Hi everybody! I hope you're having a wonderful weekend, and I hope that you enjoy this chapter! This story is starting to build up the angst, so I hope that's the kind of story you like reading!

"Lizzy, tell me what happened on your walk today," Jane said to Elizabeth when they retired for the evening. "Hold nothing back; I want to hear it all."

"Why do you think anything in particular happened?" Elizabeth looked at her sister with some surprise. Jane with her unassuming nature did not usually make such marked inquiries.

"You were a little quiet before you left the house, but since you came back you have scarcely spoken a word to anyone. And you completely put aside the book Mr. Darcy gave you, instead of reading in it as you usually do. Now tell me truly: did you go out hoping that you might see him somewhere?"

Elizabeth laughed at her sister's construction of the event. "No, I did not! If Mr. Darcy chooses not to call on me again, what is that to me? I am not so desperate for his attention that I might chase him down in the street, or try to engineer a chance encounter in the park!"

"Then why did you come back from your walk with Jules more troubled than when you left?"

Elizabeth studied her sister, wondering how much to tell her. A little truth would go a long way, she decided. She did not have to disclose everything about her surprise meeting. "I had a most unexpected encounter while I was out. Mr. Wickham made his presence known."

"Mr. Wickham!" Jane's eyes widened and she sat down on the chair closest to her sister. "Did you speak with him? You know our uncle said to be on your guard!"

"Well I could not very well ignore him, once he showed up at my elbow! Uncle also said not to give him the cut direct. So yes, I spoke with him."

"How odd that he would reappear now. Why did he disappear so suddenly on that night at the assembly, and where has he been since then?"

"He gave me an explanation which troubled me even more than his absence. That is what has been on my mind ever since." She went on to recount the conversation she had had with Wickham, leaving Bingley out of it, and dwelling mostly on the mysterious patron Wickham said he had acquired. When she was finished Jane looked thoughtful.

"There is nothing wrong with wanting to improve one's circumstances. But I can see why you are troubled at what he said about Mr. Darcy. Surely Mr. Wickham is mistaken in his interpretation of events. There must have been a perfectly good reason why he did not receive the living intended for him."

"You persist in misunderstanding me; Mr. Darcy's actions are of no concern. I am more perplexed by the changes in Wickham than by anything else. You were not there. You did not hear how strongly he spoke about the revolution."

"I do not understand. Didn't you tell me that you had a conversation with him previously, where he expressed little sympathy for those who have been convicted without cause?"

"He went far beyond that today. Wickham is determined not just to build a new world but to use the revolution to right past wrongs- against himself. I could not see it before, but I begin to understand now why our uncle warned me against him."

Jane looked troubled. "You did not tell him anything you should not have, did you? Did he ask about our friends or family?"

"Not at all. We only spoke about Mr. Darcy because Wickham had already heard he was calling." But as she spoke, Elizabeth realized that Wickham had not known Darcy's name, nor Bingley's either. He had known that she and Jane had callers, but not who the gentlemen were. Without meaning to she had given away their identities, simply because Wickham had asked her. How had he managed to inveigle her so?

"Did Mr. Wickham ask anything about Mr. Bingley?" Jane had not noticed her dismay.

"Nothing in particular. Most of our conversation had to do with the revolution. We only mentioned Mr. Bingley in passing." Elizabeth spoke truthfully, but with a sense of guilt as well. She did not want to add to Jane's troubles.

Jane's frown relaxed, but she still looked concerned. "Mr. Wickham has been a little passionate in his expressions, but I do not think he is capable of any real harm."

"Probably not. He is of too little consequence in the world to carry out any deeds he might have in mind. Still, I am not easy about him."

"Our uncle will certainly be concerned when he learns of this."

Elizabeth shook her head. "I have been thinking about it, Jane, and I have decided not to tell him. At least not now."

"Why ever not?"

"Uncle would be so disappointed in me, if he knew that I disobeyed his warning and spoke to Wickham at length. He might not let you or me walk in the park again. And really, what harm has been done? I have learned my lesson; Wickham is to be avoided, and I shall be much more cautious with him in the future. Therefore there is no need to trouble either our aunt or uncle."

"If you think it best, Lizzy," Jane answered after a pause, which showed that in this case, she might not entirely agree with her sister.

"And I shall not give any weight to Wickham's accusations against Mr. Darcy."

This last statement, made with a toss of Elizabeth's head, made Jane smile. "Why do you care what Wickham says about Mr. Darcy, Lizzy? You have said that you do not like him. I thought you were only tolerating his presence because of . . . well, you know." Her face became sad again.

"Dearest Jane! My only wish was to see you happily settled with a man who truly deserves you. I thought that man might be Mr. Bingley, but I was wrong. As for me, I never hoped to make a brilliant match. Instead I shall be content to be an old maid some day, telling my sister's children fanciful tales about the only man who ever captured my heart, the mysterious Fleur de Lys.'

"You need not pretend with me, Lizzy. I know you were starting to care for Mr. Darcy in the same way I cared for Mr. Bingley. One day you will discover that there was some great misunderstanding between him and Mr. Wickham, and that Mr. Darcy's character was everything you hoped it would be."

Elizabeth looked at her sister affectionately. "If there is a way to make both men completely innocent of any wrongdoing, dearest Jane, you will be the one to find it."

A full fortnight went by. Despite Jane's best effort, Elizabeth could see that even her normally even temper had given way to low spirits. She did not blame her. The gentlemen had not called at the Gardiner's home in three weeks, and it was impossible now to believe that the break was not permanent. Even Mr. Gardiner looked troubled when their names came up in conversation, and he said nothing more about their eventual return. As far as Elizabeth could tell he had given up on seeing them again. She exerted herself to cheer her sister and tried not to think about what might have been.

Social activities in Paris had continued throughout the winter, although not at the same level as in previous years. Jane, Elizabeth and their aunt and uncle were invited to a public assembly held at one of the hotels in town. Charlotte came to Jane and Elizabeth as soon as they entered the room.

"I am so glad you are here; I have been longing to see both of you. I have the most startling news! Do you remember the gentleman who asked me to dance at the last assembly?"

"Of course. Monsieur Corbin, I believe." Elizabeth recalled the widowed Frenchman as rather formal and stately, and much older than Charlotte.

"He came to my father yesterday and made an offer of marriage!"

Elizabeth gaped. "My dear Charlotte! I am all astonishment!"

"I was as surprised as you are, you may be sure. He was with my father for nearly half an hour before my father called me into his study. Then he left the room and Monsieur Corbin asked for my hand!"

"Had you any idea of his interest in you?"

"I had some idea of his desire for friendship, which I attributed as a compliment to my father. Nothing more serious crossed my mind."

"But what did you say? Are you entertaining his offer?"

Charlotte looked down for a moment, twisting a ring on her finger. "Would you blame me if I were to accept him?"

Elizabeth and Jane exchanged a startled glance, then looked back at Charlotte. "Not at all, if your affections are engaged."

Charlotte kept her eyes down. "That is just the thing. My affections are not engaged. But at my age this is the only marriage offer I am ever likely to receive."

Elizabeth's heart sank. "I see."

"I am not a romantic, you know. I never was. Monsieur Corbin, a respectable gentleman, has offered me his protection and support in return for domestic comfort and a well managed household. He has not said that he loves me but I believe he respects me. And I believe I can respect him as well."

"But will you be happy with him?" Jane's face was creased in concern.

"Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. In the end, respect is a stronger foundation for a happy marriage than love." She finally looked up at them again. "Do you not agree?"

"Oh Charlotte," Elizabeth answered, trying not to let her distress show, "Can you not have both? For I believe both are necessary for a happy marriage. If you have one, will you not develop the other?"

"Perhaps." Charlotte shrugged, as if it did not matter too much. "At any rate, I hope you can both be happy for me."

"How could we be anything less? I am sure you have made the best possible decision for your future." Jane said, after an awkward pause. "If you are both kind, sensible people, affection is sure to develop." She kissed and embraced Charlotte, offering her congratulations.

By the time Elizabeth stepped forward to extend her own best wishes, she was able to echo her sister's sentiments with what she hoped was a convincing smile. Charlotte had made a reasonable choice, even if it was not a choice she herself would have made. More to the point, what was done could not be easily undone. There was nothing to be gained now by questioning her friend's decision. She only hoped that Charlotte would not come to regret the arrangement some day.

The three spoke together for another minute or two until Jane saw another friend and moved away, leaving Elizabeth and Charlotte together.

"Monsieur Corbin said he will be here a little later, Lizzy. I hope that you will allow me to introduce you to him."

"Of course! I will be delighted to meet my dearest friend's future husband."

"Once you meet him you will not be at all opposed to our alliance. He is perfectly amiable, if a little older than what I had hoped for, and we shall have a house here in Paris as well as one in London."

"A most advantageous situation, then. When will you hold the ceremony?"

"The date has not been decided yet. I am glad that you can be happy for me, Lizzy, even if you do not agree with my choice. You and Jane will never be forced to make my decision," she added, leaning closer to Elizabeth, "I understand that I might soon be offering congratulations to the two of you. You have been very sly with me, Lizzy! I would never have expected you to be entertaining calls from Mr. Darcy! I thought you did not like him."

"There is nothing to tell! Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley have not -" Elizabeth stopped, for a movement behind Charlotte caught her attention. Wickham was standing only a few feet away, watching them intently. He had been completely concealed behind Charlotte and was only revealed by her changing her stance; the conscious look on his face betrayed his interest in their conversation. When Elizabeth caught his eye he had the grace to flush; then he inclined his head and made a little flourish before stepping forward.

"What a pleasure to see you again, Miss Lucas," he now said, bowing low over her hand. Charlotte returned his greeting graciously, though her confusion at his sudden appearance was evident.

"Mr. Wickham, we meet again." Elizabeth kept her voice even, though she was truly displeased. Why was Wickham so determined to keep intruding on her? "How ill mannered of you to listen at the keyhole, though," she added lightly. "You should have joined in the conversation rather than stand about in this mysterious way."

"I did not wish to interrupt two friends celebrating such a momentous occasion." He shifted his attention back to Charlotte. "Forgive me; I could not help overhearing. Please accept my best wishes for your upcoming marriage."

"I thank you."

"Is your family well acquainted with the gentleman?"

"Tolerably so, I believe. My father first made his acquaintance last summer."

"How did they meet? Who introduced them?"

"I believe he was recommended by Mr. Duvall.""

"A most fortunate occurrence for you, in light of this development. Your family will benefit greatly from your alliance."

"I think you must be right, sir."

"What sort of man is Monsieur Corbin?"

Charlotte shot Elizabeth a look of confusion. "I have not the pleasure of understanding you."

"He must have a comfortable income, to afford a wife and two houses."

"I believe so. These are things he would have discussed with my father, not me."

Wickham peered at her impatiently. "Did he inherit from his family, or did he perhaps amass a fortune himself?"

"Upon my word, sir, I know not how to answer. I find your questions rather-"

"Look, Charlotte, my aunt wants us," Elizabeth interrupted hastily, making as if she had seen something over Wickham's shoulder. "Pray accept our excuses, Mr. Wickham. Perhaps we may meet again later." She half steered, half pulled Charlotte away from the man and in the general direction of her aunt.

"Lizzy, are you out of your mind?" Charlotte asked, once they were out of earshot. "You were abominably rude, cutting me off and making an excuse to avoid Wickham's company!"

"Did you not find his questions impertinent?"

"Very much so, as I think you know. But I would not mind telling him that myself!"

"I cannot explain very well right now, Charlotte, but I think you ought to avoid offending Wickham if you possibly can."

Charlotte looked at her friend in amazement. "But I thought he was such a favorite with you! What has happened?"

"I will tell you everything as soon as I can. Only please do not remind me that I ever held that man in regard!"

An hour went by. Elizabeth was alone by the punch bowl, watching Charlotte and her Monsieur Corbin on the dance floor. Jane had been claimed by a gentleman Elizabeth did not know and was doing her best to be an amiable partner, though Elizabeth could see that her heart was not in the intricate dance steps. Her smiles at the unknown gentleman reached her lips but not her eyes, and Elizabeth guessed that, like herself, Jane would rather be quiet at home rather than in this press of crowd. The assembly was larger than any they had attended so far this season; there were many unfamiliar faces and the room was crowded. Elizabeth had given up trying to keep track of the many people she was introduced to. She drank her punch thirstily in the warm room and hoped the evening would end soon.

Then from a little distance away she spied Wickham making his way towards her. The ingratiating smile on his face and the fact that the set coming to an end made it likely that he intended to ask for a dance. Two months ago she would have accepted him gladly, but now just the thought made her head hurt; she did not want to spend the better part of half an hour trying to avoid his persistent attention and questions. She put her glass down on the table and turned, walking in the opposite direction, hoping to lose her pursuer in the crowd. Ducking this way and that, stepping around little groups of people clustered together, she was so intent on her escape that she miscalculated and accidentally bumped into a tall gentleman standing with his back to her.

Elizabeth began a hasty apology as the gentleman turned around. "I beg your pardon, sir. I did not look where I was going. Pray excuse my-" But she got no further, for she suddenly recognized the stately form, the broad shoulders and the handsome features. He looked down at her incredulously as she stared back up at him.

"Mr. Darcy!"

I know everybody hates cliffhangers, but that's where this story is at the moment. You'll have to come back in three weeks to find out what happens next. In the meantime please leave a review and let me know what you think! I LOVE getting the notification that someone has left a comment and I read every word! See you in the next chapter. -Elaine