Following Mr. Bennet's departure, Elizabeth decided to walk into town with her sisters. Their home of Longbourn was but two miles from the town of Meryton. The town was bustling as bakers prepared bread, eggs were being sold and as flower shops presented lovely bouquets. While Kitty and Lydia ran to the millners, Lizzy and Mary walked to the bookshop in search of a new novel to enjoy.

When they entered they were greeted by a familiar face.

"Hello Miss Bennet, Miss Mary. How are you this morning?"

It was Elizabeth who replied. "We are quite well Mr. Davis, but we are in search of a new novel. Is there anything new?"

Mr. Davis laughed, "No Miss, not since yesterday. Have you already finished your new purchase?" He asked eyebrows raised. But in truth he already knew the answer as this was a frequent interaction between the two.

"Yes indeed sir, I couldn't put the book down. It held my attention for so long, when I finished last evening it was just before supper and I had read nearly the entire day!"

"May I inquire as to the nature of your attention and amusement Miss Bennet?"

"I couldn't help myself sir, far off places, daring sword fights, magic spells, a prince in disguise! I never wanted it to end, but it was an ending that held its own."

"That is a great compliment coming from you Miss Bennet."

"Sir you give me too much credit. But if any new books come in, please send word as I would be eager to read it." After promising he would the Bennet sisters departed the shop. Mary was eager to look at new sheet music to begin learning prior to their master arriving. As they walked down the street they were soon approached by two "Gentlemen" Mr. Wickham on the left and Mr. Denny on his right.

Mr. Wickham was a man held in great respect in the town of Meryton after the efforts he made in the war he became the face of the town itself. He was esteemed and many held him in high regard. Rumor had it he was also good at cards and could give any man a run for his money. Mr. Denny was a man short in stature. He was always found directly beside his friend. Never seen without.

"Good morning Miss Bennet!" Wickham said holding his red coat in a way as if to remind all who saw him that he indeed assist in the war efforts. "May one inquire where you have visited?" He asked holding out his arm which she ignored after a moment he placed his arm down by his side, unabashed.

"We have been to the bookshop. Our sisters went to the milliners."

"How many books do you read Miss Bennet? I should think it a great number indeed. I think that the time spent reading could be spent elsewhere, perhaps outside. The whole town's talking, they don't think it right for you to be reading."

Fronted by his callous remark Elizabeth simply replied. "Sir, simply because one reads does not guarantee they must read indoors. A favorite enjoyment of my own is to walk the lanes around Longbourn with a book in hand. Besides, reading brings many pleasures and it happens to be one of my favorite pastimes. Not all young ladies enjoy spending their days mending skirts and embellishing bonnets." Upon saying her earlier words she berated herself for them as she had made it seem as though she wanted him to join her when reading, thus the clarification at the end of her speech. In truth she enjoyed herself most when her surroundings were silent whilst she read.

"And are you planning on walking the lanes today with a book?" He asked quite pointedly.

"No sir, I think I shall remain at home with my sisters while our father is away upon our return to Longbourn as our sister is planning on calling. Excuse us." She took Mary by the arm who had no desire to be there anyway and they quickly found Lydia and Kitty buying excess lace and embellishments for the next assembly to be held in a week. "Kitty, Lydie we must return home."

"But why Lizzy?" Lydia asked.

"Because Jane was planning on calling and I need an excuse to avoid Mr. Wickham." She said very quietly.

"I don't know why you should avoid him so Lizzy, he is just paying you a compliment by singling you out. Think of what you are doing you would be a simpleton indeed to reject the proposal of a man of his station and position among the townspeople." Lydia said in a matter of fact tone.

With this, the Bennet sisters headed back down the lane towards their family home.

Mr. Thomas Bennet approached the docks of Maldon to find his brother in law with a concerned look cast upon his face.

"Bennet, I have grave news to tell you. The ships which transported the cotton were caught in a terrible storm. The inventory of cotton is lost the ships are destroyed I fear this may cause conflict and worry among you and your daughters. I apologize."

Mr. Bennet thought long on the options which lay before him at present and instead of yelling he calmly asked, "Are the shipmates all alive? We can replace goods, we cannot replace lives." Thus began a conversation between the gentlemen concerning what was to be done. It was decided that temporarily the Gardiners would come to stay with the Bennets until Mr. Gardiner had their finances in order once more. He hated asking his brother for help, but it was necessary. Mr. Bennet thought it would be beneficial to ask that Mrs. Gardiner assist with the younger Bennet girls, as there was no longer a possibility of affording masters now, she could at least assist in any way that she knew how.

The weather quickly began to change. Determined to beat the storm home and tell the grave news to his daughters, Mr. Bennet mounted Phillip his horse and departed for Longbourn. The Gardiners however decided to stay in Manchester for another day and depart the following morning.

Mr. Bennet soon found himself lost in the Hertfordshire forests which was uncommon for him as he had lived in the area all his life except for when he went away to school. As the sky grew darker and the wind began to howl, his small overcoat seemed unfit for the weather ahead. But he pressed on, his own uncertainty felt by his horse, he tried to calm himself in an attempt to steady his riding companion.

Furthering down the path ahead of him fog began to roll in which was indeed peculiar as they were nowhere near the sea. Concerned for his safety he tried to turn back but was halted by approaching foxes. They came from his right and his left and approached from the way in which he came. There were about ten in total, Finding himself trapped he steadied the reigns and turned his horse once more hoping to leave the animals swiftly and safely. One of them began to call to the others, which Mr. Bennet thought was a peculiar sound. Nevertheless he wanted to avoid direct contact with the aforementioned call.

He kicked his horse into a gallop and looked behind his position to find the foxes trailing behind him, but slowly gaining. Speeding up he saw a gate not three hundred yards ahead, as he approached the gate he quickly dismounted his steed and fastened the lock.

Jane's visit was brief, both she and her husband were content and wished for the same happiness to come about to all of her sisters. Mrs. Bingley had always a strong connection with Elizabeth and was able to read her the best of any of them.

"Lizzy, what has you so worried? Is it Papa? I am sure he will be fine. It is not as though he has never left us before for business. He will be back in a few days and all will be well."

"Jane, it's not as though I do not doubt his abilities, but I simply worry for him, he has been so cast down after mother's death. I fear he may never return to his old self. I know this venture is sure to take his mind off mama, but why couldn't he have taken us as well?"

"Lizzy you know as well as I our father does appreciate his solitude from time to time, that does not mean he is in low spirits. Besides, the trip will be short, what is the use of having all of us depart for a three day round trip?"

"Indeed you are right. Thank you for your calming presence it always gives me such comfort during trying times." Lizzy reached out and grabbed the hand of her sister, giving it a squeeze.

"Of course, I am always at your disposal I am barely three miles away. I shall always be here to listen and give guidance should you need it. You need only ask dear sister." The two then moved into a warm embrace when Lydia graced her elder sisters with her presence.

"Lizzy, if you are going to avoid Mr. Wickham, you should set him straight. There is no need for him to declare himself if you are planning on rejecting him anyways."

"Lydia, please behave yourself. What happens between Lizzy and the gentleman is none of your concern." Jane calmly stated. The youngest Bennet then left the room to find other ways in which to amuse herself.

"Lizzy what did Lydia mean by that?" She inquired.

"It would appear that Mr. Wickham has been making advances, none of which I have returned, I assure you. I seek to be polite concerning the situation, but I have no regard for him."

"Well he is handsome and the pride of Meryton. If he were to ask for a courtship, would you consider it?"

"Jane while he is handsome he is also rude and conceited. Oh Janey he is not for me. As far as I know you have my best interests at heart, so please heed to my words; I have come to the decision to watch your eventual children. As long as both you and your husband are in agreement. Nothing but the deepest love would induce me into matrimony and I am aging. I am no longer the age men are looking for in wives."

"Lizzy you are hardly off the shelf. You are but three and twenty, there is still time for you Elizabeth I am certain. You will have the chance at love, but you must be open to the idea of love. Lizzy the more you tell yourself you will never marry the less likely you are to find happiness through a companion who loves and admires you."

"You make it sound so simple."

"Love never is simple, but it is possible. Promise me when the time comes you will keep your mind open."

"I promise." Their conversation was cut short by the sound of a horse running up the drive. It's rider full of hope.

Mr. George Wickham had spoken with Denny concerning Miss Bennet. After she and her sisters returned to Longbourn he was determined to have her for his wife.

"Denny she is beautiful and clever, she is witty and is the most beautiful girl in town which makes her the best. Don't I deserve the best?"

"Of course you do Wickham. How do you plan on asking her?"

"I'll ride over there in a few hours which will give her time with her sister and then I'll make her dreams come true. Plus I can take that time to ready myself." He went back to his lodgings and changed into his very best red coat. Then he began rehearsing what words he would say. He knew he didn't love her, but wives were not chosen for love, they were chosen for their beauty and monetary value which they brought into the marriage. And sources told him her father was on his way to Manchester to acquire a large sum of money. Knowing Mr. Bennet to be a sensible man, he figured this money would assist into the Bennet's dowries.

When Wickham pulled into the drive he saw Miss Bennet and her sister in a warm embrace. He was touched by the affection the sisters felt for one another. For but a moment he grieved that she may never feel such affection from him, but his compliments, good looks and attention should be enough to satisfy her.

When he entered the house he was greeted by the Bennet's maid who lead him into the drawing room where the two sisters had been talking. Unbeknownst to him, Miss Bennet had asked her sister not to leave her, afraid of what he might say or do.

"Miss Bennet" he started, "would you care to walk the grounds?" The sisters shared a look, it was not one of excitement, but rather fear. Wickham was indeed confused, for Elizabeth should be happy with his singling her out from all other ladies among his acquaintance.

"I would be delighted sir." She quickly left to fetch her outdoor clothes, when she returned he held his arm out for her again and once again she ignored it. She held her hands behind her back, fidgeting and anxious. She would quickly reject him and that would be the end of that.

They began walking towards one of her lesser-traveled paths, in the event of a horrid experience she would not have to avoid a favorite walk.

"Elizabeth" he started, but once he saw the way she reacted to the usage of her Christian name he began again. "Miss Bennet, this is the day your dreams come true."

"Sir, what pray tell do you know of my dreams?"

"You want what every young lady wants to live a long happy life, to mother children and to have an adoring husband to come home to."

"I am not ready to have children Mr. Wickham, it is ungentlemanly of you to speak of such things."

"I must apologize Miss Bennet, it is my manner of addressing you. Will you do me the honor of accepting my hand?"

"No Mr. Wickham I cannot."

"May I inquire why?"

"I am flattered, but to marry you would go against every sentiment I have ever uttered regarding marriage."

"And what would those sentiments be, pray tell."

"To marry for love, not for convenience or any other reason. I do not love you sir and cannot accept you, now I must beg to return to the house."

"Forgive me of taking up so much of your time." He bowed and departed. Elizabeth gracefully walked into the house and the moment she was within the safety of its walls bolted up the stairs. Once in her room she collapsed on her bed to retire for the night.

Author's Note: Thanks to all of your continued support with this new journey. I'm expecting this story to end between 20k-30k words. There is a mention about the call of a fox. Please find one online and listen to it I was laughing for nearly five minutes...Also, this will not be a Regency-era story. If you noticed I did not tag it under any particular world as it is not. It is in a fictional-parallel world. I realized trying to accommodate Regency rules with the story I envisioned would b extremely difficult, so it isn't. I would appreciate not receiving comments concerning that since I made a note about it here. I have yet to receive any such comments they have all been positive, I just have a feeling someone will eventually say something. But at the moment I'm so excited to share this work with you guys and seeing your comments about the story concept is making me even more so! Have a great day! Love yourself!

-Camille