Chapter 27

James walked slowly through the scenic walk that wound through the grounds of his estate, Mary's pale hand on his arm. He glanced furtively at her out of the corner of his eye, trying to gather his nerve.

Mary herself didn't seem to be in any hurry. A small smile lingered on her lips from her sisters' teasing and her normally pale skin was flushed slightly with expectation. She knew that she couldn't expect anything too extraordinary; after all, she was the plain one in the family and James was far from any definition of plain. Still, it was hard to resist Jane's enthusiasm when it came to relationships; Mary still hadn't forgotten Jane's efforts to set her up with one of their father's accountants.

James paused by a weeping willow tree by the small creek that ran through his grounds, his expression conflicted. He turned back to where Mary still stood, his mouth opening slightly.

Mary ignored his unasked question and walked quickly to the low stone bench that bordered the creek. She turned back to him, a small smile playing across her lips, and gestured for him to join her.

James smiled slightly and sat beside her. It was easy to be around Mary.

He hesitated for a moment before kneeling in front of her, his face set with determination.

"Mary," he said quietly. "I-I realize this is probably… unexpected but, I wanted to- I wish that you would- It would give me great honor if you-." James stopped, a slight pucker forming between his eyebrows. How did one say this the right way to a woman like Mary?

Mary frowned slightly with confusion and cocked her head.

"I know my sisters call me the intelligent one, Mr. Fitzwilliam, but I don't understand everything," she told him quietly.

James's expression cleared and he smiled.

"Mary Bennet," he said. "Will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Mary stared at him for a moment, her mouth falling open. Well, it seemed that Jane knew more about relationships than she gave her credit for.

"I-yes," she stuttered, her skin flushing. "Yes!"

James grinned and joined her on the bench, his arms wrapping around her shoulders.

"One more thing," he whispered. "Call me James."

Bingley looked around at the grim faces of his friends as they stood in a circle around him and took a deep, steadying breath. He looked over his shoulder at the place where Jane stood in the circle, her already pale face ghost-white with terror. He tried to smile reassuringly at her, although he wasn't sure that the smile had the desired effect since he was scared out of his wits at the moment.

Jane turned and whispered into the ear of her sister Mary, seeming slightly frantic. Mary sighed and nodded before walking slowly towards Bingley.

"Are you ready?" she asked.

Bingley nodded slowly, his jaw tightening.

"I'm ready," he said quietly.

Mary nodded and walked back to the circle just as Georgiana helped her brother to his place between Elizabeth and James. Bingley forced a small smile at his friend, feeling slightly relieved when Darcy smiled back. At least Darcy had recovered.

Bingley's gaze went immediately to Mary Bennet as she cleared her throat. She shifted restlessly on her feet, looking suddenly nervous. A small vial of clear liquid was clutched tightly in her hand.

"You all know what to do, correct?" she asked cautiously.

The others nodded, their faces set. Mary took a deep, steadying breath and looked back at Bingley.

"This may hurt," she warned him. Then she threw the water over his head in a wide arc.

Bingley choked back a scream as the drops from the liquid dripped onto his skin. Searing pain erupted from the places where the liquid touched his exposed skin, resembling the burning he had experienced when he had been hit by a ray of sunlight shortly after his transformation. The burning increased as the water rained down at a steadier pace. Bingley's eyes flew to Jane's pained expression. His own pain dimmed slightly and he tried to smile at her. She forced a small smile back, her eyes wet. She leaned weakly against her sisters' shoulders, her brown eyes never leaving Bingley's face.

After an agonizing hour that seemed to go on forever, Bingley felt to searing pain begin to fade. He looked up at the sky, his breath catching as he saw the sun's rays creep over the horizon in streaks of pink and red. Jane whimpered and moved towards him, only to be held back by Mary and Elizabeth.

"Wait," Mary murmured.

Bingley's eyes zeroed in on the brightening sky as the sunlight slowly crept above the tree line. He could almost feel everyone in the circle hold their breath when the first rays of light hit his skin. He waited for the searing pain to begin again… and felt nothing.

Jane cried out and broke through Mary and Elizabeth's restraining arms to throw herself into Bingley's arms, her face already wet with tears. Bingley clutched her to him, noting with relief that he could no longer smell the blood that pulsed through her veins. His arms tightened around Jane and he smiled up at the sun.

Finally, something that worked like it was supposed to.

Ha ha, thought I'd put some fluff in here instead of driving you guys nuts again.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters! All of the credit belongs to the amazing Jane Austen! Thanks again to all of the people who reviewed!