Author's note: good grief, I knew the name Melbourne sounded familiar. Alright, his name is now Oakley instead.

Also, I had to make a timeline correction because I did the math wrong. Georgiana was 11 when Bingley and Jane met; that encounter was 5 years prior, not 7 years. Elizabeth witnessing Mr. Cartright's abuse was 7 years ago.

Thanks so much to everyone's reviews who help make this story better! And to those who left rude reviews, please just stop reading. I don't need to hear that you "wish there was a vomit emoji" because you don't like that Lizzy isn't perfect. *rolls eyes* But hey, at least you're helping me develop a thicker skin. ;)

Chapter 18

As their carriage took them from Netherfield and their first tea with Mrs. Bingley – Georgiana, Lizzy reminded herself – Kitty let out an excited squeal.

"Oh, Lizzy!" she exclaimed, "have you ever met such a wonderful lady?"

Lizzy laughed at her sister. "I think Jane and her goodness might still be above her, but yes, Georgiana is a lovely young woman."

"Young woman?" Kitty said in confusion, "But she is married!"

"Yes, but did you notice how she said she was only eleven when her brother met Jane? That was five years ago; she is only sixteen years old," Lizzy patiently explained.

"She is younger than I am!" exclaimed Kitty. "How is she married already?"

"That is a very good question," Lizzy said slowly. "She did not tell us specifically, but she did tell us that it was not a love match. My first inclination was that her brother arranged it, but she then said it was not that, either."

"Perhaps it was an accidental compromise of some sort?" Kitty suggested.

"That is a possibility. Gossip can be quite cruel," Lizzy said. Then she groaned, "I still cannot believe I told our neighbors about Bingley and Jane. What on earth came over me?"

"You love Jane and were angry on her behalf," answered Kitty. "To be honest, I had the same feelings as you."

Lizzy gave Kitty a grateful smile, but said ruefully, "I am afraid that I am not always in control of my temper when it comes to my sisters and their hearts. My good opinion once lost is lost forever, I daresay."

Kitty laughed. "You know that is not true. You have the capacity for forgiveness, if you so choose. I think you willfully make the assumption that every man is capable of wickedness until he proves otherwise."

"You may be right," Lizzy admitted. But I have seen such wickedness first-hand, and I would not wish it on anyone. I may have failed Becky, but I will not fail anyone else, she thought.

"Either way, Lizzy, we know you love us, and we love you as well," Kitty said seriously.

"It could be a great scandal if you did not!" exclaimed Lizzy in jest, sending both girls into peals of laughter, which did not end until the carriage arrived at Longbourn.

Once inside, Lizzy and Kitty found Mary in the drawing room, discussing the upcoming meals with Hill. "Remember, Mr. Collins is fond of boiled potatoes, so I would like to have that dish served at least twice while he is here."

Hill nodded, bobbed a curtsy, and went towards the kitchens.

"Why is not Mama planning the meals?" Kitty asked her sister.

Mary smiled, "I asked Mama if I could make the preparations for Mr. Collins as a way to prepare to be his wife and future mistress of Longbourn. She was more than happy to turn her duties over to me."

"Where is she now?" Lizzy asked.

"In her rooms, writing a letter to Lydia," Mary answered. "She is ensuring all is in readiness for the militia to quarter at Meryton for the winter."

"Lord, don't remind me," groaned Lizzy as she collapsed into a chair near the fire. "I love Lydia, but I admit that I have been enjoying the peace at Longbourn since she married."

"You are not the only one," admitted Mary.

Kitty, who had always been closest to Lydia, said, "I miss the way she was when we were girls."

Mary gave her sister a hug while Lizzy nodded in sympathy. At that moment, Mrs. Phillips was announced, and she bustled into the room. "Girls!" she exclaimed before sitting down, "you will not believe the news in Meryton. I came as soon as I heard. How could I not have known that Bingley was such a scoundrel to jilt poor Jane?"

Lizzy let out an unladylike groan and put her head in her hands.

Mrs. Bennet, who had left her room when she heard her sister announced, entered the room. "You must be mistaken, my dear sister!" she cried. "If Jane had such a wealthy suitor, I would have known of it! Besides, my dear Jane would never be jilted; she is far too beautiful."

"But I heard it from Mrs. Long, who heard it from Mrs. Goulding, who said that she was informed by Lady Lucas, who heard it directly from Lizzy!" protested Mrs. Phillips.

Mrs. Bennet turned to her daughter. "Elizabeth!" she shrieked, "Have you no compassion on my poor nerves? Why would you tell such a falsehood about your own sister!"

Lizzy stammered slightly as she thought quickly. "I believe there may have been a misunderstanding," she said finally, looking at her sisters in desperation.

"Indeed, Mama!" Mary said in support. "We all know Lizzy would never tell a falsehood about Jane."

"Perhaps someone misspoke?" suggested Kitty innocently.

"Then why would Lady Lucas say that you said such a think?" demanded Mrs. Phillips.

Lizzy froze. What do I say? The truth is what Jane does not want people to know. But I do not wish to tell a falsehood, either. How can I fix this mess? Lizzy looked helplessly at Mary, then opened her mouth to speak.

"It's my fault, Mama," said Lizzy. Kitty and Mary gaped at her. Ignoring their reactions, she continued, "I believe Lady Lucas may have misunderstood something I said. Jane met Mr. Bingley in London only a few times, but he never requested permission to court her, let alone marry her! This was around the same time as when Mr. Cartwright was paying Jane his attentions. I said in jest that it was hard to tell if Jane jilted him or he jilted Jane. Lady Lucas must have heard the end of what I said and thought I was speaking of Bingley."

Mrs. Bennet's face cleared, and Mrs. Phillips nodded wisely. "There," said Mrs. Bennet with satisfaction, "I knew no one could have jilted my Jane! Especially not an amiable man like Mr. Bingley. What an excellent man, to settle at Netherfield and invite two single gentlemen of large fortune to visit him."

Lizzy studiously ignored Mary's stares.

"Well, then, Sister," said Mrs. Phillips, "I must be on my way!"

"I will join you," Mrs. Bennet replied, "and perhaps along the way we can call upon Lady Lucas to inform her of the mistake."

"Remember that it was my own fault, Mama," reminded Lizzy. "Lady Lucas cannot be blamed for the misunderstanding if I was foolish enough to speak so loudly at the assembly."

"Who could blame poor Lady Lucas?" cried Mrs. Phillips.

Mrs. Bennet nodded her agreement. "We will be certain to assure her that she holds no fault for Lizzy's ill-spoken jest about her sister." She spoke in a loud whisper to her sister, "Lizzy has always allowed to run on in a wild way at home."

Mrs. Phillips nodded in understanding and sent Lizzy a pitying look. The two matrons donned their cloaks, called for the carriage, and departed towards Meryton.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Mary and Kitty turned their attention towards Lizzy. "Very well done, Lizzy," Mary said approvingly.

Tension eased out of Lizzy. "I know that it was a falsehood, but I could think of no other way to take the focus off Jane and Mr. Bingley."

"What you did was very brave, Lizzy," said Kitty.

"Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but those who act faithfully are his delight," said Mary. At Lizzy's stricken look, she continued, "That is from Proverbs 12. A lie is a sin; however, you acted faithfully. By sharing the truth, you created an impossible situation. You resolved that situation by taking blame and placing it upon yourself. You were a faithful sister and a faithful friend to change the gossip so that it focused on you for doing wrong."

"And it was the truth, mostly," Kitty said. "Mr. Bingley never actually courted Jane officially. He never came to Papa or Uncle Gardiner for permission."

"Plus, Jane did run away from Mr. Cartwright!" Mary said with a smile. "Truly, Lizzy, you dealt faithfully today. You righted a wrong, and you did so by shouldering the responsibility of the rumors."

Lizzy sighed in relief. "Thank you, sisters. I knew I could not leave things as they were. It was my mistake, and so should the remedy have been."

The sisters shared a hug, then returned to helping Mary prepare for Mr. Collins's visit on the morrow.

Jane Bennet's head raised as she heard footsteps down the hall towards the Gardiner's sitting room. "Lord Oakley," the maid announced, and the viscount entered the room.

Jane and Mrs. Gardiner stood, offering curtsies, and the viscount bowed in return. Mrs. Gardiner invited him to sit and rang for tea.

"How have you been, Miss Bennet?" the viscount inquired.

"Very well, sir," said Jane with a slight blush.

"I must admit, I have experienced a great deal of anxiety over you these past days," said the viscount with a piercing gaze.

Jane's blush deepened, and she was unable to answer. Mrs. Gardiner, thankfully, did not experience such emotions. "Jane has been quite safe. I must thank you again, your Lordship, for the two footmen you provided. They have relieved much of our worries."

"I understand Mr. Cartwright has not made an attempt to visit?" he inquired.

"No, your Lordship," Mrs. Gardiner answered.

"Please, call me Oakley," said the viscount.

Mrs. Gardiner's eyebrows raised in surprise. "That is most generous of you, sir."

Oakley fixed his gaze on Jane as he replied, "Nonsense. I have a feeling we are all going to be very close friends."

Jane's eyes flew to his in astonishment. The naked yearning in them caused her to blush from the tips of her ears and down her neck. She let out a soft gasp.

"Mrs. Gardiner, would it be too much trouble to ask for a private audience with Miss Bennet?" the viscount requested.

Mrs. Gardiner hesitated, looking at Jane. At Jane's slight nod, Mrs. Gardiner stood. "I will leave the door ajar. You may have five minutes, but no more, sir."

Mrs. Gardiner left the room, leaving the door open as promised. Oakley stood and walked over to Jane. "Miss Bennet, I know this may seem sudden, but I would be honored if you would enter into a courtship with me."

Jane shook her head in confusion. "Why me?" she asked. "You barely know me, and I know nothing about you."

He smiled softy. "That is precisely why." At her bewilderment, he said, "The fact that you know nothing about me, when my life has been the subject of gossip for the past two years is part of what draws me to you. Your lack of artifice, your kindness towards your young cousins, and your obvious lack of aspiration to a higher sphere are what make you a rare jewel amongst the coal of London."

"I'm afraid I do not understand, sir," Jane said, hearing the bitterness in his tone at his last words.

He sighed and stood. "Five years ago, my father, who is an earl, arranged my marriage to the daughter of a duke."

At Jane's wide eyes and gasp of surprise, he nodded grimly. "It was not a marriage that either of us desired, but neither did we have the ability to fight our parents. It was a – difficult marriage," he said hesitatingly.

"She did not care for me, but I thought she was resigned to the match. She fell with child and our first son was born before we had been wed for a year. She gave birth to another son the following year, and our third son was born in the third year. The majority of our marriage, she was with child. Each confinement was worse than the last. She was angry and hateful, then tearful, then sullen. After each birth, as soon as she recovered, she demanded another child. She wanted a daughter so badly. I could not deny her; it was the only thing she ever asked of me. The last birth, however, was difficult for her physically. She took ill with fever and died a fortnight after he was born."

Jane covered her mouth in horror as her eyes filled with tears.

Oakley smiled grimly and said, "Our marriage was considered a huge success by society. I, however, found it dark and lonely." Pausing, he smiled softly and said, "The one thing about that marriage that made it bearable were my sons. Each one was shining light in the blackness that surrounded the house." His voice broke, eyes filling with tears.

Jane stood and walked over to where he paced, gently laying a hand on his arm. She was surprised by her boldness, but desperately yearned to comfort him. He placed his hand over hers and continued speaking.

"I came out of mourning last year. My father has been urging me to remarry, but I have consistently refused him. I have an heir; what need have I for another loveless match filled with scorn and indifference? Then I met you at the park. At first, I was drawn to your beauty. I have never met a woman your equal." He raised her hand and kissed it gently.

"It was your concern for your cousins that induced to me stay, however. In spite of the horror you experienced, your only thought was for their safety. I contributed it to a mother's feelings, but then Nurse called you Miss and you introduced your cousins. As I watched you interact with them, I knew that I wanted the same love you showed for them for my own boys."

"So, you are asking to court me as a mother for your children?" Jane asked, hurt.

"No, my dear Miss Bennet. I also wanted that same love for myself. The last five years have been terribly lonely and painful for me. Until you, I had resigned myself to loneliness for the remainder of my life, with my boys for companionship. But that one day at Hyde Park showed me that all of my days could be filled with the same happiness I witnessed."

Jane hesitated, then asked, "Why ask for a courtship, then?"

Oakley laughed. "For you, my dear. I have experienced enough to know what I want, but as you said yourself, you barely know me. I would not wish to have a repeat of my first marriage, two strangers joining together for life. No, no, I wish for you to know me and feel as happy in my company as I feel in yours."

"How can you be so certain that you will be happy in my company? Suppose I hide a dark secret?" Jane teased as her heart lightened.

Oakley threw back his head and laughed. "Miss Bennet – "

"Jane," she corrected.

His smile widened. "Jane, your reactions at Hyde Park in the midst of a terrifying situation and your desire to remain to keep your promise to your young cousins has told me everything I need to know about your integrity of character."

Jane nodded in understanding. "Yes, your Lordship –"

"Oakley," he teasingly insisted.

"Yes, Oakley, you may ask my uncle for permission to court me."

While Jane enjoyed the attentions of her new suitor, Mary was enjoying the attentions of her fiancé, who had at last arrived at Longbourn.

"My dear Mary," he said warmly, when he presented himself to the drawing room after refreshing himself in his rooms, "I am beyond happy to once again be in your presence." He bowed over her hand, placing a wet kiss upon it.

Mary smiled at him fondly and replied, "William, please join me here at the fire, so we can speak of all that has happened since you were last at Longbourn. You have written to me, but I find I much prefer hearing you speak of your experiences."

Grateful that Mary had arranged things so Mr. Collins was only speaking to her as opposed to the room in general, Lizzy turned to Kitty and began to speak of the preparations they were to make for Georgiana's call the next day.

The private conversations continued for a quarter of an hour, with Mr. Collins detailing every incident that occurred with each member of his parish over the previous months. Mary was very pleased to find that Mr. Collins had not reverted very much to his former habits, even after being in the company of Lady Catherine so frequently. While he still spoke highly of her ladyship, he tempered his conversation with his efforts amongst the tenants and other members of his congregation. In general, Mary was more convinced than ever of the rightness of her choice.

Their conversation was interrupted as Mrs. Bennet entered the room. "Oh, Mr. Collins!" she exclaimed. "I had not known you had arrived! Mary, why did you not inform me at once?" she demanded.

"My apologies, Mama," Mary said innocently. "I had not wanted to disturb your rest. You have been greatly occupied with planning my wedding and preparing for Lydia's visit."

"My, yes!" cried her mother, "I have been working tirelessly day and night to ensure that everything is perfect for my daughters! How thoughtful of you, Mary, to think of me in that way. No one knows what I suffer. But then again, I never complain."

Lizzy rolled her eyes towards Kitty, who stifled a giggle. Attempting to change the subject before Mrs. Bennet could continue to expound upon her nerves, Lizzy said, "Mama, I was about to go for a walk in the garden to choose some roses for Georgiana's visit tomorrow."

"Oh yes, my dear! We must make everything perfect for Mrs. Bingley! Kitty, you had better go, too. You have a much better eye for flower arranging than your sister. Mary, Mr. Collins, you may as well join them and take a turn about the garden before dinner."

The four young people obediently rose and went outside. As they walked through the flowers, Mr. Collins asked, "Did I hear correctly, that a Mrs. Bingley will be visiting tomorrow?"

"Yes, Georgiana Bingley. Her husband has let Netherfield Park, and they are there with her brother, Mr. Darcy, and her cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam. Mr. Bingley's sisters are also in residence, along with a husband for one of them," Kitty explained.

"Upon my word!" Mr. Collins said excitedly. "My dear cousins, do you know what an honor it is for you to be in the company of such distinguished persons?"

"Do you know them?" Lizzy asked curiously.

"Well, no, I have never met them," he said somewhat sheepishly. "However, I have heard much about them from my noble patroness. Mrs. Bingley, you see, is the niece of Lady Catherine! Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam are her nephews of course," he said triumphantly.

"What an astonishing connecting!" exclaimed Lizzy. "I can certainly see how there might be some family resemblance between Lady Catherine and Mr. Darcy," she said slyly.

Mr. Collins stared at her blankly, and Mary hissed, "Lizzy."

"Have you met Lady Catherine?" Mr. Collins asked in confusion.

"Er, no, Mr. Collins," said Mary. "Lizzy was just making a jest, but it was not a very funny one."

Mr. Collins's expression cleared, and he gave Lizzy a haughty look. "The family relations of Lady Catherine and the Earl of Matlock should not be the subject of humor," he said stiffly.

"My apologies, Mr. Collins," said Lizzy in contrition while Kitty stifled a laugh.

"All is forgiven, my dear cousin!" Mr. Collins said, cheerful once again. "I look forward to making Mrs. Bingley's acquaintance when she calls tomorrow," he added cheerfully.

Lizzy looked at him in surprise, and Kitty gave Mary a beseeching look.

"You forget, my dear," said Mary hastily, "that we have calls of our own to make tomorrow!"

"Have we?" Mr. Collins said in confusion.

"Why, yes, of course," Lizzy said in support. "Surely you should call on our neighbors every time you come to Longbourn. After all, not only are you to marry a local gentlewoman, but you will be the master of the estate one day. You will need to establish relationships with all of the local families."

"I see," Mr. Collins said a bit dejectedly.

Lizzy, feeling sorry for Mr. Collins, said, "But I do not see why you cannot make her acquaintance when she arrives, then leave for your own calls shortly after the introduction."

Mary smiled gratefully at Lizzy as Mr. Collins brightened. "You do not think it would be rude to be introduced and then leave?"

"Certainly not," said Kitty, following Lizzy's lead. "Mrs. Bingley is the daughter of a gentleman. She will understand the duties of the heir of an estate."

Mr. Collins puffed his chest out with pride. "That is true. How fortunate I am to have such wise cousins and fiancé!"

The girls smiled at one another. For all his flaws, thought Lizzy, he truly does have a good heart. I am glad for Mary; they both will be very happy together.

"Shall we go inside and arrange the flowers?" asked Kitty, her arms full of blooms.

That conversation set the tone for the rest of the day and into the next. Mary continued to engage Mr. Collins in conversation, all the while nurturing the confidence he was developing.

At last, the Bingley carriage was seen pulling into the drive at Longbourn. She entered the house and was announced at the sitting room. Bows and curtsies were exchanged, and Mr. Collins was introduced to Mrs. Bingley. After a few minutes of his raptures, Mary reminded him of the calls they were to make. He was graciously excused by Georgiana, and the engaged couple began the walk towards Meryton for their visits.

Lizzy, Georgiana, and Kitty sat quietly for a minute, then Lizzy began to laugh. "We cannot have a repeat of our last visit!" she exclaimed, and the other two girls joined her in laughter.

"I was so nervous at that tea," admitted Georgiana.

"I was, too," Kitty said. "We were unsure of what to expect."

"I just did not want you to hate me," Georgiana responded.

"Who could ever hate you?" cried Lizzy. "You are all that is good and kind!"

Georgiana blushed at the compliment. "I think you are describing yourself," she said.

Lizzy laughed again and said, "Very well, we shall all be all that is good and kind!"

Georgiana laughed and looked around the room. "Is your mother not joining us for the visit?" she asked.

Kitty blushed slightly. "She may have been under the impression that she was engaged with our Aunt Phillips this morning."

"Kitty!" Georgiana said in mild shock.

"Yes, well, I wanted to get to know you better without having to watch our words," Kitty said in defense.

"I can hardly chastise you; I am guilty of doing the same with Caroline and Louisa the other day," Georgiana sheepishly confessed.

The girls began again to laugh. "I must say, I was surprised to meet Mr. Collins," Georgiana admitted when the giggles subsided.

"Why is that?" Lizzy asked, taking a sip of tea.

"I should say that I was surprised to learn my aunt chose him. In the past, she has chosen men of the cloth who are…. well, who sycophants," Georgiana answered bluntly.

Lizzy and Kitty smiled at each other. "Mr. Collins was at first," Lizzy admitted. "However, the kind attentions he receives from Mary have done much to bolster his confidence in himself."

Georgiana smiled, "I am glad to hear it. She will need that confidence when she moves to Hunsford. My aunt can be quite demanding."

"How often do you visit?" inquired Lizzy.

"I have not seen her since before my marriage," was the reply. "She was disappointed that I made a match with someone in trade and has refused to speak with me since. I do correspond with my cousin, Anne, however."

"What is she like?" Kitty asked curiously.

The spent the next half hour listening to Georgiana describe her cousin Anne and the difficulties in her health. "It is unlikely she will be able to bear a child," Georgiana said in a hushed voice, "so she will need to marry someone who already has a babe and can inherit Rosings. Otherwise, it reverts back to the deBourgh line."

Lizzy made to ask more, but they were interrupted by the return of Mrs. Bennet, who immediately monopolized the conversation with all the gossip from Meryton, which no longer included Jane (much to Lizzy's relief).

At length, the time came for Georgiana to depart. She made Kitty promise to call on her the next day. Lizzy had a prior commitment to spend time with Charlotte, but she vowed to call another time. The visit ended with each girl satisfied with the bond of friendship that was forming between them.