Part 7-'…What the heart desires…'

'Oh, I met Lady Catherine yesterday!' Lizzy suddenly declared. It was early morning, and though winter had not yet arrived, there was still a noticeable chill in the air. But Wickham had volunteered they brave the weather and take a walk in the park. Lizzy had not put up much reluctance.

Lizzy had a busy day of filming ahead of her; their walk had to be very early. Lizzy was not sorry for it. Bundled in her many layers of coat, scarf and woolly hat, she talked with Wickham with an easiness that marked how close they had become.

Their mutual dislike of Darcy was a significant factor.

They sat down together on a bench. 'Really…and what did you think of her?' Wickham was amused and seemed to know already what her answer would be.

Lizzy laughed, 'She was exactly as you described her…'

'In that infamous grey suit…?'

She nodded enthusiastically, 'Yes, and that severe hairstyle with the bun…and I could almost swear that thing had a life of its own. I'm sure it had eyes that followed me as she left the room…!'

They both laughed heartily at the picture she painted. Wickham looked longingly at her. 'You have a beautiful smile…'

Lizzy blushed. 'You know, you've said that before…'

Wickham smiled charmingly. 'And no doubt I'll say it again…because it's true…'

Lizzy thought he was going to kiss her. She would not be sorry for it if he was; she believed herself to be in a fair way of falling in love with the ever-delightful Mr Wickham. But it was strange; even as he leaned in, Lizzy pulled back at the last moment, confused, as he obviously was, about her reluctance.

'We missed you at the charity ball…' she quickly turned the conversation, 'I would have liked the opportunity to introduce you to my family…'

Wickham sighed and nodded sorrowfully, 'Yes, I am sorry for it, but I realised I had already made prior commitments…' He trailed off when he realised she was not buying a word of it.

'No…no, you are quite right, I must be entirely honest with you…I had prepared myself and was all ready to come, but as it got closer…I probably couldn't have met Darcy with any semblance of rationality. And I was afraid of my temper…he probably would have provoked me and then…well, I daresay unpleasant scenes would have arisen.'

Lizzy replied angrily, 'I would not have minded seeing you knock him to the floor…!'

'No, but it would have caused no end of embarrassment to those who did not deserve it, Marcie and others…I wouldn't want that…'

Lizzy pouted. 'Well, it's a shame others don't share your scruples. There would have been no need for you to cause embarrassment…Darcy managed remarkably well on his own…'

Wickham smiled sympathetically. 'Yes, I know. I read the papers…and I must say Darcy is a fool…I would never have…'

Lizzy cut him off by rising to leave, 'I think it's time we got back…' He agreed reluctantly.

They walked slowly and silently until Lizzy began again, 'Do you know, I think Lady Catherine is the only character Darcy is afraid of? I've never seen him more cowed before by anyone…'

'Yes, I can well believe it. Lady Catherine is a formidable woman, she holds the highest position on the committee board, and is a patron of Pemberley Theatre. Consequently, she holds considerable influence over Darcy's life…'

Lizzy nodded, understanding perfectly. 'And we all know how much Darcy likes to be the one in control…'

'Lady Catherine has a daughter, Anne…' Wickham continued, 'I think she has long held hopes of the cousins marrying…'

Lizzy was astounded. 'But wouldn't that make their relationship positively incestuous…!'

'Perhaps, but with the combined wealth and influence their union will render, I think Lady Catherine has long considered that to outweigh any inconvenience of the incestuous kind…'

Lizzy smiled. 'I do not know who to feel most sorry for: Darcy with the prospect of having Lady Catherine as a mother-in-law as well as an aunt, or Anne de Bourgh…!'

Wickham laughed, replying emphatically, 'Oh, Anne de Bourgh, to be sure…for facing the prospect of life with such a man as Darcy…'

Lizzy returned from her walk refreshed and energised to find Jane sitting in her trailer, sad and despondent. Her face was fallen and she held her phone tightly in her shaking hands.

'Jane, whatever's the matter…what's wrong…?'

Jane was quiet and struggled to speak, 'Oh, it's nothing…only Bingley has left, Lizzy…'

'What…?' Lizzy refused to believe it.

'Yes it's true. I just called his office, because I haven't been able to get hold of him…they told me he has gone to London; Darcy went with him, I believe, but has since returned. Lizzy, I had to hear it from his secretary…she told me she has no idea when or… even if he will return…'

Lizzy placed a comforting arm around her sister. 'But why…?'

'I don't know…they said it was business…he has business there…apparently.' Jane shook her head sadly.

'Well then, there is no reason to disbelieve him, surely …?'

'No, but why didn't he tell me himself, Lizzy?'

Lizzy smiled. 'Jane, men are hardly the most considerate of creatures… Perhaps the business was urgent and sudden and he did not have time to tell you…'

'No, but I thought Bingley was different…'

'I don't doubt that he is…Look, Jane, it's obviously affecting you, this sudden departure of his, so why don't you go and find out the reason for it yourself?'

Jane looked at her sister strangely. 'What…No, I couldn't possibly…'

Lizzy was adamant, 'Yes, go down to London!'

'After him? Doesn't that seem a little….desperate...?'

Lizzy's smile broadened. 'I don't see why…You're an agent, aren't you, Jane? And as far as I can remember, I'm not your only client…Surely you have one or two in London. You'll be going down on business as well, and who knows… perhaps you may just bump into each other down there…' She nudged Jane slyly.

Jane smiled at her cunning. 'Maybe…'

'Oh, come on, Jane…as mother would say, there's nothing desperate where money or marriage is concerned…'

Jane appeared shocked. 'Marriage…?'

Lizzy was not to be fooled. 'Oh, Jane, you're not going to lie to me and tell me you're not madly in love with him…?'

'No, but I would never marry for money….'

'Of course not, it is entirely a matter of convenience that he is so rich….!'

They both laughed heartily together. Jane hugged Lizzy for her encouragement.

'But will you be okay if I leave? I know I promised to stay on set during your filming…'

'I'll be fine…' Lizzy reassured her. 'Besides we're travelling to Hunsford for the final few scenes…and by some twisted, divine humour, Lady Catherine's residence of Rosings Park is situated only a few miles away…so I will no doubt have the pleasure of her company….!'

Lizzy helped Jane pack for her trip, safe in the knowledge that when her sister returned and had cleared up this misunderstanding, she was sure to have a ring on her finger and Bingley on her arm as her fiancé.