A/N Made some small but necessary changes in chapter 2 (after some feedback - thanks!) to the scene where Darcy visits Longbourn and the reasoning for Colonel Fitzwilliams being called. and a couple of small change in chapter 3, just after the doctor examines Jane and later, when they are waiting to go into dinner.

Also added a slight change in this chapter, where Lizzy and the Colonel are chatting (after feedback - thanks!). I know it's a bit soon for the personal chat between them but it fits better here until I do a more in-depth rewrite and restructure.

14th November

The next morning arrived with no great change in either patient. Elizabeth was relieved to see no blemishes form on her sister's lovely face, and Mr Bingley was even more pleased to hear it, when he asked how she did as they went into the breakfast parlour.

Miss Bingley and Mr Hurst always slept late and would not be due down for another couple of hours, meaning conversation around the breakfast table was mostly relaxed and lively, even with Mr Darcy adding nothing to it.

Before they had finished and risen from the table, a disturbance in the entrance hall announced visitors had arrived.

Mr Darcy rose from the table and excused himself, rapidly moving to the door before anyone was even announced.

'Fitzwilliam!' he called, as he left the breakfast parlour. 'You have made very good time. I am indeed glad to see you so soon.'

'We left at dawn,' a good-humoured voice replied. 'I have brought the ladies, as you requested,'

On hearing this, the Doctor also excused himself, and left the room, followed closely by Mr Bingley.

Elizabeth, though curious, remained alone at the table and picked at her food. She very much desired to see the new arrivals but manners dictated her behaviour. She would need to wait for an introduction, however sorely she was tempted to peek.

As it turned out, she did not have to wait long. Mr Bingley, after hearing of their early start, brought them all into the breakfast parlour to break their fast. Elizabeth stood as they entered.

Colonel Fitzwilliam was a tall, dark haired gentleman in a red coated regulars uniform, his face lit with a ready, infectious smile. She bobbed a curtsy and smiled in return as he was introduced by Mr Darcy.

However, she had to force herself not to stare at the two ladies he had brought with him. The Doctor introduced them as Mrs Turner and Mrs Mason. They were both very different in appearance in all but one respect. One was short and rather stocky and the other mid-height and rail thin but both had badly marked faces. Scars from the smallpox, she presumed, suddenly realising what would befall Mrs Hurst if she survived, and what could befall her beautiful Jane. Her knees trembled as the realisation finally hit - Jane could even die.

'Miss Elizabeth,' Mr Darcy moved closer to her and spoke quietly. 'You have gone quite pale. Are you well?'

'I am well, thank you.' She swallowed and shot him a look. 'You may think me foolish, but I have just now realised the full extent of what could happen to Jane and Mrs Hurst… and the other poor souls who are also ill, and it rather shook me.' She found it near impossible to withdraw her gaze from the two nurses.

He regarded her intensely for a moment after briefly following her gaze, then spoke in a low tone. 'I think I understand. It is rather shocking to see the possible outcome, is it not?'

Elizabeth finally managed to tear her eyes away from the nurses, before they realised she had been staring at them, and faced Mr Darcy. 'We all know that it is the people beneath the skin that matter, and I feel terrible to even think it, but yes. The thought that my Jane, my poor, beautiful Jane…' she trailed off, unwilling to put the shocking possibility into words.

He was silent for a moment or two. 'I understand completely. Please, do sit. Can I get you a drink? Coffee? Tea?'

'More tea would be most welcome, I thank you.'

As she waited for him to return, Colonel Fitzwilliam came over and seated himself next to her, greeting her cheerfully, but before she could do more that reply in kind, Mr Darcy returned with her cup. She thanked him and he bowed and left them to join the Doctor, currently in discussion with the two nurses.

Elizabeth watched him walk away, took a sip from her teacup and then turned to the Colonel with a welcoming smile. 'Mr Darcy is your cousin, I understand.'

'That's right. His mother was my father's, the Earl of -'s, sister. Darcy is more like a brother to me though and we share guardianship of Georgiana, his sister.'

'Do you have any sisters of your own? I have four and have dearly wished for a brother, mostly for my poor father's sake. He is outnumbered by women.'

The Colonel laughed at this before commenting, 'I do, indeed. I have a sister and an elder brother. Despite that, I prefer the company of Darcy.'

Elizabeth was silent for a few moments. She was surprised that the silent and dour Mr Darcy seemed to surround himself with lively, cheerful friends. She looked, with some confusion, across the room at Mr Darcy, who was standing quietly listening to the Doctor.

'Maybe you can help me understand Mr Darcy a little better… as you know him so well.' She looked across at the Colonel and smiled. 'I am exceedingly puzzled by him.'

'How may I be of assistance?'

'He is friends with Mr Bingley, a most outgoing and friendly gentleman who always seems pleased with whatever or whoever he finds. You, yourself, appear cheerful and good-humoured, yet Mr Darcy…'

'Oh ho!' The Colonel exclaimed, 'You have come across "The Darcy Mask", have you?'

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, and looked an enquiry.

'It is easy explained. Darcy has been hounded and hunted since he first reached his majority and went, reluctantly, into society. Over time he has developed a way to fend off the husband-hunting mamas and their fawning daughters. When he is able to relax with friends and family, he is a totally different creature.'

Elizabeth laughed. 'Poor man. I confess, I had not thought of that. For all the benefits his position in life bring, it must be daunting to be so sought. Well, he can be re-assured on my part - I am no huntress. I have no desire to spear and trap a husband. I prefer mine, should I ever acquire one, to have chosen the status voluntarily.'

'Should you ever… Do you not plan on marrying, Miss Bennet? I thought that was every young ladies' aim?'

''Whatever my desire regards matrimony, Colonel, to meet someone I can respect, and who will respect me in return, seems a difficult enough prospect. Especially so, given my outspokenness and looks, as my mother constantly reminds me.' She gave a short laugh and moved the contents of her plate around with a fork. 'No, my prospects are slim. In my restricted neighbourhood I have not yet met a Gentleman that I would wish to tie myself to for life and likely never will. I am almost resigned to remaining unwed.' She looked up at him with a smile, 'Maybe I shall become governess to my elder sisters' brood. With her beauty and gentle, loving nature, I think she stands a much higher chance of finding a husband than I.'

The Colonel regarded her for a long moment, his eyes moving across her face. 'I understand and I wish you well in your search. I also find the search for a marriage partner difficult.'

She picked up her cup and took a sip. 'I thank you for my part, but I think you will have an easier time of it. The sons of Earls are much sought after, or so I have heard.'

The Colonel smiled rather wryly. 'That may be so, but should I choose a wife, I must marry advantageously. We younger sons cannot marry where we like.'

Elizabeth finishing her tea, concerned she had somehow given him the wrong impression, before turning and twinkling at him. 'I should imagine a man, used to all that having an Earl as a father can provide, would ask a high price indeed. I wish you very successful in your hunt, sir.'

He laughed. 'Despite my mother's insistence each time I visit on furlough, my hunt is to be long postponed. Duty calls first, Miss Bennet.'

'I understand your pain, Colonel.' Elizabeth returned. 'I also receive regular, if not daily, maternal advice on the matter - with fewer opportunities to escape, I might add.'

The Colonel's loud guffaw drew the curious eye of all those in the room, including a dark, severe look from Mr Darcy, and Elizabeth took the opportunity to excuse herself and return to Jane.