4 years earlier

The night was going exceedingly well for William, it had started with Lizzy agreeing to be his date. His Aunt Catherine had only irritated him slightly with her remarks towards Lizzy, but she seemed to want to avoid him after he put her in her in her place. Now the dancing seemed to starting up, and while he normally loathed this part of the evening, he was already imagining how amazing it would be with his Elizabeth.

Elizabeth looked absolutely gorgeous, and she seemed to really be enjoying herself. They had run into good friends, Charles and Jane Bingley. Charlie and Jane were expecting their first and William could see how Elizabeth had lit up with the news. William could only imagine how beautiful Lizzy would look as a mother. His child bouncing on her knee. He shook his head, he shouldn't even be thinking such things, especially since he hadn't told her how he felt.

The band began to play a crowd favorite, and not wanting to waste any time, William was up and asking Lizzy to dance. Lizzy eyed him critically but saved her questions for another time.

By the third song, William was beginning to relax and was enjoying being teased by Lizzy. They could talk about anything or have silence but it was enjoyable all the same

"William, I need you," Catherine De Burg's shrill voice shattered the serenity they were experiencing.

"Duty calls," sighed Darcy. He stepped away from Lizzy but led her over to the refreshment table. As he was walking away his eye caught something that he hoped wouldn't turn into something more.

At the refreshment table, Lizzy stood trying to catch her breath. The evening had been wonderful so far, not the boring dinner she had been expecting. William was acting differently, but she didn't want to ruin his good mood by commenting on it. And of course Auntie Cat, or Mrs. De Burg as she preferred to be called always needed him for something.

Lizzy was gazing at the couples dancing, imagining the goings on between each when a handsome man approached her.

"Beautiful isn't it, everyone seems to be enjoying the evening," commented the stranger.

"It is, there should be more times like this to get dressed up and give to a good cause," replied Lizzy.

"I agree, but I have to ask you something, that is of course hopefully I'm not being too pushy, but why is a woman as beautiful as yourself just observing the fun rather than joining in?" inquired the man.

"Because of course all of the good partners have been taken," quipped Lizzy.

"Well, then let me be at your service!" exclaimed the unknown man.

"That is very kind of you, but I don't dance with men I don't know," Lizzy smiled.

"George Wickham, at your service." He replied

"Nice to meet you, George, I'm Elizabeth Bennet, Lizzy to friends."

"Lizzy, shall we?" asked George.

All Lizzy could do was smile in response, as he led her towards the dance floor.

Present

"We need to file a report for the abuse against Lizzy," Darcy calmly stated.

"I see," replied Sargent Denny "and is William here forcing you to do what he wants or did you come here because of someone else?"

"Of course William isn't the abuser, I didn't know where to go and he took me in." answered Lizzy.

"Well then, who would you like to file this report against?" asked Denny.

"My husband, George Wickham."