I'm back! =) I know this chapter seems a lot like others, I promise there is a purpose to it. Plus, I gave Darcy a chance to be with Elizabeth, it wouldn't be fair, unless I gave Wickham the same chance. =)

As Elizabeth curtsied formally to Darcy, and returned home, the majority of the Bennet household had just settled in to breakfast. She quickly took a seat near her father, who put down his paper long enough to give his favorite daughter an affectionate smile, and to roll his eyes at his wife's absurdities.

"Where have you been, ungrateful girl?" Her mother shrieked. "What do you think you're doing, taking walks at all manner of questionable hours? Don't you know how easily your reputation could be ruined? Not only yours, but the whole family's! No husband wants their wife to go on early morning walks when there is so much to be done at home!" She continued on in this way for some time. It was not until Mr. Collins appeared downstairs that she let the subject drop, much to everyone's pleasure.

Another walk to Meryton was soon suggested. Lydia and Kitty were excited to see the officers, while Jane took pleasure in the walk. Though Jane still hoped that she might meet the very handsome and amiable Mr. Bingley. Mary declined the walk, stating that she should much rather read.

Elizabeth was anxious to go on another walk to Meryton, still discomforted by the way the last ended. In the end, it was Mr. Collins who, unknowingly, provided the motivation she needed. He had declared that he should be glad to stay with his fair cousin, if she wished to stay home, as there was a matter he wished to discuss with her. This frightened her much farther than the remote possibility that she should enter a very awkward situation in Meryton.

They were not long in town, before Wickham and Denny appeared once again. Elizabeth, though a little disconcerted, was happy to see them. Wickham wore a very charming smirk, that was infectious. It was not long before Elizabeth was smiling and laughing with him once more.

Wickham seemed to have a ready supply of amusing anecdotes about nearly everything, from the army to his childhood, and, when Mr. Collins was not attending, Lady Catherine. For the better part of an hour Elizabeth listened, enraptured, at Wickham's tales, freely offering some of her own as well.

Wickham was in the middle of telling a very humorous tale of his childhood adventure when he decided to run away from home, when Elizabeth first heard the hooves signaling the approach of someone. Her first instinct was to ignore it. It was not likely to be anyone she knew.

"I had planned everything out and left quietly. But when I attempted to cross the river, I somehow ended up inside it instead. I returned home, covered with mud from head to toe, and no one even noticed I had gone." Elizabeth chuckled at the image that he presented.

She could hear the hoof beats, closer this time. She closed her eyes and silently begged that it would not be him. Even with her eyes closed and her back to them, Elizabeth knew that it was, even before Jane's breathless "Mr. Bingley" and Wickham's quick intake of breath. She could feel his eyes on her, burning a hole in her back. He was the only one who stared so intently. She heard both gentlemen dismount their horses, and his quick stride that was directed in her direction. It was not until he stopped, just behind her, that she turned to greet him.

"Mr. Darcy."

"Miss Elizabeth." As before, the conversation was ended at his arrival. Collins, who seemed to sense the danger, bounced up to her side. Elizabeth looked at him, then turned her eyes to the ground. This cannot be happening.

Elizabeth tore her eyes away from the ground, and looked to her sisters. Jane, sensing that something was not right with her sister today, was keeping a careful eye on her, and saw the look of desperation that lighted on her face.

Jane leaned to Bingley and whispered in his ear. Bingley glanced at the silent group before nodding. With reluctance, he stepped away from Jane and, with a smile plastered on his face, moved towards Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was momentarily wary when she saw another man approach her, but she relaxed as it was only Bingley. Her admirers did not seem to be worried either, so he was admitted into their group with no hostility. Bingley glanced over at Jane, who winked at him, signaling she was ready.

"It is time for us to return home, we have been out too long, and mother will be worried. Kitty and Lydia began to whine and complain, but complied. Bingley, who had been innocently standing at Elizabeth's side, offered his arm to her so quickly, one would have thought he knew that Jane was going to suggest they return just then.

The four other members of the group were startled at Bingley's request. Elizabeth accepted without giving it much thought. It was better than having to take Mr. Collins' arm, like last time. As Bingley gently pulled her away, Elizabeth caught a wink that Jane had sent her and smiled. Sweet, wonderful Jane.

The three gentlemen left behind were all still to shocked to move. None of them were still quite sure what happened. All they knew was that Elizabeth was being lead away from them, and they, all of them, were powerless to stop it. It was Wickham who recovered first, and politely offered his arm to Jane. Denny had lead both Kitty and Lydia away, so Darcy and Collins were left to simply stare after them. Darcy grabbed the horses and dejectedly followed the group to Longbourn.

Once everyone arrived at Longbourn, Bingley formally invited all of the Bennet's to the Netherfield ball. He could not, politely leave out Wickham and Collins, however much Darcy wished him to, so they were issued invitations as well. None of the guests could stay long after the invitations were given, and soon the Longbourn ladies were left to flitter here and there each already preparing for the ball.

As Darcy and Bingley sat in the parlor of Netherfield, Bingley continually snuck glances at his fuming friend. Ever since they met the Bennet's in Meryton, Darcy's mood had been rapidly declining. He had long ago given up even the pretence of reading and simply stared into the fire. Bingley cleared his throat, but Darcy continued to ignore him.

"What is the matter, Darcy?" Darcy just grunted and watched the fire. "You have been sulking ever since we returned from Longbourn. Can't you tell your friend what the problem is?" Darcy snorted.

"My friend? Is that what you are?" Bingley blinked. This was defiantly not a reply he expected. He had never seen his friend in a worse mood.

"Of course I am. Or have I done something recently to change that?" Bingley was slightly worried that he had lost Darcy's friendship. He had never acted this coldly to him before. What else could have cause that? Darcy did not speak at first, wondering if Bingley deserved to be answered.

'Don't say anything. Keep silent.'

'But he's our friend!'

'What kind of friend walks away with our love on their arm?'

'He must have had reasons.'

'They won't be good enough.'

'But he does not love her and will not make a play for her affections. He loves her sister.'

'We lost a chance to be with her.'

'But had we asked to escort her would she have accepted?'

'Of course.'

'Does she love us?

'Of course! How could she feel otherwise?'

'Give one instance that she showed affection toward us.'

'I…um…well….'

'That settles it. We have no reason to be mad at Bingley. Our anger should be aimed at only ourselves… and perhaps Wickham.

'Just because we have no reason to be, doesn't mean I can't be.'

"Why do you always know what to say, when say the wrong thing nearly every time I open my mouth? Why will she take your arm without hesitation, when she seems to barely tolerate mine? Why does she laugh with you, whenI have trouble getting her even to smile at me?" Bingley gaped as the floodgates seemed to open and Darcy let out all that he had been holding in. He carefully turned over all that Darcy had said in his head, until he came to the conclusion. Without warning, a chuckle escaped his lips, then another, until soon he was bellowing laughter. Darcy glared at his ex-best friend with disgust.

"I'm glad to know that you think all of my suffering is amusing." Bingley sucked in large gulps of air, and managed to calm himself enough to say between hiccups.

"You're jealous!" Darcy turned his eyes back to the fire, but made no attempt to argue.

"Perhaps I am." Bingley's amusement died down as his friend admitted it.

"But why? You have a greater fortune than I, better connections, and more power. What could you be jealous of? Is it that I have such a wonderful estate here in Hertfordshire. Perhaps you wish for a sister more like Caroline." Darcy grimaced at him and Bingley chuckled again. "Could it be my happy demeanor? Are you jealous that I have found the love of my life?" Bingley paused slightly, but continued as a thought hit him. "Or is it that I offered my arm to Miss Elizabeth this morning." Darcy flinched slightly.

"The first two are utter nonsense. As to the happy demeanor, I have never desired that. The latter two are the closest. Mostly I envy how easy everything is for you. You can walk up to anyone and become friends with them in a matter of minutes. I cannot even successful manage a conversation with those I have not know for long. You fall in love with a girl and she falls for you just as hard. Whereas, I fall in love, but yet it seems fate is trying to make my life as miserable as possible." Darcy bent his head to his hands in a sign of utter defeat.

"In love? With Miss Elizabeth?" Bingley was shaken considerably. He knew his friend was taken with Elizabeth, but love?

"Hopelessly. Desperately."

"Why don't you tell her how you feel?"

"She is always so reserved, so distant. Not once has she given me a clear sign of affection. And now, with that insufferable Wickham and the buffoon Collins, the competition is rough." Darcy sighed sadly.

"You are just going to give up then?" Darcy straightened abruptly and turned to Bingley.

"Never," he whispered, shaking his head, "never."

"Well Darce, I promise to do what I can to help, and perhaps Jane will help me."

"Thank you." Darcy stood and patted his friend on the shoulder. "I shall retire now. Good night."

Bingley watched his friend leave the room, in a slightly better mood than before. Bingley had never seen Darcy display that much emotion or ever be jealous of anything. It had become clear to him, on much reflection, that Darcy was deeply in love. That the woman had feelings for him, he was doubtful. A cold feeling settled around his gut. If Darcy displayed this much passion now, what would happen if Elizabeth did fall in love, or even marry another? That would have to be avoided at all costs to protect his friend. He would speak with Jane. She would have a better idea of what to do. Perhaps it was time for Darcy to leave Hertfordshire.