Good morning! I hope you're staying safe and warm wherever you are! Let's just jump right into the next chapter.

The gentlemen called again three days later. Mrs. Gardiner invited them to sit in the parlor, as before, but Darcy suggested that they take a walk in the nearby park instead. Elizabeth was delighted; she was a great walker and the recent constant rains had kept her from the habit. But today looked clear, if a bit cool. At Darcy's suggestion Jules and Mrs. Gardiner rounded out the little party.

Once they were in the park they spread out, with Jules and Mrs. Gardiner in front, followed by Jane and Bingley, and finally Elizabeth and Darcy at the end of the procession. Elizabeth had taken Darcy's arm when he offered it and she could not help but feel the strength and warmth that walking so closely with him provided. If her uncle was right and Darcy was serious in his intentions, she might find herself walking with him this way any number of times in the future.

"Are you warm enough?" Darcy asked solicitously. "Should I have brought a coat for you?"

"Not at all. I am enjoying the chance to be out of doors. At home, in Hertfordshire, I enjoy a long walk nearly every day."

"I thought Paris was your home."

"Very nearly. However, my uncle wrote to my father asking, in view of the unsettled times, if he would prefer that Jane and I return to England. I am thankful that he has allowed us to stay."

Darcy's hand, resting on top of hers on his arm, momentarily tightened and then relaxed. "I brought a gift for you."

"A gift?"

"It seemed unfair to bring something for Jules but not for you. I would not want you to feel neglected." With a flourish he presented her with a book, The Expedition of Humphry Clinker. "I hope you do not have this already."

"Why, Mr. Darcy!" Elizabeth examined the book with interest. Yet again she had reason to be grateful for living in France. She would not have been allowed to accept such a gift in London. "How did you know that I would appreciate a book? And why this book in particular?"

"A woman of intelligence and wit must necessarily be a great reader. And as for this particular novel, I took a risk. After all, I had to start somewhere, and A Declaration of the Rights of Man did not seem fitting for my purposes. I did, however, give serious consideration to A Declaration of the Rights of Women."

Elizabeth laughed at the droll comment. "I know from Mr. Bingley that you enjoy books, but I did not expect you to be familiar with novels."

"Georgiana reads them often enough that I become familiar with them whether I wish to be or not." He accompanied this comment with a rueful shrug. "She is especially fond of stories of romances with a happy ending. This particular novel is full of them."

"Does your sister have any other habits besides reading books and indulging her pet cats?"

"She plays piano and sings all day long. It would be my honor to introduce her to you someday. I think you would discover many interests in common."

Elizabeth felt the full force of this compliment, and she looked away as they continued to walk together. There was a brief pause, and then Darcy added in a low voice, "I am also excessively fond of happy endings."

Once again, the hand that rested so lightly on top of Elizabeth's briefly increased its pressure. Elizabeth debated with herself how to respond. She could have pulled away, putting a distance between them, or she might have responded in kind. In the end she kept her hand as it was, neither pulling away nor coming closer, and they walked on side by side.

After this Darcy and Bingley called every few days, especially when the weather was fair. It became a normal pattern for their aunt and Jules to accompany them to the park, where they would walk for an hour or so, followed by refreshments at the Gardiner home. At other times they stayed in the house, where they took turns reading news and gossip from England. Jane and Elizabeth sometimes played the pianoforte or translated short, humorous articles from the Gazette Nationale for everyone's amusement, for it soon came out that Bingley's French was no more developed than Darcy's. Elizabeth found it ironic that two such highly educated gentlemen possessed only rudimentary skills in the language while she and Jane, who had been educated at home, spoke it nearly as easily as their native tongue! But then she and Jane had lived in France much longer than the gentlemen, who had barely been to the country at all.

After a few weeks of this pattern Jane had given up any pretense of being indifferent to Bingley's attentions. Though she had not spoken openly to Elizabeth about her feelings for him, neither did she hide her pleasure when he called or when his name came up in conversation with the family. Nothing was more likely to bring a smile to her face than to hear her aunt praise his good sense and pleasing manners, or to recount some small exchange of conversation between them. Elizabeth felt sure that if Bingley and her sister continued on their current path, they would reach an understanding sometime in the near future.

As for Elizabeth, her feelings about Darcy were not so clear. Every time she was with him she was more convinced that there were depths to his character that she had only begun to fathom. His devotion to his sister was exemplary. He was well versed on current affairs. He had an opinion on everything, but stated those opinions in such a reasonable and moderate way that nobody felt slighted or offended. And his charity did not stop with Jules; on several occasions he stopped to press coins into the outstretched hands of beggars on the street.

But she did not have the same feelings for Darcy that Jane had for Bingley. She welcomed Darcy's presence in the same way that she welcomed any other friend. She respected his opinion but did not seek it out, and although she had begun to appreciate his character she could not fairly say that she sought his approval. Her feelings were safe, she thought; he had not touched her heart.

And then one day when the sun was shining brightly and the gentlemen were expected to follow their usual pattern, they did not come. At first Elizabeth thought nothing of it. Since they had not visited today, then tomorrow the footman would surely announce their names. But they did not come the next day, nor even the day after that. When five days had gone by Elizabeth finally asked her uncle, as casually as possible, if he had heard from the gentlemen.

"I have not, Lizzy." Her uncle turned the page of the newspaper he was holding. "Business matters must have come up. I daresay they will return when they can."

There was a knock on the door at just that moment and Elizabeth sensed more than saw Jane lift her head quickly. But it was nothing more than a messenger from one of Gardiner's warehouses, and Jane's head soon drooped again.

"Perhaps they had to go to London for some reason," Elizabeth suggested halfheartedly, trying to lift Jane's spirits. But she did not believe her own words. It was more likely, she thought, that Darcy and Bingley had reconsidered a possible union. After all, she and Jane had nothing more than their charms to recommend them. Their father's status as a country gentleman of no particular standing could not be considered an advantage except perhaps to Bingley, and the paltry settlement he might be able to place on his daughters stood in sharp contrast to the fortunes of both men. It was even possible that family members of both men had heard of a possible match and brought their influence to bear. It would be a disappointing but not unexpected end to their short courtship.

"Was that a sigh I heard from you, Lizzy?" Gardiner lowered the newspaper in his hands to peer at her.

"I was just thinking what a shame it is to miss a chance for a pleasant walk in the park. You know how much I enjoy rambling outdoors."

"There is no reason you cannot still take a walk." Gardiner lifted his paper back up again. "Take little Jules and go. You will not make Darcy return any more quickly, pining about the house."

Elizabeth opened her mouth to protest her uncle's characterization of her mood. She was not pining for Darcy's return! But she stopped herself when she caught the slight upward turn of the corners of his mouth. Instead she turned to Jane and asked, with perfect composure, if she would like to walk to the park as well. Jane declined, and so it was just Elizabeth and Jules who ended up putting on their coats and wraps and walking out together.

When they reached the park Jules asked for permission to run ahead and Elizabeth gave it, cautioning him to stay in her sight. The family had already noted that in outdoor settings Jules thrived. In the fresh air, away from constraints, he was a different child. He immediately began investigating his surroundings, bending down to retrieve stones and other items that caught his interest, throwing them as far as he could, and generally frolicking in the way young boys do whenever they are allowed out of doors. She watched him as she idly walked along, savoring the fresh air and sunshine.

"Who is the boy?"

Wickham had appeared at her side out of nowhere and now he was frowning in Jules' direction.

"Mr. Wickham!" Elizabeth stopped short. She had not seen Wickham in weeks and now here he was, seemingly materialized from thin air. "Where did you come from? I have not seen you in more than a month!"

"My apologies, Miss Bennet," Wickham recollected his manners and faced her fully. He took her hand and bowed over it, bestowing the usual kiss as he did so. His lips felt clammy on her skin, and she fought an impulse to pull her hand away. "I have missed your company as much, I hope, as you missed mine." Without asking permission he tucked her hand into his arm and began walking with her.

Elizabeth would have been annoyed by his presumption if she hadn't been so relieved to see him again. She fixed him with a mock stern gaze. "It was very ill mannered of you, Mr. Wickham, to leave the assembly that night the way you did."

"My apologies, Miss Bennet." He gave a slight bow.

"Nobody knew where you had gone or why you had left so quickly."

"I wish I could have done differently, but there were circumstances outside my control. My patron desired my immediate attendance on a matter of great importance."

"I do not understand. When did you acquire a patron?"

"My circumstances have changed somewhat since you and I last met. They have changed most substantially." At her questioning look he continued. "I have risen in importance in the world. I have acquired a patron who is a man of wealth and influence, and he has come to rely on me more and more."

"I see." They walked on a few steps together. Elizabeth waited for him to say more but he stayed silent, and she sensed that he wanted her to ask him more.

"Who is this unknown benefactor? For I suppose you will not tell me until I beg for the particulars."

Wickham gave her a self-satisfied smile. "He is a very generous man, but due to his prominent position in the city, I am not allowed to disclose his identity."

"Very well, then; I shall not beg. But this gentleman, whoever he is, must think highly of you."

"I have been able to assist him in some very material ways recently."

"They must have been very material indeed, to reap such benefits."

He hesitated. "Do you remember when I told you that I deal in rare and unusual items?"

"I do. May I assume that you are now procuring these items on your patron's behalf?"

"Naturally. Of course I am not allowed to disclose what these items are, exactly, nor to give details of their procurement or disposition. But I can assure you, Miss Elizabeth, that this is a happy turn of events for me. My star is rising; my situation is improving every day."

Wickham's handsome face was puffed up with pride. Elizabeth noticed, for the first time, that his wardrobe had improved substantially. The coat he wore was plain in style, following the new custom, but the material was finer than he had worn previously. And it was tailored in the best French style. The ribbon that tied his hair back was silk instead of linen, and even his boots looked brand new. There was something disconcerting about such finery, like a linnet with a gold chain about its neck. "I am happy for you," she finally answered cautiously. This was a different Wickham than the man she remembered.

Wickham did not notice her hesitancy. He squeezed the hand that he held on her arm, much like Darcy had done. "I knew you would be pleased. And best of all, I will soon be in a position to take a wife."

Can this be meant for me, Elizabeth thought with a sudden flash of alarm. She thought of Darcy, and then of Bingley and Jane, and did not know what to say.

Wickham gave a short laugh, enjoying her discomposure. "But we need not speak of that yet. I would rather hear about you. Tell me all the news since we last met. I understand you and your sister have had regular callers at your house."

How had he learned that, she wondered. "This is a day of surprises indeed! If you know that much, then you know everything of importance already."

"There are certain gaps in my knowledge. I know that you have been seen in company with a gentleman, for example, but I do not know his name. Nor do I know who is courting your sister. Come," he said, with his most winsome tone, "you should at least let me know who else is competing for your hand. Who is my rival?"

His self assured manner was beginning to grate on her. Elizabeth tossed her head and pulled her hand away. "My sister and I made the acquaintance of two new gentlemen the night of the assembly. Since then they have called upon us several times. My sister has enjoyed the company of a Mr. Bingley from Scarborough, while I have become acquainted with Mr. Darcy, of Derbyshire."

"Mr. Darcy!" Wickham exclaimed, stopping in his tracks. "Mr. Darcy!" His eyes widened and his expression was one of utmost astonishment.

Elizabeth stopped as well, staring at him. "Do you know him?"

Wickham exhaled forcefully and seemed to collect himself. He took Elizabeth's hand, pulling her to his side once again, and walked on. "I am afraid that I do. Do you recall that my father was an estate steward? He worked for the late Mr. Darcy, the father of the current gentleman, and I grew up on the Darcy estate, Pemberley, in Derbyshire." After a moment he added bitterly, "I know the current Mr. Darcy much better than I wish."

Elizabeth was amazed, and could not help showing so on her face. Wickham gave her a rueful half smile. "I see that I have surprised you. Yet I am only speaking the truth. I grew up at Pemberley, and I am familiar with Mr. Darcy, and his sister, exceedingly well."

"Miss Darcy! You know Georgiana as well?"

"Are you on a first name basis with her?" It was Wickham's turn to be surprised. "Have you met Miss Darcy?"

"Not at all. I only know her from her brother's description. But she sounds like a delightful young lady."

"Oh, she is. Or at least she was, the last time I saw her, several years ago. Since then I understand that she has begun to be rather more like her brother- very proud. But I hope she will turn out better than he has. Her nature is not vicious."

"What do you mean by vicious?" Elizabeth was surprised to hear suspicion in her own voice. Darcy had been haughty when she first met him, but she thought vicious was going a bit too far.

"Will I injure you?" Wickham asked, turning his expressive eyes on her. "Has Darcy made inroads on your heart, and will you believe me if I tell you what he is capable of?"

Elizabeth lifted her chin. "I have no feelings to injure. You may tell me the truth without fear of resentment."

"Very well." Wickham paused. "I have been shamefully used by Darcy, Miss Elizabeth. Most shamefully, most disgracefully, and in a manner likely to harm me the rest of my life."

He waited to see the effect of his words on her, and was not disappointed. Satisfied, he continued. "The old Mr. Darcy was an excellent man- affable, generous with the poor, and esteemed by everyone he met. He was very fond of me, and he wanted me to have a living in the church. When he passed away five years ago he left me a very valuable family living in his will."

Yet Wickham was not a clergyman now. "What happened? Is the incumbent still living?"

"The incumbent passed on three years ago. After that the position was filled- by someone else."

"Why did you not take possession of the living yourself?"

"As I said, the old Mr. Darcy was very fond of me. Unfortunately his affection raised the resentment of his son, and so he did everything he could to make sure that I did not receive the living. Because of the young Mr. Darcy, I was unable to receive the legacy left to me by his father."

"But that is impossible! A will has to be honored! Surely there would be some redress at law."

"There was just such an informality in the law that allowed him to disregard it. A loyal son could not have doubted his father's intent, but Darcy let his pride rule. He could not stand the idea of the son of his father's steward being the recipient of such generosity, not when his father had shown such partiality for him. Pride, you see, is Darcy's great fault. He can please where he chooses. When he believes there is something to gain, nobody will be more charming. But in the end he believes in keeping his distance from whomever he believes to be less than himself."

They fell silent as they continued to walk together. Elizabeth's mind was too full with the information Wickham had just given her to make conversation easily. At length Wickham ventured, "I hope I have not offended you."

"I am not offended," she answered at once, "but I cannot entirely credit what you are saying, either. Mr. Darcy has had his failings, but I never thought him as bad as all this."

"He is no worse than anyone else of his wealth and standing, who believes that they can run the world as they see fit. The rich always have what they want, while those of us who are poor struggle every day. That is what this revolution is about, Miss Elizabeth. Liberty, equality, freedom! Freedom from oppressors, from those who keep others down so that they may rise. What Darcy did to me will never be tolerated in the new France we are building! And I have my chance to rise here, by righting old wrongs."

"What do you mean, exactly? Right them how?"

Wickham smiled down at her. "There are some things that I cannot share even with you, my dear miss Elizabeth. But in time, when my circumstances are more favorable . . . . " he let his voice trail off. "I will be in a position to make changes in my life. Many changes." The look he gave her was full of significance.

Elizabeth looked away uncomfortably, not sure how to respond. "What do you know of Mr. Bingley? Has my sister any reason for concern?"

"I have not met the gentleman myself, but I have heard that he follows wherever Darcy leads. No doubt he is in thrall to the man, overawed by his wealth and standing. Darcy would never tolerate the company of someone he truly believed to be his equal."

They had just about rounded the park and Jules came back to Elizabeth, panting from his exertions. Elizabeth would have liked to keep him out longer, but there was something about this conversation that was making her uneasy. "If you will excuse me, Mr. Wickham, we should go back. My aunt and uncle are probably wondering where we are."

"Of course. I am delighted I have had a chance to speak with you at last. Permit me to walk you home." Their steps turned toward the Gardiner residence. It was a short walk, and Elizabeth said little along the way. Instead she listened as Wickham continued to describe the glories of the new republic now coming into existence, the fraternity and brotherhood he expected to rise as a matter of course, and the example that France would set for the rest of the world. There was no doubt in his mind that every civilized people would eventually follow the trail that France was now blazing. She noted that he said nothing of the excesses of the revolution or of the suffering of those who were so innocently taken to their deaths. The omission was not likely to make her more favorable to his cause.

At her uncle's doorstep Wickham bid her adieu, promising that he would see her again soon. He bowed low over her hand and kissed it as Darcy had. But instead of making her hand tingle, she had to fight an impulse to wipe it off on her skirt. She was inside her uncle's house before she realized that, except for his first surprised question to her in the park, Wickham hadn't even asked about Jules.

So, what do you think will happen next? I hope you'll leave a comment and let me know what you think about this chapter. I love hearing what you think! Have a terrific weekend. -Elaine