Chapter Four

Caroline had seethed with anger for the rest of the evening. Though she was silent on the subject of the Bennets, she would not remain so. The most of her vicious thoughts were directed and Elizabeth. In Caroline's mind there was only one female Darcy should admire, herself. She had been doing everything in her power to gain Darcy's affections for the past several months. Much longer than this up-start, lowly, country miss with such vile connections. She was a no one. While Caroline was a proper fashionable lady of London. She had hoped that convincing her brother to leave Hertfordshire would make Darcy do the same. Then he would finally realize what had been known to he all along, That the only person meant to be the next mistress of Pemberly was Caroline Bingley.

It was late that night, long after all the servants had packed Caroline's things under her severe commands. She sat quietly in her room facing the fire, mind racing with the need to find a way to break the Bennet sister's hold on the gentlemen of Netherfield. There must be a way!

The idea struck her along with the crackle of the fire. She could not make Darcy see what a mistake he were a mistake he was making than she would drive a wedge into little miss Eliza's head casting doubt as to Darcy's intentions.

With a sinister smile she strode to her writing desk and began writing a farewell missive to Jane.

Elizabeth rose earlier than the rest of the household from a restless sleep filled with murky dreams. Her troubling question of whose character to trust had not reached a resolution. She needed air and peaceful sense of quiet solitude.

Elizabeth dressed simply and slipped invisibly out of Longbourn she walked through one of her favorite paths that had always brought her peace, hoping more would be found this day.

The question began to swirl again. Who should she trust? Mr. Darcy? Mr. Wickham? Mr. Darcy had made her angry beyond measure with his arrogance and conceited pride. But yesterday, he had been amiable and generous. As well as warm and kind. And what of Mr. Wickham? His manners had never been questioned He was open and affectionate. All who knew him spoke well of him.

Elizabeth's mind was in knots and tangles, when she sat beside her favorite tree facing an open field. She had once thought herself a good judge of character and all the questions she could not logically answer seemed to be haunting her. .

She had found Mr. Wickham honorable when he chose not to attend the ball at Netherfield Mr. Wickham had said that while he remembered Mr. Darcy's father he could not speak out against Mr. Darcy himself. Elizabeth had originally thought that to be the most gentleman thing he could have done. But then the thought came to her, would a true gentlemen really share this tale of woe and dispute to a lady he had barely known a week? Was the act of Mr. Wickham telling her this tale not speaking out about Mr. Darcy's wrong doing in some way? How could Mr. Wickham be sure that she would be as 'silent' as he?

Elizabeth thought of what he father would have said. He would have been amused that a man would share such a tale with a woman and caution her to look deeper. She could hear her father saying that Mr. Darcy's only offense may be that he is a rich man who has a preference for his own way.

While thinking along that line of thought, Mr. Wickham had told her that the late Mr. Darcy had been the one to bestow the living to Mr. Wickham once it became vacant, of course. According to Mr. Wickham, Mr. Darcy refused to give the then vacant rectory to Mr. Wickham. Would not Mr. Darcy immediately inform Mr. Wickham of his choice not to follow is father's wishes once the man had passed? Or had Mr. Darcy approved and then suddenly disapproved? If that were the case there must have been a reason.

The more Elizabeth gave thought to Mr. Wickham's story the more she began to doubt it.

He thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of hoof beats coming from across the field. Elizabeth looked to see a large black horse cantering in her direction. It took her several moments to recognize the rider, it was Mr. Darcy.

"Speak of the devil and he shall appear." Elizabeth scoffed. "More like think of him."

As Darcy galloped across a field his thoughts were on Elizabeth. He longed to see her again but knew that calling twice in a row may disturb the balance they seemed to have struck. And also he'd given Bingley his word to inspect the rest of Netherfield's fencing and other attributes that may need repair.

Then he saw it, a small figure in yellow. 'It can not be!' he thought.

Riding closer and at a slower place he saw that it was his Elizabeth and smiled. It seemed like his wishes to see her had been granted. Several feet from her, he stopped and jumped from his horse and gave her a polite but warm picture. "Good morning, Miss Elizabeth."

Elizabeth curtsied. "Good Morning , Mr. Darcy. I can see Mr. Bingley was indeed not jesting about your need of being out of door so early in the day." she tried to tease with a small smile. It was odd to have one of the men she had been just thinking about so deeply standing so closely.

Darcy was beyond pleased that in his absence she has not returned to resenting his company. "I am glad to see we share that need." He laughed. She could have no idea how well this worked for him. He felt like he was the cat who was just about the eat the canary.

"And why is that, sir? Do you wish to provoke me into yet another quarrel?" Elizabeth asked archly, with a sparkle of humor in her eyes.

Darcy laughed softly, thinking that the magnificent creature standing before him would never cease to surprise him. "You are using my secret to your advantage, madam. But this morning, I find that I am happy to have an unforeseen opportunity to enjoy your company."

Elizabeth looked at him to see that heart stopping smile play on his features and could not stop herself from returning it. "Unforeseen, Mr. Darcy? Was finding me here that much of a surprise? You do after all know the fondness I have for these paths"

Darcy had truthfully not allowed himself to imagine finding Elizabeth alone in the forests of Hertfordshire, but he could not altogether lie and say that he not held hope. It was one of the many reasons he chose to ride in the general direction of Longbourn. "I can not say that you are wrong, Miss Elizabeth, your fondness for all of the paths are well known to me. But I had not expected to enjoy your company today."

Elizabeth felt a strange sense of disappointment. She had been wondering if Mr. Darcy would call with Mr. Bingley. She looked away hoping that Mr. Darcy's thoughtful eyes could not see it in her face.

There was nothing about Elizabeth that would ever escape Mr. Darcy's notice. He may not know the exact thought behind it, but he could almost map every emotion that he had ever seen on her face. Including that small flash of almost sadness in her eyes. The thought that she did want his company elated Darcy. "Mr. Bingley and I must handle some estate business at Netherfield. I could pay a call tomorrow, if you would like…"

Elizabeth pretended to ponder this offer, "I will agree, If you escort me to the entrance to Longbourn." Elizabeth decided that if she as to truly put her questions to rest, she should give Mr. Darcy his chance to tell her about Mr. Wickham. "But I must warn you, sir. I plan on asking you a question you will not like."

Darcy was shocked, Elizabeth had actually requested to prolong their meeting, but found the 'question' worried him. "I am at your mercy, madam."

Elizabeth watched as Mr. Darcy gracefully tugged on the horses reins to make it follow as they began walking toward Longbourn's entrance at a slow place.

Elizabeth took a deep breath and told Mr. Darcy all that Wickham had told her. She thought that if she relayed what she had been told Mr. Darcy may not think of her question as an attack.

As Elizabeth spoke Darcy felt anger blooming in his chest. Wickham's abuse of him was unforgivable, especially since the lies had been told to Elizabeth. When Elizabeth finished her story, Darcy fought to keep his voice still, "And what is your question, Miss Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth saw Mr. Darcy's pale face and tight grip on his horse's reigns, his anger apparent. "My question, Sir, is, What is Mr. Wickham not telling me?"

Darcy was shocked. Did Elizabeth not believe Wickham? Was she asking him this in order to confirm her own suspicions Taking care to not say too much he told Elizabeth, "Mr. Wickham has left out much of the story."

Elizabeth nodded. She wanted to ask Mr. Darcy the hundred of questions that sprang to mind but felt that would make his guarded behavior of the past make a reappearance. Elizabeth knew that Mr. Darcy would continue.

Darcy looked at Elizabeth, she wanted the truth about Wickham. What surprised Darcy was his desire to tell her everything From Pemberly and the living at Kympton to the more recent Ramsgate. He knew all of that was not possible, telling anyone so much was too much of a risk to Georgiana. But he could at least correct the falsehood about the rectory.

"When my father passed, he did indeed pass the rectory to Mr. Wickham. It was a living I would have gladly given him when it become vacant. With the hope that he tamed his wild ways and did it justice." Mr. Darcy said quietly, not looking at Elizabeth.

After a few moments of silence he continued, "The living did become vacant not long ago. And I offered it to Mr. Wickham as my father had wished. He, however, did not wish to take orders. He demanded the value of the living, which I gave him to honor my father's wishes. Mr. Wickham had mentioned the possibility of practicing law." Darcy chuckled darkly at that, looked at Elizabeth with a small smile, "We can easily see how well that panned out."

Elizabeth smiled sardonically she couldn't help asking, "If you have given him the value of the living, why has he joined the militia?"

Darcy smirked smiled at Elizabeth's intelligence. She was a constant surprise and in Darcy's thoughts. "Well, Miss Elizabeth, it would seem Mr. Wickham has a problem with, I beg your pardon, gambling, as well as spending. He wrote to me a few short weeks after I had signed the money over to him, saying he would need a good deal more."

Elizabeth gasped, she has not been told the amount given to Wickham. But one could easily assume that the value the rectory connected to Pemberly must be very fine. And to spend all that in a matter of weeks… It was beyond shocking.

Darcy thought her shock was due to being told of Wickham's true character. "My apologies, Miss Elizabeth, I should have tempered my words. I know a story like this should never be repeated to a lady but-"

Elizabeth cut Darcy's apologies off with a wave of her hand. "It was not the story that shocked me, Sir. I know most ladies are not accustomed to the darker side of life, I may not have had personal experience with it myself, but I am aware of its existence. What caused my shock was imagining the about lost in such a sort time, Mr. Darcy."

Darcy wondered if Elizabeth would ever stop surprising him. He hoped not, that was an amazing part of her charm. "In the lowest places, one can assume."

As they reached the entrance to Longbourn Darcy realized he must lose Elizabeth's company, even though he was not ready to. "May I ask you a question, before you go, Miss Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth heard the intensity in Mr. Darcy's voice and he heart stuttered. She has no way of expecting what question he could ask. The unexpected unnerved Elizabeth in the oddest ways. She wanted to tell Mr. Darcy that he had no need to ask her anything but she desperately wanted to know what his question was. She gave the man himself a small smile, "It would seem only fair, Sir. After all you have told me."

"And are you always fair, Miss Elizabeth?" Mr. Darcy asked quietly taking the smallest step toward her.

Elizabeth could not explain why but moved a small bit closer to Mr. Darcy. Enough to have to raise her face in order to respond. "Is that your question Mr. Darcy?"

Elizabeth was close enough to tempt Darcy to wrap his arms around her and kiss the lips that haunted his dreams. Her lavender scent surrounded him and dulled his senses to anything but her. He shook his head to try and clear it, taking a step back. He wanted to gain her trust, not frighten her away with his passion. "Indeed, it is not. I would like to know what caused you to question Mr. Wickham's story?"

Elizabeth felt the lose of something unexplainable as Mr. Darcy stepped back. When he had been standing so close she had felt he heart beat speed up and he stomach tighten in anticipation. But anticipation of what she did not know. It took her a moment to realize that Mr. Darcy had asked her a question. ""Oh I began to question his reasons for telling me such a tale when we had barely been acquainted. It seemed rather odd."

Darcy was gratified by Elizabeth's perception. It had made him ill to believe that Wickham held any part of her regard or affection. Darcy had wanted to force Wickham to leave her, but for Elizabeth to the one to see through Wickham's false manners was truly a gift. "I am glad of your questioning mind , Miss Elizabeth."

Elizabeth smiled at him, mischievously, "Even when it is employed questioning you, Sir?"

Darcy laughed at her obvious teasing remark, "Especially then."

They smiled at one another for a long moment, before Elizabeth heard distant voices coming from her house. "I really must go, Mr. Darcy."

As they each offered proper good-byes, Mr. Darcy caught Elizabeth's hand and brushed a light kiss over it. He looked into her eyes and smiled slightly at the surprise on her face, "Until tomorrow, Miss Elizabeth."

Darcy turned quickly mounted his horse and galloped toward Netherfield. He could still feel Elizabeth's hand in his. He had felt the heat of her hand pass all the way through his arm. It had taken all the self control Darcy possessed to only press his lips to her hand. Each day in her company, bewitched him further. And he hoped this spell would never break.

Darcy entered the dining room at the Netherfield in a wonderful mood. A morning talk with his Elizabeth and Caroline departing for London. No morning could be as great as this.

Caroline saw that Darcy was overly cheerful and resented the Bennets even more. Could he not even feel a small sense of loss a her departure? "Why, Mr. Darcy, you seem to be in a cheerful mood this morning. Does it not pain you at all to be loosing most of the party at Netherfield?"

Darcy's back stiffened, how could Caroline cause his happiness to dispute so quickly? The only reason Darcy tolerated her company was due to her brother. "I have always enjoyed peace and quiet, Miss Bingley."

"Well you would certainly would not find that in the Bennet's company!" Caroline laughed.

Darcy chose to ignore her comments. She was leaving soon and with departure all the vicious, spiteful comments would be gone as well.

Caroline was deeply annoyed at Darcy's refusal to answer her intentional barb. But she also desperately wanted his attention. "Mr. Darcy, is Georgiana still staying in London? You know how I miss her and long to see her."

Darcy really did not wish to have Caroline spending time alone with Georgiana. He felt a great sense of relief knowing that by the time Caroline reached London, his sister would be journeying to Pemberly. "At the moment, yes. Tomorrow she will be traveling to Pemberly to escape the hustle of London during the holidays and season.

"Oh but you must write to her to delay her journey. If you send the letter express post is should each her in enough time!" Caroline cried with sincerity.

Darcy did not even look up from his morning post at Caroline, even with the excitement in her voice. "Why would I do that?"

Caroline starred at Darcy in disbelief. "So that I may see her again, Mr. Darcy! Surely, it would please her to see me again."

Darcy gave Caroline a tolerant look. "My sister wishes to leave for Pemberly tomorrow. I will not have her alter her plans in order to receive one person. That would be rude of me and it would also be rude of you to request it."

This was the harshest speech Darcy had ever directed at Caroline, who become so pale that it was almost frightful. It was a very good thing she was leaving Netherfield because it would seem Darcy's patience had run its course.

Caroline left the table in a flurry of silk and lace. She had hoped Darcy would allow her to meet with his sister. She knew how much affection the two shared and thought that if she spent time with the girl Darcy would see how they would make excellent friends and sisters. But Darcy seemed so lost in his country affection to even give thought to his future.

Darcy and Bingley watched the Hurst's carriage pull away a few short hours later. Bingley had said every polite farewell and listened to Caroline lament his choice to stay behind with the patience of a saint. While Darcy had been distant in manner and succinct in word. Once the carriage was out of sight the men looked to each other with victorious smiles.

"Oh how pleasant returning to the house will be now, eh, Darcy?" Bingley laughed.

"We may be able to enjoy our meals without the mention of the militia." Darcy chuckled.

"Or to have a quiet drink by the fire with out listening to the abuse of country society"

"Read without distraction."

"Ah, Caroline is quite persistent when it comes to you. Always so complimentary of you and your sister." Bingley laughed.

Darcy remained silent on the subject. Which never bothered Bingley. "Another benefit of Caroline's departure is, of course, we no longer have to sit through her opinions of the Bennets."

"You are quite right, Bingley." Darcy said clapping him on the back.

As all the Bennets sat down to breakfast, Elizabeth walked through the front door still blushing from her encounter with Mr. Darcy. In such a short amount of time he had gone from a person she loathed, to a person she greatly looked forward to spending time with.

As Elizabeth sat at the table Lydia looked at her crossly, "You were out early this morning, Lizzy. Not pining for Mr. Wickham, were you?"

Elizabeth's entire demeanor changed at the mention of Mr. Wickham's name. To know how easily he could lie in an attempt to tarnish an honorable man. And to think that she had fallen for Mr. Wickham's lies as well. "No, I was not. And I caution you, dear Lydia, Mr. Wickham is not the man he seems."

Jane looked at her sister confused. Elizabeth gave her sister an pleading look and mouthed 'Later". Elizabeth did not wish to have all of the thing Mr. Darcy had told her spread about town before supper. So she knew she could tell no one but Jane about her sudden change of heart.

Jane nodded, much to Elizabeth's relief. It was apparent to her that Lizzy had obviously found some piece of information out, or she would not be saying such things. But Jane could not think of someone who would know of Wickham's past. Other than Mr. Darcy or perhaps one of the other men in the militia.

Lydia giggled in the way that most annoyed Elizabeth. "Oh Lizzy just because Mr. Wickham is beginning to prefer my attention does not mean that you shall become a spinster. I am sure there are plenty of men who will have you. True non will be so fine as Wickham or Denny, but they will be fine men just the same."

Elizabeth sent Lydia a cold stare. " Lydia, I do not care who Mr. Wickham prefers, The fact is I do not prefer him, And my estimation is not based in his handsome features. It is based on his character. You would do well to try looking past people's exteriors, sister."

Lydia huffed at Elizabeth's speech and rolled her eyes. Elizabeth was always too opinionated and mean. "I think Mr. Wickham's character is fine! He is handsome and amiable. He is a fine dancer, He is in the militia with Denny. Honestly, Lizzy, How can you be so high and mighty when you barely know the person?"

Jane answered trying to stop a fight from erupting. She just wanted a peaceful meal with her family, a rarity between five girls and Mrs. Bennet's nerves. "Lydia, why don't you eat your breakfast so that you and Kitty can be off for Meryton?"

Lydia was not one to give up a fight but she could also see the logic in what Jane said. She sent Elizabeth one last angry look before turning to Kitty to make plans for the day.

It was several hours later when Jane received a post from Caroline. As much as Elizabeth despised that woman she could not help but hunger for news of Netherfield. She tried to calmly wait for Jane to finish reading but became gradually more and more concerned as Jane started repeating 'Oh my' every few seconds.

Jane could not believe what Caroline had just written her. She knew she must tell Lizzy but they would need much more privacy than the sitting room would afford, even with Lydia and Kitty off to Meryton. She looked to Elizabeth's eyes brightened with concern, "Would you care to walk among the garden paths with me, Lizzy? It is much too beautiful a day to be spent indoors."

Through years of talking like this, Elizabeth understood Jane's subtle meaning. And readily agreed. They gathered their outdoor things and walked quickly out of sight of Longbourn. ''"Really, Jane you must tell me what has you so flushed. What news did the great Miss Bingley send?"

"Oh, Lizzy, Caroline has left Netherfield!"

"What? Have the others left as well?" Elizabeth's mind flew to Mr. Darcy, had he left with Caroline?

"It was just Caroline and the Hursts that left. But she has said something else, that we must pay heed to." Jane said very shyly.

"What is it, Jane?" Elizabeth couldn't help but relax, knowing that Mr., Darcy and Mr. Bingley had not quit Netherfield. Elizabeth did not want to admit this to anyone but she had grown rather fond of spending time in Mr. Darcy's company.

Jane shook her head, "I can not speak it, Lizzy. Here, you must read for yourself."

Jane handed Elizabeth the letter and turned away. Elizabeth hated seeing her sister in this this state but understood that the only way to get answers was to read what Caroline had penned.

[Dearest Miss Bennet,

It is with a mixture of joy and sadness that I write to you. I am for London. My sister and her husband long to be in town and I am of the same mind. There is nothing I shall regret leaving in Hertfordshire, well excepting you, of course. I do not know if I shall ever return to this place. My brother is just an inconstant man. He will be happy in one home one day and be wary of it the next. He is much the same with the company he keeps as well. He will be bound and determined to marry a lady one week and he will have forgotten her name the next. It is a great amusement to our family, I must say.

Now my friend, I must offer a warning for your dear sister, Miss Eliza. I know how you treasure her. Please warn her to be wary of Mr. Darcy's new attentions. He may be all smiles and gallantry with her, but I have had the misfortune to over hear that he is merely using her as a small country diversion. Please tell her to guard her heart. I do not wish to see her used so ill, but I fear Mr. Darcy has not intentions beyond flirtation.

Please write to me, my dear Miss Bennet. How I have enjoyed your company and sweet nature. We shall be great correspondent friends, sharing our mutual diversions through ink and paper! And perhaps, one day you will visit me in Town. Would that not be so lovely.

I am sorry but I must go, yours etc: Caroline Bingley. ]

Elizabeth read the sections describing Mr. Bingley's character and the warning about Mr. Darcy several times. She felt suddenly cold. So all the change in Mr. Darcy's attitude was to secure her as his country flirt? She did not want to believe it. And poor Jane being told that Bingley was so easily moved. It was clear that even if Caroline had embellished the negatives, both she and Jane would need to take great care.

Elizabeth sighed, "Ah, Jane, What shall we do?"

Jane had been trying to hold back tears but she turned and ran to her sister's embrace. She had not a reason to doubt what Caroline said. "I know not, But I fear how I am to behave when I see him next."

Elizabeth held Jane close, wishing she had all the answers. "We shall treat them with civility, but perhaps be a little less happy to share their company."

"And what of Mr. Darcy, Lizzy?" Jane looked into Elizabeth's eyes searching for something.

"I shall treat him mush as I had before. With distance and jus the smallest hint of disdain." Elizabeth said in a small teasing voice, attempting to make Jane smile.

Elizabeth was convincing herself that it would be simple to go back to how things had been not four days past. She would simply resume avoiding Mr. Darcy's company and when it was forced upon her she would be civil and attempt to deny him the quarrels he so readily enjoyed.

Author's note: Not my best, I'm sorry. But I have started on the next chapter and I really like the way this one is shaping up. I am also sorry for the delay. While, yes the water situation was handled, this week misfortune was me having to have surgery. Which is why this chapter is not as well written as the rest, I blame the pain killers! But I am home now.

Warning though, it may take me a little more time because my husband is returning from a deployment tomorrow (pause for screams of joy) and I will be spending some time with him!

Review please! That will guilt me into writing faster and getting it up here.