My pain is your gain. Who hurt themselves Christmas shopping Saturday? That would be this girl right here. So, since I have nothing better to do than chill on my couch, I got another chapter out. I am much better now. It wasn't anything major, I just pulled a muscle in my back.

Richard rode into the village with his cousin and Bingley. He knew what his companions were after. In fact, Bingley was quick to spot the ladies standing outside the milliners shop. The Colonel noticed that Misses Elizabeth and Mary looked a bit strained. Upon closer observation, he found the reason why: Mr. Collins had accompanied them.

"Look there, Darcy. It is our new favorite person."

Darcy took his eyes from Miss Elizabeth and grimaced. He had accepted that he would likely have encounters with the man for the next fortnight, for he was at Longbourn often enough, but it didn't occur to him that he could meet him elsewhere. "Insufferable man. Why is he standing so close to Miss Elizabeth? She looks upset."

Richard noted that as well. Her strained look had changed a bit. Miss Mary suddenly looked as though she wanted to push him in front of a fast moving carriage. Richard sped up and got to the ladies first. "What a pleasant surprise! I was just telling Darcy how I hoped to see the fair ladies of Longbourn before my early departure tomorrow. It looks as though the good Lord decided to grant me a mercy. How are you doing?"

"Colonel," said Jane, "how pleasant it is to see you. We were just discussing how we were going to get our letters to you."

"To which I was just telling the ladies, would be imprudent. Men such as yourselves do not play the messenger," said Mr. Collins.

Richard's temper flared, but he held it back. He turned to his right and saw that his companions shared his ire. It was a bit strange seeing such a look on Bingley's face. He was usually so easy going.

"I do not see how it is imprudent at all, Mr. Collins, seeing as I offered to deliver any letters they had for their sister. I shall be stopping by to check on my cousin before I head back to the camp." Richard did not miss the many snorts that sounded at his last comment.

"Oh, a thousand apologies. I had not liked the thought of my cousins imposing themselves on you. Lady Catherine would be most displeased."

"What does my Aunt's displeasure have to do with anything, Mr. Collins?" asked Darcy.

"Oh, sir. She takes a keen interest in the well being of her nephews. She would not like to see any of you taken advantage of."

"Let us put your mind at ease then, Mr. Collins. Niether my cousin nor myself are in the habit of allowing anyone to impose themselves upon us. We have no qualms in refusing a request," said Richard.

"Indeed," said Darcy. "Miss Elizabeth, I believe the book shop received my order. Would you like to accompany me to check? I would like your opinion on my selections for my Aunt Julia. I thought to ask Richard, but he would spend more time mocking me than advising me."

"I would be delighted, Mr. Darcy. Please excuse me Mr. Collins."

Richard watched them stroll town the street to the shop. Bingley and Miss Bennet made their excuses and followed quickly after them, leaving Richard with Mr. Collins and Miss Mary. He noticed Mr. Collins scrutiny of his cousin and Miss Bennet. This may not bode well for his cousin. Seeking to distract him, he asked the man how he like Huntsford. The conversation that followed was very painful. Thankfully, Sir Lucas arrived in the village and drew the attention of the foolish man. As he took his leave, Richard turned to Miss Mary and offered his arm. "Did you suffer as much as I?"

"I believe I have suffered more than you, Colonel. I have had to listen to him since breakfast this morning."

"Yes, I do believe this round goes to you. That would account for the murderous look you were bestowing upon your excellent cousin when we arrived. Pray, what had he done to earn your wrath?"

Mary became silent. She didn't look as though she wanted to share. "Your reluctance tells me I will want to run the man through. Miss Mary, what has he said?"

After a bit more prodding, she finally gave in. "He has spent the morning trying to discourage Lizzy. He said, in far more words, that she is not deserving of Mr. Darcy. That his family will never accept her, and she had better to look closer to home for her happiness. He has also been hinting to me that I would, also, make an ideal wife. It seems that Lady Catherine has encouraged him to seek a spouse among my sisters and I. My father has made it known to us that he does not desire to have such a foolish son in law, so do not worry that we will accept him."

Richard stopped a moment to take a breath. "I assure you, Miss Mary, that come Christmas, there will no longer be anything for your cousin to say. Darcy and I have already contacted my father on the matter. My mother is looking forward to meeting your family." He reached into his coat and pulled out a letter. "She demanded I deliver this invitation to your family. It is for our a ball my mother is throwing. I expect to dance with you and all your sisters. I am sure Lydia and Georgiana will enjoy keeping each other company," he said with a wink.

"I thank you, sir. Mama will be very pleased. Look, there are my sisters. Let us go and brighten Lizzy's day."

Richard's ears were still ringing two days later. The Miss Bennets thought it would be a splendid idea for him to deliver the invitation to their mother himself. He didn't know such a high pitch was possible. The ladies had looked too pleased with themselves. 'They do not realize who they are up against,' he thought to himself. He readied himself as his surroundings became familiar. He would be at Dylan soon. He made sure to have to keep the sisters letters on him so he would be able to deliver them upon arrival. He was a bit anxious. Darcy and he had decided to that it would be best to inform the ladies of Wickham's fate. Kate and Georgiana were not too delicate to know the facts.

He bounded from the carriage before it fully stopped. He greeted Mrs. Bates before enquiring as to where the ladies were.

"Colonel, I trust your trip was pleasant. They are taking their tea in the east drawing room. Shall I have you announced, sir?"

"Thank you, Mrs. Bates. I think I shall surprise them."

"Of course."

Richard made his way through the house. As he drew closer to the room, he quieted his steps and stopped just outside. He looked around before pressing his ear to the door. He heard the ladies having an idle conversation. He was about to go in when the conversation got a little interesting.

"Georgiana, have your heard from the Colonel? I believe he is due a visit. Cook inquired about it this morning. She likes to keep those tarts on hand while he is here. I swear, my staff shows more loyalty to him," said Marianne

"I haven't heard a thing since he sent me that quick note last week. I suppose his business is keeping him tied up."

"Doesn't he have leave coming up?" asked Kate. "I hope this sudden trip does not affect it."

"You mean you hope it does not keep him from Aunt Julia's ball," laughed Georgiana. "Fear not, Kate. I do not believe Napoleon himself could keep him from you."

"I did not mean it like that. I am just sure he would love the time with his family."

"I can almost guarantee he will be spending as much time as possible at Carter House. He and Fitzwilliam both. I wonder if Mr. Bingley will be in Town as well? I am sure he will become a regular fixture as well."

Marianne chuckled. "Should I be worried about so many men taking an interest in my house? People will think I have opened a matchmaking service or something."

"Well, I am sure they will all be welcome. I do enjoy the Colonel's company," said Kate.

"Well, I for one and glad to hear that." The Colonel decided it was time to make his entrance.

"Richard!" cried Georgiana as she lept up to embrace him. He locked eyes with Kate over his cousin's shoulder. He gave her a wink.

"Now, what have you ladies been up to? Not breaking any hearts, I hope."

"Of course we have. What better use is there for a lady's time," Georgie deadpanned. "Just today, Kate made a man cry."

"I did mean to and it wasn't from heartache."

Richard face reflected his shock. "You made a man cry?!"

"Oh Richard, you should have been there. Mr. Addams, a new attorney, has taken it into his head that he can woo our lovely Kate. Whenever we go into Bath, he always seems to know where we will be."

"Does he now," said Richard a bit darkly.

"Yes, he does." Georgiana couldn't help her mischievous grin. "He walked up when Kate's back was turned. As soon as he began to talk, Kate swung right around and got him in the nose. He was bleeding, Richard!"

"It was an accident!" cried Kate.

"Well, it serves him right, coming up behind a lady like that."

"Oh, come on Richard. I thought you would find it funny."

"I am more concerned about the fact that the man knows your comings and goings. Why is this the first I have heard of the man? We have never encountered him while I am with you."

"I believe that may be by design, Colonel," said Marianne. "He only makes an appearance when you are not with us."

"And yet you still go into town?"

"Colonel, unless he poses a viable threat, I will not lock my niece away. She has done all she can to discourage the man, without sounding like a fish wife."

"It is true, Colonel. I have let him know in every way I can that I am not interested in him."

He was not happy that someone was trying to gain Kate's attention. 'Perhaps I should have a chat with this Mr. Addams myself.'

"You most certainly will not!" cried Kate.

Richard grimaced. He didn't mean to say that out loud. "I make no promises."

Kate rolled her eyes as her companions his their smiles. Georgiana asked her cousin about his business. "Ah, yes. I wish to discuss that with you all, as it somewhat concerns you. Darcy spotted Wickham in Hertfordshire."

"No!" Kate couldn't bear the thought of that cad being so close to her sisters.

Richard then began his tale about his time in Hertfordshire. "You're joking, Colonel. He was really doused with the contents of a chamber pot?" asked Mrs. Whitmore.

"I am not. Darcy shocked the massed by smiling and laughing in public." Georgiana could not hold in her laughter at that. "We have since heard that he is to be shipped to the Australian colonies. He will no longer be a thorn in our sides."

"That is a relief," said Marianne. She got a sly look in her eye. The Colonel looked amused. "So, tell us Colonel, how did you find Hertfordshire?"

"I found it very lovely, and the people are most friendly. Miss Westfield, you will be delighted to know that your family is in very good health."

Kate nearly spat out her tea. "You met my family?"

Richard set back in his chair and waggled his brows. "Yes, the party at Netherfield had been invited to a small gathering hosted by your family. Darcy requested an invite for myself. I quite enjoyed myself. They were most eager to meet me too."

Richard then took a bit of time to relay the happenings of the party and the days that followed, leaving out the exact details of the conversations he had with each family member. "Before I forget, I have letters for you from your sisters. And you should know that they have given me cause to avenge myself against them."

"Whatever have they done?"

"My mother sent me and invite to give to your family, and your sisters insisted I hand it to your mother myself. My ears still hurt. How in the world can she reach such a pitch, and how ever did you survive it?"

I may be getting another chapter out this week. I have finished all that I had set for myself and my husband is off until after the New Year starting Wednesday. Lots of free time for me. I have actually been working on a couple of other stories as well. They are Hobbit fanfics, but if your interested, you should check them out. Still brainstorming over Charlotte. I think I may have someone let Pervis Lodge. Next chapter will focus on Kate. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.