Charles rode into town first thing in the morning to check if he had any telegrams from Darcy yet. His sister Caroline was incensed that he would leave right when she had arrived all the way from the city. 'And all for some country miss who decided to run away. Why should a man as important as Mr. Darcy, go after her when her own father hadn't.'

The abuse went on even after Charles had closed the front door behind him.

Honestly, he wished his sister would find something productive to do other than chasing after his friend when he clearly didn't want to marry her. Though both men tried to discourage her, she would not get the hint.

Sighing and shaking his head, Bingley concentrated on the trail to Hertfordshire. Maybe, if there was a letter from Darcy, then he'd have an excuse to pay Jane a visit.

Charles really wanted to spend more time alone with her, but with all the chaos of the sudden storm and Lizzie then the unsavory cousin that led to Lizzie running off, he was too preoccupied.

"Perhaps a picnic would be nice," he smiled to himself at such a wonderful plan.

If he got to town fast enough, he could order some food and prepare it for an outing. Jane would no doubt have eaten breakfast, but a light snack wouldn't hurt.

With that idea firmly in place, Charles urged his horse to go faster.

The town seemed to have exhausted the subject of Elizabeth Bennet's disappearance and moved on to speculation of her ruin.

Charles rolled his eyes at this.

Again, things like that hardly mattered anymore, at least to him. Charles had a feeling that his sisters would care greatly. A little thought at the back of his mind wondered if it would matter to Darcy.

He saw the way his friend looked at her. Maybe she could bring back that smile that had been taken away after his sister's accident.

Dismounting his horse, Bingley tied the reins to the hitching post before climbing the boardwalk steps and entering the telegram office.

"Morning, sir," Charles greeted with a warm smile, "I was wondering if there was anything recently for Charles Bingley?"

The man behind the desk looked in his books and nodded, "Yes sir, this one came in early this morning."

Charles pulled out the money he owned before taking the letter and reading it.

The shorthand message was definitely from Darcy and he sighed when he deciphered that his friend had indeed found Lizzie

"Excuse me," Charles called for the owner once more, "Sorry to bother you again, but could you send something for me, please?"

The man agreed and waited for Charles to write down what he wanted to say.

Meryton. F Darcy.

When will you return. Is his brother with him.

Charles Bingley.

Once the letter was sent, Charles placed the one from Darcy in his pocket and head to the restaurant to see about the food for his picnic.

Jane was surprised to see Charles stop by early that morning and ask for her to accompany her for a ride. She agreed quickly and went back inside only to retrieve her bonnet and a shawl.

After they were about ten minutes from the house Jane finally spoke.

"I thank you for the distraction. My mother is quite upset about Lizzie and is sure it will spell disaster for the rest of us. Mr. Collins has been going on since yesterday about fallen women and how Lizzie is lost forever. To his credit I guess, he did suggest the army was called in to search for her, being certain she was kidnapped by Indians or outlaws."

"I'm glad I can help in any way," Charles chuckled, "I only wish I can do more."

"Oh no sir, you have done so much already for my family. So has Mr. Darcy. It was not necessary for him to try and go after her and I won't feel upset if he should not. After all, Lizzie wasn't looking to be found."

"Then I'm sorry to disappoint her then," Charles grinned, "My friend is an excellent tracker, sometimes bounty hunter. I'm afraid that even with Lizzie's half a day head start, she stood no chance of not being found by him."

"Really?" Jane's eyebrows rose in shock before she smiled, "I am sorry for Lizzie. I know it will not be easy to be so easily caught after all her planning."

Charles reached the perfect spot for a picnic and dismounted. He helped Jane down and then began to spread out a blanket.

"What's this?" she chuckled.

"I figured that the best way to talk business is to do it while eating."

They sat down and Charles pulled out the food.

"What business would that be, sir?"

"Well, as I said, my friend, Darcy wrote in a telegram that he found your sister. He said some other things about finding his childhood friend as well but that is not important to you. They're in Meryton now."

"So they're coming back then?"

"About that..." Charles was a little confused about that himself, "Normally Darcy wouldn't leave something out in his messages."

"So, you think that he isn't returning yet?"

"Possibly. I sent him a message to ask for their plans."

Jane nodded, not sure what else to say.

Charles rubbed the back of his neck trying to figure what he should talk about next.

"So, is Mr. Collins giving you or any of your sisters any trouble since his fiance ran away?"

"To me, no. My mother has discouraged him in that area thoroughly. She is trying to push Mary on him, but my sister does not wish to marry."

"It seems that she takes after her sister Lizzie. I... I hope you are not of the same mindset," Charles asked hesitantly.

"My sister Lizzie and I are in agreement that we shall marry for love. Though my sister has unfortunately given up on ever finding love, at least here, I still believe it is possible as long as you're willing to be patient."

Charles could only smile at his beloved Jane before he remembered his manners. He cleared his throat nervously.

"I know we haven't known each other for very long and haven't had time to actually be alone much to talk, but I was wondering if you wouldn't mind if I courted you."

"Really? You'd want to court me?"

"Of course," Charles scooted closer and held her hands in his, "Jane, you are the sweetest, loveliest woman I've ever met. I'd be a fool not to see that. And yet, I know there is more to you than others give you credit for and I don't want to be like them. I can see that you are special, and if you give me the chance, I would love to make you happy for the rest of your life."

Jane felt so overjoyed that she could cry. Instead, she did something that she never did before. She initiated a hug with a man.

Charles was beaming with joy and the two of them laughed and sat close to each other, not yet ready to separate.

"Would your father wish to know the news on Lizzie?"

"I think we can hold off until we hear from Mr. Darcy again to see what is to happen next."

"Very well," Charles conceded, "Might I see you later on today?"

"I think I need to go into town today for some errands," Jane said slyly.

"I would be happy to assist in any way I can."

The two finished their light snack before Bingley packed up everything and helped Jane onto her horse.

After seeing that she made it home safely, Charles rode home, humming happily to himself.

Caroline was of course there to greet him with her displeasure of being left at home with absolutely nothing to do.

Bingley refrained barely from rolling his eyes, "This is the frontier, Carrie, what did you expect?"

"When you wrote and said Darcy was here assisting you, I expected him to be here."

Charles had been walking to his room, his sister falling him, her skirts swishing around her ankles.

Turning swiftly around, Charles leveled his sister with a glare he was sure Darcy would approve of.

"Caroline. Darcy is his own man and can do whatever he pleases without seeking any of our advice on the subject. He was here out of friendship to assist me in looking over Netherfield and he has done so. My neighbors are willing to further assist me in learning the land, releasing Darcy of needing to stay. He has other things to do."

"Oh Charles, you act like I don't know that Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy isn't always busy doing things. He owns a great deal of land and is very rich. In order to make sure he stays that way, he'd have to see to such matters. Matters, however involving some nameless girl is scandalous."

"Ms. Elizabeth is not a nameless girl, Caroline. Neither Darcy nor I care about such things as scandals when it comes to lending assistance. It is what's done out here. People in the big city would stand by and watch a poor soul die before moving an inch to help," Charles said in disgust.

"Your time out here is obviously affecting you. Perhaps we should leave and return to the city."

"Leave if you want. I will be staying in my home."

He crossed his arms over his chest.

Caroline stomped her foot in frustration before storming off to find her sister.

Once his younger sister was out of sight Charles sighed in relief before going to his room and wash up for lunch. He wanted to look his best for when he met Jane later on that day.