Fifty miles of good road

Elizabeth has known Anne de Bourgh for ten years, since the day she befriended a very distraught girl in Matlock. Though there were four years difference in their ages, Elizabeth's vivacity seemed to sooth Anne's depressions. What began as an accidental meeting became a deep and abiding friendship. How will fifty miles of good road change Mr. Darcy's perception of Miss Elizabeth Bennet?

Matlock, 1801

Working for Lady Catherine de Bourgh was not conducive to happiness. It was not unusual at all for a servant to leave her service within the first two years, sometimes less. The closer a person worked to the throne, the more likely it was for them to seek employment anywhere else.

Mattie Hall was only one example. The daughter of an alcoholic country doctor, she had been taught all about the basics of nursing from an early age. Mattie's mother died when she was nine and her father would rather spend money on drink instead of staff, so he demanded that his daughter work at his side. She might have been useful to him, but he had little care for her, so when he died suddenly from an accident, she was left with no savings, no dowry, and no hope. She was seventeen when she went into service as the assistant nurse for the sickly Miss Anne de Bourgh.

Anne wasn't a bad girl. Mostly her illness robbed her of her breath and her energy. She also coughed a lot, but she seldom complained. The staff whispered that Lady Catherine de Bourgh, her mother, did enough talking and complaining for an entire host of daughters. Dear Anne could not get a word in edgewise.

The thing is that working at Rosings Park, Lady Catherine's estate, was a little like how one of the stable hands, a veteran, described war: days and days of terrible boredom with moments of sheer terror. Taking care of Anne was boring because the girl did nothing. Then, occasionally, Lady Catherine would get a bee in her bonnet and go on a rampage. Mattie hated working at Rosings almost as much as she hated her father.

Mattie lasted longer than most because she was seldom in the same room as "The Dragon." She made it four years, until Anne reached the age of fourteen and Lady Catherine, in a fit of desperation, decreed that her daughter would go to Matlock where there were hot springs available for her health. It was the farthest that Mattie had ever traveled.

Once they arrived and Anne was installed at the Matlock Bath, Lady Catherine installed herself at her childhood home, now the estate of her brother, the new Earl of Matlock. It was a peaceful time for Anne's three attendants. In fact, it was the first time that Mattie ever had free time. She met a man, one of the workers there, who planned on setting sail to the Americas. Knowing that Lady Catherine might block her departure, or that one of the other servants might report her, Mattie waited until they were elsewhere and she and Anne were alone.

Anne, at fourteen, had no life. Her mother ruled everything she did and kept her surrounded by servants who obeyed only her mother. So when Mattie suggested that they take a walk out of the Baths and over to a few shops, Anne happily agreed. Mattie even carried Anne's money purse with all of her spending money. Since Anne had always had servants managing her, she saw no reason to protest.

It took Anne more than half an hour to realize that she had been left alone. She finally chose something to purchase, a pretty handkerchief that she could hide away from her mother. When she called for Mattie, the woman was not there! She asked for the clerk's help, but the clerk was busy. She asked other customers for help, but they had no time for her. Without funds, Anne was forced to leave the store, but she could not remember how they got to that location. Too despondent to be fully distraught yet, she sat on a bench and let her tears fall. Her first taste of freedom had turned quite bitter.

~oOo~

Little Lizzie was the only daughter allowed to accompany her father to her Uncle Edward's wedding. Mother did not like to travel except if the location was stylish. Lambton, the place of her new aunt's family, was definitely not stylish. So even though Uncle Edward was her mother's brother, she was suddenly indisposed and needed to surround herself with her favorite daughters. Jane had to stay. Lizzie was allowed to go. Mary, Kitty, and Lydia were too young. It was to be Lizzie's first adventure!

Three days travel, even in a comfortable carriage, was enough to almost bend Lizzie to her mother's point of view. Had it not been for the historical lessons that her father provided about different places along their route, or the few interesting places that they stopped to explore, it might have ended her traveling days forever. As it was, Lizzie was quite glad to exit the carriage in Lambton.

The wedding was wonderful and the bride was everything beautiful. Lizzie liked her very much. Sadly, the event was so well attended that there were no rooms left anywhere in Lambton. So once again father and daughter boarded their carriage and went to the nearest city: Matlock. Thomas Bennet, her father, had a friend who owned and operated the Matlock Baths, so it was there that they went.

The following day, while her father visited, Lizzie's boundless energy and wandering legs took her into the small market area that had grown outside of the baths. After a few stores which held the usual items, she saw a girl crying on a bench. Lizzie being Lizzie, she went immediately over to the girl and began the following conversation: "Hello! Why are you crying?"

"I cannot find my nurse, Mattie. She has vanished with my reticule and my money. And I don't even know how to get back!"

"That is bad... Well... where do you need to get back to?"

"The baths!" Anne sobbed. "I am there to get better, but it isn't helping. Nothing helps!"

Lizzie took the pale girl's trembling hand and smiled in reassurance, "I just came from the baths. I can take you back right now."

And so, while they slowly walked, they talked... or rather Lizzie talked and Anne gave the occasional one-word answer. Anne wanted to go straight to her rooms, but Lizzie guided her to her father's friend, where Anne told her story. A search was made, but Mattie Hall was long gone, as was Anne's money purse. An express was sent to the Earl and his sister that same night. The other two servants returned, but were terrified that Lady Catherine might blame them. One left that night. The other was gone by morning.

Thankfully, for Anne, Mr. Bennet was in no great hurry to return to Longbourn. It was summer and the crops were in the ground. Mr. Burkhart, Mr. Bennet's friend and the owner of the Matlock Baths, had room available. So while the two old friends caught up, little Lizzie devoted her time to Anne.

As often happens in unusual circumstances, a friendship bloomed quickly. Despite their age difference, Lizzie was intelligent, well read, curious, and fearless. Anne was fascinated. She felt energized just being around her little friend. So when the Earl and his sister arrived, they did not find the panicky, pale, frightened girl they expected. Instead Anne de Bourg, looking better than she had for years, was laughing at a story being told by a curly-dark-haired girl of no more than ten.

Lady Catherine was going to step up and unleash all of the ire she had been building up since the express arrived, but her brother held her back. "Anne seems well taken care of for the moment. Let us go and speak with Mr. Burkhart. And so they did. Both mother and uncle were livid about what had happened, but intrigued by the story of the developing friendship. Despite what others may have thought, Lady Catherine loved her only child dearly and lived in fear of losing her.

Thomas Bennet, who was also in the room at the time, wryly assured the siblings that no harm would come to Anne while under Lizzie's care. "She should have been born a boy. She is the protector of all of her sisters and as fearless as they come."

Mr. Burkhart, more conscious of the upper circles since they were his customers, also reassured them that, by his observance, Lizzie was intelligent, very well-behaved, and unfailingly kind. There may have been a little hyperbole, but he was honestly impressed with his friend's little girl.

So when the Earl and Lady Catherine finally did approach the two new friends, Anne was surprised to see them ready to embrace little Miss Lizzy as her friend and equal.

Thomas Bennet and his Lizzie remained four more days. Lady Catherine and her Anne did as well. The earl went home, but with glowing reports and reassurances to his own wife and family that Anne was safe. While the adults slept in their own spaces throughout the complex, Lizzie was allowed to sleep with Anne. For the first time in her life, Anne had a friend who was as close as a sister.

Rosings Park, ten years later...

Elizabeth and Anne watched out of her bedroom window as her tall and very handsome cousin, Mr. Darcy, mounted his black horse, said something else to his aunt, and then rode away. Once he was out of sight the two young ladies turned from the window and resumed their seats. They left the tea in their cups, as it was certainly cold by this point.

Elizabeth spoke first, "He is very handsome, Anne."

"That is true, Lizzy, but he is also soooo serious. I like Richard. I love Richard." Her expression turned sad for a moment, then she spoke freely, "Darcy used to be more cheerful. As a boy he was great fun and full of adventure. When his mother died, he was like an empty shell for a while, but he recovered. He became a little more cheerful with everyone else, but he pulled back from me..."

"When your mother began insisting that you were supposed to marry?"

"I believe so. She never said anything like that when we visited Pemberley, but when he visited here, she never let it go. Then Darcy's father died. Uncle Darcy used to be fun. He always treated me nice and he was so very handsome, like his son is now. But after he lost Lady Anne, he never smiled, never hugged. It was as if he was alive, but not living. It must have been hard on Darcy, his mom gone, a new baby sister, and his father all but a ghost."

They sat there in silence, each thinking of the same young man. Elizabeth had never met him, but she had heard much. So far as Lady Catherine was concerned, he was betrothed to her daughter. Elizabeth knew, through Anne, that it wasn't true. Elizabeth was not certain of the mother's motivation, but in this one thing she would not speak up. Since her first long visit, in the late fall ten years ago, the servants of the house had been shocked to hear little Lizzie speak so fearlessly to Lady Catherine. Over the years they had even argued, sometimes quite fiercely. Yet the spritely, intrepid little girl survived and was still allowed to visit. Unbeknownst to her, she was quite the hero among the staff.

Anne finally broke the silence, "He headed south, not north. That means that Darcy will most likely return this direction to go to either London or further north to Pemberley... which means that Mother will most likely cut your visit short."

"But... why? I was supposed to stay at least a month full. I had almost persuaded her to let us go to to Margate or Ramsgate, Anne! I wanted you to walk on the beach with me."

Anne looked resigned, but answered, "I don't think that mother wants you here when Darcy is here. Otherwise she would have insisted that we come downstairs so that I could greet my 'betrothed'."

Elizabeth felt a moment of bitter anger, "What? Am I too unworthy or poor to be seen by your cousin?"

Anne laughed mirthlessly, "No, Lizzy. You're much too pretty."

This threw Elizabeth's anger and hurt back to be replaced by confusion, "What? I do not understand. I am not pretty... and what would that have to do with anything?"

Anne shook her head, "Lizzy, sometimes I want to shake you... or do something much worse to your mother. You are pretty. My mother says so. My aunt and uncle say so. My cousins all agree." Her voice was less strident when she added, "Richard says so... Lizzy, you forget that I have met your sisters Jane and Mary. Certainly, Jane is quite remarkable in her beauty. I have not seen her equal... though as you know, I do not exactly get out much. But if I were to put you in any room full of young ladies without your sister Jane, you would most certainly stand out. Mother knows this even if you don't, and so she does not want my cousin to meet you."

"That seems silly," Elizabeth answered, still fighting against the rest of what Anne had just told her.

"You and I have both agreed that my mother can be quite ridiculous. Sadly, that means that Mother will contrive some reason for you to go home; tomorrow possibly, or at least sooner than planned. So we need to make the most of our time now... so let us go for a ride before Mother sends for us." The two friends quickly donned the outer wear that they kept hidden in Anne's room and snuck out of the servant's entrance to go to the stables.

As predicted, Elizabeth Bennet was on her way toward London and then Meryton the following day.

In Anne's next letter Elizabeth learned that Mr. Darcy had not stopped there on his return trip with his younger sister. Elizabeth and Anne had spoken and written so often over the decade that she could read the concern in her friend's letter. Something had happened. Something bad enough for Darcy to forget his promise and for Georgiana to cease writing altogether.

Elizabeth had only met Georgiana once. She found the girl to be tall and pretty, but terribly shy. She had heard the girl practice at Matlock House while she was visiting Anne there, but she would never perform in front of an audience. Had Elizabeth stayed longer, she might have tried to draw the girl out, but this was a brief visit on the way home from Rosings the previous year. Her father retrieved her the next morning and Elizabeth never saw Georgiana again. She hoped that Anne was wrong and all was well.

Netherfield Park, 1811

Elizabeth had no idea why Mr. Darcy seemed to have sought out her company this morning. She was there taking care of her sister Jane, who was caught in a rainstorm and only now recovering from a terrible flu. Finding Jane sleeping peacefully this morning, Elizabeth had answered the call of the outdoors. It was difficult being in this house with Miss Bingley, who constantly sniped at her, and Mr. Darcy, who had taken one look at her and adjudged her to be merely tolerable. For Anne's sake Elizabeth had tried to consider his sad history, but she had no tender feelings towards the man.

It was a surprise, therefore, when he saw her step out and immediately requested a walk. She had expected him to ignore her altogether or insult her again. Now they had been walking in stiff silence for several very long minutes. "Come, Mr. Darcy, we must have some conversation. You could note how flat this terrain is in comparison to your own home county. I might note that I still find great beauty in this landscape."

"I am sorry."

That was unexpected. Elizabeth stopped walking, but Mr. Darcy used his other hand to keep hers on his arm. "My cousin Anne is seldom loquacious and her letters to me are often... tepid. But her latest letter has left my fingers quite scorched. Seldom have I received such a heated scolding... and I am deeply ashamed. Would you please allow me to say how very sorry I am for insulting you at the assembly?"

"Due only to Anne's letter?" Elizabeth pulled her hand away and took a step back. She was usually ready to ignore an insult, but somehow his words had cut her deeply.

"No..." Darcy scrubbed a hand through his hair, a gesture she had not expected from the normally controlled man. "Miss Elizabeth, the truth... the absolute truth is that I had not even seen you when I said those foolish words. I said what I said so that Charles... Mr. Bingley would leave me alone and cease pressing me to dance."

"You looked directly at me, Mr. Darcy."

"I saw a girl seated in the shadows. I should not have said those words regardless, but it never occurred to me that she might hear. I only wanted to be as far away from people as humanly possible."

"Then why come to an assembly of all places?"

"Because we had only just arrived that noon when my friend informed us of the event. Had I remained at Netherfield, Miss Bingley would have engineered some way to remain as well. Four hours in a carriage with her was already my absolute limit."

Elizabeth giggled despite herself. She had seen more than enough examples of Miss Bingley's cloying pursuit of Mr. Darcy over the past three days to understand. But Mr. Darcy was not finished, "When you stood and walked by I... I was honestly quite taken by your beauty... and I feared that you might have overheard. But then you only smiled and then carried on a cheerful conversation with your friend... so I thought all was well."

She might have said something cutting, but Elizabeth was still fixated on his casual mention of her beauty.

"Since then I have tried many times to either interact with you or avoid you. But since you came to Netherfield to care for your sister, I have greatly enjoyed our debates. Will you forgive me? May we begin again?"

There was a great deal of information in those last few sentences. He was seeking me out, and then avoiding me? Why? And debates?! I had thought we were arguing. Uncertain of what to think or feel, Elizabeth finally answered, "I will forgive you, Mr. Darcy. You may write to Anne and tell her that all is well and that we can now carry on as indifferent acquaintances. I shall also write the same."

"That is not what I..." Darcy paused, lost for words. Elizabeth felt that he wanted to say more, but either would not or could not.

"Well then, Mr. Darcy, now that all is well, I should like to spend some time enjoying a solitary walk. If you will excuse me?"

Left with no choice but to comply, Darcy bowed and watched her go. In his own mind one word bounced around in a most disturbing manner: Indifferent?

For her part, Elizabeth found her thoughts all in a jumble. She extended her walk as long as she dared leave her sister, but returned no more certain of herself and her feelings than she had started. A thought troubled her as well: Why does he wish or need to avoid me?

Longbourn, several days later

Elizabeth had been forewarned through an express sent by Anne. Her mother, in her cups and more loquacious even than usual, had unknowingly disclosed her true reason for sending her new rector, Mr. Collins, to Longbourn. "Then he will marry your friend, Anne... Wouldn't that be good?.. She will be nearby and able to visit... and in nobody's way there at the parsonage... and no temptation to Darcy. He must be made to do his duty!"

...and so you must guard yourself at all costs, my dear friend. I have witnessed Mother in deep conference with Mr. Collins on several occasions prior to his departure. I am quite certain that I heard the word "compromise" among her instructions. Mother was most displeased when she learned that my cousin was in the same area as you. I made the mistake of telling her that you had met and that you dislike each other. Mother is not convinced.

It pains me to think that my own mother might do something like this to my dearest friend. I hope that I am wrong. But please, Lizzie, guard yourself at all times. Better yet, hurry to London and pay a visit to your dear aunt and uncle!

Elizabeth had tried the latter suggestion, but the horses were required in the fields and her father was unwilling to dispense with her company. "Even a week away has been too much, my dear girl. I have need of sensible conversation. Besides, do you truly wish to forego the comedic opportunities that Mr. Collin's visit might offer?" Elizabeth almost showed her father Anne's letter at the time. Now she was wishing that she had.

Mr. Collins was supposed to be a man of God, but the way that he fixated on her and devoured her with his eyes made Elizabeth distinctly uncomfortable. Her mother, having realized that the "vile usurper" had actually come seeking a wife from among her daughters, found nothing wrong in the man's hungry gaze. "Men appreciate a woman's figure, Lizzie. That is what leads them to the altar."

That night Elizabeth locked and blocked her door before sitting down to write to Anne. There was nothing that her friend could do to help, but Elizabeth needed to vent. The following morning she woke earlier even than usual and was out of Longbourn before the rooster crowed. She intended to stay away as long as possible.

Whenever she needed to be alone to think, Oakham Mount was always her destination of choice. Very few others ever ascended the steep and loose trails to get to the top, so it was almost her very own secret getaway. She was unpleasantly surprised, therefore, when she found Mr. Darcy waiting for her at the top.

"Miss Elizabeth, I know that it is inappropriate for me to seek you out in such a private setting, but Anne wrote to me in great concern. I have not met this cousin of yours, but Anne is usually a good judge of character, so I share her concern. Are you well?" Darcy did not even notice that he had stepped forward and taken both of her hands in his.

Elizabeth did notice, but she felt strangely reluctant to remove her hands. He was not wearing gloves even on this brisk November morning. His hands felt large and warm and safe. It made her regret that she was wearing gloves. "I am sorry that Anne troubled you." She pulled her hands away and turned, "You have made it quite clear that you desired to avoid me, so it was wrong of Anne to ask for your help in this."

"AVOID!? Good G_d! Is that what you think? Of all of the things I said to you, that is the part that you fixed on? Miss Elizabeth Bennet, I would not be here right now if I had any desire to avoid you. Even when you are not with me, you are always with me!"

Elizabeth turned back, uncertainty written on her face as Darcy continued, "You are with me when I ride. You are with me when I read. You are with me when I am supposed to be focused on teaching Bingley. Forgive me, but you are with me when I go to bed and when I rise and for the entire time in between! I could not avoid you even if I still wished to do so!" Elizabeth blushed bright, but did not step back when he stepped forward.

He took her hands again and this time Elizabeth allowed it. "Elizabeth, I have no wish to avoid you. My aunt was right to fear. From the moment I truly saw you, my heart was drawn to you. It only took my mind a while longer to catch up. I have no idea how Lady Catherine deduced that you would be the one to spoil all of her schemes, but she was absolutely correct in this one matter."

They stood there in silent wonder, their hands still clasped and their eyes fixed upon each other. Though no words were spoken, there was a great amount of very deep and personal communication taking place. Then, an indeterminate time later, there was a most unwelcome interruption.

They both heard the scrambling of clumsy feet and the heavy breathing of a man without even a passing acquaintance with exercise. They stepped apart and both turned to see Mr. Collins topping the rise, his face blotchy with exertion, "Get your hands off of my betrothed!" Collins wheezed, "How dare you touch the woman I am to marry! And you, Cousin Elizabeth! You hussy! When we are wed you shall learn what it means to be a proper and obedient wi..."

Mr. Collins never finished his words. Darcy might have allowed the man to speak so to him, but the moment the fool spoke against his Elizabeth, Darcy was in motion. One punch was all that it took to send the man flying.

As Collins lay there in the dirt, unconscious, Mr. Darcy turned to the woman he was already coming to love, "I had hoped... It was my intention to ask for a courtship, Elizabeth. I had every intention to convince you that we were much more than indifferent acquaintances. I was willing to take as long as necessary to win your heart. But given this situation, I see little choice but to hurry matters along. Miss Elizabeth, you are the handsomest woman of my acquaintance, but I love your sharp mind and wit as much as your beauty.

I have given you many reasons to despise me, but I hope that your merciful heart has truly forgiven me enough to consider spending your life by my side. I love you. Will you marry me?"

Elizabeth took the hand that had punched her cousin's jaw. Her soft fingers caressed the bruising knuckles, which she then raised to her lips. Her eyes raised to his and he saw what he had hoped for, "Yes, Mr. Darcy, I will be quite happy to marry you."

Afterward...

Mr. Collins was left unconscious on the hilltop while the happy couple made their way down. Mr. Bennet was skeptical at first, but they convinced him of their attachment. When they pressed for a quick wedding, he balked until Elizabeth showed him Anne's letter.

Darcy then showed him his. "Lady Catherine is not a woman who likes to be gainsaid. She will make other attempts to prevent our marriage. A desperate woman can be quite dangerous. I never would have thought that she would tell your cousin to compromise Elizabeth, but Anne was certain about what she heard and Mr. Collins seemed quite certain that Elizabeth was his for the taking."

Mr. Bennet read Darcy's letter. There were words and phrases within it which suggested that Mr. Darcy had written of his desire for Elizabeth, which was somewhat reassuring. Thomas Bennet had never liked Lady Catherine, but he had allowed his daughter's friendship with Miss Anne for the sake of the two girls. "And Anne will not be hurt by this marriage, Lizzy?"

Elizabeth smiled, "She loves another. She always has, I think."

Darcy turned to look at her quizzically, but she said no more.

Thomas Bennet nodded in decision, "Lizzy, tonight you will stay at Charlotte's house for safety's sake. Gather your clothing and go there now. I shall send a letter ahead. Tomorrow, after I have removed my cousin from this house, I will take you to London, where the Gardiners shall keep you safe. Mr. Darcy... son... can you obtain a common or special license, do you suppose?"

"I can and I will."

"Good then. Go to London. Meet us when you can at the Gardiner's house... here, I shall write you the address."

~oOo~

Fitzwilliam Darcy was wed to Elizabeth Bennet in London at Matlock House three days later. The entire Bennet family was there to watch, as were the Fitzwilliams and, quite surprisingly, Anne de Bourgh.

Mr. Collins had stumbled down the hill hours after he was knocked flat. He was in outrage and demanded Elizabeth's hand. Instead he was dragged by several of the Bennet and Lucas men to the hostler, where he was sent home by Post. As predicted, Lady Catherine was outraged and immediately ordered her carriage. She took Mr. Collins but left her daughter behind.

Unbeknownst to her mother, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam was waiting for the harridan's departure to collect his cousin and transport her to London for the wedding.

It took Lady Catherine a full day to realize that both her nephew and "that ungrateful hussy" were in London together. Then she hurried to Darcy House and finally Matlock House. Lady Catherine might be able to push around most people, but her brother handled her quite easily. That night she was tucked into bed upstairs, completely unaware that her own daughter was in residence or that the staff was so busy because they were making the place ready for a ceremony.

Great was her outrage the following day when, late in the morning she rose to push her brother into action. When she stepped downstairs, she witnessed her own family hugging and congratulating Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy on her marriage. After a few minutes of nonsensical screaming, the great lady was taken back upstairs and given a dose of laudanum.

Nothing went right after that either. The Darcys departed on their honeymoon, removing any opportunity for her to break the match. Her own Anne refused to return to Rosings. The Earl, her brother, would not allow Catherine to stay.

Had she known the entire reason for these actions, she might have found some other way to remain. Elizabeth, having known Richard for many years, pressed the man about his feelings for Anne. He admitted that he cared for her, but believed that her mother would never allow a match. She teasingly named him a coward and reminded him that Anne had been "of age" for several years already.

So while Darcy and Elizabeth were deepening their love for each other on their wedding trip, Richard was courting Anne. By the time that the married couple returned, they were pleased to learn that the other couple were now engaged.

Unhappy was the day when Lady Catherine was forced to watch her only daughter given in marriage to her most unworthy nephew, a nearly penniless second son. Her unhappiness only increased when it was made perfectly clear to her that Richard and Anne would now rule Rosings Park.

Under Richard's loving care, Anne recovered much of her health. She and Elizabeth remained the best of friends and now cousins for all of the days of their lives. Though Anne had mostly recovered, she and Richard only had one child, a beautiful little girl they named Elizabeth. Both of her parents loved her dearly and never repined the absence of a son.

Had Lady Catherine still been alive, she might have felt some small triumph when Bennet Darcy, the eldest son of Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy, was wed to Elizabeth Fitzwilliam, thus eventually combining the two great estates.