Jane insisted on Elizabeth's journeying with them to town the following month. Elizabeth, in turn, insisted she stay with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. Jane acquiesed on the condition her sister would visit the moment she set foot in London.

Jane welcomed her at the entrance-way with indecourous enthusiasm. After a cursory tour of the house they removed to the parlour and caught up on eachother's news over refreshments. Jane had to speak to the cook and so left Elizabeth to her own devices. When she had not returned some time later, Elizabeth went snooping and happily found the library, such as it was.

"Did you get lost, Bingley?" Mr Darcy stepped out from behind a shelf. "Oh, Miss Bennet."

"Mr Darcy, excuse me. I did not mean to intrude."

"It is no intrusion, I assure you. Bingley could be some time."

She smiled. "Jane left me in the parlour, to speak to the cook, well..."

He chuckled. "She will wonder where you have got to."

"When she finds the parlour empty this is the first place she'll look."

"You will be disappointed with the selection, I'm afraid."

"My expectations were schooled after the library at Netherfield. I may not find a book to read, but perusing the titles of a small library is telling, is it not? I thought I might at least find a little entertainment."

"So, you are come to town?"

"Yes. Jane insisted."

"And where are you staying?"

"At my Aunt and Uncle's."

"I hope Mr and Mrs Gardiner are in health."

"They are. Though glad of a neice to help entertain their four children who are pent up inside with the weather as it is."

"And how are you coping with being pent up inside?"

She laughed. "I only arrived this morning, so ask me again in a week."

"I hope the weather improves by then."

"So do the children. I have already been pledged to take them to Hyde park as soon as the sun shines for two hours together."

"And what do you do to entertain them indoors?"

She thought for a moment, blushed at the thought of the likely occupation of the coming evening, then answered with a version of the truth, "I tell them stories."

"Stories that make you blush?"

She blushed an even deeper shade of red. "It's not the stories but the telling." She hesitated, "Rather more theatrical than I should probably admit." But what damage could it do? Heaven knew what he thought of her, but it seemed too late to worry about a dignified and proper first impression. So the look he gave her stopped her in her tracks. It was one of the few real, heartfelt smiles she'd seen. "Are you laughing at me?"

He shook his head in earnest, the smile still lingering on his lips.

She couldn't bare the hope the welled in her and lost her nerve for waiting and wondering. "How is Miss Darcy?"

"Very well. She will be glad to hear you are in town."

She smiled and hesitated. There was something she wished to ask but dreaded it. "I would be happy to see her again but there is something I would ask you about. I am sorry to open a subject I know we would both rather avoid but I feel I must speak."

"Please."

She exhaled and watched his face, his beloved face, for a moment before beginning. "Several times, already, the subject of Mr... Wickham, and my connection to him, has been very nearly mentioned in her presence and I fear, if we reknew the acquaintance, it is inevitable. I could not bare for her to be hurt or embarrassed and I just wonder if you can really wish for a friendship between us when..."

"I do." He spoke when she hesitated.

She swallowed. "I am afraid it will come to light in public, that Miss Bingley or some other... friend, unknowingly will cause her pain."

"I should tell her, if I have your permission to do so. My instinct is always to protect her but she is not a child anymore."

"No. She is a strong and intelligent young woman. You have my permission. I never expected you to keep it a secret for so long."

"You asked me to."

"I know, and I have all faith in your discretion, but I did not believe it could be kept from public knowledge – indeed, it has not been. Except by you."

"I will tell her, and then perhaps we might call on you."

"Of course, that would be fine." She knew her confusion must show on her face and was relieved when Jane barged in, flushed and apologetic.

"Oh, Lizzy, there you are. I am sorry for abandoning you. Oh, Mr Darcy. I am a poor hostess this morning."

Elizabeth soon followed her sister out of the library.

"I am sorry, Lizzy. I did not mean to leave you so long with Mr Darcy."

"It's quite alright Jane. We are both on our best behaviour."

Mr Darcy heard this and sighed, turning away from the door, summoning patience. It occurred to him, not for the first time, that Jane probably knew of his proposal at Hunsford, the letter... everything.

Two days later the Gardiner children rushed to the window as a large carriage pulled up. Elizabeth took a deep breath, knowing the answer to their excited question of who it might be, and fearing that this frienship would give her much heartache in the long run.

Her Aunt watched her with interest, suspicions rising. The visit passed happily, perfectly in fact. Mr Darcy and Mrs Gardiner spent much of the time discussing the highlights of Derbyshire, leaving Miss Darcy and Elizabeth to become better acquainted, and as they stood to leave Miss Darcy seemed to summon all her courage, and say, "My brother and I would be honoured if you would dine with us one evening. Would this Friday suit?"

"Thank you. We would be delighted." Mrs Gardiner answered, with only a moment's glance at her neice.

It wasn't until their carriage was rolling down the street and the children had busied themselves with a game that Mrs Gardiner turned to Elizabeth, "Are you alright my dear?"

Elizabeth smiled. "Of course, Aunt. Why do you ask?"

"Lizzy, what has happened?"

"Nothing."

"Yet."

Elizabeth turned away incredulous.

"Why such doubt, Lizzy?"

She sighed. "I confess, once, before Lydia... but now?" She shook her head. "He is not half so proud as I once believed, but to be his brother – No. It is too much."

"And yet he sat in my parlour this morning and encourages your friendship with his sister?"

"That is hardly the same thing."

"You suppose he would give false hope."

"I would suppose he knows I expect nothing, he supposes I have no such hope."

"How could he be certain of that?"

Elizabeth took a deep breath, barely retaining her composure. "Please do not ask me."

Her aunt squeezed her hand. "I will not say any more, beyond this: I believe it will all turn out well." She stood and went to her children, leaving Elizabeth alone to reflect.