Chapter Two

Darcy and Bingley walked quite awhile in silence, with the occasional remark on small repairs that would need to be done. But Bingley would not let the mysterious confession started in the dining hall end there.

"Tell me, Darcy, what has Wickham done now? I thought his treachery to be in the past? How does his name appear in your dealings with Miss Elizabeth?"

Darcy had held hope that Bingley would let their previous conversation rest and briefly considered dismissing his friends further questions. Yet, one look at his friend's face was enough to convince Darcy to be open with Bingley. "Do you remember the day we happened upon the Bennets in Meryton as we rode to Longbourn?"

Bingley took a moment to think back, "Yes, it was directly after Jane had been ill."

"Yes. One of the men that was with them was Wickham. I should have known that after seeing me he would set out to make my life in Hertfordshire difficult."

Bingley could not hide his shock, "I had not thought that Wickham and the one you had told me of were the same. God, Darcy!"

Darcy gave Bingley a sardonic look. "Understandably, of course. Who could have known we should meet outside of Town. In all honesty, this is the last place I had expected to find George Wickham."

Bingley's thought swirled around all Darcy had told him. All the wrongs Wickham had done to, not only Darcy, but Georgiana as well. The breath caught in Bingley's chest. "What could he possible want with the Bennets? To think that despicable man near my Jane!"

Darcy had taken not of Bingley's use of Miss Bennet's Christian name silently, before. But he couldn't stop himself from asking, "Your Jane, you say?"

Bingley's face flushed with embarrassment. He had not meant to say that thought aloud. "Well, that is to say… What I meant was… I do have…"

Darcy chuckled at his friends failed attempt to explain himself. "Alright, Charles, take a breath. I know your intentions are most honorable but I must caution you, it may not be a prudent match for you."

Bingley relaxed slightly but looked serious over Darcy's implied warning, "What car have I for prudence? When I see Jane as my angel?"

"But your angel, as you say, has very earthly connections and those connections can be improper bordering on vulgar."

"Darcy, I will be marrying Jane, not 'her connections', as you put it." Bingley sighed, before continuing, "That is your problem, Darcy, you always see the flaws in people and rarely look past them to see the good that lies beneath the surface."

Darcy was silent at Bingley's uncharacteristic outburst, which gave Bingley the nerve to go on. "You can not hold all the world to the 'Darcy standard'. For when measure against you or even your sister, the world will surely fall short in some manner or another. Be it in wealth or connections."

Darcy felt pained at Bingley's tirade. It was uncommon for Darcy to be told he had failings. He found he wasn't comfortable with the prospect. "My apologies for any offense I have given, Sir." Darcy bit out formally.

Bingley knew Darcy would take offense, but it was something that needed to be told before it came around and destroyed his friend. "Darcy, I know that not how you think of me. You must understand that others, people like Miss Elizabeth, have not known you as long or as well as I do."

Darcy paused for a moments thought. It was true. The people in Hertfordshire did not know him or his character. He could see that his shyness around strangers might be easily misinterpreted. "Am I so intimidating? Do others really believe that I cast judgemement on them so quickly?"

This was not how Bingley had thought this mornings talk would continue. Darcy had already been in a foul mood, yet it was not in Bingley to lie to a trusted friend. "The first time you saw Miss Elizabeth, you told me that she was not handsome enough to tempt you. I do believe she heard this comment and did indeed take offense to it. And as to what others believe, it has been said that you only look at the people here to criticize."

Darcy could hardly process what his friend had just told him. If that was what Elizabeth thought, as well as the people in the town, it would be a small wonder if she did not despise him. "Is that really the local belief?"

Bingley just gave him a small nod. Not knowing what else to say to help his friend. It was a rare occasion to see Darcy this distressed about things. He always seemed so confident and sure of his course.

Darcy was not the type to despair for long. His mind soon turned to the possible solutions. He knew the problem now, so he must find away to solve it. "Charles, How do I go about setting these prejudices aside?"

Bingley looked out at the woods surrounding his property, searching for the best answer. It was then that his eye caught sight of none other than Elizabeth Bennet, causing him to smile. She appeared almost as if Darcy's need had summoned her. "Well, my friend, you can start by greeting Miss Elizabeth before she runs off."

Elizabeth had been walking the paths between Netherfield and Longbourn for sometime, lost in her own thoughts. She could not make sense of how Mr. Collins believed his proposal would be accepted. She had shown him no favor, in spite of all the attentions he forced on her. She was also concerned as to how Jane was 'handling' it. Nothing had made sense this morning, since the moment she was awakened.

She continued to walk, still caught in her own web of thoughts until she saw Mr. Bingley walking toward her, followed closely by Mr. Darcy. This was a horrid addition to an already trying morning. While she was sure Mr. Bingley would be polite and kind, she knew that Mr. Darcy would have some remark about her walking alone at such and hour. But the unfortunate meeting could not be helped.

"Good morning, Miss Elizabeth!" Bingley said with a smile and a proper bow.

"Good morning, Mr. Bingley." Elizabeth smiled. She turned to greet the other gentlemen with less warmth, "Mr. Darcy."

Just as it had been before, the sight of Elizabeth's face flushed with exercise and he eyes brightened has taken all the words out of Mr. Darcy's mind. He could not comprehend how he had found her less than tempting. It was only at Bingley's silent urging that Darcy composed himself enough to say, "You are out early, Miss Elizabeth."

Elizabeth had known she would receive some type of rebuke like this and gave him a quick and smart retort, "Yes, I find the morning air so fresh. I can see that you agree, for you are out just as early as I."

Bingley smiled at Elizabeth's challenge, "Yes, Darcy is always the first one out of doors. A person can almost set a watch to it."

Darcy knew he had to make an effort. He knew that he could be just as pleasing as Bingley. Even more so, because he understood Elizabeth's humor. He smiled and attempted to join in the light hearted teasing, "At least I am constant in things, Bingley."

Elizabeth jumped to Bingley's defense, not recognizing the comment was meant to be humorous. "You are constant in more things than just your resentment it would seem, Mr. Darcy."

Bingley was not surprised that Miss Elizabeth and Darcy had not been in each others company for more than three minutes and already a gauntlet was being thrown down. He felt he must aide his friend in this situation before another quarrel erupted, "Oh, Darcy is constant in all things, Miss Elizabeth. Morning outings to resentment. Loyalty to friendships as well."

Darcy tried to thank Bingley with a look after noticing how the defense of his character dissolved some of the tension in the situation. It also helped him resolve to earn Elizabeth's good opinion and hopefully her affection as well. "Bingley is right, I try to remain constant in all things. But I find that I am in constant want of lively female company. Perhaps you honor us with your company for a time, Miss Elizabeth?"

Both Bingley and Elizabeth were shocked at Darcy's request. It was not only the longest response he had ever given but it was quite warm as well. Bingley was the first to recover, "Yes, please do join us, Miss Elizabeth."

"I fear I must return to Longbourn, Sirs." Elizabeth sputtered, still astonished at Mr. Darcy sudden civility.

While Bingley was disappointed, Darcy saw the opportunity it presented to continue to attempt to improve Elizabeth's estimation. "Then we shall have to escort you home. After all, I am positive Mr. Bingley would enjoy calling on your sister and last night you did express that you had not had adequate time to make out my character."

Bingley smiled at Darcy, pleased to see his friend making an effort. He also agreed saying that he had been planning to call so it would be no imposition to walk with Miss Elizabeth. With that the unlikely trio set off to Longbourn.

The conversation between the walking group was friendly and amusing, Occasionally, Darcy and Elizabeth would give responses with the intention of teasing the other. Much to Darcy's delight and Elizabeth's confusion. Just as they were in view of the house Bingley sped up in anticipation of seeing Jane. But Darcy stepped in front of Elizabeth to stop her and momentarily receive her full attention. "May I tell you a secret, Miss Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth had no notion what secret Mr. Darcy could possibly want to share with her. She thought it must be about Mr. Bingley since he had waited until the man himself could not hear. "If you wish to do so, Sir. I will not stop you."

Darcy looked over his shoulder to ensure that his friend would not hear and then almost sheepishly whispered, "I find I quite enjoy provoking you into quarreling with me."

That was the least thins Elizabeth had expect to hear. She watched as Mr. Darcy's face broke out in a devastating smile, that transformed him. He was breathtakingly handsome when he smiled. "You enjoy arguing with me, Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth sputtered, sure she had misunderstood what he meant.

Darcy could not stop the genuine laugh from escaping his chest. He had finally succeeded in confounding Elizabeth. He had never thought that it would be a confession of his pleasure in her company that would do it. Darcy had always assumed she had been aware of his affection for their conversations but after his talk with Bingley he began to doubt. "Yes, Miss Elizabeth, it is one of the few things a truly enjoy."

Elizabeth shook her head and began walking to her home, in an attempt to hide her smirk. The proud Mr. Darcy liked her challenging him.

The small tilt of Elizabeth's lips did not go unnoticed by Darcy. Seeing it made him feel triumphant. It was possible to earn Elizabeth's regard. It was intoxicating, and caused him to call out in a teasing tone, "Remember, Miss Elizabeth, it is a secret!"

Jane greeted her sister as well as Mr. Bingley in the hall leading to the sitting room. "Lizzy, you're back sooner than I had expected! Oh, but I see you brought Mr. Bingley!"

Bingley smiled at Jane's obvious surprise in seeing him. "Good morning, Miss Bennet. We found your sister wondering the paths and decided to escort her home."

Jane blushed at Mr. Bingley's gaze, looking down, she replied quietly, "That was most kind of you, sir."

"It was Mr. Darcy's idea Miss Bennet. I am afraid I can not take credit for it."

Jane cried, when she saw Mr. Darcy join them in the hall, "Mr. Darcy!" In shock she dropped a small curtsy.

Darcy made a polite bow, "Good Morning, Miss Bennet. I hop ewe have not intruded but I felt we should ensure you sister's safe return."

Darcy knew that Jane was Elizabeth's closest friend, not just her sister. He also realized that he must improve Jane's opinion of his character is she too believed in his contempt for Elizabeth.

"Of course the escort was necessary to protect me from the many dangers of Hertfordshire's forest." Elizabeth replied with some degree of teasing.

"There are dangers everywhere for a woman as beautiful as yourself, Miss Elizabeth." Darcy thought of Wickham being near her that day in the village. And shuddered, yes he was most certainly a danger.

"Am I to believe that you find me beautiful, Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth looked at him with a small smile. "I was under the impression that you found me only tolerable."

Bingley and Jane listened to the exchange with open curiosity. It was impossible to tell if they were in the midst of playful banter or if a war was about to break out.

Darcy felt cornered and trapped by his own words. She had heard him that awful night. His mind raced for a reply that would make up for that dreadful remark but was saved by Jane asking them all to join the family in the sitting room.

Bingley pounced on the opportunity to extend his visit with Jane, "Of course, Miss Bennet, we would be delighted."

Once they had joined the others Mrs. Bennet could not stop herself from talking to Mr. Bingley. She was all flattering, discussing the beauties of Netherfield, the fun had at the ball, complimenting hi sisters elegance and remarking on Jane's beauty.

Elizabeth sat embarrassed by her mother's overtures and imagined she could see the mask of reserve slipping back over Mr. Darcy's face. She could help the feeling of disappointment. He had been lively and unnervingly amiable during the walk to Longbourn but it seemed the great distant Mr. Darcy was to make a reappearance.

Mr. Darcy had noticed the unhappy look cross over Elizabeth's face and immediately wished to see her smile again. Knowing she must be thinking he was retreating into his pride again, he thought he must do something to show it was only a temporary reserve. Darcy sent Elizabeth a sidelong glance until he caught her eye once again and then he winked.

The blush that colored Elizabeth's cheeks as she looked at her hands folded in her lap satisfied Darcy. He had over thrown Elizabeth's assumption by shocking her slightly. Darcy found that shocking Elizabeth was just as enjoyable as quarreling with her.

Elizabeth could not believe what she had just witnessed, Mr. Darcy had winked at her. She could not begin to comprehend what had come over him since they had danced last night. The change was so sudden and drastic that she found herself questioning his every word and glance. Elizabeth glanced around quickly to see if anyone else had seen this, no one else seemed to be staring, which meant no one else had noticed the gesture, making it seem even more intimate.

Mr. Bingley desperately wanted a few minutes of individual attention with Jane but realized for this to happen he would need to get them away from Mrs. Bennet. "Perhaps, Miss Bennet, you would be willing to show me a few of the lanes you and Miss Elizabeth are fond of walking. It is an excellent day, and I find that I must be out doors to enjoy it."

Mrs. Bennet hurried to answer for her daughters, "Of course, Jane will show you. And Lizzy must go to, she can entertain that man! While Lydia and Kitty run off to Meryton to meet the officers. They are excessively fond of red coats, as I myself once was!."

This was wonderful turn of events. Another walk in Elizabeth's company. Mr. Bingley must have stolen the wish from Darcy's heart. He looked at Elizabeth with a very slight smile, "Yes, Miss Elizabeth, please join us. It will allow you and I to continue our discussion."

As the party was quitting the house, Darcy noticed the clergyman, Mr. Collins, coming after them and barely held back the groan.

"My dear cousins! I would greatly enjoy a walk. My esteemed patroness Lady Catherine reminds me that walking is needed to maintain one's health and she condescends to say that I am a fine walker, indeed."

Darcy could not suppress the slight shudder at the thought of having to listen to his aunts praises being sung. This man could try his patience just at quickly as Mrs. Bennet, but he did offer the man a civil, if formal bow.

"Oh, but Mr. Darcy! How you honor us by your condensation to walk with out family party-"

Mr. Darcy cut off what he was sure would be long speech filled with false praise, "You misunderstand, Mr. Collins, the Bennets have honored my good friend and I with their company."

After several minutes of uncomfortable silence between them, Elizabeth excused herself to catch up to Mr., Bingley and Jane. "Excuse me, Jane, my I speak with you for a moment." Elizabeth addressed the question to Jane but she was politely asking Mr. Bingley for a moment of privacy.

Once Bingley had retreated to the others, he tried to strike up a conversation between the men, "Mr. Collins, what has brought you to Hertfordshire?"

Mr. Collins was flattered by Mr. Darcy's friend taking an interest in his life, it was a great compliment, "It is at the bidding of my patroness, Lady Catherine. She made the wonderful suggestion that I should take a wife and find a mistress for Hunsford, the living which she has so kindly bestowed on me."

Darcy could not force himself to pay attention to what Mr. Collins was saying, his focus kept falling on Elizabeth. Bingley was having the same problem with focus and could only bring himself to nod which was all the encouragement Mr. Collins needed.

"And since Longbourn is entailed to me upon the sad time of Mr. Bennet's death I felt it only right to chose my bride among his daughters."

At this declaration, both Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley gave their undivided attention to the pompous man.

"Is that so, Mr. Collins?" Bingley asked with some trepidation.

"Quite so, Sir. I do believe that her Ladyship will be very well pleased when I present Miss Elizabeth to her as the mistress of Hunsford."

Darcy felt his entire being freeze. Elizabeth, his Elizabeth, married to Mr. Collins. It could not happen! "Miss Elizabeth had excepted your suit then, Mr. Collins?" Darcy asked in a cold voice that had most of his tenants shaking.

Mr. Collins had the grace to flush, he has betrayed his thoughts before gaining Elizabeth's consent. Not that he could see he refusing. "I have not had the opportunity to make the declaration as yet, sir."

Darcy took a breath of relief. This was not something he had anticipated. With a quick bow, he started to walk to where Elizabeth and Jane stood. He was not sure what he planned to say but he had to be sure that this match was not one that Elizabeth desired.

Darcy had walked so quietly that Jane and Elizabeth had not heard his approach. Giving Mr. Darcy the gift of hearing, "… of course I wont marry him! With all his preening and all his talking of his great lady, He could not make me happy and I am convinced I am the last person in the world who could please him!"

Darcy was elated. Elizabeth did not wish to marry the man, That knowledge filled him with a another dose of hope. He was not going to loose her, just as he had made the decision to … win her?

Darcy's mind began to turn, how could he help alter that odious clergyman's course and quickly, before he could find the time to declare himself.

The idea came on suddenly. It was devious in its simplicity. It also had the added bonus of being completely truthful. This was, perhaps, the first time Darcy felt he could use his knowledge of Lady Catherine to his advantage.

Author's note: Too long, too short. Remember reviews are helpful. As are suggestions!