A/N: Here is the latest chapter! I hope you guys enjoy.

Chapter 14

The air was cool and crisp, with a low hanging mist hovering over the meadow. The birds in the tree were beginning to leave their nests on their daily search for food, filling the air with their music. Elizabeth had seen a few rabbits skittering along the path as she made her way to the predesignated spot where she was to meet Mr. Darcy. At times she carried the package in both arms, close to her chest, at others she grabbed it with one arm as she maneuvered her way around fallen logs and deep ruts. As she came to the spot where she had shared a lovely picnic with her sister she could see Mr. Darcy already there, gazing out across the meadow and towards the stately Rosings.

"Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth said, causing him to turn around.

He gave her a small smile, bowed his head, then walked toward her. She held the package out to him, which he took. "Lovely morning," he greeted her, "care to walk?"

With the package in one arm, he held the other out for her, to which she took.

"I am sorry for my cousins carelessness," Darcy said as they meandered down the forested path. "He can be reckless and often forgets propriety. I attribute it to his time in the Army."

Elizabeth remained silent, unsure of how to respond; agreeing with Darcy and thereby insulting his cousin or disagreeing and arguably approving of his actions. No, best to remain silent.

"I understand you married in early January?" Darcy asked.

"Yes," Elizabeth replied, "it was a short engagement."

Darcy cleared his throat, surreptitiously pulling her closer to him, "Yes, Miss Bingley gave us the news while we were in London."

Elizabeth looked up and could see a frown upon Darcy's face. She wondered what could possibly have made him upset.

"One might say it is an advantageous match," she observed.

Darcy turned to her, "Do you say so?"

Elizabeth blushed, "I must say so."

Looking at her quizzically, Darcy continued, "I confess, I had no inkling as to your partiality for him. It came as a shock to us all."

"You keep referring to this 'all.' Of whom do you speak?"

Darcy sniffed, "Bingley, myself, Miss Bingley, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, and my sister, Georgiana were present."

"And Miss Bingley related to you all the good news of my marriage? News she herself received from a letter, perhaps, my sister Jane wrote to her?"

"Yes, she seemed quite amused by it."

Elizabeth fumed inside, "My sister was in London before coming here, since the wedding. That is most likely when she would have written the letter. Did Miss Bingley relate that news as well?"

Darcy blushed, "I do not recall...perhaps not."

They continued on in silence, walking further away from their original meeting place until the path rounded to the main road. Elizabeth gave her farewell to Darcy, mentioning how her husband would be wondering where she was, and hurried away from him, her heart beating furiously in her chest.

"I can hardly believe we have been here nearly five weeks," Jane said over breakfast as soon as Elizabeth took her seat.

"Indeed," Mr. Bennet agreed, "time seems to have flown by."

"I do hope you have both enjoyed your stay," Mr. Collins smiled over his toast and ham. "Elizabeth and I have endeavored to make your stay as enjoyable as could be. Lady Catherine seemed quite taken with you, Mr. Bennet, and you as well, Miss Bennet."

"I have also enjoyed my time with her ladyship. She is quite entertaining."

"Indeed," Collins agreed, "though most people will say she is proud she is merely trying to keep the distinction of class, something that seems to be falling by the wayside."

"Yes, well, a few days time and Jane and I will have to be on our way home. I would enjoy a walk, my dears, if you would permit me to intrude on your morning ritual."

"Of course," Jane smiled.

Elizabeth had not been alone with Mr. Darcy since their walk the morning she returned the bonnet. He was everywhere present, though; catching her and her sister or Father on their walks, sometimes in company with Colonel Fitzwilliam, other times alone, offering to help her at the piano, etc... When news of Mr. Bennet and Miss Bennet's soon departure was brought up Lady Catherine made her displeasure known, declaring Jane a fine girl, who, if she stayed 'til summer, could be introduced to any number of eligible and appropriate bachelors who were now away.

Jane had blushed.

"Aunt," Colonel Fitwilliam admonished, "Miss Bennet does not need to be paraded around the neighborhood like a cow at auction."

"Oh, Richard, you vex me," Lady Catherine cried, "that is not what I meant at all."

Lady Catherine then gave a lecture on the proper way to pack a trunk, to which both Jane and Elizabeth had a good laugh at later. The laughter didn't last, however, for the day of departure had arrived and saw Elizabeth crying over her Father and sister. Collins did his best to console his wife, but his efforts were useless.

"Remember, Father," Elizabeth said pointedly.

"Yes, yes," Mr. Bennet gave his daughter a kiss, told Collins to take very good care of his daughter, then informed the driver to get on with it.

Collins sighed, "A visit from family is nice, though I do enjoy having our home to ourselves again." He then made his way into the house, leaving his wife watching the carriage drive away, wondering if she would ever get the chance to see her Father again.