Sorry for the delay. I have actually been working on this chapter for a few days. I think this was the hardest one yet. Still playing around with fluff. This would have been a whole lot shorter without it. I hope you enjoy it.

Richard stared out the window of the carriage, not really seeing anything. He was eager to get to Netherfield. Wickham would not escape them a second time. When he first received Darcy's express, he found it odd that his cousin would send a regular letter in such a way. He had left within the hour. He did not feel comfortable at all knowing the fiend was in so easy a distance to Miss Westfield's sisters. He had taken it upon himself to send an empress to Mrs. Westfield. Since Richard did not know the Bennet's personally, it was his hope that Kate would warn her sisters away from Wickham. 'Careful, Old Man,' he thought to himself. It was getting to be a common thing to think of her by her first name. 'If I am any more careless, I am likely to have her name slip past my lips in her presence. You have only known her a few months and she is seventeen. Get a grip, man!'

It was at this point that the Colonel actually paid attention to the countryside. They would be arriving at Netherfield soon. Even at this time of year, he could tell the surrounding area held great beauty. 'Not quite the beauty of Derbyshire or Somerset, if I must say.' Images of Matlock and Dylan sprang to his mind. He made a note to himself to make time to go to his family home in the country come spring.

As they turned into Netherfield, he noticed his cousin had come out to greet him. He jumped from the carriage with a smile and embraced his cousin. "Have you missed me so much, Darcy? This is a pleasant welcome indeed!"

"Not a much as you would hope. And could you please not do that."

"Ah, I have forgotten. You do not handle expressions of affections well. Or that is, perhaps, what you would like a certain lady to think."

"Colonel! It is a pleasure to see you again. Tell me, is your mother, Lady Matlock, well?"

"Speak of her and she shall appear," muttered Richard. "Miss Bingley! Aren't you a sight to behold. Last I heard, my mother was doing very well. She has been keeping busy with our families newest addition, but she shall be returning to Town for the holiday celebrations."

"Oh, how lovely for her. I have been trying to convince Charles to remove to Town soon ourselves, but he seems to have found a… reason for delaying," said Miss Bingley with a disgruntled look.

"Really! I am surprised. London seems to be the place to be this coming Holiday season."

Darcy gave his cousin a look after witnessing Miss Bingley's look of delight. Bingley greeted them as they walked into the house. "Charles, the Colonel was just telling me that London is the place to be this winter. Surely you can now see we must be in attendance as well."

"Caroline, we have already discussed this. Now is not the time."

"Very well, Brother. I can see you care not for my feelings. I will see you at dinner." All three gentlemen were relieved to see her take her leave. They then turned to enter Bingley's study.

"You may want to reconsider that, Bingley."

"Why would I want to do that, Colonel? I have plenty of reason to stay here."

"Ah, but you shall soon find that reason shall be removing from the area herself for the Christmas season."

"What do you know?"

"I have it on good authority that the Bennets will be spending it with Mr. Bennet's sister, Mrs. Westfield, and their daughter, Miss Kate Westfield. Does Darcy tell you nothing?"

"I have heard of no such plans. I am guessing you have heard this from Miss Westfield and my sister?"

"Of course. Where else would I get such information?"

"I had forgotten that you, too, are acquainted with one of the Bennet sisters, though she bears the name Bennet no more," said Bingley. "Do you have any other information you might like to offer?"

Richard gave a hearty laugh. "I always liked you. If you ever tire of my solemn cousin, feel free to search me out. I may know some things that would be of interest to you."

"Gossiping women, the both of you," said Darcy into his drink.

"I see no reason not to help a friend in need. Heaven knows, at this rate, I may very well need his help in return."

"So, Darcy was right, you have Miss Westfield in your sights."

Richard gave his cousin a look. "Gossiping women, eh Darcy?"

Darcy gave no answer and finished his drink. Richard signed, "There is nothing set, only a possibility. However, if I have read things rights, your sights are quite settled. If this is the case, I feel obliged to inform you that all agree that the lady reciprocates your feelings."

Bingley sat back with a satisfied smile. He truly had never met a woman who stirred his heart before. There was something about Jane Bennet that drew him. This new information gave his confidence a much needed boost. "I am very pleased to hear it. Don't roll your eyes Darcy. Say, Colonel, what have you heard on your end about Miss Elizabeth? I am sure you would be interested to hear how your cousin has taken to admiring her, what did you call them, 'fine eyes'?"

"Ha! I knew it. Georgiana suspects it, as does Miss Westfield. I believe I would like to meet this Miss Elizabeth myself. I need to take in the whole picture."

"Well then, Richard, you will be happy to know we are to dine at Longbourn this evening. I took the liberty of having you added to the party."

"Is this before or after we bury the blackguard?"

"Finally, the matter at hand."

"How did this come about"

"Bingley and I escorted the ladies of Longbourn into the village. As we came to the milliners, Wickham walked by with a few of the soldiers stationed here. I did nothing more than turn my nose up at him and led Miss Elizabeth and Miss Mary into the shop. I took a look out the window and found him to have a very smug look on his face, as though he had somehow cowed me. He should know me better than that. I came back here immediately after delivering the ladies to their home and sent my letter to you. It has been less than a week and I have already had word of his lies being spread. I thought it better to have you on hand before I made any action. Colonel Forster is more likely to take your word, I'd wager."

"Indeed. Well, lets get this matter taken care of. I believe the matter has set long enough. Shall you join us Bingley?"

"No, I must take some time to come up with a legitimate excuse as to why I have had a change of heart about London for Christmas. And I need to see about living arrangements for myself. I do not think I could stomach staying with Hurst again."

"Bingley, you know you are more than welcome to stay with me. I have far more than enough room, and I have a feeling Georgiana is working on an excuse to stay with Miss Westfield."

"You would be right there, Darcy. Mrs. Westfield told me to inform you that there would be room for her if you allow for it," answered Richard. "And Bingley, I foresee an invitation to my mothers ball in your future. We cannot let your sister fall behind in society. She may never make a match otherwise."

"Careful, Colonel. She may turn her eye on you."

"No no no. I do not have the fortune she seeks. I do not worry about that. Worry for Darcy. She may just as well believe he arranged it. So, now that your excuses are out of the way, care to join us in bringing down a poor excuse of a man?"

"You know, I think I will."

Knowing he was going to be venturing into a military camp, Richard made sure to wear his uniform. He was going to have an audience with this Colonel Forster, and nothing would get them there quicker than a show of his rank. The three gentlemen found themselves quickly escorted to Forster's lodgings where they were greeted by the mans wife, a young woman who giggled a little too much.

"Colonel Fitzwilliam, it is a pleasure to meet you. I have heard you are an excellent leader and your men more disciplined than most. To what do I owe the honor of this visit."

"Colonel Forster, first let me introduce my cousin Mr. Darcy and friend, Mr. Bingley. The matter I wish to discuss with you involves one of your new officers, I'm afraid. A Mr. George Wickham has joined your ranks, yes."

"Yes, a very friendly fellow I have found. What on earth could he have done?"

"Colonel Forster, Darcy and I have known Mr. Wickham most of our lives. He was the son of my uncles steward. He was given far more opportunities that one his station usually receives and squandered them all. He has caused a great offense against us that we would have him held accountable for. On top of this, it has come to our attention that he has been spreading vicious lies about my cousin since he first discovered his being in Hertfordshire. Colonel Forster, this man is known to leave debts wherever he goes and to cause permanent damage to the reputations of young ladies. Here I have for you testimonies from some that he has caused grief to."

Forster took the offered papers and scanned them. Things were looking bleak for his newest officer. "Well, I see that he has some things to answer for indeed. Allow me to have him brought here. It will take only a little while. I shall call for some refreshments as we wait."

With that, Forster left the room. "Have a reputation then, Colonel?" asked Bingley.

"I expect nothing but the best from my men. They are not as free to socialize as the officers here appear to be. Don't misunderstand, they are often found in the company of the local families, but civilians may never enter the camp and they must always have written permission from myself or my second in command. It is also never an everyday occurrence. They are soldiers, they should be alert, not idle."

"Indeed. Well, all regiments should be commanded in such a fashion. I would wager the war would go far more smoother if that were the case."

"Perhaps, but I believe our host is coming back."

The next 30 minutes were spent with the two Colonels exchanging different tactics on dealing with soldiers and battle. A knock announced the arrival of Wickham. The three gentlemen had positioned themselves to the far side of the room.

Wickham was having a fantastic day. He had managed to shove off his duties earlier that morning. After doing so, he and Denny made their way into the village where they made the acquaintance of Mrs. Bennet. They saved her package from being trampled and received an invite to a private party being held that evening, where there would be several eligible daughters of fortune. He even won at a game of cards before he was summoned away to see the Colonel. Things were looking up.

He knocks on the door and waits to be given entrance.

"You asked to see me, Sir."

"Yes, Wickham. It seems you have drawn unfavorable attention to yourself." Forster then motioned to the gentlemen on the other side of the room. Richard smirked at him.

"Well, Wickham, it has been a while."

"Richard.."

"That is Colonel Fitzwilliam to you."

"Very well. Colonel Fitzwilliam, Darcy, and I am afraid I have not made your acquaintance sir."

"Never mind that. I suppose you know why you are here?"

"I have a vague idea."

"A vague idea. Darcy, he has a vague idea as to why we would suffer his presence."

"Truly Wickham," began Darcy," you could come up with a better answer than that. Do not worry about saving face. We have left out very few details of your misdeeds to your commanding officer."

"I can imagine which one's you did. What do you want?"

Richard stepped up to Wickham. "For you to face the consequences of your actions. Too long have you been allowed to run free, destroying innocent lives and wreaking havoc in others. You have left quite the trail behind. Numerous debts, compromising young ladies, we have proof of dealings you have had with some wanted criminals, and most recently, the defamation of my cousins character. We have already contacted the constable. He shall be here to apprehend you directly."

Wickham began to panic. He could not allow them to do this. He swung at Richard, which said man evaded, and took a punch in the gut. Wickham got his bearings, shoved Richard away, and ran for the door. He made it out the front door and down the steps before he registered foot steps behind him. He turned to see both Richard and Darcy on his heels. He shoved a man in their path and turned the corner, ducking in between two buildings. He stopped to take a moment to catch his breath and plan his next move, an action he quickly regretted. Before he had a chance to form a thought he found himself drenched with a days worth of contents from a chamber pot. He looked up and slipped in some mess and found himself flat on his back. As he open his eyes he heard a familiar laugh and caught sight of Richard standing over him. "You know Wickham, I recall my uncle often stating that you get what you give."

Wickham was having a horrible day.

So, Wickham had to go. I am sure no one will lament his departure from this story. My goal was to remove him quickly and with flair. I won't lie, I laughed a little too hard when I wrote the end of this. My son actually asked if I was ok. I think I will be drawing the Colonels visit out for a few chapters. Several requests have caused a few ideas to pop up that I am going to play around with.