Lydia had started throwing up as soon as they got home. Lizzie left Kitty to comfort her sister and took care of George instead. Once she'd cleaned him up and made him a bed on the couch, she helped Kitty put Lydia to bed. Finally the house was silent, and Lizzie sat down to wait for Jane.

With the exception of George Wickham's appearance, Lizzie thought, it had been a pretty boring evening. Jane had danced the night away, Lizzie had been ignored, Lydia had gotten drunk and Kitty had admired Lydia. Just like always. Honestly, it might have been more interesting to go to a prayer meeting with Mary. At least this time Jane had found somebody with money. Jane hadn't had a real job since the hospital had finally closed down the extra wing the year before.

At least her job at the library was unlikely to change, she thought. And Kitty and Lydia were managing to keep their jobs at the clothing store downtown, so far at least. And when Mary finished her stenography course, she'd be able to get a job anywhere.

A car pulled up in front of the house. It was big and powerful and Lizzie didn't recognize it. A few minutes later, she saw Jane climb the steps onto the porch.

"Is that Mr. Bingley's car?" Lizzie asked, as she let Jane is.

Jane sighed happily. "He offered to bring me home when Charlotte told me you had left. He's such a swell guy, Lizzie."

"You know a lot of swell guys, Jane," Lizzie pointed out. It was true. Jane rarely had anything bad to say about anyone.

Jane laughed. "I know, but Charles is even better than most. He's sweet, and polite, and a wonderful dancer, and we just had the most wonderful time. He's offered to come over tomorrow and teach me to drive," she said.

"Well, he sounds lovely. I'm so glad you'll get to see him again."

"Me too. Oh, Lizzie, I'm so sorry about what his friend said. I couldn't believe anyone could be so rude!"

Lizzie thought of poor George, sleeping on the couch. "Mr. Darcy's rudeness is only the beginning, Jane. I'm sure I'd be much worse off if he had liked me."

She explained to Jane how she had met George, and what he had told her.

"...so you see, I don't much care what a bluenosed bully like that thinks of me," she finished.

Jane was staring at her, eyes wide. "But that's awful!" she exclaimed. "The poor young man! I'm surprised Charles can be friends with someone as petty and mean as that!"

Lizzie shrugged. "I suppose he can be pleasant enough when he wants to be. I'm just glad we know his true character now, so that none of us can be taken in."

"I am too. But I doubt we will ever see him again; Charles said he was just visiting for the evening. He'll be back in New York tomorrow."

"I'm glad to hear it. George will be glad too; this means he can get away safely. Poor man, I don't think he has much. I'll give him a little money when he leaves tomorrow, I think."

"That's kind of you, Lizzie, and I'm sure he'll be grateful. But for now you should go to bed," Jane replied, starting towards her own room.

"True. Good night, Jane."

"Good night."


Charles Bingley let himself into the house he and his sister had rented for the next few months. Caroline had gotten bored some time during the evening and left, so she was probably asleep in bed. She hadn't liked the music, or the people, or the drinks they served. Charles sighed. His sister was so fastidious, and never seemed to be happy. He'd found the music pleasant and the drinks tolerable and Jane...well, Jane was wonderful. But Caroline would probably be up early in the morning, full of reasons for him to take her back to New York immediately. If only Darcy was staying. Caroline would put up with anything if it meant staying near Darcy, though Lord knew it was obvious Darcy wasn't interested. But Darcy was doubtless already back in New York.

Darcy had left early too, he thought with a frown, presumably for whatever mysterious business had made him so determined to join them that night. Not that he minded Darcy's company, but he'd seemed oddly tense when he asked to go with them. What on earth was the point of coming down for a minor party in Meriton when he could have gone anywhere in New York? It had been a pleasant party, to be sure, but that was hardly a sufficient reason for such a long drive and such a short stay.

And Darcy hadn't even enjoyed the party! He'd been filthily rude to Jane's sister Lizzie, he hadn't ordered a drink, and he'd only danced because Caroline forced him to do so. Darcy wasn't a very sociable man, but he was usually polite. Why on earth had he come?

Charles shook his head, clearing his thoughts. It had been a splendid evening. Jane Bennet was wonderful: sweet, intelligent, beautiful, everything he could ask for. He would be able to see her tomorrow, too, and be alone with her in the car. That was something to look forward to.

He'd gotten to the top of the stairs when there was a knock on the door. He groaned and considered going to bed anyway. He was tired and cold, and his bed seemed very inviting.

The knock was repeated, this time louder. Charles sighed and slowly made his way back downstairs to the door. The clock in the hall caught his eye, and he realized it was past midnight. Who would be visiting at this hour?

He opened the door. Darcy was standing on his front steps, carrying someone. He looked cold, standing there in just his shirt and tie. He was pale and clearly exhausted. Charles realized that he was carrying his sister Georgiana, who was wrapped in her brother's coat. Her eyes were closed and her hair was dirty and disheveled.

Stunned, Charles stepped back to let them in. Darcy carried his sister into the parlor and laid her down on the couch that was there. He grabbed a blanket from the windowseat and put it over her, then arranged his coat under her head, spread out as if to keep her from dirtying the couch.

"What's wrong with her?" Charles asked.

"They gave her cocaine," Darcy said, touching her forehead to see whether she had a fever. "It's...I don't know much about how it works."

He straightened and looked at his friend. "Charles, I need a favor."


At least he found her, right? Please leave a review if you're enjoying this - I really appreciate them!