Disclaimer: Jane Austen. All hers. Love her. Worship her. Utterly devoted to her.

A/N: Hello ya'll! Originally this chapter was going to be longer but it took longer to tell the story than what I expected so I've decided to cut it where I have. If you reviewed the last chapter, thank you so much! If you asked a question in your review, there are a few answers in the finishing authors note down the bottom. So without further adieu, I give you chapter 12.

ON WITH THE SHOW!

Longbourn house seemed strangely silent in the mid-morning light. Instead of alleviating any fears of the two gentlemen who stood within the parlor, the silence was unnerving. Gone was the off key strains of Mozart from Mary's pianoforte, gone were the incessant giggles of the gaudy younger sisters and what seemed strangest of all was the surprising lack of cries and wails emitted from Mrs. Bennet.

It almost seemed to signify a death in the household and both Darcy and Bingley prayed feverishly that it were not so. The once lively household of Bennet had been silenced by one single tragic event.

Mr. Bennet, it seemed, had anticipated their arrival. He stood just within sight from the parlor door and gestured grimly for the two gentlemen to follow him. With agonizing slowness, they ascended the creaking stairs towards the worn landing of the second floor. The moment seemed to last an eternity in which Darcy felt that familiar pain of loss after the catastrophe in Kent.

The eerie silence seemed to prevail on the upper level as well. Each door closed to prying eyes and curious souls. One door, at the very end of the dark hallway was left ajar. The light fought through that single gap and illuminated the dark situation.

Almost by instinct, Darcy moved past Mr. Bennet and wordlessly proceeded towards the door, drawn by the light and the promise of Elizabeth. Taking a deep calming breath, he gently laid his hand of the fine wooden surface of the door and pushed lightly. Quietly, the door swung open to reveal a bedroom strewn with sunlight. Mrs. Bennet stood at the corner of the window, seemingly to absorbed within her own thoughts to notice the sudden intrusion. Kitty and Mary eyed his wedding attire and meekly acknowledged him before turning their heads towards the incredible vision within the large four-poster bed.

Darcy heard Bingley's approach and a faint gasp that followed his entrance. Without turning around, Darcy knew, Bingley too was arrested by the site that met his eyes.

Elizabeth and Jane ignored the entrance of their fiancés; instead they remained in that same position, seemingly content to be lost in that world they had built to cope with the trauma.

Elizabeth lay in the centre of the large bed, her head turned towards Jane, her eyes partially open as if her eyelids were too heavy and glinting with hints of amusement, contemplation and sadness, her wild hair spread upon the pristine pillow. Beside her, Jane lay on the edge of the bed, curled on her side facing her beloved sister and covered with a light cloak. Her eyes were tightly shut, her pale skin streaked with glistening tears.

The light flooding the room caused an ethereal scene of beauty and peace so seemingly at odds with the situation.

Darcy dared not move, dared no breath, dared not speak. Like a sharp jolt of pain, memories of Elizabeth at Pemberley flooded his senses and winded him. A shuffle was heard behind him as Mr. Bennet moved to position himself near his injured child.

"The doctor had just left."

Darcy nodded mutely, still not able to speak.

"Elizabeth…was not…she is…suffice it to say, nothing more than superficial cuts and bruises have been inflicted."

Darcy's muscles relaxed and a quiet breath of air left him. However, Mr. Bennet had not finished with what he had to say.

"She…she has not spoken a word and neither has Jane."

A stifled gasp was heard from Bingley as he proceeded towards his beloved. Within moments, he was by her side, quietly whispering sweet nothings in her ear. Jane turned towards him and opened her glistening eyes. A tense gaze was exchanged between them.

A moment passed.

Two.

Jane felt the carefully built dam break. New tears flooded her eyes as she desperately clung to Charles. She sobbed into the lapels of his coat, not to grieve but as an expression of relief and release. Bingley lovingly stroked her back and hummed to her lightly, letting her cling to him and depend on him. Slowly, he looked upwards and exchanged a look with Mr. Bennet. With a light nod of understanding, Bingley plucked Jane from the bed and carried her from the room. Mr. Bennet soon followed, his head lowered in exhaustion.

Mrs. Bennet finally turned from the window and her thoughts. With a strangely grim face, she nodded towards Darcy in acknowledgement and exited the room with Kitty and Mary following slowly. The door clicked shut and Darcy received the privacy he had been craving.

With trepidation, Darcy rounded the bed and kneeled slowly by her bedside. Elizabeth's head was turned towards him, still unmoved from its former position. Her eyes seemed to stare straight past him and Darcy began to feel the niggling sense of worry.

Slowly he reached out and stroked his fingers lightly along her scratched arm, wishing he could have prevented it and heal her wounds. Elizabeth stared blankly.

Darcy felt his pulse race. Slowly, he raised his hand and smoothed away the stray curls from her face and gently stroked her rosy lips, savoring the feel of her light breath as it brushed against his thumb, reassuring him that she was alive. Yet, still, she did not react and stared at a world well beyond reality.

Tensing with nerves, Darcy attempted to meet her eyes.

"Elizabeth."

Her expression remained blank and frozen.

"Elizabeth."

She stayed still for a moment, then briefly, her eyelashes fluttered before they stilled seemingly only roused by a phantom breeze.

Darcy steadied his breath and leant closer.

"Elizabeth, it is I, William…"

Stillness followed this statement. There was no smile, no flash of recognition and no…Elizabeth.

Darcy continued on but stopped short when he saw Elizabeth's lips open, seemingly struggling with a word.

"William." Her voice was husky, faint but still there and Darcy nearly wept with relief.

"Yes Elizabeth, it is William. What…what happened…? Who would do such a thing?"

There was a pause. Then slowly, with some effort, Elizabeth tore her eyes away from her world of fantasy and focused on the man kneeling with devotion by her side. She smiled. A faint, tired smile, but a smile nonetheless. Unhurriedly, she raised her ringless left hand and rested it gently on his cheek.

Darcy leant into the warm expanse of skin and rejoiced in the simple gesture of affection. Gripping her fingers lightly with his grasp, he smoothed each finger soothingly and without fault as Elizabeth watched him with fondness.

"Tell me, sweetheart…who did such a thing?"

Elizabeth smiled a lethargic smile and removed her hand from his grasp. She gave him another cryptic smile and held her hand up to the light, letting it stream past her out-stretched fingers.

"Never." She whispered to him like the word was the precious secret, her smile wistful and mysterious like she was lost in memories of the past.

Darcy heard the strange word and shook his head in confusion.

"Never?"

Elizabeth didn't replied. She smiled slowly and turned her head from him, her gaze lost once more in that something beyond reality. Eventually, her eyes closed and her breaths leveled.

Darcy rose from her bedside and glanced at her once more. Opening the door of the room, he stepped out into the gloomy hallway and slowly found his way back down towards the parlor.

The Bennet's along with the Bingleys and Georgiana sat quietly, but upon his entrance rose immediately with eager enquiries. After reassuring his sister that Miss Bennet was well but very tired he sat down next to Charles and silently contemplated Elizabeth's cryptic message.

The rest of the day was spent in a similar fashion. Darcy barely heard any of the condolences offered by the visiting neighbors and guests, as he immersed himself in recollections of the morning.

Georgiana Darcy was exhausted as they ascended the stairs of Netherfield, in fact, she was beyond exhaustion, this went deeper than the physical state, this tiredness resounded from her soul. She may have been a mere girl but she felt a thousand years older. Her brother had finally found a woman he could love and cherish and this happens. Were all Darcy's cursed for disaster and loneliness?

Beside her, the irrepressible presence of Caroline haunted her. The damn woman simply would not leave her alone. Though she had been quiet throughout their visit Longbourn she now vented her annoyance like she had all the right in the world to speak ill of the woman her brother loved.

"…so common! Perhaps it is a sign from God to cease this farce of a marriage for both your brother and mine. I could not stand to be within that house for a moment longer, those Bennets, so uncouth! How could they neglect their guests in such a manner. And the neighborhood! What must they think of your brother for being engaged to such a wild woman…"

Georgiana paled with each new sentence, her senses heightened as she felt the ring on Caroline's hand dig into her right arm. Georgiana winced, not from the pain but from the insults of the jealous woman.

"Miss Bingley…"

Caroline did not hear. She ploughed on, speaking almost to herself rather than her companion.

"The nerve! Make us sit around in absolute boredom and ignore us like we were not worth a moment of their time…"

Georgiana interrupted. "Miss Bingley! They could hardly be faulted for that! After all, Miss Elizabeth…"

Caroline's eyes flashed. "Miss Elizabeth! Miss Elizabeth! That is all I hear coming from you or your brother these days. I am sick of it! I simply…cannot…will not tolerate it."

Caroline took in a deep breath and turned slowly towards Georgiana.

"You agree with me don't you Georgiana? You agree? We are both women of breeding unlike those Bennets, you must agree."

Caroline's voice became fainter and desperate.

"Yes…yes of course you do. You will always side with me, will you not…yes…yes you will. You understand just like I do. We, you and I, Georgiana, are of one mind. After all…we have been friends for such a long time. We are almost like sisters wouldn't you agree Georgie, wouldn't you say it is so?"

With lightening speed, Caroline surged forwards and pulled Georgiana face to face with her crazed eyes fixed onto frightened blue orbs as she clutched her with both hands.

"In fact. We are going to be sisters! Just like we always wanted…isn't that so Georgiana…isn't it?"

Georgiana stared at her then darted her eyes around the dark staircase in search of someone to help her. All that met her eyes were the night darkened corridors and shadows that lurked in the corners. The servants were obviously abed and both her brother and Mr. Bingley had refused to leave the sides of their loves. Slowly pulling away from Miss Bingley, she attempted to excuse herself.

Miss Bingley refused to let her go.

"NO! No Georgiana, now is not the time for rest. It is the perfect moment for us to plan!"

Georgiana paled in fright.

"Plan…plan for what?"

Caroline smiled forcibly, like Georgiana had missed the most obvious of things.

"Why for your brother and I of course. We are to be sisters are we not…"

With little ceremony, Miss Bingley pulled the younger woman down the darkened staircase and towards the parlor doors. Within the room, only the moonlight streaming through the large uncovered windows illuminated the elegant furnishings, which seemed eerie in the darkness.

Miss Bingley pushed Georgiana into the settee facing the windows and sat down close beside her. The moonlight shone on Miss Bingley's sharp features and made her skin seem almost translucent in paleness, casting deep shadows across her expression.

"I must share a secret with you Georgiana…"

Georgiana's eyes widened and her heartbeat thudded wildly under her skin.

Taking her silence for acquiescence, Caroline smirked and continued on.

"Your brother and I are meant to be…"

Georgiana frowned. She always knew Caroline had set her cap on William but she had assumed Miss Bingley had given up that hope when William became engaged to Miss Bennet. What's more, it seemed rather strange to share such a thought with her now when William was so obviously devoted to his fiancé. Caution and curiosity waged war within her mind but the latter won and she ventured the only question, which would come to mind.

"Why would you say that Miss Bingley?"

Caroline surveyed the younger woman in confusion then smiled indulgently.

"Why of course William would keep this from you. We have not yet decided to break the news…why of course. But silly man, he could tell you…after all…we are to be sisters very, very soon."

Georgiana paled at the implication in Miss Bingley's words. Surely she could not be implying that they were engaged? It simply could not be so. Her brother was the most honorable of men; he would never lead on both women in such a matter. He would never. Swallowing her fear, she licked her dry lips.

"I…I cannot think of what you could mean…"

Miss Bingley cocked her head to the side in confusion.

"Can you not darling sister? I thought you such a bright young woman. No matter, I will tell you."

Caroline paused dramatically, then surveying her surroundings as if suspicious of the shadows having ears; she leant close to Georgiana and whispered her answer.

"You see Georgiana…your brother is in love with me."

Georgiana almost laughed at the ridiculous words and attempted to suppress the twitching of her lips, which threatened to break into a smile.

Caroline however noticed still, the expectant smile upon her face melted away and a twisted grimace lined her lips.

"You find it amusing? Why!? Why would it be so unfathomable for your brother to love me?"

Georgiana's eyes hardened. "Because! My brother loves Miss Elizabeth! They are engaged to be married! How could you spread such falsehoods? You…you have no right…"

Caroline's expression twisted into a look of bitter jealousy and resentment.

"Miss Bennet. Of course. How I despise that name! Once I am Mrs. Darcy, you are not to mention that name ever again!"

Georgiana felt tendrils of fear.

"Miss Bingley! Please see some reason! What are you speaking of?"

"Is it not clear yet, my dear? William has proposed to me…we are to be married. Isn't it exciting, dear sister…"

Georgiana nearly screamed with frustration. Somehow, Miss Bingley had created within her mind an alternate world, a strange reality of which her and her brother seemed to be an intricate part of. Judging by Caroline's heightened pitch and agitation, Georgiana decided to proceed with care, humoring the mental patient so to say.

"Miss Bingley, surely…"

Caroline's left eye twitched as she leant her head closer to hear her better.

"Surely what, my dear."

"Surely…surely, if my brother has proposed to you he would not have proposed to Miss Bennet as well…"

Caroline smiled indulgently at Georgiana as if she were a child.

"It is all a façade my dear girl. Much more romantic, would you not agree?"

Georgiana was thoroughly alarmed now, taking a deep calming breath she continued on.

"Then of course, William will have given you the Darcy family ring…"

Georgiana knew for a fact that William had given Miss Elizabeth that ring. She herself had seen the sparkling heirloom resting charmingly on Elizabeth's finger. There was no chance that Miss Bingley would…

Caroline Bingley looked smug and Georgiana's heart skipped a beat. With a simple movement, Caroline extended her hand and allowed it to rest in the moonlight. And there, looking strangely out of place was the Darcy family ring, seemingly taunting Georgiana's declaration.

"So you see…"

Georgiana let a scream of surprise and disbelief.

"No…no…it's not possible. Elizabeth…she…it belongs to Elizabeth…"

Caroline hissed.

"Again with that name! Why should she be the one? Why is it always her? Well…it is not hers to keep, she had it for a brief while but it did not belong to her. She had no right to wear it, not like me. I was born to be the mistress of such a grand estate…"

Tears leaked from Georgiana's eyes, slowly streaking her pale skin and realization dawned on her. Her eyes wide with horror, she met Miss Bingley's eyes and saw a look of triumph.

"You…you're the one…"

"Indeed my dear. I masterminded the entire thing. Clever plan wasn't it? When I went for a ride this morning to clear my head, I had the misfortune of meeting the impertinent chit. I was furious, not only was she to ruin my hopes of the future but she just had to throw my misfortunes in my face too! How dare she! But then, I saw the ring. The ring I had craved to see on my finger since the moment I learnt of your brother's existence, resting there on her unworthy finger! She actually had the audacity to greet me! But then it came to me. We were alone, what better time to teach that chit her place!"

Georgiana wept and shook her head in horror.

"How could you harm her…how could you do such a thing…"

"IT WAS ALL HER FAULT! Damn her. It wouldn't have to be so deuced complex if she hadn't struggled. Thank goodness I had my riding crop with me and yet the chit still fought when I demanded she give me that ring. She laughed when I told her she was to break off all connection with William. But in the end I triumphed. I took the ring from her and ripped her dress so that her reputation would be ruined and William would never want her again. Such a messy affair. Good thing it was so early, I had time to return to Netherfield and change my dress…thank goodness."

Georgiana was horrified. She could barely think of anything else except to escape and flee to Longbourn to warn William. Mustering up what little courage she had left, Georgiana slowly backed away from the deranged woman and attempted to reach the parlor doors.

Miss Bingley noticed immediately.

"What are you doing Georgiana? Are you not going to offer me your congratulations, we are to be sisters soon."

Georgiana shook her head, terrified.

"You've gone insane…you're not…"

Caroline screamed in fury.

"How could you say such a thing to me?! You're just like Louisa…"

In all the dramatics of the day, Georgiana had completely forgotten about the woman and her husband.

"Where are the Hursts?"

Caroline sneered in disdain.

"Upstairs somewhere. When I told Louisa of what had occurred she told me I was insane too. She would have ruined my plans and me. She threatened to expose me. So what else could I do, I had to stop her."

Georgiana gasped.

"You…you killed her."

Caroline let out a shriek of laughter.

"Goodness no, is that how you think I treat my sisters? No, no, I merely tied her up and locked her into the bathroom. Then that oaf of a husband of hers had to interrupt. When I heard the knock at the door, I knew it had to be him, so I stood by the door, waited for him to enter and broke a vase over his drunken head, my my, isn't he going to have a fine morning tomorrow? Not to worry dear Georgiana, I have not murdered him either. He's in the bathroom…keeping Louisa company shall we say."

Georgiana could listen to no more. She backed slowly away from Caroline as not to alarm her and ventured towards the door.

Caroline however had other ideas. Rushing over to the side table, she grabbed an item and advanced straight towards the young woman. Finally, stepping into the moonlight, Caroline brandished a letter opener threateningly.

"Now I know you do not approve of my measures Georgiana, but you will warm to it. I assure you, once your brother and I marry, we will become the best of friends. As for now, I will need to you to keep quiet…"

Georgiana heard no more. She turned and fled.

Her eyes darted left and right. She had to find a way to get to Longbourn and warn her brother. But how? Waking the servants would take too much time. She could hear Caroline's footsteps behind her.

Her fear had filled her with dread as she ran. She could hear the blood pounding in her ears and feel her breath coming in short gasps. Making a sudden turn, Georgiana ran towards the stables.

Swiveling her head, Georgiana checked behind her. No Caroline. Thank goodness. However, Georgiana did not slow her pace. Stepping immediately into the stable, Georgiana breathed in the dank smell of horseflesh and she quickly spotted the chestnut mare. She worked as quickly as possible, thanking God that William had taught her to saddle a horse when she was young.

Leading the mare as quietly as she could, she opened the stable doors and…

"Going somewhere my dear?"

Georgiana gasped in horror. She was so damn close; all she needed was to get past her, just a few more moments.

Without further thought, Georgie mounted the mare and gave it a quick tap to spur it on. Having ridden this horse before, the mare immediately broke into a canter then a gallop, speeding past Caroline in a blur.

Georgiana gasped with pain. Looking down to her left leg, she saw by the moonlight a deep bleeding gash, seeping blood onto her white dress. Biting her lip to distract from the pain, Georgiana urged the horse onwards towards Longbourn, praying feverishly that Caroline wasn't following her.

Georgiana was feeling lightheaded, the road before her eyes began to blur and move but she knew she could not stop, pushing the mare even more urgently. She had to get to her brother. She had to, there was no other way.

Longbourn soon loomed into view and Georgiana nearly wept with relief. Pulling the mare to an abrupt halt in the driveway of the house, Georgiana struggled to dismount. In her haste, she slipped and stood on her injured leg, feeling a sharp stab of pain, she collapsed onto the graveled road and bit down a scream. Raising herself to her feet, she limped towards the front door and raised her fist to bang on the door.

Weeping desperately and glancing over her shoulder, Georgiana waited for someone to open the door. Anyone.

"Yes? Who's there?"

"Please…please open the door, I am Georgiana Darcy, I must see my brother."

Mrs. Hill, though surprised, swiftly opened the door for the young lady and took in her appearance with alarm.

"Miss Darcy, are you…?"

Georgiana ignored her and limped as quickly as she could past her.

"WILLIAM! WILLIAM!"

She could not hold back the tears when her brother walked into her line of vision. Crying with both relief and fear, she launched herself into Darcy's arms.

A/N: DID YOU GUESS? Too dramatic? Maybe a little but I just wanted to show what jealousy could do to a woman. I don't necessarily hate Caroline but I hate how in the book she just gets away with interfering with Jane and Charles' relationship and how she barely suffers any consequences despite all the things she's done and thought of the Bennets so I thought she might need a harsher fate in my story. Tell me what you think! REVIEW!!!!

Love C.

P.S: For the person who wanted to know what the C stands for, well my name is Cindy so there you go. Oh and if you want to be alerted of my updates just add this story to your story alert list and will send you an email about the newest chapter. And if I remember correctly, there was one reviewer who guessed it was Caroline, I send you my congratulations and an imaginary chocolate cake…nice guess.