Years Behind

Thank for all those really nice and encouraging reviews. I hope you all enjoy this

The initials are still the same, but I noticed that Charles Bingley, and Caroline Bingley have the same initials

So Mr Bingley is MB

Caroline Bingley is still CB

I'm also introducing a new character called Abigail Pointer, she is the Bingley's cousin. I thought that it would be good for Miss Bingley to think her competition was were her, rather than with Elizabeth Bennet.

Years Behind

FD

"Ah Mr Darcy, how wonderful it is to see you. I want you to meet my cousin Abigail Pointer"

I looked towards her and this Abigail Pointer, and saw they looked exactly the same. She also had the same malicious glint in her eyes, the glint that spoke a thousand words. I knew that glint all to well, I'd seen it on countless young ladies (excluding Elizabeth), and mama's (Mrs Bennet included), and of course Wickham. I knew to be wary of this Abigail, she looked even more clever, and conniving than Miss Bingley did, and that was certainly saying something.

"Mr Darcy" she purred seductively. "I've heard so much about you, and I assure you none of it is bad. I look forward to knowing you better" she added suggestively. I backed away nervously, good lord did this woman have no shame? Yes she was definitely more cunning than Miss Bingley; I would have to keep my wits about me around this Miss Pointer.

Then suddenly I noticed that Miss Pointer and Miss Bingley were drawing closer to me, like vultures cornering their prey. Thankfully my sister was announced and I had an excuse to flee the vulture's presence.

"Georgiana" I said loudly. "You must show the Bingley's and their family how much you have improved with your piano."

"Yes brother. Who will turn the pag…?"

"I will turn the pages"

I quickly escorted my sister to the piano; I waited till she had chosen a piece to play. I leaned down closer to her; "Georgiana there is something I must discuss with you quite urgently"

Thankfully Georgiana had chosen a piece to play rather than sing, so she could answer. "What is it brother? Is it Elizabeth? Has she taken a turn for the worst" I could not help it, I smiled, I smiled at the obvious affection she felt for Elizabeth

"Eliz…Miss Bennet's condition has not worsened, although the matter has something to do with her. Georgiana I need you to tell me all that has happened, I need the truth. Can I trust Miss Bennet? She was not one of those evil creatures that apprehended you in the bookshop was she? Why did you run just now when she apologised? Georgiana please take pity on your concerned brother and friend, I must know the truth"

"No! Brother, Elizabeth did no such thing. Oh this is not the place to be speaking of such things. Shall we adjourn to the library after lunch to discuss it?"

I opened my mouth in shock, when had my little Georgiana grown up so much. How had I missed it? I looked at Georgiana, and as if for the first time, I realised that she wasn't just a pretty girl, she was a beautiful young woman, and someday soon she would marry a handsome man, and I would be left alone. Well I wouldn't be if I married Elizab….What in God's name am I thinking. I can not marry her. Her connections are far to low for her to even be considered, and her mother, and her sisters. Oh no. I could not marry her, but instead of being filled with relief, I felt emptiness.

I realised she was looking at me expectantly "Certainly Georgiana"

CB

I moved towards the piano to hear what Georgiana was saying to Darcy, they were to meet in the library after lunch. Well I must travel towards the library then I suppose even if I do detest libraries greatly, although I must get use to it, as my "husband" and "sister in law" are great readers. So I will probably be visiting the library at Pemberley often. I ventured a glance towards Abigail; she had heard to and was probably planning on going to the library to! Why that little fortune hunter. How dare she set her sights on MY DARCY! Couldn't she see that he had my name written all over him, I have waited to long for him, and I am not about to give him up to my dear little cousin. Of course I was not going to let Abigail know I knew her plan, I was going to keep up the pretence that we were the best of friends. I knew that if Abigail knew how much I wanted that estate in Derbyshire, she would definitely attempt to make Darcy her own, and would very likely succeed. No I cannot let this happen; although at least Abigail is my only competition

GD

I glanced towards my brother, and I could not help the smile that played across my lips. I thought back to what happened earlier at the piano, yes he was concerned for me but I think his main worry was Elizabeth. He needed to be reassured that I liked her, and how could I not like my future sister in law? Of course I could not tell my brother that I thought Elizabeth would make him an excellent wife. I had already shocked him enough with my very sensible suggestion of meeting in the library. I sighed he looked deep in thought, and there was worry etched all over his face. His face showed that he obviously was well on his way to caring deeply for Elizabeth. This reminded me greatly of my situation with Mr Good Listener, I knew I was falling for him. But at least in my brother's case it seemed Elizabeth held some sort of regard for him. I knew that it would be dangerous to fall for Mr Good listener, because in the end my heart would only get broken, as it was surely to be unrequited. As it was with Wickham, he had broken my heart when I found out he really did not love me at all, but as time went by I realised it was only puppy love I felt for him. It was so much different from what I felt for Mr Good Listener, my heart beat more rapidly, my hand were more clammier, my thoughts were a mess, my skin prickled at his touch. With Wickham the tingling of the skin was because I was not used to having skin to skin contact with a man, and the tingling soon stopped. But with Mr Good listener the tingling didn't stop it went shooting up my arm, and into my heart. No what I was feeling for him was not puppy love, and I couldn't let it develop any further I had to avoid him.

Thankfully Mr Bingley interrupted my unpleasant thoughts by introducing me to his family and friends.

FD

Oh this could not be borne, how could a mere country lass have got me into such a twist? All though lunch all I could think about her, how it had felt to leave her like that, so ill and defenceless. What I would have done to have stayed and protected her.

I glanced towards my sister we would be having that chat in the library soon, and I was very apprehensive. What if Elizabeth was behind the awful things that had happened to Georgiana?

No one pov

Lunch was soon over, and Darcy and Georgiana soon left to go to the library. Of course Miss Bingley followed, and so did Miss Pointer. The two cousins both had the same idea; the idea was to become the mistress of Pemberley. Both of them thought they were at an advantage, Miss Bingley because she had known him the longest and Miss Pointer because she had seen a look of interest in his eyes. They had both planned to accidentally walk in on Georgiana and Darcy, and to try to become better acquainted with them in the library. They also knew to get to Darcy they would have to get to Georgiana first, and then they would work their womanly charms on him then this would mean, securing their place as mistress, and have victory over the other cousin. Yes they both thought this was an excellent plan indeed! With that they both walked out of the dining room with identical money hungry grins. May the best woman win!

FD

I was anxious to know the truth, and I could barely stand still while Georgiana got herself comfortable, after a while I realised she was doing it on purpose.

"Georgiana, you are to generous to trifle with me, if you do not tell me the truth at once I will go to Miss Bingley and say that she is to look after you while you are here at Netherfield"

"No" cried Georgiana

"Well tell me what happened, start from the beginning."

She told me about the incident at the bookshop, and how it was Elizabeth that had come to help her! My heart swelled with pride, and something else that I couldn't put my finger on. As soon as I had the chance I would have to thank her, she didn't have to help Georgiana but she did. For this I was truly grateful, and truly guilty I thought back to how I had treated her the first time we met. What she must have thought of me I cannot think, I cannot bare to think. Georgiana continued to tell me of how generous and kind Elizabeth was to her, but then she told me what happened today. About what Mrs Bennet had said, was that why when he asked Elizabeth what was wrong only a few hours ago, she shouted mama? At first I was angry towards Elizabeth, why had she done that to my sister? But then I realised if she did not care about Georgiana she would not have come after her, and I told Georgiana as much.

"Georgiana, if Elizabeth was not distressed by what you heard. Then why did she come after you?"

"Yes brother I see your point. Although I must admit, I did not think ill of her when I heard what her mother said. I more shocked that Mrs Bennet would say such things."

I narrowed my eyes, and lips went into a straight line. Mrs Bennet, the most infuriating woman on the planet. The way she thrust her children towards him like cattle, like they were meat ready to be sold. How could she class his Elizabeth as cattle? That was absolutely insupportable!

"Now Georgiana, about that letter you sent to Miss Bennet."

I handed it to her, with her mouth open in shock.

"How?"

"She was carrying it, and thought that it was important that I read it, to see if it gave me any clues to why she came here, and it did"

Liar

From the raise of her eyebrow and from the expression on her face she thought so to.

"Yes, well I was eager to see her."

"Yes, but why did you say I was to"

"Because you were"

"Georgiana, I am not nor will I ever be in love with Miss Bennet"

GD

I smiled, he knew he was lying and I knew he was lying

"No brother you are right"

I was glad I had told my brother everything, well nearly everything.

I was better getting advice from a woman on him. Perhaps I could ask Elizabeth when she was better.

There was a knock at the door; I looked confusedly at my brother. Was he expecting someone? He understood my thoughts, and shook his head in a no.

Before my brother could even say enter, Miss Bingley, and Miss Pointer waltzed in glaring at each other. I noticed their eyes light up when they noticed the seat next to my brother was free, before either of them could move toward their goal. The door swung open, and Mr Bingley quickly walked in with a very concerned expression on his face.

He didn't even notice his sister or cousin; his eyes were for my brother and me.

"What is it Bingley?"

"She has taken a turn for the worst"

My brother shot up like a shot, and was out of the room before even Miss Bingley, or Miss Pointer could react.

All I could think was could Elizabeth die?

FD

I ran to her room as fast I could, oh if anything had happened to her. I could vaguely hear Georgiana calling me telling me to slow down, but I could not, would not. I flung open the door, and the doctor looked up in surprise.

"Mr Darc..."

"How is she? How bad is she?" I asked frantically

"I'm afraid…"

"She's not going to die is she? Please no!"

"I'm sure if we can get her to sweat out her fever. She will…"

"What"

"Live"

"Okay, what shall we do to get her to sweat out her fever? How can I help?"

"It would help sir if you calmed down. You will just distress her more"

"Why is she in distress? What have you done?"

"I have done what I can, Mr Darcy. The fever is making is making her uncomfortable"

"What can I do?"

"Help cool her down. Now if you'll excuse me, I will be back in the morning"

Mr Bingley showed the doctor to the door, when did Bingley get here? Georgiana was next him to, and she was looking very worried. I turned towards the bed realising in my concern I hadn't even looked at the person in question. My heart thudded painfully as soon as I saw her, she looked so ill. It was if the spark in her had gone my gut clenched what if it was lost forever? I closed my eyes, I had to get out I could not see her like this.

GD

I sat with Elizabeth for a while just stroking her hand, I told her all about Mr Good Listener, I spoke of how wonderful he was. My only wish was that she was awake to give me advice. I decided it was time for to go to bed, and I knew my brother would come here soon. He wouldn't be able to help himself, I had not missed the pain in his eyes when he looked at her, and he was as concerned about her, as I was. I heard footsteps from outside the door, and I just knew it was my brother. It couldn't do if he saw me, I quickly got up and hid behind the curtain, I did not wish to embarrass him about him being here, and maybe I was a little curious about what he would do, and say.

FD

I couldn't sleep; all I could think about was Elizabeth. I needed to check up on her, all I needed to do was stick my head round the door just to see if she was alright. I wasn't going to stay long, just a few minutes. But when I got to her room I knew I would be longer than a few minutes, I moved to sit on the chair next to her bed, and when I sat down I noticed the seat was still warm. Georgiana! The sly thing, she should know better than to be sneaking to people's rooms.

"Georgiana, I know you're in here"

I heard shuffling, and mutterings of how did he know I was here. A head peeped through the curtains

"Yes, brother"

"What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing"

"Well I have come to check on Miss Bennet"

"So have I. Well I will be leaving now. See you on the morrow, William"

I watched Georgiana leave, why was she acting she confusingly lately? I decided to dwell on it later, as I heard a whimper.

I put my hand on her forehead it was burning up; I quickly took one of the cool cloths, and placed it gently on her forehead, her eyelashes fluttering slightly. Her thrashing though did not stop, it just seemed to worsen. It appeared she was having another nightmare, I quickly replaced the cloth on her forehead with my cool hand, and thankfully it seemed to relax her, actually she was leaning into my touch. I knew I should not feel as a happy as did over this little development. However perhaps unconsciously she was attracted to me, and perhaps with time she would realise it…..oh what am I saying. Pull yourself together Darcy. I don't want her to be attracted to me, because she will only get her heart broken.

That's right Darcy keep telling yourself that. Oh lord I was talking to myself, do you see what you do to me Miss Bennet? I looked down at her face; no it didn't look like she did.

My hand was still on her forehead, and it was tingling uncontrollably and the tingling was shooting up my arm. I quickly removed my hand, and immediately I felt an acute sort of loss, I couldn't possibly be missing her touch.

No impossible!

I don't know how long I sat there watching her, but I knew it had grown very late, and I needed some sleep. But I did not want to leave Elizabeth; I quickly glanced around her room to see if there was anything I could sleep on. The bed was out of the question, and I wouldn't be able to sleep in that chair. So I'm afraid it's going to have to be the floor, even if the floorboards looked most unwelcoming. I took one of Elizabeth's many pillows, and I went to lie down (on the floor of course), but something caught my attention, there was a blanket next to the door, and what seemed like a very plush rug. I picked them up, and went about setting them on the floor.

The space in which I picked to sleep was next to her bed, on the side she was facing. I only did this so I could make sure I could get to her quickly in case she was in distress, it wasn't because I wanted to gaze at her face! Certainly not!

I settled myself, and I quickly fell asleep dreaming of fine eyes.

Thankfully I woke up early the next morning, and I thought it best to depart. I gently stroked Elizabeth's hair, and kissed her hand. I grabbed my sleeping things, I put the pillow back on the bed, and I put the blanket in the cupboard. I hoped I would just remember it was there tonight.

I walked towards the door, and I departed as quickly and as quietly as I could.

GD

I smiled; I hoped my plan of getting Elizabeth and William alone together had worked. I walked towards Elizabeth's room, to see if she was okay, and of course to check if my brother was still there. Thankfully he wasn't, although I noticed that the blanket and the rug I had brought for him had been used. Yes my plan was working. Hopefully by the end of Elizabeth's stay here, my brother will be well on his way to falling in love with her. My main obstacle though was Miss Bingley, and her horrid cousin Miss Pointer. I had seen how they'd both looked at my brother, and I did not like it, especially Miss Pointer's look. I knew I had to keep them both away from my brother, so he in turn could be alone with Elizabeth. I do enjoy playing matchmaker. I said goodbye to Elizabeth, and skipped down to breakfast.

MB

Poor Miss Elizabeth, I did hope she was feeling better soon, and as soon as the weather has cleared up. I will send a letter to Longbourn directly explaining her condition. A letter which I was not looking forward to write, how could I tell my fiancé that her closest sister might die? Oh I couldn't do it, but hopefully by the time the weather had cleared up, Miss Elizabeth will have improved.

My eyes moved around the breakfast table, Georgiana was happier than I had seen her in a long time, which puzzled me exceedingly I knew Georgiana had grown very close to Elizabeth. Why was she happy? I continued to watch everyone around the table, Darcy looked as miserable as usually but funnily enough he looked extremely sad, could he have possibly formed an attachment to Miss Elizabeth? I hoped so, I knew that both Caroline and Abigail had their eye of Darcy, and I knew they were planning on interrupting the siblings in the library. So I thought I'd better apprehend them, but unfortunately I was stopped by the butler telling me Miss Elizabeth's condition had worsened. I immediately went to tell the Darcy's and when they left, I was grabbed by Caroline, and she demanded to know what was going. Once I had told her, she and Abigail had been furious.

CB

Elizabeth Bennet was here! How dare she impose herself on us in such a manner! Unfeeling selfish girl, and when we had guests to. This was probably Mrs Bennet's doing, sending her daughter purposely into the rain. Having Miss Eliza here also created a problem, Georgiana seemed attached to her. This meant that Darcy would probably be visiting Miss Eliza's chambers to fetch Georgiana. How inconvenient, this meant I had to go to Miss Eliza's chambers to fetch Georgiana myself to get into Darcy's good books. I knew Darcy like the back of my hand, and I knew how much it repulsed him to go to Miss Eliza's room.

"Miss Bingley?"

"Yes Georgiana"

"I was wondering, would you and"

I looked towards Darcy to find him smiling, I excitedly replied

"Yes I would be delighted"

Finally I was going to be invited to the infamous Darcy siblings walk in the mornings.

"Miss Pointer, would you want t…"

"Yes" said Abigail quickly, looking very smug. Abigail was better than I thought, she was liked by the Darcy's already, and that was extremely hard to do. It took me quite a while.

We all left breakfast, and I quickly ran for the door I wanted to be ready to go, to take Darcy's arm before Abigail got it.

But before I left I heard Darcy whisper "Thank you" to Georgiana. Why, he was thanking her for inviting me for him! Oh beat that Abigail.

FD

I smiled as I realised what Georgiana was doing, or what I thought Georgiana was doing. Alright what I hoped she was doing. She was inviting those detestable women out for a walk, while I could go and check on Elizabeth for a "few minutes"

My sister was definitely going to make somebody an excellent wife, I thought proudly.

When everybody had left the room I whispered

"Thank you"

"You're welcome brother. I know how much you dislike those awful women's company. I am sure you definitely enjoy Elizabeth's more"

I was horrified to find I was blushing, which just added to Georgiana's delight. Oh you have made a mess of me Elizabeth

I kissed my sister on the cheek "Good luck dear sister"

"Thank you for I am sure I will need it"

"I will see you when you return"

"Yes good bye William"

GD

I took a deep breath; I needed all the strength I could get to handle these women. Miss Bingley was bad enough on her own, but having two of her was lethal.

Although I must admit, I was delighted by the look of dismay on their faces when they realised my brother was not coming, and it was Mr Bingley in his place. They both tried to make excuses to stay, obviously planning on bumping into my brother, but Mr Bingley was having none of it. It was then I realised I had an ally in Mr Bingley; he knew what they were about to.

The walk was excessively boring, it would have been very nice if Miss Bingley and Miss Pointer hadn't been here, but unfortunately they were. So Mr Bingley and I had to make the most out of it, because we had heard warning that it was going to start raining again very soon.

I stopped to admire some scenery, and I told Mr Bingley, Miss Bingley and Miss Pointer that they could go on ahead, I knew my way back. I got lost in my own world thinking about all the life changing things that had happened in the past few weeks. My brother was falling in love, and I am hopefully going to have a sister in law soon called Elizabeth. Elizabeth has helped me become more confident, and talkative towards people. I was not as shy and awkward as I used to be, and this was all thanks to Elizabeth. She had done so much for us, and I was eternally grateful.

My mind wandered to the other things that had happened, such as meeting Mr Good Listener to many times for my peace of mind

"Miss Charston?"

Oh no not again!

FD

As soon as the Bingley's and Miss Pointer had left, I ran as fast as I could for Elizabeth's room. I hoped she had improved, and I was very eager just to see her beautiful face. I rushed into her room and took the chair next to the bed. I took her hand in mine, and gazed hungrily at her face for signs of some change. But she looked exactly as she did when I had left her. I just sat stroking her hand, but the lack of sleep soon caught up with me, and I fell asleep

GD

"Miss Charston"

Only one person knew her by that name, so it could only mean one thing. I slowly turned around and saw him, the man who had been haunting dreams for the past few days.

"Good afternoon, sir"

"I trust you are well? How is your hand?"

"My hand?"

"Yes, you hurt it yesterday. Did you not?"

"My hand, oh yes my hand. It is feeling much better thank you"

"I am glad, Miss Charston. Forgive me for my boldness, but what are you doing outside by yourself?"

"Well I was with some people, but they went on ahead"

"And left you" he said sounding very alarmed. But I could not think why

"I told them to sir"

"Why?"

"I wished to be alone" I hoped he got the hint

"I'm sorry to be disturbing you."

"It is alright, I assure you"

Instead of answering me he just stood there staring, and it was making me very uneasy.

"Miss Ch"

He was interrupted by a "Tom, Tom, I was looking for you!"

He looked behind himself towards a very beautiful girl, she gave me the once over, and took his arm possessively. I saw an engagement ring on her finger, so he was engaged!

I could not stay here knowing that he was engaged.

"Good afternoon sir. I must go"

This time he did not offer to accompany me, he really had lost all interest. I walked away quickly, and when I knew I was out of their view I began to run. Run as fast as I could back to Netherfield.

FD

"Brother, brother wake up. Miss Bingley and Miss Pointer are on their way up to visit Elizabeth."

I sat up very alarmed, what interest could those money hungry women possibly have in my Elizabeth? The door swung open, and Miss Bingley and Miss Pointer entered.

"Ah Mr Darcy! We missed you at lunch"

"Yes I was finishing off some business" Liar

"Oh how drab that must have been! I'm sure some good company could cheer you up. And how very kind of you to check up on Miss Eliza" cried Miss Bingley

I did not miss the look she sent my Elizabeth on good company.

"Yes Mr Darcy, I would love to get more introduced" twittered Miss Pointer

I did not miss the look Miss Bingley sent her either

"Mr Darcy I insist you come down"

I sighed; I knew I had no choice. But I would certainly return here later

I had just had to endure 4 hours of Miss Bingley's and Miss Pointer's company, and I was not in the best of moods, and I knew just what would cheer me up. Elizabeth. It could not hurt if I checked in on her again, could it?

I quickly walked to her room, avoiding as many staff as I could. When I got there I got the blanket from the cupboard, checked on Elizabeth, and just sat there talking to her for a very long time. I noticed though Elizabeth was thrashing quite a bit, and it concerned me. Eventually she stopped, and I could relax. I set up my bed again next to her bed (on the floor), and I quickly fell asleep.

I woke up only an hour later to hear Elizabeth thrashing again, and before I knew what was happening she fell off the bed, and landed straight on top of me

I looked up to find her eyes wide open

"Mr Darcy!"

Chapter ends here, the line isn't working

Thank you to all the reviewers

Arica, Princess of Rivendel... Thank for your review, I hope you enjoyed this chapter

Mrs. Dom Masbolle I hope this chapter has answered most of your questions. Although the man's identity will be unknown for a while but there will be hints here and there. She will definitely know who he is by the next couple of chapters. Although I can not decide when she finds out who he is, I have so many different ideas. All I have to do is pick a good one. Yes, I promise that Elizabeth and Georgiana will talk about what happened with her mother, and that she will say her mother is a crazy old hag. Anywho I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and thank you for your review!

BatteredChild Thank you for the review! I hope you liked this chapter!

aquamum Thank you for the review! I took what you said on board, and I made sure he mopped her brow, but I am sorry he did not help her sip water. That will happen in the next chapter! After some careful consideration about were he should sleep, I decided the floor would be better, so that Lizzy could fall on him. But I did think though that seven foot chaise lounge would make it easier for him to gaze at her. But I hope you are happy with what I chose. Anyway I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

k8bob8 Thank for you your review! I'm glad you decided to take a look at this story. I hope you enjoy this chapter!

mcmiller Thank for you the review! I'm glad the initials made it easier to understand. Yes I will make sure Lizzy will explain to Georgiana, I promise! I hope you like this chapter

Golden Eyes Silver Fangs Thank you for telling me about that mistake, I went back and read over it again, and I see what you mean. Thank you for pointing it out. I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Thank you for the review

Dolphindreamer I'm glad you like what I'm doing with the characters, I wasn't sure whether people would. Hopefully we will find more about this Mr Good Listener soon, I'm going to be dropping hints about his identity throughout the story or next couple of chapters. Thank you for the review, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Lucy65 Yes they will definitely still go to Bath, I promise! Elizabeth will clear the air with Georgiana very soon, and I know Mrs Bennet can be very evil sometimes. Thank you for the review, and I hope you enjoy this chapter!

riotgirllina Thank you! Yes, Georgiana will right things with Elizabeth (and she will get better soon, well the hosts will wish her to get better very soon. Well perhaps Darcy will wish she was still ill, so he could see her everyday) very soon, definitely in the next two chapters. I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

RandM4eva Thank you! I glad you like the storyline, and how they meet. I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Thank you very much for all your reviews. They definitely encourage me to carry on the story! I hope I didn't miss anyone out, if I did you are free to slap me

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, but I think there was something missing or did it ramble on for to long?

Anywho, anyone please review and tell me what you think