Disclaimer: Jane Austen's, not mine. :(

Ch 12

Darcy's stress level had now reached an all time high. Wickham was in town and certainly up to no good, Georgiana refused to leave and he just poured out his deepest secret out to a woman that felt nothing but contempt for him.

'Well, maybe not total contempt. She did seem concerned,' thought Darcy. Maybe she had started to care for him. Or at least could care for him in the future. She did smile at him during service.

If Darcy was being completely honest with himself, he was starting to have a good amount of regard for her. She was nothing what he expected, but he was finding he liked that more and more. But every time they seemed to be getting somewhere, their progress would be hindered.

Why was everything always so difficult? He was a good person, albeit slightly proud, but he took excellent care of his tenants and staff, watched over his sister with everything he had and loved his family. So then, why was he destined to deal with the likes of George Wickham for the rest of his life?!

Darcy sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair. It had been a few days since he had told Elizabeth his story and was still hesitant to see her. He was worried that she would think poorly of Georgiana and he couldn't bear that thought.

He knew he should go see her. He was driving his sister and Richard mad by following them around Netherfield all day long. For his own sanity, as well as theirs, he needed a break.

Making up his mind, Darcy changed and went to tell Georgiana that he would be stepping out for a little while.

Just as he made his way toward the sitting room, Elizabeth Bennet and her elder sister were being shown in.

Elizabeth's sudden appearance startled Darcy. He quickly regained his composure saying, "Miss Elizabeth and Miss Bennet. Forgive me, I did not know of your coming for a visit today."

"Your sister was kind enough to invite us for tea. Will you be joining us Mr. Darcy or were you on your way out?" asked Elizabeth noticing the riding clothes he was wearing.

"Actually, I was just on my way to Longbourn to see you ... and your family of course," answered Darcy trying to hide his flustered blush.

'How does this woman do that so quickly? I go from being a poised gentleman to a flustered idiot in a heart beat,' thought Darcy.

"Well we're glad we saved you a trip. Shall we?" smiled Elizabeth.

Darcy, clearing his throat and nodding his head, offered his arms to the Bennet sisters and led the way to tea.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Tea was a pleasant affair. Well, a pleasant affair for most.

Elizabeth and Georgiana got along splendidly. All of Darcy's worries were for not. They laughed, joked and occasionally sent similar smiles to Darcy's way. He could only imagine the stories Georgiana was telling Elizabeth about himself.

Bingley was like wise having a grand time with Miss Bennet talking and flirting in hushed tones so no one, including Darcy, could partake in their conversation.

This left Darcy to the clutches of Caroline Bingley. He found it suspicious that Richard only ever had business when it suited him.

"...and of course Mr. Darcy, I made sure the cherry tarts were made fresh this afternoon as I know they're your favorites. Isn't it so pleasant when we can have such a lovely afternoon conversation without others interrupting us? Oh! and did you notice my lovely new design for a table?"

"Miss Bingley, would you do us the honor of playing something?" Georgiana broke in.

Darcy didn't even see her approach, but could not have been happier with his sister.

Caroline was more then eager to display her skills for the Darcys in hope they would picture her playing at Pemberley one day. As Georgiana walked with Miss Bingley to the instrument, she gave Darcy a slight nod in the direction of Elizabeth.

Taking her hint, Darcy quickly crossed the room to claim the seat Georgiana had just vacated.

"It seems your sister and yourself both have a way of saving each other in rather perilous situations," smiled Elizabeth.

Darcy grinned in return, "Yes we are quite reliant on one another. For ever the most mundane of situations can cause a man to want to run screaming from the room."

Elizabeth laughed lightly at this, causing Darcy's heart to flutter slightly. "Yes, I must agree with you," having noticed Caroline's over zealous attention towards Mr. Darcy. "I do sometimes wonder if Miss Bingley has been informed that you are no longer on the market."

"Believe me, if you can think of any more ways to let her know, I will be forever in your debt," joked Darcy.

Elizabeth laughed again as her Mr Darcy continued their first civil conversation without ending it at each other's throats.

Across the room Caroline was fuming. How could Mr. Darcy possible ignore her superior skills at the pianoforte to talk to that simple country girl?

With every smile between the two, Caroline pounded louder on the instrument. Georgiana could only stand and smile on at her brother as the ridiculous Miss Bingley made a spectacle of herself.

After the rather loud piece ended, Mr. Bingley stood up and walked over to his sister.

"Thank you Caroline. That was certainly something. But I would like to have everyone's attention. Miss Bennet and I were talking and thought of a absolutely enchanting idea. In two weeks time I'm going to hold a ball here to welcome all my new neighbors and celebrate Darcy's and Miss Elizabeth's engagement. What do you think of that?" grinned Bingley.

"Why Charles what an excellent idea! I will of course take charge of everything," 'and show Mr. Darcy what superior skills I have to run a house,' thought Caroline with a condinsending smirk.

"That is very kind of you Mr. Bingley. I know I speak for all my family (sending Jane a knowing look) when I say how excited we are for your lovely gesture," said Elizabeth.

She then turned to see Mr. Darcy's reaction and found her pervious thoughts about to be true. Mr. Darcy had paled and again was clenching and unclenching his hand.

'So,' thought Elizabeth 'he is uncomfortable in new situations.'

Elizabeth felt she was beginning to understand Mr. Darcy more with every new conversation they had. Especially after he confided in her about Lt. Wickham. He really did seem like a man who strived to do what was best for those he cared about.

'I should actually consider myself as rather lucky if I am one of those people someday,' thought Elizabeth.

As Caroline continued her prattle on everything she needed to do and everyone who was to be invited, Darcy grew ever increasingly quiet.

Georgiana, sensing her brother's unease, returned to where Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam sat. She liked Elizabeth a lot and felt very comfortable around her. She would not have Miss Bingley derail the progress she was making between the two.

"You must forgive my brother and myself. Since I am not out in society yet, he dislikes when he has to leave me to attend such events," smiled Georgiana.

"Not at all. I completely understand. I also feel it would be far more enjoyable with you there. Hopefully, my pert opinions and ability to upset your brother will help distract him for an evening," smiled Elizabeth while lightly placing her hand upon Mr. Darcy's forearm.

Darcy couldn't believe how quickly he was put at ease by this woman he had only known for a short while. Most women of his acquaintance only made him more nervous.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Elizabeth and Jane's reprieve from their family was short-lived.

Once they returned to Longbourn, their home was still in the chaos in which they left it.

Mary was banging loudly on the pianoforte, Kitty was coughing between sobs, Lydia was screaming as loud as she could and Mrs. Bennet continued to wail to her husband.

"It's a good thing the invitation for tea was just for us," sighed Lizzy

Elizabeth and Jane walked to their father study as they heard their mother running upstairs while complaining about her nerves and slaming her door.

Things had been this way ever since Mr Darcy met with Mr. Bennet.

Mr. Bennet had for once in his life put his foot and only Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth and Jane thought the new rules were necessary. The younger girls were not to travel to town without one of their elder sisters with them. In addition, contact with any of the militia were limited to social functions only. If these rules were not obeyed, pin money would be suspended indefinitely. Mr. Bennet told the younger girls their behavior had gone on unchecked for far too long and he was putting an end to it.

"Having fun while we were gone," grinned Elizabeth taking the seat from across her father.

"I am grateful for your Mr. Darcy enlightening me of the current situation. I just wished he would be the one that had to bear the brunt of the aftermath," sighed Mr. Bennet wearily while rubbing his head. Mr. Bennet had a three day long headache with no end in site.

"Mr. Darcy has plenty to deal with on his own, trust me father," said Elizabeth, thinking of Caroline Bingley.

"And father, in the long run I do think we will all benefit from this change," added Jane.

"Yes, yes. Very well my dears. I just wish to benefit sooner rather than later. Please send in some tea if you would and make sure that door is shut tight," said Mr. Bennet trying to return to his book.

"Perhaps Mr. Wickham has seen the error of his ways and has come here to rectify the situation," suggested Jane while her and Lizzy walked toward the kitchen.

Stopping in her tracks, Elizabeth turned towards Jane, "My dear sister. I must say I do love you so, but I feel you give people to much credit. I must stand firm on this topic. Mr. Wickham, I believe, is and will continue to be every bit as vile and wretched as my Mr. Darcy claims him to be."

Jane smiled and raised an eyebrow, "Your Mr. Darcy?"

Lizzy colored all the way down to her toes but was saved from responding.

"I'M GOING OUT INTO THE GARDEN UNLESS I NEED ONE OF YOU TWO FOR THAT ALSO," screamed Lydia as she stomped past Jane and Elizabeth.

"Promise me I can come visit you soon after you're married," sighed Jane while watching her youngest sister storm from the house.

"Of course dear Jane, although I think you may not live much longer at Longbourn yourself," winked Lizzy.

"Poor father," the sisters said in unison.

Both sisters entered the kitchen laughing, as they were both looking forward to their next meeting with the gentlemen of Netherfield Park.

AN: Over 400 reviews! I seriously didn't think I'd get 400 people to read my story when I first started. Your support has been so wonderful. Thank you again and again. Also thank you to my beta Tennis girl 1731 as always for your continued help.

I know this chapter is basically fluff but I still hope you like it. For all of you who wanted longer chapters will hopefully get your wish next chapter. Hope your all still enjoying my story. We have about 5-ish more chapters till the end. Thanks again for reading!