It was quite evident to the Gardiners and even Bingley that Darcy was very much in love with Elizabeth. The lady seemed inclined towards the gentleman, but one could not call it love, at least, Mrs. Gardiner thought to herself, not yet.

*******

After the Gardiners and Elizabeth left for the inn, they left Darcy, Georgiana, and Bingley in the music room together.

Bingley began by apologizing again profusely for his sister's behavior and assured Darcy that he was willing to pack his bags and leave as well, but Darcy cut him off in the middle of a sentence.

"Bingley, you are in no way to blame for your sister's actions earlier," he began. "You have been a loyal and kind friend, and have been like a second brother to Georgiana."

"Well, I thank you Darcy. In any case, I will still be departing for Hertfordshire on Monday. I want to get settled back into the neighborhood before the fall shooting season, and get away from Caroline for a while." Bingley said, standing. "If you will excuse me now, I think I will turn in."

Darcy looked at Georgiana with a question in his eyes. He had told Georgiana everything that had happened in Hertfordshire relating to the Bennet girls, as well as keeping Jane and Bingley apart. Though he had concealed the failed proposal at Hunsford from his little sister, he highly doubted that she was ignorant of his affections toward Elizabeth. If Darcy was going to tell Bingley of his involvement in keeping Bingley and Jane Bennet separated, now was the time. He sought Georgiana's approval silently, and she nodded.

"Bingley, a moment, if you please," Darcy said, standing. "I would like to speak to you about something.

Bingley sat back down again, looking puzzled. "Yes, Darcy?"

Darcy began to pace in front of Bingley. Georgiana followed him with her worried eyes, and Bingley began to look worried as well.

Darcy stopped and said, "Bingley, I'm afraid I have to confess to something." He began.

"Good God, Darcy, you're not telling me you murdered someone!" Bingley said, half-jokingly yet still looking concerned.

"No, but it is a matter involving you and Miss Elizabeth Bennet's elder sister, Miss Jane Bennet." Darcy said, turning to face Bingley.

Bingley looked less worried now, but slightly apprehensive. "If this is going to be a repeat of the last conversation we had about Miss Jane Bennet, then I want no part of it," he said. "I listened to your advice about Jane before, and I regret it. I was miserable all winter without my Jane."

Darcy sighed. "Bingley, quite on the contrary, I wanted to apologize."

A look of surprise and incredulity settled onto Bingley's face. "Fitzwilliam Darcy, apologizing, to me?" he asked.

"Yes, Bingley." Darcy said heavily. He started to pace again, ignoring Georgiana's soft plea to sit down.

"I saw your regard for Jane Bennet last fall at the ball at Netherfield. Though your admiration was apparent, hers I was less certain," he began.

"Yes, yes, you have told me this before. Get on with it." Bingley said impatiently, motioning for his friend to continue.

Darcy nodded, distractedly. "Your sisters and I talked you out of courting Jane Bennet once we arrived in London, and that seemed like the end of the subject all together." He let out of chuff of air. "This past spring, when I was in Kent visiting my aunt, Lady Catherine, I saw Miss Elizabeth Bennet, no, only Miss Elizabeth," he added, seeing Bingley's face.

"Miss Elizabeth and I had a conversation, if you will, about yourself and Miss Jane Bennet," Darcy continued, grimacing. Hunsford was still a delicate subject for him. "It seems that Jane Bennet was indeed in love with you."

At this piece of information, Bingley shot to his feet and began to speak, but Darcy held up a hand. "If you please Bingley, I would like to finish." Bingley nodded, but had a look of feverish excitement on his face.

Darcy stopped pacing and stared at the wall. "I have another confession to make Bingley. When we were in Town this past winter, Jane Bennet came to call on your sister. She consulted me, and at the time I thought it best for you not to know of Miss Bennet's presence in Town. Now, I know it was very wrong of me, and I apologize whole-heartedly. It was not my place to meddle in matters of the heart. I would venture to say that Miss Bennet still loves you, and that you stand a good chance of being accepted if you make an offer for her hand."

Darcy turned to look at Bingley, who had fallen silent. "Bingley? I would certainly not blame you if you never wished to speak to me again. You are quite in your rights."

Bingley finally looked up at Darcy. "I forgive you." He said simply.

Both Darcy and Georgiana stared at Bingley in shock.

"What?" Darcy asked. He had not expected such a response.

Bingley stood up and offered his hand to Darcy, a grin stretching across his face. "I forgive you, Darcy old man. Yes, it was wrong of you, but you have confessed and apologized, which I have never seen you do."

Darcy took Bingley's hand and shook it, still in surprise at his friend's quickness to forgive. "Are you sure, Bingley? I have made your life, and Miss Bennet's life, for that matter, very miserable for the past few months. I would not blame you if—"

"Darcy, I forgive you," Bingley repeated. "I am going to Hertfordshire with the sole purpose of ascertaining if my Jane can still love me after all this time. If she does, then Heaven help me, nothing will stop me from asking Mr. Bennet's permission to marry her." He grinned at Darcy slyly. "There is one thing I would ask, though."

Darcy nodded. He was glad Bingley was demanding something in return for his infamous behavior.

"I will be the first one you write to when you get engaged to Miss Elizabeth in the coming week." Bingley said, grinning.

Darcy stared open mouthed in shock at Bingley while Bingley and Georgiana laughed at him.

"What makes you think that I will be marrying Miss Elizabeth?" Darcy asked, trying to mask his embarrassment.

Bingley chortled. "You, Darcy, could not have been more transparent, am I right, Miss Darcy?"

Georgiana giggled, "Very transparent, Brother."

Darcy groaned and sank into the nearest armchair. "Bingley, Miss Elizabeth would hardly accept me after such a display today."

"But you championed her so passionately to Miss Bingley!" Georgiana said. "Oh, brother, it would be so wonderful to have Elizabeth as a sister!"

"And what woman in England would refuse you, Darcy?" Bingley asked.

Darcy sank deeper into his chair. "Such one does exist, I assure you."

"You mean to tell me, you have made a proposal to someone and I have never heard of it!" cried Georgiana, stopping her giggling suddenly. Even Bingley looked curious.

Darcy sighed. There was nothing else but to continue. "When I met Miss Elizabeth in Kent this last spring…"

So you know what he's going to tell them…. Anyways…Chapter 8 is being written. Hopefully that will be posted by tonight.

Thank you for your comments and support. It makes me happy to write, knowing I'm giving some satisfaction to others.