Author's note at end, under Glossary

...***...

'Miss Bennett!', said Mr. Bingley,' I thought you and your sisters had taken your leave.' Mr Bingley happily said as the Bennett ladies reentered the sitting room where many of the attendees were gathered.

'I have been made aware of an issue with our carriage that will delay our departure.'

'Forgive me, but did I overhear something about a goat?'Bingley asked, confused.

'Yes.' Jane attempted not to giggle, but could not hide her full smile. 'The goat is asleep under our carriage. She cannot be roused nor moved.'

'May I offer my carriage to take you and your sisters home?' asked Bingley.

'Thank you for your offer, that is very kind. I do not wish to inconvenience you.'

'No trouble, no trouble at all! More than happy to help.'

Jane was torn. She was enjoying Mr. Bingley's attention without the advice or observations of Mrs Bennett. However, she did not wish to raise anyone's ire. 'I accept your kind offer, Sir.'

Bingley bowed, then stepped away to contact his driver to make the arrangements.'

With only a few moments delay, the Bennett girls were returned to Longbourn.

They stopped at the front door and Jimmy, who had ridden up with the driver, helped them out. No one noticed that Mrs. Bennett was watching from one of the upper windows. They entered the house and, after a brief moment to knock on the door of the study and inform Thomas Bennett of their return, went above stairs. Without further ado, the Bennett household set into their nighttime routine, and settled in for the night.

...***...

Once the Bennetts had taken their leave, there were three men in attendance for which the entertainment no longer held its appeal. Richard kept himself as near to the entrance as was supportable. Richard watched as Bingley's driver stepped in to inform Bingley that he had returned with the carriage. At this information, Richard began making his way around the room towards the door to the gardens. He breathed deeply in the cool air and made his way towards the carriages, not noticing that he was being followed.

Richard casually strolled towards the Bennett carriage, looking for James. 'Can I help you, Sir?' Jimmy queried as soon as he noticed Mr. Fitzwilliam's focus.

'Has it been possible to move the goat from beneath their carriage?'

'No Sir, she's likely to be sleepin' for the duration, Sir. She smells foxed.' James said, noticing a man was standing behind them in the shadows.

'Do you mean she is jug-bitten? How did the goat...?'

'Yes, Sir. I do not know, Sir.' Jimmy shifted his weight to his other foot, turning his back towards the shrubbery near the house while looking more directly at Mr. Fitzwilliam and raising his eyebrows at him. **He then proceeded to remove a worn looking handkerchief from his pocket and run it across his brow as if he were sweating. He then ran it around his left hand. After breaking eye contact, he put the cloth back in his pocket.**

Richard looked at the man, and very slightly nodded his head. 'I see. Carry on.'

'Yes, Sir.' Snapped Jimmy, as he bowed.

Richard made his way back into the house.

After a few moments, Fitzwilliam Darcy stepped from his place in the shadows and returned to the house.

'Hear anything?' Alexander Darcy queried after his brother returned from his walk.

'Not a blasted word. I could use something stronger than punch. Care to return to Netherfield Park?'

'Capital! You shall request the carriage and I will give our leave to the host.'

'Fine.' Fitz said, rather repelled on the whole matter.

...***...

Glossary:

ire – anger

supportable- what was possible without breaking societal expectations

foxed , jug-bitten – drunk

blasted – damn

repelled - disgusted

**Handkerchief flirtation was a way of wordlessly communicating.**

Running a handkerchief across the forehead – we are being watched

Moving it around the left hand – I wish to be rid of you

...***...

Author's note: There was an method of communicating that involved handkerchief, fan, parasol, and/or gloves. Normally, this would be used between men and women to communicate basic intentions for assignations, or other interest. Jimmy (also known as James) was Richard's batman in the Army when he was a colonel. (We learned this when Darcy spoke with Jimmy in the woods while Elizabeth was crying so violently) Part valet, part aide de camp, a batman would be very well acquainted with ways to communicate with his officer in silence.