3 – Resolution

[AN: First, thank you all for your kind words, constructive comments, and just for reading. I haven't tried to intentionally leave you hanging at the end of the chapter; it just happened that way. So, here's another installment. Please forgive me, but it will probably be a few days before the next update. Oh, there's a warning of some violence in this chapter, but nothing too graphic.]

Meanwhile, Bingley was quickly progressing to the bank there in Meryton, when he unexpectedly encountered the person of Miss Jane Bennet.

"Miss Bennet," he cried as she approached. "I am so …," oh dear, he was at a loss as to handling this distraction from his task, "I am so glad to see you," he finally blurted out. "Are you well?"

Allowing a slight smile to grace her lips, she replied, "Yes, Mr. Bingley, I am. I trust you are as well, but presently, I can't seem to locate my sister Lizzy. Have you seen her by any chance?"

Bingley was speechless as he contemplated his answer. He couldn't tell his angel about the drama that was occurring at the end of town where her sister was, nor could he let her accidentally wander into the middle of it.

"Oh Miss Bennet," he said haltingly, "I am sure your sister is quite all right. However, I am at present constrained to make a transaction at the bank. If you will accompany me there now, I will be most glad to help you search for Miss Elizabeth."

His answer seemed to calm her mild distress and she accepted his arm as they continued to the bank. Upon entering, he asked her to wait for him on a bench inside as he made his way to the teller. While his original intent of the day was to close the account, the events that were transpiring convinced him to merely make the withdrawal currently required.

As Bingley had become quite well known and well liked in Meryton, he was afforded much respect by those at the bank. Sensing this, he prevailed upon them for an additional courtesy. Speaking with an available officer of the bank, he requested, "Sir, the young lady that came with me," gesturing toward Jane sitting quietly.

"Miss Bennet, Sir?"

"Yes Sir. I have but a small task to complete which Miss Bennet cannot be party to."

As soon as he uttered the words, the expression on the gentleman's face changed, making Mr. Bingley realize he'd misconstrued and assumed Bingley was off to purchase an engagement ring after making such a sizeable withdrawal. Trying to recover quickly, he further asked, "I request that you show great discretion in this matter and also ask you to allow Miss Bennet to remain here until I return for her."

"There should be no difficulty, Sir. And you have my absolute word on remaining discrete," he said with a slight twinkle in his eye.

Quickly returning to Jane, she started to rise, but Bingley sat next to her and took her hand in his. "Miss Jane," he asked, almost breathless, "I must make a request of you." She gave her consent with a slight nod before he continued.

"I must ask you to remain here for just awhile longer. I promise to return as quickly as I can, at which time I'm sure we will find your sister." He saw a shadow of doubt cross her face.

"Please," he reiterated with some urgency, "Please, Miss Bennet, say you'll remain here until I return." The beseeching in his eyes made his request hard to refuse. She nodded her head and quietly responded, "Yes, Mr. Bingley, I shall wait for you here."

His sigh of relief was released with a quick but brilliant smile as he rose from his seat. "Thank you Miss Bennet. I shan't be long, I promise you." Giving her hand a squeeze, he left the bank and hurried—nearly running—back to the far end of town.

His return to the scene was heralded by his heavy breathing as he approached. Quickly scanning the setting, he was greatly distressed not seeing Elizabeth.

"Where is she? What has happened to …"

"She is right here, Bingley," Mr. Darcy quickly cut him off, not wanting Elizabeth's name revealed to the Duke. "Everything is fine," he said reassuringly. "As long as you were successful as well," Darcy asked.

"Oh yes, I was able to secure the amount requested," Bingley replied, pulling out the small satchel he'd been given at the bank and stepping forward, tried to hand it to the Duke, but Darcy quickly snatched it out of his hand.

"Before you receive this, Your Grace," began Darcy, "may I procure a promise from you that you will not allow Mr. Wickham entrance to your club in the future?" He glanced over at Wickham who's previously smug countenance was now sagging greatly.

Leaning forward, the Duke responded affirmatively, "You have my word, Darcy, that Wickham will never set foot there again."

Upon receiving the Duke's promise, Darcy handed him the satchel, which was then quickly untied for reviewing its contents. The Duke's look of satisfaction from the number of bills and their denominations caused Darcy to quickly take action.

"Allow me, then, to assist the dear lady down from the carriage, Your Grace," as he reached up to take Elizabeth's hand. The Duke reluctantly acquiesced, though still desirous of her company.

"I thank you, young lady, for your cooperation," he said, his tone indicating his continued reluctance to part with her and his resentment toward Darcy for monopolizing the conversation during the time Elizabeth has graced his carriage (for he himself barely knew any details of the workings of any of his properties, nor did he care to discuss them; he'd only wanted to engage the young lady in conversation).

Elizabeth nodded in acceptance before responding, "I thank you, as well, Sir, for your hospitality."

He nodded back slightly. "Perhaps in the future …"

"Oh Your Grace," cut in Darcy, "with the many properties you own, I can see no reason for your visiting Meryton anytime in the near future."

"Mr. Darcy," said the Duke, "I appreciate beauty wherever I find it." His gaze rested on Elizabeth, making her quite uncomfortable and Darcy tense.

"I am sure you do, Your Grace," replied Darcy in a very controlled voice, "but great works of art and beauty are usually appreciated with the eyes only."

"True enough, Mr. Darcy," he said, "usually."

With a slight bow, which the Duke acknowledged, Darcy and Elizabeth started to turn away when the Duke spoke again. "Now, Mr. Wickham …"

Wickham had thought he would emerge relatively unscathed from what had transpired, but realized it was not to be as the Duke addressed him.

"… it seems that although your debt has been paid, the circumstances of its escalating to this level might require a reminder of sorts. Would you not agree, Sir?"

Wickham hung his head. Breathing a heavy sigh, he responded, "I can understand you would think so, Sir."

"Then you know what is now to happen." Wickham slightly nodded, now resigned to his fate.

Darcy immediately pulled Elizabeth to the side and stood her squarely facing him with her back to Wickham and the Duke's men.

"Bingley, if you wouldn't mind?"

Bingley nodded and stood directly behind Elizabeth with his back to her. Elizabeth looked up at Darcy questioning and barely got out a "Wha…?" before he reached out to hold her hands.

"I'm sorry, but you mustn't see what is about to take place. However, I feel I should stay to ensure there is nothing excessively done."

Elizabeth was still in confusion. "I don't understand. What …?"

Darcy leaned down and held her face in his hands, causing a slight gasp from Elizabeth. "Please, just focus your attention on me." The Duke had been observing the exchange between the two and once Darcy had settled Elizabeth he nodded to the Duke who then signaled his men.

At the sound of the first punch, Elizabeth gasped and started to turn, but Darcy pulled her against his chest with one hand wrapped around her and one cupping the back of her head. "Do not look, my love. I'm sorry but this must be," he whispered.

Elizabeth flinched at each sound and groan she heard and forced herself to keep quiet. It was an eternity before she felt a slight movement from Darcy and then, the sounds finally and mercifully ended. She remained in Darcy's arms as she heard the Duke, "Gentlemen, I believe this concludes our business." The silent adieus were exchanged followed by the sound of doors closing and the carriage pulling away with the Duke and his entourage. No one of the remaining group seemed to move until no more could be heard.

"It is over now," she heard Darcy whisper and she gave the slightest indication of hearing, but didn't move from his hold. "Bingley," Darcy asked, "could you stay with Miss Bennet while I see to Wickham?" She felt him release her and Bingley put a gently comforting arm about her. It was with some reluctance she let her eyes follow Mr. Darcy to where Wickham lay on the ground, moving slowly. She watched as he offered his hand, helping Wickham to a sitting position and crouching down as they spoke quietly together. Wickham's face showed cuts on his cheek and above his eye; those were the injuries she could see, but suspected he'd sustained several to the abdomen as well.

She was silently contemplating the scene before her when she heard Mr. Bingley speaking to her.

"Don't worry, Miss Bennet, we will see you home." She nodded and barely whispered her thanks.

"Your sister, Jane, is awaiting me at the bank. I saw her as I made my way to make the withdrawal and was afraid she would follow me here, so I asked her to wait there until I returned."

Elizabeth shifted to look Bingley in the eye.

"She was in earnest, searching for you." He faltered before continuing. "It was unpleasant enough for any woman, let along yourself, should be forced into this situation; I couldn't bear for Ja … I mean, your sister to be subjected to it as well."

Elizabeth couldn't help but feel grateful Bingley had acted as he had done. The thought of anyone as sweet as Jane enduring what she herself had just witnessed was unconscionable. Her already fragile resolve was near giving away before she could respond to Bingley.

"Thank you. You're right, I would have been very fearful for Jane had she been here. Thank you for protecting her."

By this time, their attention had shifted back to Darcy and Wickham, the latter finally attempting to rise to his feet with Darcy's help. Where Darcy had initially been solicitous of Wickham's well-being, Elizabeth could see the anger rising in Darcy as his facial expression became hardened.

Although she could not hear the words exchanged, Wickham seemed to be taunting Darcy now – for what reason, Elizabeth couldn't fathom after what had just occurred. Darcy stood in a protective stance, as though guarding Wickham from advancing on Elizabeth and then, with final parting words said between the two, Wickham slunk off, but not before casting Elizabeth an unreadable—and unsettling—glance.