The sound of a carriage and horses stopping outside signaled the arrival of visitors. Mrs. Bennet shouted for Mary to come into the living room from the study and for Kitty to sit down and look busy. Mr. Bennet continued to read his book only partially listening to his wife with humor. Elizabeth finally sat down across from Jane, to allow Charles the option to sit next to her sister. She picked up a book which she had been only half interested in.

When their guest was shown into the living room, Mrs. Bennet greeted them with much warmth. Mr. Bennet surprised his family by setting down his book and shaking hands with the gentleman and speaking with humor with Charles and Darcy.

"I'm glad to see that your time in the rain has not caused you to fall ill."

"Darcy and I are impenetrable when it comes to those sort of things. I can't even remember the last time I was sick." Charles laughed.

It looked like Darcy was about to make some comment on this, but refrained from doing so. Ms. Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, and Mr. Hurst were introduced to the family as just arriving that morning in town and they all sat down while the last of the food was prepared. The younger girls actually stole Charles at the beginning to ask him about town. Darcy stood next to the window with his body half turned to it. Jane talked to her new friends while Mr. Bennet talked to Mr. Hurst who was interested in doing some hunting while he was here visiting. Mrs. Bennet listened to the conversation with her younger daughters and Charles with interest, adding small comments here and there.

"Do you need anything, Lizzie?" Mary asked as she sat down next to her sister.

Lizzie thanked her sister for the concern, "Thank you, Mary. I'm fine. Just lost in thought whilst I listen to the conversations."

Mary nodded, "I see that Mr. Bingley is indeed really nice. Just like the reports."

"He is." Elizabeth agreed.

"I don't know how a man could deal with not only mother but Lydia and Kitty without wanting to cringe when they laughed or spoke loudly."

"He is definitely talented when it comes to that." Laughed Lizzie as she observed the group.

"Mr. Darcy is it? He doesn't seem as outgoing as his friend."

"No, they aren't friends. They only met a couple days ago."

"Really? From Mr. Bingley's comment earlier, I thought they were good friends."

Lizzie froze. She tried to remember which conversation Mary was talking about. Did she miss something? She had been so absorbed in watching her mother lay down compliment after compliment on the ladies' dresses that she had missed the gentlemen's conversation.

"Do you know what they were talking about? What they said?"

"They were talking about their health," Mary said dismissively as she watched Charles make his way over before excusing herself.

Lizzie smiled as he sat down next to her.

"I hope you are feeling better today." Charles began.

"I am, thank you. I hope I didn't cause you and Mr. Darcy too much trouble."

"None at all. I was just glad we were able to find you."

"I must ask though. Did you two really just meet only a couple of days ago?"

Charles laughed nervously, "About that Elizabeth. I ask you to forgive me for lying to you. Darcy is actually the friend who was to come help me in looking at the Netherfield land. When you said that Darcy had insulted you, I decided not to tell you about our connection because you were angry with him. Throwing you two together right after that would've not been good."

"Considering that he didn't even notice that I was the same stable boy he insulted I think it would've been fine."

"However, your opinion of me probably would've changed."

"Why? Just because your friend didn't notice I was a girl and insulted me doesn't mean you did anything wrong. I also acted childish in antagonizing your friend."

"So the great fight is over then." Charles teased.

"It wasn't a great fight and it barely lasted a week. However, I am surprised at you Charles. I never took you one for finding humor in teasing others." Elizabeth lifted an eyebrow.

"Forgive me—"

"Oh no, there's no need for that. My father finds great humor in teasing my mother and his daughters. I take after him so it is only right that I get teased as well. You just so happened to catch me off guard."

"Your father is a very influential man."

"Very funny." Lizzie laughed at the joke.

Darcy watched Charles and Ms. Elizabeth from his position at the window. It looked like she was doing fine which was a good thing. It was also good that Charles had been able to make her laugh. Maybe he wouldn't have to worry about her recovering fully.

Just before it was time for dinner to be announced, a knock came at the door and was answered by Mrs. Hill. The caller was brought in and to the shock of some and the confusion of others, a Mr. Collins was welcomed in by Mrs. Bennet.

"You make good timing sir. We were just about to sit down and eat." She said as the man set down his luggage while the rest was being taken for him.

"Punctuality is always of the most import. I flatter myself that I am always aware the different times of when people eat. A lot of people in the circle in which I have been so courteously introduced into eating later in the day. About an hour after you."

Mrs. Bennet wasn't sure how to take this information and decided to just introduce him to the gathered company.

Elizabeth felt a whole new level of sick and frustration with her mother. She had invited Mr. Collins without informing the rest of the family. The man's letter had only arrived two days ago! Mr. Bennet was surprised but took it in stride with so much indifference that it worried her. She could always count on her father not to force her to marry him. His relaxed behavior was still not comforting.

When Mr. Collins was introduced to the reluctant Lizzie, she cursed the unfortunate timing of her injury that now confined her to the spot she had been placed earlier. Collins took a long time to acquaint himself with Elizabeth and made it so that Bingley was no longer apart of the conversation.

He talked with great length that Lizzie scarcely could get a word or two in. Apparently, he felt secure in his position that he felt that they were already betrothed and that his attentions were welcomed. Elizabeth did not share the same opinion.

Charles went to stand by his friend. They talk in whispers so as not to be overheard.

"So that's him then." Charles murmured, stealing a look at the man who had taken the liberty to sit next to Elizabeth and take her hand in his as if they were already declared as engaged. "I don't like him."

Darcy rose an eyebrow at his normally easy-going friend, "Yes, well it isn't your opinion whether you like him or not, remember. You have nothing to do with the family other than being neighbors."

"But Elizabeth is like a sister to me. She's obviously is distressed by the man and for good reason. Jane was right when she said they were exact opposites that didn't attract." The two men watched as the tete-a-tete was interrupted by Jane joining them. "She's amazing isn't she."

Darcy frowned, "Are we still talking about Ms. Elizabeth or Ms. Jane Bennet?"

Bingley stole a quick glance at his friend with a broad smile on his face. "Well, I don't mind if you're thinking about Elizabeth in that way. My eyes and heart will always be Jane's though."

"Again, you're just falling easily in love. This infatuation will only last for so long before you leave and find someone else with a pretty face."

"May God strike me dead if that day ever comes because I shall only have eyes for my sweet angel Jane."

"Now you're worrying me."

Charles chuckled, allowing himself to be serious again. "If there was a man trying to pursue Caroline that she didn't like then I'd be sure to make it known that he is not welcomed."

Darcy nodded his silent agreement in how he'd protect his sister from any unsuitable suitor.

"My dear Elizabeth, no sooner had I heard of your tragic accident did I make haste to see you," Collins said, giving her hand a little squeeze.

Elizabeth wanted nothing more than to pull her hand out of his grasp and possibly move to the other side of the room.

How did he even get word so quickly that she had been injured?

"I'm perfectly fine thanks to the gentlemen who saved me."

"Yes indeed, I must thank these gentlemen for being such good Samaritans. For it would not do for you to be ill or disabled before we are to be married."

"You forget that there is no wedding set, Collins."

"And for that purpose, I have made this long journey to talk to your father and mother."

Elizabeth bit her lip. It would not do to flat out tell the man that she wouldn't accept him. Especially just after his arrival and there were other guests.

Collins got up and walked on over to Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy who had been still standing with each other by the window.

She watched partially relieved and guilty as Collins mostly spoke with Charles saying a little in between Collins's long dialogue and Darcy saying nothing.

Charles then excused himself to sit with Jane and her, leaving Darcy to fend for himself. Elizabeth only half listened to what Charles was saying to her and Jane, her eyes trying to read lips of what was going on across the room.

Dinner was finally announced, and everyone took to the dining room. To Elizabeth's grief, she was seated between Darcy and Collins. Darcy had seemed to shut down, not wanting to talk, while Collins continued to try and talk to him over Elizabeth.

She was confused as to why he was so eager to talk to Darcy, but better him than her, she supposed.

"I never thought in my wildest that I would find the nephew of my patroness here in Hertfordshire. You have obviously heard tales of the beauty to dwells here, sir."

"No," was Darcy's stiff reply.

"Of course, you are already engaged and to such a wonderful woman. I met her while visiting my patroness, your aunt. Anne is all things genteel."

"Mr. Collins, I prefer to keep my private and personal life, private," Darcy said finally silencing the man.

Elizabeth had to keep herself from laughing when Collins clamped his mouth shut after apologizing.

What Collins said had interested her. So Darcy was engaged. He didn't appear to be the engaged type, but then she never really knew how a man was to act during that time period. Collins had so far displayed enough awkwardness and had given her over a dozen compliments that she wanted to feign a headache and be excused to escape. She was feeling the effects of a supposed engagement where the two had been separated for years and was receiving those years apart tenfold. According to her mother's schemes, it was only planned a month ago. The man didn't even know her, yet he was already talking about how she'd make an excellent wife and once she is properly humbled after meeting his patroness, will feel the great honor of such a connection, as he felt.

"Elizabeth, I had heard that your accident occurred because you had foolishly gone out during a storm by yourself and was thrown off a horse." Collins's lack of feeling and bluntness barely had Elizabeth holding back from using her fork as a weapon. She was able to keep herself clenching it tighter.

"I was outside when the storm suddenly started, yes. I normally ride by myself however. It's a nice time to reflect in the short solitude you have before starting the day."

"Well once we are married, we shall find better things to do like taking rides together in the carriage. Ms. Anne does it a lot with her companion. Riding on horseback is too dangerous for women."

"Heaven forbid them from wearing trousers," Elizabeth added in irritation. Her mother had taken the opportunity of her injured child to take her trousers and now she was in one of her few dresses that she didn't dislike.

"Indeed," Collins said with a nod, missing the warmth in the words.

Darcy listened quietly and at first was confused as to why she brought up women wearing trousers, only to hear Collin's comment. She was basically letting the man speak his opinion about her without him even knowing.

"Mr. Collins. I think you missed the purpose though in when I said I rode on horseback by myself for solitude." Elizabeth repeated.

"Yes but a woman should never be without an escort." Collins plowed on, and then began stating and quoting books about woman's position in the house.

Darcy saw her getting frustrated and figured he could at least try to distract her on some other topic.

The only problem, however, was finding something to talk about. He didn't think it was right to bring up the whole incident about mistaking her as a boy. That or carrying her wet form into the house and almost accidentally taking her clothes off.

Darcy cleared his throat and drank some water to cool himself down.

"Ms. Elizabeth, how are your injuries fairing today?" he asked finally.

She looked surprised but accepted the distraction of conversation.

Her headache had gone away and the throbbing was gone. With only her ankle causing her grief and with the occasional lightheadedness, she was grateful she recovered this much.

"Better, thank you. If it wasn't for you and Charles finding me, I don't know what would've happened. It rained the whole night, I probably would've died from chills." She sounded almost regretful, now having to sit by the man that she clearly didn't like, and the other who she had a rocky beginning with.

"Well with your life all ahead of you, I'm sure things will get better soon," Darcy commented. He wasn't sure what else to say, and there was a long pause before Collins was beginning to talk again. Elizabeth, however, beat him to it and turned to Darcy.

"You carry a gun, correct." She said in a lower voice so she wouldn't be overheard by anyone else.

Darcy stiffened, not sure where this conversation had turned, but not liking it. He had decided it was best to not bring it to dinner.

Hopefully, she wasn't about to ask to use it on Collins, though the man was beginning to look like a pig, stuffing himself.

"I do," he answered, a little hesitant.

"Is it for defending yourself or justice?"

"Justice?"

"Are you a bounty hunter?" Elizabeth pressed with more clarification.

Darcy thought about it for a minute, "In a way, it could be considered bounty hunting or justice as you refer to it as."

"Who are you hunting if there is someone right now?"

"I cannot say. Currently, I'm here to help my friend get settled into his new house."

Elizabeth nodded and Darcy figured he was finished with the topic.

"Is it easy? Bounty hunting?"

"As I said it isn't really bounty hunting. Taking a life should never be easy though."

"There's also the option of bringing them in alive though." Elizabeth pointed out what she had read on a few posters.

"Not all of them."