Chapter Three

When the odd group made their way to Meryton, Jane turned to Elizabeth about Kitty's upcoming birthday. "Lizzy, what have you decided to give Kitty? I can not chose between ribbons or a new bonnet?"

Elizabeth considered this question until a new plan formed in her mind. "Jane, you and I should get her a new bonnet and gloves that match the gown Mama has decided to give her. She would be positively delighted!"

Jane readily agreed and turned to address the gentlemen standing a few paces behind them. "Gentlemen, would you please excuse my sister and I for a few short moments

Thought slightly disappointed at the lose of the ladies company all knew it would be unkind to disagree. Bingley pushed the boundaries of propriety by saying, "Worry not, Miss Bennet. We hall wait here eager for your return."

Jane blushed prettily at Bingley's words but took Elizabeth's arm as they entered the dressmakers shop.

Darcy was not going to stand in silence and was glad to have time to talk to Mr. Collins while Elizabeth was otherwise occupied. "Mr. Collins , you believe my aunt will approve of a match between yourself and Miss Elizabeth, am I correct?"

"You are, sir. My patroness will most approve of Miss Elizabeth has all the manners of a well raised lady." Mr. Collins was pleased that Mr. Darcy had taken an interest in his choice. As nephew of Lady Catherine he would have the opportunity to express his approval as well.

Darcy nodded as though agreeing, while silencing Bingley with a severe look. "Miss Elizabeth does have fine manners as well as a lively spirit."

"You are quite right, Mr. Darcy! Her Ladyship will take great delight in that. She herself suggested I take a wife that possessed a fine spirit."

Darcy gave the appearance of consideration following Mr. Collins declaration, "But a spirit and a lively spirit are quite different. Especially in the eyes of my aunt."

Mr. Collins paled at the possibility he had misunderstood Lady Catherine's wishes. "I am afraid I do not take your meaning, sir." His voice shook with worry.

Darcy turned to look Mr. Collins in the eye, "Miss Elizabeth has the kind of spirit that gives way to independent thought. But perhaps my aunt will be willing to over look this if it comes from your wife."

Darcy watched as even more color drained from Mr. Collins' face, before he continued, "Miss Elizabeth also has an amusing way of challenging others. I confess, she has even been known to force me into defending my thoughts and opinions." Darcy laughed, to show that he had not taken offense to this behavior.

Bingley had caught on to Darcy's scheme by this point and added with a smile and laugh of his own, "Oh, Mr. Collins to hear how the two of them quarrel. It can be quite amusing, I assure you."

Mr. Collins could not hide his shock, he began sputtering, "Oh dear, for Miss Elizabeth to argue with a gentleman of your standing, Mr. Darcy, is most reproachable."

Bingley looked at Collins and said with great sincerity, "I believe that Miss Elizabeth would challenge anyone, no matter their station in life. With only good intentions, of course."

Mr. Collins looked to Darcy with a sense of fear, "My esteemed patroness would not find being challenged amusing, She would be most upset by it, I believe."

Darcy gave Mr. Collins a solemn look, "You are quite correct sir. My aunt does not like any question as to the validity of her opinions. But as you say she dotes on you with generosity. That may go so far as to excuse your choice of mistress for the estate she has so kindly bestowed upon you."

It was difficult for Darcy to remain serious. The entire situation was amusing to him. But the thought of his aunt excusing the behavior of anyone she deemed inferior to herself was down right hysterical.

Mr. Collins seemed to understand that the possibility of Lady Catherine over looking all of this was nil. "Though her Ladyship is of a generously forgiving nature, I could not prevail upon her to repeatedly condescend to offer such forgiveness."

Bingley nodded, almost apologetically, "If you are fixed to have Miss Elizabeth as your wife, it may be beneficial for you to secure another living, Mr. Collins."

As Mr. Collins shook his head, Darcy felt a wave of relief wash over him. Diverting Mr. Collins had been as simple as Darcy had hoped. Elizabeth would still be free. "Mr. Bingley is correct. It would seem your choices are limited, Mr. Collins,"

Mr. Collins looked between the two men, the only two people he had told his intentions to, with concern. "It is true however that I have not yet made the offer to Miss Elizabeth."

Darcy and Bingley looked at Mr. Collins with false intrigue. "Then perhaps you may be at liberty to choose a more suitable mistress for Hunsford."

Mr. Collins nodded vigorously, but then had the grace to say, "That is not to say Miss Elizabeth is at all to blame. It's just that I believe she would not be happy as a cleric's wife."

Both Darcy and Bingley agreed with him and offered him a supporting pat on the back, as thought they were closer friends with him than was actually true.

Inside the dress shop Jane could no longer keep her questions at bay. "Lizzy, I had thought your acquaintance with Mr. Darcy to be an unhappy one. Why has it so suddenly altered?"

Elizabeth had been thinking the same question for quite some time. "I can not say with all certainty, Jane. I think your Mr. Bingley must have convinced him to be less disagreeable."

Elizabeth knew that could not be the only reason. If it were Mr. Darcy would not have shared his 'secret' with her. But Elizabeth did not feel ready to share that information with her sister at this moment.

"But Lizzy, I thought Mr. Darcy was too proud for that, at least by Mr. Wickham's description." Jane argued. "And if the change is in the service of Mr. Bingley, he need not be as attentive and agreeable as he has been with you."

Elizabeth began to feel uncomfortable with this subject. The more it was discussed, the more it gave her to think on. When she did not usually allow her thought to wander to the proud Mr. Darcy at all. "Since we are discussing alterations, Jane, perhaps you could inform me about your plans to change Mr. Collins attentions to me."

Jane smiled with the hope that Elizabeth would find the amusement in the plan, "I had thought Mr. Collins would be better match for Mary."

"For Mary?" Elizabeth cried out in shock.

"They both enjoy studying, Mary even takes pleasure in reading Fordyce's Sermons. Though, Mary may not be a complimenting as Mr. Collins she does not seem to mind listening to him prattle on about his esteemed patroness."

The more Elizabeth thought about what Jane was suggesting the more she found her self agreeing with it. Mr. Collins and Mary would make an agreeable match. With a laugh, she told her sister, "You are more cunning than you let on to be!"

As Darcy and Bingley entered Netherfield after bidding farewell to the ladies of Longbourn both men were in high spirits. Darcy felt he was progressing well in his endeavor to win Elizabeth's affection. Bingley was more taken by Jane's beauty and gentle spirit than ever before.

Darcy felt his mood sour the moment he heard Caroline's voice call from the sitting room doorway. "My dear gentlemen, where could you have been that deprived us of your company for so long a time?"

"We were paying a call to the Bennets and the pleasure of joining them in a walk through Meryton." Bingley answered, still smiling.

Caroline was greatly displeased, but she hid the emotion with a sympathetic smile in Darcy's direction. "You poor thing, Sir. I am certain the company was trying to your sensibilities."

Darcy cringed at Caroline's presumption. Wishing she had the grace to stop projecting her conceited pride onto him. "Actually, aside from Mr. Collins, I found the company most agreeable."

"I have had no better day in my entire life!" Bingley agreed.

Caroline was disappointed that Darcy had begun showing a preference for a certain lady of Hertfordshire. "I find myself shocked, Mr. Darcy. But I am sure the Bennet girls enjoyed seeing their acquaintances in the militia. They are, after all, always seeking the company of men in red coats."

Darcy understood Caroline's vague slight. He suddenly wished he was at liberty to say what he really wished to say. Instead, he limited himself to, "Quite the contrary. Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth saw few officers and gave them no particular attention."

Bingley nodded, "Yes, quite so, Darcy. The ladies paid more attention to the shops than the officers."

"What could they possibly buy in Meryton? The shops there are far inferior to those in Town. Well I suppose, they have no need to be in fashion when they will never actually be in London." Caroline laughed at her own dismissal.

"Actually, the ladies were in search of a gift to give to a younger sister. I believe they mentioned a birthday." Darcy said as he walked by Caroline to take a seat near the warmth of the fire.

Bingley followed Darcy but went to the drink cart. His sister was in a disparaging mood. He had a feeling a strong drink would be needed to suffer through her company this evening. Perhaps, even several drinks. "Scotch, Darcy?"

Darcy was gratified that his friend had reached a similar conclusion and nodded to Bingley. A drink would be needed before dinner. It was ironic that Darcy was coming to understand Mr. Hurst's pattern of drink and slumber, since at one time he found the behavior abhorrent. Now, he was beginning to think of it as inspired. He raised his glass to the sleeping figure of Mr. Hurst in a silent salutation.

Caroline began gracefully walking about the room, in an effort to gain Darcy attention. She had remember that he once made a comment about admiring figures as they walked while he sat near a fire. When she failed to receive even the hint of a glance she become greatly annoyed. She turned to her sister who was sitting on one of the elegant couches doing needle work. "Louisa, can you believe that Mr. Darcy found the Bennet's company agreeable?"

Louisa looked at the man in question then back to her sister, "You jest! I would never believe such a tale."

"It is quite true sister. He was no doubt taken by Miss Eliza's 'fine eyes'."

Darcy tried to hide his annoyed sigh. He had known the moment he made that comment about Elizabeth eyes to Caroline, it would never be forgotten. But to hear his words meant to be a compliment, twisted into such an insult was upsetting. "I found Miss Elizabeth's company enjoyable, not just her eyes."

Bingley saw Darcy's irritation level rising and tried to smooth the situation over. "Yes, Caroline, Darcy and Miss Elizabeth conversed at length on more subjects than just her eyes."

Caroline never stopped looking at Mr. Darcy, "Did Miss Eliza tell you anymore of her pert opinions, Mr. Darcy?" Caroline was desperately trying to make Darcy realize the flaws in Elizabeth, while exhibiting herself and a perfect mate.

Darcy sighed, "Miss Elizabeth was kind enough to share her own thoughts on everything we discussed. She did not just mirror my opinions and beliefs."

Caroline gave a loud laugh, acting as though Darcy had just told her a most amusing joke. Everyone looked at her to see what she thought was so funny. Still giggling lightly she explained, "Oh Mr. Darcy, of course Miss Eliza's opinions will differ from yours. She has not had the education you or I have had. After all what kind of intelligence can a little country miss, with no governess possess?"

Louisa laughed and then added to Caroline's assessment of Elizabeth "And we must not forget how peculiar Miss Eliza is. Walking the distance from Longbourn to Netherfield. It shows such unlady like independence."

Caroline nodded, "And what of her family? The two youngest running wild after the officers? The middle one, what is her name…. Mary, yes, Mary, being so strange in manner and study."

Louisa theatrically shuddered, "Can you imagine being connect to that family? It would be a disgrace!"

Bingley was now also feeling the offense. Part of the family they were so intent on tearing down was his Jane. "Caroline…" He said in a warning tone.

Caroline quickly realized that her brother could think she was abusing Miss Jane as well. "I am sorry, Charles. Jane is a sweet and well tempered young lady, had we had the good fortune of meeting her in London, I would have never guessed her family to be so ridiculous."

"Oh, London, how I miss it." Louisa whined. She had thought her brother would tire of Hertfordshire as quickly as he had everywhere else. She not believed they would have stayed in Netherfield as long as they had.

Caroline took a seat next to her sister, thinking that the only way to rid herself of the foul Bennets was to convince her brother to return to London. Darcy would, of course, come along. There would be no reason for him to stay. "I long to be back in London as well, dear sister. I miss the company of civilized people."

"And to be there for the holidays? It would be lovely, would it not?" Louisa continued in a whiney voice.

"London at Christmas is so beautiful. Do you not agree, Brother?" Caroline was trying to drag Bingley into this conversation.

"Oh, yes, London is wonderful around that time." Bingley's response was absently given as he had been staring into the fire like Darcy, think of Jane.

Caroline was too focused on her own plot to notice. "We really should return to Town before the Season begins."

Louisa nodded, "I was telling Mr. Hurst so just yesterday."

In an attempt to include Darcy in the plan she called over to him, "Perhaps we could visit with Georgiana as well. How I miss her charm and elegant talent."

Darcy looked at Caroline with a raised brow but remained silent. He had been angered by Caroline's abuse earlier, no amount of false praise and flattery would change that.

Caroline mistook Darcy's look as interest and continue the course of the conversation. "I think it will be a wonderful thing to be out in Society again. Don't you agree sir?" She asked Bingley.

Bingley had not been listening as well as Caroline had thought. "Hmm, there is a dinner party at Lucas Lodge tomorrow evening. If you would like more society, I shall alert Mr. Lucas of our attending."

"I meant London society, dear brother. Not more Hertfordshire society." Caroline cried exasperated.

"Oh well then," Bingley began to see what his sister was playing at. It annoyed him. Caroline would either get her way or make everyone at Netherfield miserable.

Caroline turned to her sister with a small pout, Louisa patted Caroline's arm. "Mr. Hurst and I would really prefer to spend the holidays in our London home. Would we not, my dear?"

Mr. Hurst woke with a start. "What? Oh, yes, quite right." He agreed, without really knowing what he was agreeing too, as was his habit.

The usually peace minded Bingley had a sudden inspiration. While he loved his sisters as he should they were not as close as Darcy was to his sister. He could see the many benefits of them being in Town for a time while he continued at Netherfield. "I would not want to incontinence the Hursts…" He said in a thoughtful manner.

Caroline smiled at her brother. "Of course, if they wish to spend the holidays in London then it is what shall happen."

Bingley nodded and walked to stand at the mantle in front of the fire. The position also put him directly in Darcy's line of sight, making it easier for him to catch Bingley's small and easy wink. "And Caroline where you not just mentioning your desire to be in London as well?"

Darcy answered for Bingley. "I believe she was."

Bingley turned to Caroline and Louisa, "To make sure I understand the situation as it stands. Louisa, you and Mr. Hurst would like to spend the holidays in you London home?"

"Yes that is so." She answered.

"And Caroline, you also wish to go to London?"

"Of course." Caroline answered.

Bingley seemed to consider this for a moment. Allowing Darcy to step in and ask, "When do plan to depart, Mrs. Hurst?"

"As soon as possible, Mr. Darcy. I miss my home, dearly."

Darcy nodded, "So tomorrow then?"

Louisa nodded thinking that the sooner they quit Netherfeild the sooner they would be in London. "Yes I believe tomorrow would be best."

Hearing this Bingley turned to Caroline, "Would you like to go to London tomorrow, as well, sister?"

Caroline broke out in a triumphant smile. "Yes! It would be a great pleasure to be back in London with all its fashionable society and manners."

"I see no reason, then, why you can not travel to London with the Hursts. It all works out so perfectly." Bingley grinned.

Caroline's smile fell, "Why would I not travel with you? It is what we usually do and I see no reason to change the arrangement now."

Bingley shook his head, "Caroline, you wish to leave for London before I plan to. Our sister happens to be traveling there. I am simply trying to make everyone happy."

"You shall follow in a few days then and join us in London." Caroline said in almost a demanding tone.

Bingley again shook his head. "There are repairs that need to be completed that will require my supervision. I do not plan on returning to Town for some months. Next Spring, perhaps."

Caroline frowned," Why complete repairs to a home the we do not plan on keeping?"

Confusion crossed over Bingley's features, "Not keep Netherfield? What makes you think I would give up Netherfield, Caroline?"

Caroline blushed and stuttered. "I had thought being so far removed and lacking in local society, you would grow tired and return to Town."

Bingley gave Caroline a stern look, "I assure you, I shall remain at Netherfield through the Winter. But since you wish to be in London and our sister shall be traveling there, I see no reason for you to stay."

Caroline could tell even though it was said nicely, her brother's decision was final. She would be going to London but he and Mr. Darcy would be remaining in Hertfordshire.

Dinner at Longbourn was a lively show. All the girls trying to talk over each other, food being served and passed, Mr. Bennet's occasional satirical remarks. Jane had been true to her plan and tried to direct Mr. Collins attentions towards Mary. Even though since returning from Meryton he had been less cordial to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth had noticed the abrupt disinterest from Mr. Collins and rejoiced in it. She also noticed Jane's subtle hints beginning to work. Mr. Collins was talking to Mary more than any other and Mary was blushing sweetly. Jane was right, they were well suited for one another.

When the ladies went to the sitting room to allow the men time to enjoy a quiet drink after dinner, they were left to listen to Mrs. Bennet.

"Oh my dear Jane, Mr. Bingley will a fine husband. He is so amiable but the Darcy fellow! I am very sorry you were forced to endure his company for so long, Lizzy. That man is most disagreeable."

Elizabeth thought of how not three days before she would have agreed with her mother but today had given her reasons to question her original opinion of him. Elizabeth also knew there would be no use arguing this with her mother.

Jane was more vocal in defending Mr. Darcy from Mrs. Bennet's abuse. "Mama, Mr. Darcy was all that was polite today. He was very kind and most agreeable. Was he not, Lizzy?'

Mrs. Bennet did not give Elizabeth time to respond. "No doubt we should thank Mr. Bingley for any change in that horrible man's character." She scoffed.

Elizabeth sent Jane a look trying to will her to leave the subject of Mr. Darcy rest. Jane understood and gave Elizabeth a slight nod much to Elizabeth's relief.

"Tell me, Lydia dear, how you found the officers today." Mrs. Bennet moved on to her favorite daughter.

Lydia giggled and began rattling on about who was where. While Elizabeth became lost in her own thoughts. Remembering how genuinely pleasing Mr. Darcy's company had been. It was true there had been no less quarrels or smart remarks on her part but she had seen the flashes of happiness on his face, rather than disapproval. He had even laughed at some of her more daring declarations.

Elizabeth's attention was drawn back to the conversation when Lydia said, "Mr. Wickham asked after you today, Lizzy."

Elizabeth started at the sound of her name but recovered enough to say, "That was kind of him."

Lydia went on with a mischievous grin, "He seemed most disappointed to learn you were spending your day with Mr. Darcy. But have no worries, I cheered him."

The men joined them in time to save Elizabeth from saying something she may regret in the future.

Mr. Collins began his nightly reading, which gave Elizabeth the relative solitude she so desperately craved at the moment. How had she been so happy in Mr. Darcy's company knowing what she did of his past actions? Wickham had said he was proud and self centered yet she had seen neither of these traits in Mr. Darcy's behavior today. Elizabeth found the more she considered all her questions, the more confused she became.

What was she to believe?

Author's Note: Sorry it took so long. We had a small water emergency in my house.

Review please.