Hi everyone. I just wanted to say I am so happy to read your comments. It is good to know which parts you liked. It is such fun to read your thoughts and your speculations. And there was one Guest who practically screamed at Lydia. Quite entertaining. ;-)

I am glad to know some of you liked this softer side of Darcy, Jane talking sense into Lizzy, and also the banter between Mr and Mrs Bennet. I would like to think that infusing such elements into the story contributes to character development.

Thank you to the following readers who left reviews:

Deanna27, pemsnowy, Pablo M. Portillo, Motherof8, Guest, Guest, Lisa, RHALiz, Guest, Shelby66, crispill, Yana5, liysyl, Colleen S, Guest, srhittson, Levenez, lpinney, Cyn7Ann, Danikae27, petitpain, PDS1

A special thank you to readers who PM'ed me to send encouraging messages and even a fic story request!

Thank you for your trust. I am humbled and will keep trying to improve.

Please stay safe.

/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/

After meeting Mr Wickham the day before, Lydia had been hatching a plan. Her main goal was to be married to the handsome officer. She was convinced that Mr Wickham had been hinting at his interest in her but that he could not act on it due to his low income from working in the militia. Mr Wickham had told her to find a dashing husband and set some money aside for starting her married life. Lydia interpreted that as a message from her ideal husband giving her instructions on how to pave the way to their marriage. She vowed to save all her pin money for their future but knew that it will not be sufficient.

Lydia had woken up early the following morning and volunteered to tend to Lizzy after breakfast. She was anticipating that her poorly sister would still be asleep so she would have time to look through her belongings. Her older sisters were very frugal with their pin money. Lizzy hardly spent her money except on books while Jane only used hers on essential items. Thinking that her sisters did not really have a great need for money, especially with the prospect of them marrying rich gentlemen, she believed that there would be no harm in taking their spare coins. They probably would not even notice anything was missing.

The next stage of her plan was to see Mr Wickham as soon as possible. She could hardly contain her excitement, knowing that she would be able to give him some money for safekeeping. She carefully wrapped all the coins in a handkerchief. All she needed to do now was to head to Meryton to find him.

"Mamma, can I go to Meryton with you and Mary?"

"Lydia, you already went into town yesterday. I was thinking of taking Kitty instead."

"Can we not both go? We all need new dresses and hats for Mary's wedding."

"Someone has to stay to help Jane with Lizzy. Mary is the one getting married so the money that your father allocated is primarily for her, as well as for the wedding breakfast. Not everyone would need new dresses."

"What? What are we getting then?"

"I was thinking of purchasing some lace and ribbons to freshen up your best dresses and hats. Your yellow dress will do quite nicely. If we have any money left, perhaps Jane and Lizzy can get some new fabric."

Lydia pouted. She had expected that she would get a new dress and hat. She felt it was unfair that only her older sisters might have new fabric purchased for them.

"Why can't I also have some new fabric?"

"Now that your sisters have wealthy suitors, they would need to look more presentable. I do not want people like Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst looking down upon them because they are from the countryside and do not know the latest fashion."

"That does not sound fair, mama. I want to look fashionable too."

"One day, it will be your turn. At present, you need to be happy for your sisters."

"Well, at least allow me to go with you to Meryton. I woke up very early this morning to look after Lizzy."

Mrs Bennet sighed. She knew her youngest daughter would not stop pestering her. But because she had other things to attend to, she resigned herself to agreeing with Lydia's demands.

"Very well. But remember, we are not to spend on unnecessary things."

/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/

On their way to Meryton, Lydia felt happy, almost giddy. She kept an eye out for redcoats in the hopes of spotting Mr Wickham. Luck was on her side as it was Mr Wickham who found them first.

"Mrs Bennet, Miss Mary, Miss Lydia, how lovely it is to see all of you."

"it is good to see you too, Mr Wickham," Mrs Bennet replied.

Mrs Bennet thought of him as handsome and charming. Mr Wickham often engaged the villagers in conversation and was always well-mannered.

"I heard that you have one lovely daughter engaged, Mrs Bennet."

"Oh yes, Mary is betrothed to Mr Collins! That is why we are out shopping today. We have to purchase some items for her wedding trousseau."

"I offer you my best wishes, Miss Mary."

"I thank you, Mr Wickham."

"Mr Wickham, I do not mean to be impolite but we do have quite a lot to accomplish today so we need to be on our way."

"Not to worry, Mrs Bennet. I can only apologise for taking up your precious time."

Mrs Bennet and Mary turned to go into the milliner's shop but Lydia lingered. Mr Wickham was watching her closely, feeling that there was something she wanted to say.

"Mama, can I just speak to Mr Wickham for a moment to let him know how Lizzy fares? He was most concerned about her when I spoke to him yesterday."

"Of course, Lydia. You know where we will be. The milliner's shop is just over there."

"I will not be long, mama."

As soon as Mrs Bennet and Mary were out of earshot, Mr Wickham addressed Lydia,

"Miss Lydia, you look exceedingly well today."

Lydia blushed becomingly and met Mr Wickham's intent gaze.

"I have something for you," she spoke softly.

Glancing around to see that no one looking, she quickly pulled the wrapped money out of her pocket and covertly handed it over to him.

Mr Wickham hastily shoved the heavy package into his pocket. He raised his eyebrows at her, as if asking her to offer some explanation.

"Keep the money for future use."

"Where did you get it from?"

"You do not need to know. Just save the money. I will give you anything else I can."

Nodding, Mr Wickham then asked,

"So how is Miss Elizabeth? I hope she is on the mend."

Lydia frowned, feeling jealous that he was asking about her sister instead of showing some gratitude for the money she gave him. Mr Wickham guessed what she was thinking and laughed.

"Come now, Miss Lydia. I am only asking because you told your mother you were talking to me about your sister's condition."

Lydia then brightened, recalling that it was indeed what she said.

"Oh, Lizzy is getting better. I believe she would be able to leave the sick room later today. I am glad she is no longer so ill as I hate tending to sick people."

"It is good to know that she is recovering well. Knowing Miss Elizabeth, she will be quite eager to go out for a walk at the soonest possible time."

"Yes. She is very fond of walking."

"Well, I shall not keep you any longer, Miss Lydia. We do not want to worry your mother. She must have a long list of things to do."

Lydia wanted to stay longer to continue their conversation but knew she could not. She was about to proceed to the shop when she suddenly remembered something.

"Mr Wickham, do you know of anyone named Georgiana?"

The usually composed officer was startled to hear this question and paled. He did not know of anyone else named Georgiana except Darcy's sister. But how would Lydia know about her?

"Why do you ask?"

"I… It is just… I saw…"

"You can tell me, Miss Lydia. You know you can trust me."

"I saw a letter in Lizzy's drawer. I did not have time to read it but I saw that it was signed as Georgiana. I do not know of anyone from our family's relations or acquaintances named Georgiana so I am merely curious."

Mr Wickham wondered why Georgiana would be writing to Miss Elizabeth. He did not believe they were acquainted… unless things between her and Mr Darcy were not as they appeared. He started to entertain suspicions about what Miss Elizabeth knew.

"Miss Lydia, do you think you can pass the letter on to me?"

"Why do you want it? Do you know her?"

"I know of someone named Georgiana but it may not be her whom the letter is from. If you can show me the letter, then I would be able to ascertain whether or not it is from my acquaintance."

Lydia hesitated. She did not quite understand why Mr Wickham would want to see the letter.

"Miss Lydia, I am afraid I cannot tell you more. Except that, there is a good chance that we can be rewarded with some money because of that letter. And I mean, a huge amount of money. Money that will be more than enough for the future."

Upon hearing this, Lydia perked up.

"Really? And all you need is for me to give you the letter?"

"Yes. It is as simple as that. Do you think you can do it? Or is it too much of a challenge for you?"

Her courage rose at his attempt to cast doubt on her ability.

"Tomorrow. It will be in your hands by tomorrow."

"Good. But… you must promise me one thing, and it is of utmost importance that you do this."

Lydia nodded for him to continue.

"Do not read the letter. Not even a peek. There may be some information contained in the letter that you must not know about. It is best that I read it first and I can then tell you what it says. Or if you prefer, we can read it together so I will be there to explain anything you might not understand. I am only protecting you, Miss Lydia. Can you promise me this? For the sake of the future?"

"Yes. I promise," Lydia stated solemnly.

Mr Wickham had a lot of questions whirling in his mind. He desperately wanted to know what was in that letter from Georgiana. If there was any mention there about her indiscretion, her heartbreak or their failed elopement, then he could use that letter to gain access to the Darcy coffers.

Lydia is so gullible and empty-headed. It is so easy to persuade her to do anything for me. I have never declared that the money will be for OUR future. That is her mistake, presuming she has a future with me.

/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/

Yes, I know it can be very irksome to have Lydia be so stupid. She is naive, insecure and jealous of her sisters. She thinks marrying Wickham is like some jackpot. And now she thinks they can get easy money. You all know how skilled Wickham is at charming most people. This is fanfic. Sorry... please don't throw rotten apples at me.

It will be HEA for ODC, I solemnly promise.