Chapter 2

A/N: I've decided that this whole thing can't really be resolved in 2 chapters, so there'll be a third one. Kinda angsty this chapter, but that's all I'm going to say (otherwise it gives about the entire plot away). Check for a new chapter in a couple of days, as I plan to finish writing the next one after I post this one. Also, we get to see what god or goddess is Jane's mother/father (for some reason, I don't think all the Bennets are truly related).

Percy and the other campers from the Poseidon cabin convened in the large ballroom of Netherfield Park after the rest of the house had gone to bed.

"How'd it go?" asked Percy, "I got caught up in a conversation with Mr. Bingley about estate business, so I couldn't do much."

"Miss Elizabeth does not like Mr. Darcy at all," said Mary, "She called him proud and disagreeable. Isn't this proof enough? This mission is never going to work."

"Mr. Darcy wouldn't talk to me," Jake said indignantly, "He just muttered something about his sister and went to go write a letter. How rude."

"Guys, guys," said Percy, holding up a hand to stem the flow of comments that seemed to be filling the room, "What's up with the negativity? It's not very hard to convince people to change their minds, you know."

A shadowy figure stepped out from behind a pillar. Everyone tensed, realizing suddenly that they had spoken much too loudly. They could have woken anyone.

"Thanks for leaving me behind," said Annabeth sarcastically, making a mock curtsey.

"Anna..." breathed Percy.

"Everyone at camp was wondering where you guys were," said Annabeth, "When I saw the plans for a time machine and a pamphlet about regency England, it was pretty obvious where you all had gone." She glared at Percy.

"This was supposed to be a Poseidon-only field trip," he muttered, this being his last line of defense.

Annabeth look skeptical, but didn't say anything.

"Ummm... We're trying to get Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy together," said Percy, trying to break the awkward silence.

"You know how much I love that story, right?" asked Annabeth.

"The thought never crossed my mind," said Percy.

"Well now you know, seaweed brain," she said, and then kissed him on the cheek. "I believe I shall retire for the night. It is getting rather late."

"Good night, Annabeth," said everyone else, trying not to laugh at their fake English accents.

Percy watched her sweep up the stairs, a slightly dreamy expression crossing his expression briefly. Then he snapped back to his normal self. "How did she get an invitation to stay at Netherfield?"

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The next morning, the campers were up to their shenanigans at had secured an invitation to dine with the adults (most likely of Annabeth's doing), and were conversing politely with the principle "characters" in their "play."

"Please pass the bread, Mr. Darcy," said Leia.

He passed the platter, his face not changing from its ever unreadable mask.

"Thank you," she tried, trying to make him talk, even if just a little.

He simply nodded.

Leia was running out of options. "Would you happen to know why Miss Elizabeth is not at breakfast today? I was hoping to talk to her of... A sampler I'm working on."

Darcy looked at her, clearly disapproving of her prying. "I imagine she is above stairs, helping to make her sister comfortable."

"Miss Elizabeth has a sister?" asked Mary, pretending to be completely clueless on the matter.

"Yes, her name is Miss Jane Bennet."

"May we go see her, Cousin Charles?"

"You have not been properly introduced," Bingley said, ruffling her hair affectionately, "But perhaps when she is well, Miss Mary."

Annabeth, who was seated in between Mary and Mr. Darcy, kicked Mary, causing the recipient of the kick to repress a howl of pain.

"Do you know the Bennets well?" Annabeth asked Mr. Darcy.

"We have not been in the country long, so I cannot say that I do."

"I've not known Miss Elizabeth for long, and I know that she's really pretty and nice," said Leia.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," said Darcy, then finished his breakfast looking directly at the plate, obviously not wanting to join any sort of conversation.

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"Mr. Bingley's cousins are some of the most dear children I have had the pleasure to meet," said Elizabeth, tending her sister's forehead with love, "They are all so innocent and charming, even the older ones. Some of them could be about Lydia or Mary's age."

"I should like to meet them, from the glowing review you have given me," said Jane, "Do you know when they leave the countryside?"

"Not for a long time, to be sure," said Elizabeth, "They have just arrived. You shall have plenty of time to call on them, and I am sure they will be delighted. One of the children was very eager to meet you."

"But they do not even know me yet! Surely it must be a compliment to you."

"No doubt I have considered that, as my vanity forbids me otherwise. But I must force myself to see that it is all your doing- even when you are not in a room, you have some pull that draws others towards you."

"Lizzie, you are too kind."

"No, dearest Jane, that description is only fulfilled by you."

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Darcy was out on the Netherfield grounds, exercising his dogs. When he noticed one of the dogs did not come back after he threw a stick, Darcy ran in the direction it had gone. The other dogs followed after.

Next to the house, Darcy saw Bingley's cousins petting it and playing with it. It was such an endearing sight that even Darcy couldn't help but smile at it.

"Good morning, ladies and sirs," he said, alerting them to his presence.

"Is this your dog, Mr. Darcy?" asked Greg.

"Yes, he is. His name is Nike," said Darcy.

"He is a nice dog," said Greg, "I like his name."

"Would you like to play fetch with him?"

"Yes, please!" Greg had never looked so thrilled.

"You may, as long as you stay within the estate and are back by luncheon."

As soon as Mr. Darcy was out of earshot, Mary let out a big whoop.

"Why are you so happy?" asked Leia, "We didn't get to talk to him about Miss Elizabeth!"

"We have more things to tell her in favor of him, though. That's good," replied Mary.

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The children proceeded to sing the virtues of Elizabeth and Darcy to the other in their noble quest. When Percy figured Mr. Darcy was sufficiently besotted (and they "didn't need much help with that," commented Annabeth) and Elizabeth shown some of his goodness, it was time to head home.

"Okay everyone, tomorrow we're going to say goodbye to our cousin and his friends," said Percy, "Our job here is pretty much done."

"I'll be sad to leave," said Annabeth, who had since made amends with Percy.

"I can't wait to get back to a large body of water," said Monica, "There is nothing more than a puddle around here, practically."