Chapter 11:

Their first day in London had been primarily occupied with seeing their family and relaying all the news since they had last seen each other. Mrs. Gardiner listened to her nieces and was apalled when they glossed over Mr. Wickham's reputation and eventual death.

"Oh my" she whispered, bringing a gloved hand to her small mouth. "To think that he lived in Pemberley" she added, telling her nieces that she lived near there when she was but a child.

"I did not know that" said Lizzie, thinking of Mr. Darcy. She had tried not to think of him but for a reason unbeknown to her, their last dance had left an impression. They had not spoken much then but their dance and the way he touched her hand was a memory Lizzie could not shake.

"Lizzie, my dear, are you feeling well?" inquired Mrs. Gardiner, who had clearly been talking to her and she had not realized.

"Yes, I apologize aunt, I got lost in thought" she said, her cheeks red. She was glad no one could hear her thoughts for what would they think if they knew she was thinking of an engaged man?

"Aunt, we would like to call on Miss Bingley" said Jane after speaking of other things, "She is a friend we made recently and I think we should call on her." Lizzie could note the nervousness in Jane's voice, for although she had asked in a very composed manner, only Lizzie knew the extent of the fear behind this visit. Lizzie squeezed Jane's hand, hoping no one noticed and readily agreed.

"Oh yes, I would love to see her. Could we call on her tomorrow?" asked Lizzie.

"I am not available to accompany you in the morning, however, I shall ask Lucy to prepare the carriage for you to take you into that part of London" said Mrs. Gardiner, reaching for her tea. "Can I offer you anything else?" she asked her nieces.

"No, I thank you" said Jane, reaching for tea as well and blowing on it slowly. Lizzie thought she saw a hint of a smile on Jane's lips and she prayed that Mr. Bingley would be there, for her sister needed closure. Whether he deserved Jane or not was another matter and one that Lizzie knew would not lie with her. It would be Jane's decision.

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The next day the Bennet sisters set out as early as it was socially acceptable for a morning call, Jane dressing meticulously and they arrived promptly in front of the Bingley residency. It was an unassuming house, in a nice area in town, but not where the old houses were. This was where new money resided. Lizzie found herself smiling at the realization for she knew Miss Bingley hated that. She could not wait to get her claws on all of the Darcys' properties and connections and Lizzie could not explain why she felt angry at that. Pushing away that thought, they rang the bell, were received by a footman who took their card and returned with apologies that Miss Bingley was not available.

Jane and Lizzie looked at each other for they knew what this meant. A snub. And it likely meant that Miss Bingley would not return their call.

They got back in the carriage and Jane looked she was about to cry.

"Oh Jane" said Lizzie soothingly, reaching for her sister. "Are you sure this is what you want? This family? And inconsistent gentleman?"

"No" said Jane, holding back a sob, "I had already decided but this only confirmed it. I do not want anything to do with the Bingleys and I hope she does not return the call."

"If it is any consolation, I do not think she will" teased Lizzie, bringing out a smile from Jane.

"You must think me a fool" said Jane, reaching for her handkerchief and blowing her nose.

"No, I will quote papa when he says that young girls need to have their heart broken here and there and I believe this is one of those times. But you are the loveliest and kindest person, I would not be surprised if you meet someone that makes your heart beat even harder" said Lizzie lovingly.

"I thank you for those words, I needed to hear them" said Jane, smiling at her dearest sister.

They arrived back at Gracechurch Street and decided to leave any mention of the Bingleys behind. Lizzie stayed till the end of the week in London and then headed off to Hundsford where she was eager to see Charlotte. She was reluctant to leave Jane in such spirits but she saw an improvement in the last two days and Mrs. Gardiner insisted she would do her best to get Jane to socialize and meet new people. It was only that promised that induced Lizzie to leave, looking forward to her adventure in Hundsford.

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Caroline Bingley had seen the Bennet sisters from her window, when they had dared to call a week ago. Her blood boiled just looking at the Miss Elizabeth Bennet, who she knew had made an impression on her Mr. Darcy.

Caroline and Mr. Darcy had come so far that she could not and would not let some country girl come and ruin it. Thankfully, Mr. Darcy was far away and safe in Pemberley, and soon, though not soon enough, she would go visit him at Rosings and meet his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She made sure to mention that detail to all of her gossiping friends, who looked at her with hungry eyes. She could see how women in the ton looked at her, all in awe that she had accomplished what none of them nor their daughters could do: entrap the gem of the ton, Mr. Darcy.

It had not been easy, but she would not divulge that. Their last meeting had left her feeling hopeful and she would not let anything hamper that memory.

Caroline had been hard at work attending parties and gatherings, she felt it was her duty as the future Mrs. Darcy to become well acquainted with the ton (as well as brag about her good fortune). And it was hard work too—she saw first hand the importance of shutting down rumors and holding a strong front. The rumors about Georgiana had come hard and fast but Caroline had put them down with a subtlety that she knew only a future Mrs. Darcy could have. She did not know if Mr. Darcy was aware that they were circulating but she was doing her best for him, for their future.

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I know its a short chapter! My baby just woke up to nurse and I wanted to post this before going to sleep. So here is a short chapter, setting the stage for what is to come. I'm excited about Jane...how will Mr. Bingley respond? Has Mr. Darcy gotten involved? OMG rosings here we come!

as always, love hearing ur thoughts!