So I spent a good amount of time plotting the rest of this story. I am pretty happy with it, but this book will likely be pretty long. I have most of the couplings figured out. Also thank you so much for everyone who gave me your opinions regarding the couples. It really helped. In particular, I added a happily ever after for one person who I didn't really think would get much of a mention from here out. So they're much more of a figure in the story than they were going to be.

Anyhow...Do not be concerned that things will seem to go poorly for ODC for a while. There will be a HEA in this story.


Mr. James Bennet called at Netherfield the next day, and was glad to see Mary downstairs in the library, reading with her sister and the Darcys. Mr. Darcy was largely silent, but the others made up for his lack of conversation. Elizabeth was puzzled by Mr. Darcy's behaviour, for he was nearly rude to her and her family in his demeanor. She did not know that Darcy had decided that he had been paying her too much attention, even for a friend of his sister, and therefore decided it would be best to distance himself. He did not wish to raise expectations that he did not intend to meet.

James told his sister that their aunt was to have a card party that evening, and he was to attend. He asked if she would also, for surely, she might have one evening of entertainment while nursing her sister.

"Truly, Lizzy. I do feel much better. The salve has been working, terrible as the application is."

Still, Elizabeth would not be moved. She had promised Miss Darcy that they would practice duets that evening, and she did not wish to disappoint her young friend. Her aunt had parties quite often, but Miss Darcy would soon be gone. She wished to spend as much time with her friend as possible. James agreed and promised to send his sisters' regards to those of their acquaintance that would attend.

James therefore went to the card party, accompanied by his mother, his betrothed, and his betrothed's sister Maria. They were some of the first to arrive as Mrs. Phillips was always in a state before parties and therefore wished to share her nerves with her sister. James and Charlotte managed to keep them calm enough by taking care of most of the directing the servants in everything but the food and drink. Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Phillips directed the refreshments, for Mrs. Bennet took great pride in her ability to set a good table. Often James would hear exclamation of "There must be garnish!" or "Take it back and arrange it in rows! It looks terrible!"

Colonel Foster was one of the first to arrive. James talked with him for some time as others entered and found their way to the card tables or beverages. Colonel Foster was soon to be married as well. James thought his betrothed was much more sensible than Foster's. The lady was Kitty's age and far sillier. She flirted with the other officers in front of her soon-to-be husband. Therefore, when Charlotte asked him if he wished to be introduced to some of the other officers, he took the invitation readily. He had met many of the higher ranking officers at the dinner a sen'night or so before, but many more were in attendance that evening. He was introduced to a Denny, Sanderson, Carson, Garison, Sawyer, and Lee. He could not remember any of the others, for he became most distracted with the presence of one particular officer.

"Wickham," he muttered when he caught sight of the man.

"Are you acquainted with Lt. Wickham, sir?" asked Captain Carter.

"I suppose I am, sir. It is but a very slight acquaintance," said James, trying to hide his distain. It would not do to tip the man off or disrupt his aunt's party. Wickham then caught sight of James and, not knowing that it had been he who truly disrupted his summer scheme, went over to talk to the young Mr. Bennet. Mr. Bennet was perhaps not so rich as Mr. Darcy, but a man of four thousand a year and perhaps more was not someone to ignore.

James did not yet know if Wickham knew of Miss Darcy's presence in the area. He thought perhaps it was her location that had brought him hither. Therefore, when Wickham began to bemoan his cruel treatment at Darcy's hands - a story he had heard twice while in Ramsgate - James put up with the man's tale and listened. It seemed that Wickham was unaware but given that all the principal families in the area were now acquainted with the Netherfield party, James did not suppose it would remain so. It was far too late in the evening to do anything this night, so he kept Mr. Wickham occupied as much as possible, hoping to keep him away from Miss Long, the Misses Goulding, and most importantly, Miss Maria Lucas.


By the next day, it was obvious to Mr. Hadden that Miss Mary Bennet was well enough for the short carriage ride back to Longbourn. He gave them a supply of the draughts and the salve to keep applying to Mary's mouth. He ordered that she maintain the regimen of gargling the tea. He had acquainted Mr. Jones with the treatment the day before. He also gave Mr. James Bennet his direction so he might be summoned if the lady relapsed after returning home. James thanked the physician for the wonderful care of his sister, supposing secretly that Mary owed the man her life. The doctor also had thought that perhaps Miss Mary might have picked up the disease from a tenant, so told James that he might wish to check to see if any of his tenants were ill. If they were, they should begin with the tea and vinegar treatment immediately and he might ask Mr. Jones to make up the salves and draughts.

After thanking the doctor again, James left his sisters together with Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley as they finished their tea. His query, or rather one of the two, Colonel Fitzwilliam, was found in the billiards room with Mr. Hurst. James asked for an audience with the Colonel and the request was granted. James related the particulars of Wickham's commission in the regiment, that he was unacquainted with Miss Darcy's presence, and that James would do his best to warn the locals away.

"Do be careful," said Colonel Fitzwilliam, "Wickham can have a vindictive streak. You have sisters..."

"I will ensure he does not know it was me," said James, "and Mary and Lizzy are too sensible to be swayed by him."

"Wickham is not a man who cares if the lady is willing to be swayed," said the Colonel.

"I see," said James with a scowl.

"Indeed. I know your sisters like to ride and go for walks. Perhaps a groom or footman might be a better choice than a maid for the time being."

"I will see to it. I thank you," said James, before taking his leave and helping his sisters get settled into the carriage as they said tearful goodbyes to their friends.


James Bennet was fortunate enough to have three of the town's biggest gossips as relations to either himself or his Charlotte. Lady Lucas, Mrs. Bennet, and Mrs. Phillips all were gathered at Longbourn the next day, and James supposed this might be the perfect way to acquaint the neighbourhood with Mr. Wickham's character. When Lady Lucas mentioned Colonel Foster's engagement, James knew his opening would come soon.

"So pretty, that Miss Harriet. It is a shame that my Lizzy and Mary had been trapped at Netherfield with Mary ailing, for else Mary might have appealed to him. She looks rather like Miss Harriet," added Mrs. Bennet to Lady Lucas's previous statements.

"Perhaps you would not wish it," said Lady Lucas, "For I have heard how it came about. Let us just say that the engagement was not something Colonel Foster intended before that very day. They were stationed not so very far from here, you know, before they arrived, I mean. Miss Harriet rather gave her hand to him rather than him asking."

The ladies exclaimed at the gossip, saying they supposed as much when they met her, even if they had supposed no such thing.

"At least he is a man of honour," said James, "For I have heard that not all his men are the same."

"What do you mean, dear James?" asked his aunt while Charlotte looked at him quizzically.

"Only that I know of a man in the regiment whose behaviour is not something I should describe in polite company."

"It is not that Mr. Wickham you spoke to all evening? Why would you keep company with such a man?" exclaimed Lady Lucas.

"Madam," said James with a slight bow, "I did not wish to, but as there were young ladies present, I felt it best to keep him occupied with cards and conversation rather than let him roam about freely."

"He is not then to be trusted around young ladies?" asked Mrs. Bennet.

"I would not wish him around any of my sisters," said James, "or those soon to be my sisters."

Lady Lucas proclaimed that she had supposed the man too smooth in his speech. The other ladies agreed.

By the next morning, word had spread that some of the officers, and one in particular, was not to be trusted. James also gave a hint to several shopkeepers who he knew liked to talk that perhaps credit might not be lent to the man, for he was known not to repay his debts. All that he spoke to confirmed that Mr. Wickham had already accumulated some small debts, but they had not known it to be anything unusual as many officers paid their accounts at the beginning of each quarter when the regiment had come in the past. The butcher in particular was useful in spreading the word of Mr. Wickham, for everyone had to visit his shop eventually.


The next day, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy called on Longbourn to ask after Mary's health. Mr. James Bennet, Miss Bennet, and Miss Mary Bennet greeted them in the sitting room and they all sat down to tea. Although she was still often tired and had yet to be completely free of the sickness in her throat, she was much improved. Mr. Darcy noted to himself that she did not look nearly so pale as she had when she stayed at Netherfield.

"May I ask after Miss Darcy, sir?" said Elizabeth, for the young lady was not often absent when any other member of their party called.

"My cousin has returned to town on business. Miss Darcy has returned with him, for my Aunt Elinor requested her presence," replied Mr. Darcy.

"Since I do assume that she will not soon be returning, please do give her our family's regards and affirm that I so desire to keep up a correspondence," said Mary. The others added their regards as well and Elizabeth her wish to write as well. Darcy agreed that he would tell his sister so and that his sister had already been drafting a letter regretting that she could not take leave in person.

"Is this then your leave taking call?" asked James.

"Unfortunately, yes," said Mr. Bingley, "My siblings and I will be returning to London for the season. Darcy says he shall enjoy the season, but he is always flitting about from one of his properties to another, I doubt he will attend a half dozen parties."

"I do apologize that I could not dance last season when scarlet fever swept through Pemberley's and Longsdale's tenants," said Darcy with some offence.

"I only tease, Darcy. I did not mean that you should neglect your people. I just know that you do not enjoy large parties, so I am surprised that you say you shall stay in town," said Bingley.

The matter was then dropped. Mary asked, since they did plan to spend some time in town that winter, if they might call on Miss Darcy and Miss Bingley when they did. The gentlemen agreed that they might. It was not long until the gentlemen left, for they had many leave-taking calls to make if they were to depart in two days.


The Misses Teann's Seminary for Young Gentlewomen, Brighton,

20th November

My dearest family,

Pray, do excuse my writing to you all together. We have several examinations and I have not the time to write so much as I did before, but I did not wish anyone to feel slighted. I am well, as is Lydie. Lydie finally seems to have made a friend in Miss Hautain and she detests school less now. I am so glad for her, for I think she may only have been lonely. Miss Dor is very thankful for your invitation to visit. I do hope Lydie did as I said and told you that Miss Dor is in half mourning. My lavender gown would suit her well, I think. She only has grey and black gowns, for she has not the funds to buy others, even though she is no longer in full mourning. It has been nearly a year since her parents passed. I believe it was just after the New Year.

I would so adore going to the opera, James. Will we all go to Aunt and Uncle's? Lydia wishes to know what the required score in the languages would be to be allowed to attend. I wish to know as well, for my scores are certainly not perfect. Mary and Lizzy will be glad to hear that I am doing very well with my harp and lyre, so I cannot wait to play duets with them. Lydia plays the pianoforte now, albeit reluctantly. I do think much of the music here is not to her taste. Perhaps some of the more jolly tunes that we have at Longbourn might be more to her liking.

I do thank you, James and Papa, for arranging for us to have dresses made. Miss Teann helped me find a very lovely blue fabric that matches my eyes ever so well. Do not worry, for Miss Teann ensured we selected dresses fitting for our age and the fact that we are not out.

I do not know what else to say, for most of my days are only filled with lessons and matters of only girlish concern and you would not know the principals in the stories. Do tell me more of home and of the wedding plans as they progress. I am so very excited.

All my love,

Kitty