A/N: A reader sent a comment about vaccinations and how long it would take for immunity to be acquired by the person vaccinated (blood titre levels were mentioned, etc), and that this was giving them problems with the story.

The CDC website says 'In addition, the vaccine was proven to prevent or substantially lessen infection when given within a few days after a person was exposed to the variola virus.' Other medical sources say the same. I know the modern vaccinia vaccine is not the same thing as the cowpox vaccination used back then, but the vaccinia virus is thought to be a hybrid of the cowpox and smallpox viruses, so for the sake of story progression (and not having found anything more detailed from back then about how long it takes for immunity to kick in) I decided the way the cowpox vaccination worked on the body would basically be the same as for the modern vaccination.

Another reader commented on her boredom of the usual characterisations. In my first attempt at a variation, I didn't want to veer too wildly from the original characters (although Kitty is turning out to be a bit naughtier than I'd originally expected).

BTW, for those who fancy reading about an unexpected Jane, give 'Happier in her Friends than Relations' by Jayne Bamber a try. There's a couple of new additions to the story that add some spice, too. It's good fun and surprising, although Elizabeth is pretty slow on the uptake at times, I suppose having thought of a person a certain way your entire life, it's hard to realise you were wrong about them.

This last comment is for the reader who said the story is bleak - the storm is almost over, sunshine is coming. I promise.

23rd November

Jane wasn't with her mother when Elizabeth tapped on the door and entered. Instead she found Mrs Mason, one of the Nurses from Netherfield, knitting by the fire.

'Mrs Mason, I am glad to see you here.'

'Mr Bingley asked me to come an' nurse this lady, miss.'

Elizabeth nodded, and smiled. 'It was very kind of him. How is my mother today?'

'She's bin sleeping, off an' on, so I sent Miss Bennet out for some fresh air wi' her young man.'

'Well, if you don't mind, I will sit with her for a while.'

Mrs Mason just nodded and returned to her knitting.

Elizabeth sat in one of the easy chairs by the bed and looked at her mother. She was restless, one hand twitching as she slept. Elizabeth put her hand over her mother's restless hand, hoping to soothe her, but at the touch her eyes flickered open and she looked over.

'Lizzy? Is that really you?'

'Yes mamma.'

'I never thought I'd see you again.'

'Don't talk like that mamma, once Lydia gets well, we'll come home, and all will be as it was until Jane marries.'

'Jane marries… yes. They should marry soon with a special license. I would like to know she was married before…'

'But Mr Bingley is mourning his sister mamma, he cannot marry yet.'

'His sister?'

'Mrs Hurst. She lost her baby due to the smallpox and then died a few days later.'

'Oh, that poor dear.'

'So, you see he cannot marry until his mourning is over. They have yet to bury her, after all.'

'He must not leave before marrying Jane, or he may never return.' He mother grasped urgently at Elizabeth's with her feverishly hot hand.

'Mamma, I cannot force them.'

'I must know they are married before I can rest.'

'You will be at their wedding, for who else will make sure it is arranged correctly? Do not worry, mamma.'

'Lizzy, listen to me. I will not be here to see them, if it is not done soon.'

Elizabeth felt a cold chill. Was her mother delirious?

Soon after, Mrs Bennet dropped back into a restless sleep. Elizabeth quietly moved away and sat by the nurse, who patted her hand as she sat.

'Don't you be payin' her no mind. She's speakin' with the fever on her, but she be doing well.'

Elizabeth huffed out, not sure what to believe. 'You do not think she'll die, then?'

'I'll not be givin' a nice young lady like yersel, false hope. Jus' you wait an' see.'

Elizabeth nodded and gave her a shaky but hopeful smile before leaving the room to find Jane.

In Mr Bennet's study, he sat back in his chair and said, 'So, Mr Darcy. What can you tell me about this Wickham fellow?'

Mr Darcy paced back and forth before stopping in front of the fireplace. 'All I can do is relate my family history with him. It is a long, mostly unpleasant story beginning with my father, and his.'

Mr Bennet pointed to a chair and lifted a glass suggestively. Mr Darcy nodded acceptance and a generous measure of port was poured and placed before him.

After sipping his drink, Mr Darcy continued. 'Old Mr Wickham was my father's steward and a very respectable man. He had the management of Pemberley for many years and his good conduct and excellent service naturally inclined my father to be of service to him. When young George Wickham was born, my father agreed, with pleasure, to be his godfather and bestowed his kindness most liberally, planning to assist him to a living once he had completed his studies at school and then at Cambridge. Such support was necessary due to the extravagances of Mrs Wickham, from who, I discovered once we were at college, her son inherited his profligacy. He hid those tendencies from my father but I, who had the opportunity of seeing him during unguarded moments, came to understand his vicious propensities and want of principle, despite his engaging manners.'

He paused to collect his thoughts, taking another sip of his drink to wet his dry mouth.

'He is a gambler, Mr Bennet, and a seducer. He has few morals and will not hesitate to lie and cheat his way to whatever he feels he has a right to, whether it be money or a lady's virtue.'

Standing and pacing, Mr Darcy continued with his story. 'My own father died five years ago, still with no idea of how Mr Wickham was living his life. He left Mr Wickham one thousand pounds in his will along with a valuable living, should he desire to take orders once it became vacant. Old Mr Wickham died soon after mine, and within a half year Wickham finally wrote to me, having not bothered to even attend his own father's funeral. He informed me that he had no desire to take orders and would prefer more immediate compensation for the loss of the living from which he could not benefit. He said he wished to study the law and needed support for his studies beyond that gained from the interest of one thousand pounds. Knowing Wickham as I did, I admit to some disbelief in his sincerity, but I was willing to agree to pay him another three thousand pounds on top of the initial one thousand pounds willed to him. For that, Wickham resigned all claim to the living and any future assistance in the church should he change his mind in that respect. I expected that would be the last time I heard from him.'

Mr Darcy fell silent and returned to his seat.

'I take it from your last comment, that it was not?'

'Sadly, no. On the death of the incumbent, some three years later, he again wrote to request the presentation of the living. With no little surprise to me, he had found the study of the law an unprofitable business and now wished to be ordained, not that he had yet taken any steps toward that desire. Instead, I had heard rumours of Wickham in town and his life there of idleness and dissipation. As such, I was disinclined to agree to his demands, despite his assurances that his situation was exceedingly bad. On my rejection of his claim he was violent in his abuse to me, and of me to others, and all appearance of acquaintance was dropped.'

Mr Darcy bowed his head.

'And so that was the last you heard from him?' asked Mr Bennet.

Mr Darcy hesitated, considering. 'It was not. I must ask your complete secrecy on this next part, as it could damage a young lady's reputation. I would wish to forget it myself, but I think you need to hear it to understand the full depths of this man's depravity.'

Mr Bennet nodded his silent agreement and waited as Mr Darcy again paced the room.

'About a year ago, my sister, who is just fifteen years old, was taken from school and an establishment formed for her. Georgiana is under the guardianship of myself and my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, who I believe you have met.'

Mr Bennet again nodded.

'This summer, she went, with the lady we employed as a companion-a Mrs Younge—to Ramsgate. This lady deceived us, as it appears there was a prior acquaintance, and a plot formed, between her and Wickham.'

Mr Bennet groaned.

'I see you understand. Encouraged by Mrs Younge, Wickham convinced my sister to believe herself in love with him and to consent to an elopement. She remembered only his kindness to her as a child and knew nothing of his behaviour away from Pemberley. His chief purpose was, of course, her fortune of thirty thousand pounds, but I have little doubt the thought of revenge was also a strong inducement.'

Mr Bennet leaned forward urgently and croaked, 'You prevented this?'

'I did, but more by luck than design. I arrived a day or two before the planned elopement and she admitted the whole to me. Her heart was broken when he left without attempting to see her or convince me of his love for her. She is now recovering at Pemberley with a new companion.'

Silence fell while both men contemplated the near disaster.

Mr Bennet broke the silence eventually. 'But what does he want with my Kitty? She has nothing to tempt him beyond herself.'

'He may just be amusing himself as he surely does not mean marriage. I suspect he knows of our connection through Bingley and Miss Bennet, and is hoping to hurt me, or enrich himself through your family's connection to me. He knows I have cleaned up after him before. Where the possibility of gaining money without labour is concerned, he is capable of anything.'

Mr Bennet leaned back in his chair and took a sip of his Port, contemplating the issue. 'I would have expected something like this from Lydia, not Kitty. Still, something must be done. I will speak with Kitty, and my other daughters, and send her back to the nursery if need be.'

'If you need proof of his actions, I can have documentation sent for. It is in London and easily retrieved. It may be more convincing to her than my words, as he will have filled her ears with poison against me and is a very convincing liar.'

'I thank you. I will send word once I have spoken to her, should it be necessary. One more thing, Mr Darcy.'

Mr Darcy inclined his head and waited.

'Kitty was not incorrect in one thing. May I suggest you not be found walking alone with my Elizabeth in the future. You may find yourself more entwined in her future than you might like.'

Mr Darcy flushed, but his reply was prevented by a tap at the door. Instead he gave a sharp nod.

'Ah, that sounds like my Lizzy's knock.'

Mr Darcy stood. 'Then I will take my leave now. Good luck, sir.'

Mr Bennet stood and held out a hand and the gentlemen shook.

Elizabeth discovered Jane and Mr Bingley walking in the garden with Mary as chaperone. Not wanting to interrupt them, she went instead to her father's study, and tapped on the door.

It was opened by Mr Darcy, who was taking his leave.

'Miss Elizabeth, would you like me to send a carriage for you later?' he asked.

Elizabeth looked at her father, 'Would our carriage be available for me later, papa?'

'You need not worry, Mr Darcy, I will make sure she arrives at Netherfield safely. I need her here when I speak with Kitty, Mary and Jane. Maybe we can all have a meal together before you have to go, my dear.'

'Oh, I would like that. It seems an age since I last dined at home. Thank you for your kind offer, Mr Darcy, but I must decline. Could you inform Miss Bingley I will not be there for dinner?'

Mr Darcy bowed and left, and Elizabeth looked at her father. 'Well?'

'Mr Darcy had quite a tale to tell. I am not at liberty to explain it all to you, but suffice to say, Mr Wickham is not a man to be trusted.' Mr Bennet frowned. 'I may even need to send Kitty back to the nursery.'

Elizabeth grimaced. 'That bad, is it?'

'It is indeed. With your mother abed, and my most sensible daughters otherwise engaged, I think an outside party might be required, though it would be hard to tempt a companion here with the smallpox upon us.'

'I will ask Mr Darcy if he has any suggestions when I return. In the meantime, what do we do now?'

'Call your sisters together and gather in the parlour. I would speak to you all at once about this.'