Chapter 17

Caroline was not so happy because in the two days she had been in Netherfield, she had hardly seen Mr. Darcy. He got up very early and went to ride for several hours. Then he had breakfast and locked himself in the library to talk to his cousin and sister, or they went out for a walk and didn't invite her. To ingratiate herself with Mr. Darcy, she tried to spend time with silly Georgiana, but that girl hardly spoke and answered her questions with monosyllables.

Worst of all, Charles was still furious with her for not telling him about Jane Bennet's visit, and he didn't believe that she had accidentally dropped that obnoxious Captain's card into the fireplace.

Caroline was standing by the dining room window waiting for Mr. Darcy to appear so she could have breakfast with him. This time she had planned to invite him for a walk in the gardens, and she wouldn't let him say no. She was even willing to put up with the unpleasant Colonel to spend some time with him. The only reason she hadn't told that man a few truths was because he was the son of an Earl. She would otherwise have asked Charles to kick him out of the house.

"Caroline, what are you doing looking out the window like that? Did you have breakfast?" asked Mr. Bingley.

"No, I haven't had breakfast yet, Charles, because I'm not hungry."

Mr. Bingley sat down and began to eat his breakfast. "You're waiting for Darcy, right? Caroline, when will you understand that he will never propose to you and stop wasting your time chasing after him."

"Charles, if you did not sleep well or have any other problem, I will ask you to please not take your frustration out on me. Mr. Darcy is our guest, and as a good hostess, I can't allow him to have breakfast alone, that's all."

"And I am your brother, the one who pays for all your expenses and whims, and here I am having breakfast alone."

"You woke up very unpleasant today, Charles."

"Why? Because I'm telling you the truth? If you want to keep deluding yourself that someday you'll be Pemberley's Mistress, be my guest, Caroline. But if I'm going to ask you to leave Darcy alone because he came to help me, not to put up with you and your constant superfluous flattery that he dislikes so much."

Caroline turned around indignantly and told his brother. "Has Mr. Darcy said anything to you?"

"No, because he respects our friendship very much, and I am sure he does not want to offend me. But just looking at his face every time you start trying to talk to him when he's reading or spending time with his family, I know he does not enjoy your company. So I don't want my guests to hide in the library because they want a moment of peace, and you don't realize it," Mr. Bingley concluded as he drank coffee and ate some eggs.

"Stop wasting your time telling me things I don't believe or care about," Caroline said dismissively. She knew very well that her brother was a fool, and he had no idea what he was talking about.

"You're right; I don't want to keep wasting my time telling you things that you don't want to accept. Moving on to another topic, this afternoon, we will call on Mr. and Mrs. Bennet."

"I will not go to that house to call on that vulgar family."

"I wasn't counting you in the group of callers. I am going with the Colonel, Darcy, and his sister."

"I don't think Mr. Darcy wants to visit those horrible people; I know he shares my view regarding that family," Caroline said and kept looking out the window, waiting for Mr. Darcy.

"Believe and think whatever you want," Mr. Bingley said and continued to eat his breakfast. He was still bitter that his sisters had kept Jane's presence in London from him. He was tired of being treated like a child by Louisa, especially by Caroline. But unfortunately, he still did not reflect on his lack of decision when making decisions because it is always easier to blame others than to assume our own faults.

P&P

"Fitzwilliam, what are you doing here?" Mr. Darcy asked, more exasperated than he would have liked.

"Mr. Darcy, you ask that question all the time. You must understand that people have the right to move freely in public places, and they don't have to give you explanations," said Elizabeth, amused when she saw the mocking face of the man who had just approached them.

"Excuse me, miss, but I'm curious about what you just said to my cousin. Can you explain what you mean?"

"My father's estate is a mile from here, but I was spending part of the season at my brother's house in London until yesterday. Mr. Darcy asked me the same question he's asking you now on several occasions when we met in London," Elizabeth said and, imitating Mr. Darcy's voice, added. "Miss Bennet, what are you doing here?"

"I can't believe it, Darce; where are your manners?" Richard asked, laughing.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Darcy, but you cannot deny that what I have said is true."

"No, but if I remember correctly, you asked me the exact same question less than ten minutes ago. So I think it's a bit hypocritical to criticize me for something you just did, don't you think, Miss Bennet?"

"No, I don't think so because I asked you once, and you asked me countless times," Elizabeth said, a little exasperated.

"So you are telling me that you can criticize others for their conduct, even if you do the same thing you criticize, with the excuse that you only did it once. Sorry, Miss Bennet, but it sounds quite hypocritical to me."

"Your problem, Mr. Darcy, is that you think you're always right," Elizabeth replied exasperatedly.

"My problem? Well, believe me, I think you often fail to understand that sometimes it is not about who is right but about what is correct."

"I forgot that you always know what's correct," Elizabeth said sarcastically.

"That's impossible, Miss Bennet. But I take pride in always trying to do what is correct."

"Like keeping your pride under good regulation with your real superiority of mind?"

"I am convinced now that you continued willfully misunderstanding everything I said, Miss Bennet," replied Mr. Darcy. He was angry; that was not what he had dreamed of their reunion. Seeing her argue with him like that produced a mixture of feelings so profound that, at one point, he wanted to continue arguing with her until nightfall and, the next, silence her with a passionate kiss.

Elizabeth looked at Mr. Darcy and didn't understand why he had the power to make her feel that way like there was something wrong with her, and he could never see her as an equal. She wanted to continue arguing until he admitted that she was a gentleman's daughter, and he could admit that she was someone who deserved his respect.

Richard couldn't believe what he was witnessing. His cousin, always so dispassionate and cold, couldn't stop arguing with the pretty girl who didn't mince words to tell him a few truths. "Sorry to interrupt such an interesting exchange of words, but since Darcy did not do what he should, miss, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, his cousin," Richard said, pointing at Mr. Darcy.

"Fitzwilliam, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet," Mr. Darcy said, trying to calm his frustration.

"Delighted Colonel," Elizabeth said.

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet, it is my pleasure to meet you at last."

"At last, sir?" asked Elizabeth questioningly.

"I have heard so many things about you, and let me add that I don't feel disappointed at all but quite the opposite," replied Richard. He was fascinated by Miss Bennet and sensed that his cousin's feelings for her were much more than a passing infatuation.

"If you're going to be in the area for a while, I hope you get a chance to form your own opinion of me because your cousin is my most severe critic."

"But don't listen to Darcy, Miss Bennet. Even though he's younger than me, he acts like an eighty-year-old man. And he also always criticizes me because he says that I don't take anything seriously, I talk more than I should, and I can be very unpleasant when I am hungry. And if I am honest, I find myself quite nice," said Colonel Fitzwilliam and winked at his cousin.

"Although we just met, I must confess that I find you very nice too, Colonel," Elizabeth replied with a beautiful smile. She found it hard to believe that such a pleasant and talkative man could be Mr. Darcy's cousin.

Mr. Darcy had gone from exasperation to rage and from rage to jealousy. He had dreamed that those smiles would be for him, yet his cousin captured Elizabeth's attention.

Elizabeth and Richard continued talking for a few minutes, practically ignoring Mr. Darcy until Elizabeth remembered that she should be having breakfast with her family. She needed to help Jane and Adam contain Mrs. Bennet when she found out who John was.

"I'm sorry, but I must return to Longbourn because my family is waiting for me for breakfast. Nice to meet you, Colonel, Mr. Darcy. Good morning, gentlemen," Elizabeth said and almost ran away from them.

"I'm hungry too. How about we go back to breakfast? I'm sure Miss Bingley must be anxiously waiting for you," Richard said mockingly.

Mr. Darcy just nodded, mounted his horse, and began to ride back to Netherfield, completely ignoring Richard. Finally, after ten minutes, they arrived, and before Mr. Darcy could enter the house, Richard stopped him.

"Darcy, I want to tell you that I liked Miss Bennet very much, and I understand why you liked her. However, I imagine that, as you told me months ago, what you felt for her was nothing more than infatuation, probably, you don't feel anything for her now."

"Why do you ask me? Let me tell you that she is not for you because she practically has no dowry."

"For such a lovely young lady, any man can make an exception, don't you think, Darcy?"

"Don't you dare toy with her, Fitzwilliam," Mr. Darcy said menacingly.

"That's what I needed to hear, Darcy. I've got news for you, my dear friend and cousin; you're absolutely besotted with her. What do you plan to do about it?"

Mr. Darcy looked around him and replied curtly. "I don't know; I haven't decided yet."

"Why?"

"You know better than anyone why."

"Actually, no, I don't know."

"Because she and I do not belong to the same social circle, and an alliance between us must be regarded as a highly reprehensible connection."

"Darcy, there are things more important than social connections or what a group of people you owe nothing can say about you or your future wife. Happiness rarely comes into our lives, don't miss your chance to be happy."

"I wish I could see life as you do, but I can't. As head of the Darcy family, I must think of my legacy before anything else."

"I understand; I think we shouldn't talk about this anymore. You know what you do with your life, and you also know what I think about the way you tend to judge others. But, in any case, in a certain way, I am glad that you have not made a final decision because I think you would have a lot of work to do to convince her to accept you ."

"What do you mean? She and I are…."

"Mr. Darcy, I'm glad you are back. Georgiana just came down to breakfast, so we can all sit down to breakfast together in a few more minutes," Caroline said, interrupting the conversation between the cousins.

Richard decided that he would avoid talking about Elizabeth Bennet with his cousin and had a feeling that he would learn the hard way to value what was really important in life.

P&P

After talking for several minutes without anyone paying attention to her, Mrs. Bennet went to make sure everything was ready for breakfast. She wanted Adam and his friends to feel welcome at Longbourn.

As soon as Mrs. Bennet left the parlor, Charlotte immediately questioned Adam. "Captain, why didn't you tell me that you were coming to Hertfordshire for a few days?"

"Because I wanted to surprise you, and from your face, I think I did," Adam replied with a beautiful smile.

"Yes, I came to this house thinking that I would have to mediate between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and find the whole family here."

"I hope seeing me is better than dealing with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's problems," Adam said a little unsurely. He knew it was absurd, but he would have liked Charlotte to greet him as sailors' wives usually did when they came into port.

"Of course, I am glad to see you, Captain. But I think I told you in one of my letters that I don't like surprises," Charlotte replied. She couldn't believe a man like Captain Bennet was chatting and kind of flirting with her.

"I'm glad because it would be unfortunate if my future wife would be uncomfortable with my presence," Adam said as he lightly stroked Charlotte's hand. "Do you think we may meet this afternoon in the usual place? I wish we could converse quietly as we do in our letters."

Charlotte became very nervous, but she did not avoid the contact. "Yes, Captain. After luncheon, I do not have anything to do."

"I'll be there waiting for you, Miss Lucas. But, also, I would like…."

"I can't stand that insufferable man; why does he have to be everywhere?" Elizabeth said, exasperated.

Adam immediately stood up, and Charlotte hid her nervousness as best she could. "Who do you mean, Lizzy?"

"You won't believe it, Adam. I just ran into Mr. Darcy. That man is like a nightmare."

"Mr. Darcy? What is that man doing here?" Adam asked angrily.

At that moment, Elizabeth noticed that Charlotte was in the parlor and greeted her friend, very happy to see her. "I'm sorry, Charlotte, but I didn't see you. I imagine you remember my brother, and with everything I've told you about him in my letters, I imagine you must be bored hearing how wonderful Captain Adam Bennet is."

Adam looked at Charlotte, puzzled, but she smiled at him to reassure him. "Don't worry, Eliza, all the things you tell me about your brother are amusing, and I never get bored reading about his adventures in the sea or land."

"In my defense, Miss Lucas, I must say that Lizzy always provokes me. I only respond to her childishness in the same way," Adam added, returning Charlotte's smile. But he remembered what his sister just said and asked worriedly. "Did that man say something offensive to you? Why are you so angry? Because if he has disrespected you once and for all, I will put him in his place."

"It's not worth it, brother. He told me the same old nonsense. But I don't want to talk about that man anymore. I better get ready for breakfast; I'll be right back, Charlotte, because I have a lot to tell you."

As soon as Elizabeth left the room, Charlotte approached Adam and said, "Captain, as I told you before, I don't think you need to worry about Mr. Darcy. I think he is attracted to Elizabeth, but he will never do anything dishonorable."

"I'm not so sure about that, Miss Lucas," Adam replied, still annoyed.

"Let's make a deal; let Lizzy handle him as long as he stays aloof and doesn't disrespect her. She knows very well how to defend herself, and I think your intervention could cause unnecessary rumors."

"Alright, but if he dares to hurt my sister, there will be no one to stop me, and I will intervene."

"Breakfast is ready, my dear Captain," Mrs. Bennet said. "Charlotte, sit at the table with us, even if it's just for a cup of tea."

"Thank you, Mrs. Bennet," Charlotte replied.

On the way to the dining room, Mrs. Bennet murmured to Charlotte. "I will sit you next to me, and if you think I'm talking too much, let me know discretely. Do you think you can help me?"

"Yes, do not worry. I will help you," Charlotte replied.

At breakfast, Mrs. Bennet, Kitty, and Lydia were kept relatively under control thanks to the supervision of Mrs. Staton and Charlotte. Mr. Bennet tried to make some unpleasant comments, but the rest of the party completely ignored him until he said something that caught everyone's attention.

"Young man, are you the same Mr. Gray who spent a summer many years ago in Netherfield and often came here to call on my daughters?" Mr. Bennet asked John.

"Yes, sir," John said dryly.

"My friend is the nephew of the former Lord Melton. When his uncle died, he inherited his estate and title from him," Adam added.

"Mr. Gray," Mrs. Bennet said excitedly. "Now I understand why your face seemed so familiar to me. Although I must admit that you are much more handsome now because you are no longer so thin and do not have a scared child's face. Oh, what a joy, now we will be neighbors, and you are also a Baron. I can't believe it; I have a Baron sitting at my table… Oh Jane, do you remember when Mr. Gray wrote you that po…."

At that moment, Mrs. Bennet stopped talking because she felt Charlotte touch her elbow, and she saw Mrs. Staton staring at her. Then she looked at Jane and noticed her blushing, and Mr. Gray was looking at his plate of food with great interest. She finally saw her husband's mocking face, and she remembered all her conversations with Mrs. Staton and Charlotte's advice. "You were always a very nice boy and an excellent friend to my daughters. I am happy that you are here with us, my dear Mr. Gray, or do you prefer that I call you Lord Melton."

"Mr. Gray, it's perfect, Mrs. Bennet. Thank you for the welcome us to your home. I have to tell you that I have always remembered you fondly," said John sincerely.

"You're the one who fell out of the tree with Lizzy," Lydia asked.

"Yes, I am, Miss Lydia," John answered, and everyone started laughing, remembering that anecdote.

Jane and Elizabeth were stunned to see how their mother had managed to control her tongue, and she had not insisted on continuing talking about inappropriate things that only caused embarrassment to the rest of the family.

That is why at the end of breakfast, they approached her to hug and tell her that they had missed her a lot, although Mrs. Bennet realized that it was a way to congratulate her for the way she behaved during breakfast. She couldn't help but feel immensely proud that her daughters appreciated how much she had changed to be a better mother.

After that, Elizabeth and Jane took the opportunity to chat with Charlotte. Mrs. Staton went for a walk in the garden with Mary, Kitty, and Lydia, and Mrs. Bennet stayed talking with John and his aunt about their future plans for Netherfield and the situation of many of the tenants in both estates.

Mr. Bennet immediately went to lock himself in his study, unaware that Adam had followed him there. Mr. Bennet was hurt and angry that his son had come to disrupt everything in his life, and he wanted to see as little of him as possible.

P&P

Spring had come to Hertfordshire, and the morning was so beautiful that Elizabeth, Charlotte, Jane, and John went out for a walk in the garden. Charlotte perfectly remembered the new Baron Melton, and she had very fond memories of him.

Elizabeth took advantage of telling Charlotte how she had spent her time in London, and John and Jane went to sit on the bench in the shade of the apple tree.

"I'm glad you've had the chance to see many beautiful places and meet many interesting people, Eliza," Charlotte said sincerely.

"All thanks to my dear brother, Charlotte. You don't know how much I love him and how happy it makes me have him in our lives," said Elizabeth, taking her friend's arm.

"And you didn't meet any interesting men in London?"

"If you mean if I am interested in any man romantically, no dear friend. I don't know, but I think I'll never fall in love with anyone," Elizabeth laughed.

"You are still very young, Eliza. But times pass faster than we realize. Have you thought about how you would like your future husband to be?"

"Of course not, but I guess he has to be intelligent, tall, handsome, hard-working, and responsible. I could not love a man I could not admire."

"I think I know someone like that."

"Really? Who?"

"Mr. Darcy."

"Charlotte, please, it is not funny," Elizabeth said immediately.

"Don't you think he has all the qualities you described?"

"No, and the truth is that I prefer not to continue talking about that unpleasant man," said Elizabeth, annoyed. "Also, I don't intend to get married; I can live with Adam for the rest of my life if I want to."

Charlotte noticed that Elizabeth always got defensive when they talked about Mr. Darcy. For some reason, she didn't even want to accept the possibility that he might be interested in her. That's why she decided to talk about other things. "Eliza, I remember that Jane and Mr. Gray got along very well, and I see that they have resumed their friendship."

"Yes, and I am very happy for them. And I know what you're thinking, but the truth is that I think it's better they take their time and don't rush things. Time will tell what will happen between them."

"You are right; people need time to get to know each other and establish deeper and truer relationships."

Charlotte and Elizabeth continued walking around the garden as they talked about their lives, occasionally glancing at John and Jane, who were chatting animatedly.

P&P

Mr. Bennet shut himself up in his study after breakfast. He was not happy with Adam's visit and his new attitude towards his family. He sensed that Adam's sudden interest in his sisters had a lot to do with Elizabeth's change. She had always been the only person in the family with whom he had a closer relationship, and he had noticed that she was very distant and had avoided talking to him. So when he heard someone knocking on the door, he thought it was her and felt very happy.

"Come in, Lizzy; I'm glad you came because I want to tell you a few things, and we can also play a chess game." When Mr. Bennet turned around and saw his son, he said dryly. "What are you doing here, Adam? Are you coming to criticize me for something I did or said? I was very quiet during breakfast, and I could see that you appreciate my wife's stupid comments every day more. If you continue like this in a week, you will be as silly as Kitty and Lydia," said Mr. Bennet sarcastically.

"You don't need to get nervous and make nasty comments about your family; I will be as brief as possible. I'm here because I want you to let Mary spend the rest of the season with us in London," Adam explained. He hadn't talked to his sister yet, but Jane and Elizabeth told him that Mary badly needed exposure to a more sophisticated society. In addition, both Mrs. Gardiner and Aunt Margaret had offered their assistance in helping Mary become more comfortable in the new environment.

"You can take all my daughters if you want because I can see that you want to play to be the good big brother so much. But I would prefer Lizzy to stay with me, she and I are very close, and I miss her.

"That is not my decision but my sister's; you must ask her, and I will respect her decision."

"I have tried to talk to her, but she avoids me, so I assume you have told her the tragedies of your life and what a bad father I have always been to you."

"I haven't told them anything about you; I've only told them about me and my life. And by saying that, you show how little you know me because I have never victimized myself before anyone, much less in front of my sisters. Unfortunately for you, anyone who listens to my life story can't help but see how selfish you are."

Mr. Bennet stood up because he couldn't keep control of himself anymore. And what did you want me to do? Don't you see if I had brought you to live in this house with my stupid wife, she would have transformed you into a fool like Collins? Thanks to me and my wise decision to enroll you in the Royal Navy, you are now a man everyone admires."

"I don't understand why you keep justifying your actions if I haven't asked you for an explanation. I am more than clear that you kept me away from your life and from my sisters, not because you were thinking of me but you. First, you were ashamed that my grandfather knew you married a woman without even thinking about it, and then you were ashamed that I realized what a bitter and irresponsible man you had become. But forget about that because for me it is in the past. If there's one thing you were right about me, it's that I never want to be like you. Good day, Mr. Bennet."

"I'm not done," Mr. Bennet said, slapping his desk.

"But I'm done with you," Adam replied and walked out of the study, leaving his father talking to himself.

Mr. Bennet had dreamed all his life of living as far away as possible from Fanny and his silly daughters. He just wanted to spend time in his study immersed in his world of books and self-pity. However, now that Mrs. Bennet barely spoke to him and his daughters seemed not to need him at all, he couldn't help but feel miserable knowing that no one cared about him. But what hurt him the most was realizing that the son he practically abandoned years ago had become the man he always wanted to be.

P&P

After luncheon, Adam excused himself, saying that he wanted to discuss some matters with Mr. Phillips, got on his horse, and headed for Meryton. After making sure that all the documents about his rights as heir to Longbourn were clear, he said goodbye to his sisters' uncle and went to meet Charlotte.

He arrived half an hour earlier than agreed because he knew that Charlotte was very punctual, and he did not want to leave her waiting alone for any minute. Moreover, he desired to talk to her so much that he had made a mental note of everything he wanted to say, but he mainly wanted to give her the brooch he bought specially for her.

"Good afternoon, Captain. What do you think about so much?" Charlotte asked curiously.

"Miss Lucas, thank you for coming," Adam said. "Regarding your question, I will be honest even if you think I am a fool for what I will confess to you. I was thinking about all the things I need to tell you because every time I write you a letter and when I have already sent it I remember that I forgot to tell you something."

Charlotte sat down on the bench by the creek, and Adam sat down next to her. "Captain, your last letter was ten pages long, so I find it hard to believe that you forgot something."

"You said that it would be good if we got to know each other better before we got married, and given the distance between us, it was the only way to do it, don't you think?"

"Yes, I think you are right, and it doesn't bother me to read your long letters, although you don't need to tell me absolutely everything if you don't think it's necessary."

"Even though we know each other very little, I trust you, and that's why I don't mind telling you everything I do. I also really enjoy reading everything you tell me about you," said Adam, but seeing how Charlotte blushed, he immediately apologized. "I'm sorry, I think I've talked too much. I think you should know that I have never had a female friend, and I think I can be very awkward with women in general. This is because I have been surrounded by men most of my life."

"Don't worry; you haven't done anything wrong. It's just that sometimes I'm a little shy because I've never had a male friend, even though I have brothers, but it is not the same. But you must know that I like you to feel comfortable talking to me; after all, our marriage will be based on friendship."

Adam stared at Charlotte for several seconds and added. "I believe that there should always be a degree of friendship in any type of relationship." Adam and Charlotte talked for almost an hour without realizing how time had passed.

"I must admit that you were right because the moment I said please and thank you, that man became less pedantic and actually listened to what I said."

"Some courtesy words and a different tone of voice can make a huge difference, Captain. You are used to giving orders, and many people do not like to be spoken to in that way."

"You're right about that; I guess I need to learn to control my tone of voice," Adam said sarcastically.

"If you don't believe me, let me give you some examples. I will say your sister's name in my usual tone of voice and Miss Bingley's. 'Eliza' Eliza' See what difference it makes the tone of voice?"

Adam couldn't help but laugh. "How did you manage to imitate her voice so well? I saw that woman one time, and I can't stand her."

"Because I like to listen to people. 'Captain Bennet,' Charlotte said in her voice, and then she said, "Captain Bennet" in Mrs. Bennet's voice.

Adam couldn't stop laughing as Charlotte imitated more than one person they both knew. After several minutes of talking and laughing, Adam finally decided to give her the gift.

"Miss Lucas, I've brought you a small gift to thank you for the beautiful handkerchief you made for me," Adam said and pulled out a small case. "Open it, please."

Charlotte took it and when she opened it she saw a brooch with a beautiful stone of very intense color. "Captain, this is not necessary."

"You did not like it?"

"No, I liked it very much."

"That's a turquoise. That is the color of the sea where I have spent much of my life sailing."

"Thank you, Captain," Charlotte said excitedly.

Adam took her hand and kissed it gently. "I bought that stone many years ago because I liked its color." Adam wanted to say more things, but he felt that he was at a loss for words.

"It's very late, Captain; I must go. Thanks for everything."

"I hope to see you at the assembly and that you grant me the first set."

"Of course, goodbye Captain," said Charlotte, and she walked away from the man she admired more and more every day.

Adam only mounted his horse when he watched her walk entirely away. He couldn't believe how lucky he was to find a woman like Charlotte almost by accident.

The only thing that worried him was that he desired to be more than just her friend, and he wasn't sure if she was willing to give him the chance to be his husband.

P&P

Adam and Charlotte were so absorbed in their own world that they didn't notice that someone had watched them for a few minutes and was willing to tell his friend what he had seen.

George Wickham every day became more tired of Meryton, but he had no choice but to remain there, living on the miserable pay he received as a low-grade officer. After the incident with Adam Bennet, Mary King's uncle prevented him from marrying her and got her ten thousand pound dowry, and he was sure the bloody Captain had something to do with it.

But as if that wasn't enough, he couldn't get credit at any shop anymore, and Colonel Forster watched his every step. Besides, neither he nor Denny received any invitations, and they were true outcasts in that damn town.

"Wickham, I have interesting news for you," Denny said and sat next to his friend, who was having a glass of cheap liquor in a seedy bar on the outskirts of Meryton.

"I hear you, Denny, and I hope it's something good because nothing interesting ever happens in this damned place," Wickham replied nonchalantly. "And if you come to tell me that Darcy is in Netherfield, you are late. I don't feel like talking or getting close to him because he came with Fitzwilliam, and he's not as honorable as his cousin, and I owe him more than one."

"It has nothing to do with that man. So guess who I just saw?

"I don't feel like guessing. Just tell me at once," Wickham said exasperatedly.

"Alright, I saw our dear Captain very happy chatting with Miss Lucas."

"Bennett is in Longbourn?"

"That's right, Wickham."

"Because of that bastard, we are like this; I don't know you, Denny, but I want to teach him a good lesson. What do you say?"

"Count me in, Wickham. We just have to make sure we catch him somewhere unawares, and we'll teach him a lesson he'll never forget."

"A toast for that," Wickham said, and the two friends continued planning their revenge against Adam.

P&P

Thanks to all who leave supportive comments and follow the story with enthusiasm.

Someone asked me how I visualized Charlotte, and my answer is very simple, in my mind, all the characters look like the ones on the 1995 BBC series. But I must admit that after watching North and South, sometimes I see my Mr. Darcy like Mr. Thornton. I really want to write a variation about that book, but I have not read the novel yet, I just saw the series, and I loved it.

Another thing, many of you have mentioned that you want to reread some of my stories, and I thought I'd upload some while I'm writing this one. But I would only do it for a month because I don't trust this site, and I don't want my stories to be published without my permission, as happened two months ago. (I am still angry that someone took my work without my permission)

The options are:

You are not alone (edited)

Lost (edited)

Compromised (edited)

In a dream (half edited)

The Aunt (unedited)

Rivalry (unedited)

The one with the most votes, I promise to post two or three chapters a day but consider that three of them are unedited, so you have to be willing to ignore the mistakes. Obviously, if I don't see interest, we leave everything as it is :)

In the next chapter, there will be an assembly and Mr. Darcy will think Elizabeth is handsome enough to tempt him!

See you soon!

Saludos a todos los lectores de habla hispana, muchas gracias por siempre seguir mis historias con tanto entusiasmo.

¡Nos vemos pronto!

Saludos,

Yo