionable for couples to sit together and so Caroline had seated Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy apart, although Jane and Charles got away with it so Elizabeth was a bit resentful of the unfair treatment. Still the dinner was delicious and Elizabeth ate eagerly, determined to pull Mr. Darcy away before the dancing resumed.

To pass the time she conversed with Mrs. Hurst who was on her right and full of London news. This kept her reasonably distracted and entertained throughout dinner but as soon as dinner was over she looked for Mr. Darcy.

Before she could find him, Jane came over and asked, "Lizzy, I feel one of my hair pins slipping. Can you fix it?"

Elizabeth did a quick check of her sister's hair and fixed the loose one. Jane gave her a hug and then turned to find her fiancé. But he was nowhere to be seen. Both sisters rose up on their tiptoes and searched the crowd for either of their men, but both were gone.

"They'll probably be back in a moment or two. Oh, Lizzy I am so glad your Mr. Darcy was able to make it back in time for this! And you didn't know; what a delightful surprise! Are you happy?"

"Of course. Speaking of surprises… did you like your sonnet?"

Jane laughed and shook her head. "Now I know what you mean about sonnets killing love! But it was so sweet of him. I am sure I will treasure the memory."

Suddenly Jane was pulled away by Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth decided to wait by the staircase. If the men had gone outside or upstairs for a moment then she would see them return from that position and could hopefully catch Mr. Darcy before he rejoined to the party.

Elizabeth waited several minutes and was starting to consider leaving when Charles descended the steps. As soon as he saw her he quickened his steps and, upon reaching her, gently took her arm and pulled her a little away.

"Elizabeth, I- Why didn't you tell me?"

"Whatever do you mean?"

"I just- Well, Darcy wanted to leave the ball early and when I asked why he was surprised. He said it was uncomfortable with you in attendance! Because, apparently, the two of you had a big fight which was the reason he had left! He assumed I knew about it. But no, neither of you said a word!"

Elizabeth could feel herself blushing. She had never spoken to Charles about anything personal and was embarrassed. "When I realized he had not told you of it himself, I did not think it was my place to tell you. After all, you are his best friend. Also, I did not want to worry Jane so close to her wedding."

"He might be a good friend of mine but you are now my sister! I can understand, I suppose, that it would be awkward, but I hope that you can soon see me as your true brother so that I can help you through times of trouble. I would have helped anyway that I could have; I hope you know that. And as for Jane… I could never keep anything from her but I could have postponed the conversation until after the wedding. I have no desire to burden her either."

"I appreciate your words. Thank you. I will certainly approach you if I ever have need. In this case however, I am afraid it is something we must work out ourselves."

"I suppose… But just know that I am in your corner and you can come to me at any time."

"I will. Thank you," Elizabeth assured, genuinely touched by his words. She hesitated then asked, "So he has gone to bed? Could he not… Or rather, I- It's just that I had hoped to speak with him tonight."

Charles looked troubled. "I do not think you should insist on it right now. There are too many people about, it is quite late and I think Darcy may have drunk too much with dinner."

At Elizabeth's disappointed sigh, Charles patted her shoulder. "I am sure all will be well and you will certainly get another chance to talk. He is staying another several days at least."

Elizabeth could do nothing but agree and allow Charles to lead her back to the ballroom. The rest of the night Elizabeth danced, drank and laughed but never stopped thinking of Mr. Darcy. The disparity between her feelings and actions were exhausting but she would not ruin Jane's engagement ball.