The Lucases of which the Bennets were intimately acquainted. Had been a family in trade in Meryton in the past, and since those days past were intimately tied with the Bennets. Their eldest daughter Charlotte had been close friends with Jane and Elizabeth Bennet, and to Longbourn they frequently called.

The morning after an assembly was a sure occasion for the younger Lucases to call upon Longbourn in order to speak of the evening and their experiences.

The ladies speaking amongst themselves about the specific interactions of the previous evening. They paid special attention to the Netherfield party and the regard for Jane and the proud Mr. Darcy. The disaffected opinion of Charlotte towards the pride of Mr. Darcy with relation to his situation in life. The continued protestations of Mrs. Bennet to the mention of Mr. Darcy being amicable in any way, and instructing her daughters to avoid the man.

"Miss Bingley told me" said Jane "that he never speaks much, unless among his intimate acquaintances. With them he is remarkably agreeable"

"I do not believe it" Mrs. Bennet pressed "He is ate up with vanity, and I dare say he looks only at the value of an acquaintance and cares little for the person itself"

"He may prefer to keep the company of those equal to himself in consequence" Miss Lucas supplied "For Eliza to be only tolerable, may reflect his position on the matter of wealth"

"3,000 pounds is a respectable sum" Mrs. Bennet protested "For having four other sisters, it is expected that the division of capital is wide"

"For so very fine a man, with family, fortune, connections the sum may be tolerable" Miss Lucas replied "But deficit if compared"

"It would certainly explain how Alex is permitted into his closer acquaintance" Elizabeth stated "He may match Mr. Bingley in wealth, and Mr. Darcy in connections"

Alex amused himself on the irony of the situation presented by the morning. The facts gleaned from Miss Darcy would have aided the opinions towards Mr. Darcy, but he would not interfere in the logical advance of the story. Those haughty promises to never interact with the man he knows would be broken within a fortnight twice over by Elizabeth, towards their happily ever after.

"You seem quite amused at the recollection of the assembly" Mrs. Bennet supplied noting the smile on Alex's face "Would it be a consequence of a certain young lady"

"If I recall, you monopolized most of her evening in conversation" Elizabeth stated "A ways away from our keen ears"

"You must tell us of your evening. An acceptable description of Miss Darcy" Mrs. Bennet pressed "Is Miss Darcy sweet, genteel, witty"

"I shan't for you shall press towards her acquaintance if I did" Alex deflected "Our agreement stands. You must leave Miss Darcy to myself"

The ladies for the rest of the morning would attempt to gain concessions from Alex regarding Miss Darcy. Alex feeling amused and somewhat apprehensive at the attention paid towards Miss Darcy and himself. The cheerful smiles of Jane and Elizabeth attempting to catch him slipping up into giving away information was all he needed to remind himself of his true goal.

"If Alex and Georgiana were to marry, I would enjoy if they settle in Longbourn" Mrs. Bennet cooed.

"Father and I would be deathly outnumbered, not even Frederick the Great could prevail against such odds" Alex replied "I would prefer to remain in London, where my businesses are within minutes of each other"

"I would like to impose that at your return to London you would invite some gentlemen to the shire" Miss Lucas stated "For Meryton is in great surplus of marriageable women"

"It would be better if you could prevail upon Sir William to bring you to London for the season" Lydia answered "So that you may join Kitty and I"

Sir William Lucas disliked London for he held a disgust for business, and London was the heart of the British trading empire. The aggressive nature of life in London also grated against his sensibilities as he was friendly, obliging and naturally inoffensive. The stark contrast in temperament of person and place made for a bad combination to the detriment of Miss Lucas's marriage prospects.

The calm laughter of Charlotte as an answer to the pointed question, however also brought to Alex's attention, a Mr. Collins. The overly-obliging and fawning clergyman that Miss Lucas would marry. This revelation had quickly struck him as he was overly focused towards the Netherfield party and forgot about the clergyman.

He excused himself promptly and rushed towards his room, to contemplate the repercussions of Mr. Collins not being heir to Longbourn, could have on the story. The fact that Mr. Collins may not seek to reconcile with Mr. Bennet, which would prevent the entire story at Hunsford from unfolding.

Alex remained sequestered in his room until the next morning. Alex at breakfast was visibly uncomfortable and seemed ready to bolt at any moment. This anxious energy was noted by the entire table, but only Mrs. Bennet was willing to breach the subject.

"Business has called me to Kent" Alex stated.

"Kent! How are you to woo Miss Darcy if you insist on fluttering about the country" Mrs. Bennet said, surprised at the sudden news.

"Sir Lucas is hosting a party for the regiment" said Lydia "surely your business can wait three days"

"Yes, three days. Surely your business can spare three days" Mrs. Bennet parrotted "I am certain Miss Darcy will attend, and I insist you meet with her and inform her of your departure"

"If you do not tell her she could feel abandoned" Kitty added "It would be much better to attend the party and inform her then"

Alex sought reinforcement from Elizabeth and Jane, but both only shrugged their shoulders and offered their pity to him through their eyes. Alex looked to his last hope at prevailing upon his sisters Mr. Bennet.

"I must also insist" Mr. Bennet interjected "If only to keep the silliness of my daughters in check"

Alex was aghast at the unanimous decision of the family. He could not risk any more time passing if Mr. Collins has not yet decided on the reconciliation. Alex could feel control over the changes happening slipping from his fingers at the mention of Miss Darcy.

The risk of Georgiana affecting the flow of the story returned with all its vigor. Both choices are necessary for the happiness of his sisters, but both hold so much potential for change if he was not there to control it. He could not map the new dynamic even if he tried, but he would damned if he did not help it along.

He however would assent to their request, since it was the logical choice and would prevent anymore immediate damage to the timeline. A letter of introduction towards Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins respectively would suffice for the moment.