Ch 3

Disclaimer: I don't own pride & prejudice

Elizabeth Bennet was strolling outside in the Longbourn gardens with her favorite sister Jane. While only Elizabeth would admit it, they were both avoiding their mother.

Ever since a rumor started circulating that a young single man was about to lease the neighboring estate, their mother had been relentlessly hounding their father to pay a call on the young man.

Their parents' latest argument carried from the house.

"But Mr. Bennet he is single AND rich. You must go before someone else snatches him up", Mrs. Bennet's cries carried well pass the garden, causing both sisters to cringe.

"My dear wife" began Mr. Bennet, "until the lease is finalized, I would very much be intruding. I must wait to call upon a neighbor till they actually become a neighbor."

This caused Elizabeth to laugh as Jane smiled.

"Oh ! we will all starve in the streets." cried Mrs. Bennet as she retreated to her room.

"Plus, I don't know why it matters if Papa calls him first anyways. Once he sees you my dearest Jane, he'll be instantly besotted " smiled Elizabeth.

Jane replied coloring slightly, "Lizzy please, he may find you just as pretty. Plus we know not his heart or ours."

"Jane you are too sweet. But believe me, how could anyone not fall head over heels in love with you?"

Blushing even further, Jane changed the topic of discussion. "It will be nice to have some new neighbor though. I do hope he has some sisters our age to make friends with."

This made Elizabeth smirk, "Yes, perhaps for you and me, but more young single women in the neighborhood? I don't think Mama's nerves could handle it."

Jane smiled widely at her sisters' comment.

"I can't think mama would be too upset. With the militia here, there is ten young men for every young women in town."

"Then I will leave it up to you to explain that fact to mama. I'm sure it will make her feel better." laughed Lizzy.

"She was oddly happy when Charlotte married that clergyman from Surrey." replied Jane.

"Yes, I believe her exact phrasing was something along the lines of: 'those Lucas girls can have their pick of lowly clerics because you girls are destined for something greater.'" Lizzy joked, but couldn't hid the sadness in her voice.

"I know you miss Charlotte, Lizzy, but she'll be back to visit soon, I'm sure." Jane said comfortingly.

Lizzy nodded, "I just can't believe she got married while visiting her great-aunt, to a man none of us have met no less!"

"Perhaps it's true love."

"Perhaps..." Echoed Elizabeth, not exactly sold on to that reasoning.

Dropping the subject, the sisters started discussing their favorite aunt, Mrs. Gardiner; and how it was a shame they would not see her till Christmas. On this topic the girls continued as they made their way to the garden gate.

Once reaching the gate the sisters split apart; the elder one to pick some flowers for the table, the younger to retrieve some apples for the tenants' baskets.

Both went about their chores unaware how soon they would meet one of their new neighbors.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Elsewhere in Hertfordshire two young man were surveying a newly leased estate.

"It is rather pleasing Bingley. I think you did rather well. Although we'll have to wait and see what the society is like. It may be quite savage." said dryly Darcy.

"Darcy you are amusing," smiled Bingley, "How could their manners not be charming and engaging? Plus, I'm not the one marrying one of the locals."

Charles Bingley's laughing blue eyes and strawberry blonde hair made his already open personality even more cheerful. He had been a close friend of Darcy's since their days at Cambridge; and has been trying to get Darcy to be more lively ever since.

"Yes that is true." replied Darcy. "I should call on Longbourn directly now that our business with Netherfield is settled. You haven't told your sister yet, have you?"

"Caroline? No, not yet. I must wait till she's not close to anything breakable" joked Bingley. "I was actually thinking the best way to inform her of your current eligibility is waiting till you are married and have your wife do it for us!"

This comment elicited a small chuckle from Darcy.

Bingley loved his sister Caroline; truly he did. But he hated how she hounded his poor friend. He was actually quite pleased Darcy had found someone. Charles did not know all the particulars of how exactly it came to pass; but was happy for his friend none the less.

"So, would you like my company in visiting these 'old acquaintances' of your father's? It would be nice meeting the family whose estate is so close to mine." inquired Bingley knowingly.

"No Charles." said Darcy raising an eyebrow. "I think it is best if this first visit is on my own. I'm sure you will meet them soon enough."

Darcy knew full well his friend's interests did not lay in meeting his new neighbors as much as he wanted to catch a glimpse at the woman who would be the future Mrs. Darcy.

After riding around the estate for a bit more, the two friends parted ways at the crossroads. One heading toward Meryton to stir up more gossip about the new neighbor in town, the other toward Longbourn to meet his future bride.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

The direction Darcy was given by the groundskeeper of Netherfield, led him easily to the house of the Bennets.

Upon the approach of Longbourn, Darcy had to admit to himself the house was not as grand as he thought it would be. It was, however, nicely kept; and the staff seemed to be efficient.

A footman quickly gathered the reigns of Darcy's horse as he dismounted.

But before he was able to reach the house, he came across a rather beautiful young woman just as she walked out from the garden with a basket full of flowers. Her soft blonde hair and kind blue eyes gave her a rather angelic appearance.

Darcy caught himself smiling, knowing Charles would refer to her as an angel.

"Forgive me madam for this intrusion but I have some rather important business with a Mr. Thomas Bennet. Is he at home?" asked Darcy.

"Yes sir, that would be my father. If you would please follow me, I can take you to him." replied the 'angel'.

Perhaps some of Bingley was rubbing off on him after all.

So, this was Elizabeth. Darcy had to admit his father had chosen well. Beautiful, sweet, demure, perhaps a bit too soft spoken but they had just meet. Yes, she would do quite nicely.

As he watched her gracefully walk down the hall, he felt he always fancied women with a darker coloring, but what man in his right mind wouldn't be happy with this woman on their arm?

Reaching a closed door, she knocked while opening it. With a sweet voice, the lovely young woman said, "Papa, this gentlemen said he has some business with you."

"Show him in my dear" answered an older voice from inside the room.

The young woman stepped aside to allow Darcy to enter. Giving her a small smile and bow as she curtsied and left, Darcy turned to the older gentleman sitting behind the desk.

"Please take a seat young man and tell me what business has brought you here" said the good-humored yet curious older man.

Darcy sat, taking in the room around him. Books lay everywhere and the shelves were filled to capacity with ever more. While there were nowhere near as many as Pemberley, it still presented a rather impressive collect.

Darcy smiled again thinking how well his father had done. Clearly this man was interested in the improvement of one's mind by extensive reading. No doubt a trait he passed on to his daughter.

Taking a deep breath from the well worn chair he sat in, Darcy exhaled saying, "My name is Fitzwilliam Darcy and I am here to marry your daughter Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

AN: Hello all. Again can't thank you enough for all the reviews. You all have been so great and encouraging. Also thanks to my beta, adrilu1192, for catching all my mistakes, I make a lot :). I know this chapter is short again but in an effort to keep with my weekly updates I split it in two so I could finish the second part. I didn't realized how long it would take to type this with my thumb!

Again as for this story a couple more altered events (Charlotte's married and militia are already there) but trust me, I have me reasons. I have my whole story outlined and the end done so it will all make sense at some point. Thanks again!