A/N: Think you'll get a twofer today. Two chapters, then I spend the day slinging code but I have an 18-hour flight to Sydney tonight so expect at least one tomorrow. Wade

Lizzy realized she had some serious explaining to do to Annie. She had a sense that Anne would find the whole thing as absurd and she did, so if there were a good laugh to be had, she'd best get on with it. Perhaps Anne would learn the dangers of sketching characters too.

"Annie, this is absolutely the very best drawing I've ever seen in my life, possibly the best one I've ever heard of. However, I think you're operating under a serious misconception, at least as of last night."

Annie looked at her in confusion, since this didn't make any sense at all.

Just as Lizzy was about to start explaining the actual object of her affections, she was interrupted by shouting from the footmen, and from Mr. Darcy as well. A few seconds later, she heard the sound of running horses… a lot of running horses, and Mr. Darcy yelling into the window for her to stay put. She also heard Darcy instructing the footmen to hold their fire, as there didn't seem much point in getting somebody killed when they were vastly outnumbered.

Lizzy glanced out the carriage window, and saw well over a dozen heavily armed men come around the corner to surround the coach. While being unaware of the usual toll collecting methods for this part of Kent, this seemed a bit excessive even for Lady Catherine.

As the various ruffians held their weapons trained on the inhabitants of the coach, a man who appeared to be their leader came forward to take charge.

Darcy asked, "What is the meaning of this?"

The leader looked him over and asked, "Mr. Darcy I presume."

"Yes"

"Mr. Darcy, I'm afraid I've been charged with detaining you for a bit. Have no fear; you and your companions will come to no harm, and we won't even do any real damage to your purse."

"I'm certainly I feel so much better now with the assurances of such a gentleman as yourself." Darcy replied somewhat sarcastically. "What do you intend?"

"Mr. Darcy, I'm afraid I'll need to ask the ladies to exit the coach. I'll be having words with them as well."

Having little choice in the matter, Darcy dismounted and went to hand the ladies out. Being surrounded by a half-dozen armed men did nothing for either ladies confidence, but they also saw little if any benefit in disagreeing or making a fuss.

At that point, Lady Catherine's coach pulled up behind, and was immediately surrounded by another half-dozen ruffians who ordered all the inhabitants to remain in the coach.

When Liz and Anne were standing beside Darcy, he asked, "Might I have your name, sir. I like to know whom I'm dealing with."

"Rogers"

"And your given name?"

"Jolan"

Liz couldn't quit stifle a giggle. The pressure of this situation plus the aftereffects of too little sleep, and too much brandy was taking its toll.

The leader looked at her menacingly and asked, "and just what is so funny little miss?"

Liz tried to demur and remain silent hoping he would forget the whole thing, but he was riled up now. Rogers walked up to her, stared at her and said, "Out with it. Now!"

Lizzy as so startled, she blurted out just what she was thinking, "Could your given name be shortened to 'Jolly', sir?"

"Yes, some of my men call me that, why?"

Liz could barely keep a straight face and replied, "With a name like Jolly Rogers, I think you may well have missed your true calling, sir."

Liz could see Anne also trying to stifle a giggle. She probably wasn't used to being hijacked by highwaymen any more than Liz was. Mr. Darcy on the other hand looked as if he did this every other day between fencing, riding, shooting and other gentlemanly pursuits; but even he was having trouble suppressing a smile, which he thought might be counterproductive.

"And what profession would such a name be suitable for, missy?"

Lizzie sighed in exasperation. There really was no accounting for the lax approach to education today's highway men favored. Had they no pride in their profession at all? There must be ample time between their various criminal activities for quiet study and reflection. Her father would be most disappointed in these men… no, wait… he actually had Lydia, so he might find these criminals an improvement. At the very least, they would be less expensive than Mother and Lydia. But enough woolgathering, time to answer the question.

"It just seems sir, that with a name like that you would have been well suited to be known as the Dread Pirate Rogers."

Rogers looked a little chagrined and replied, "I'm afraid of water, so such a profession would be inconceivable."

That was just too much, and Lizzie and Annie both broke into a fit of giggles, which did nothing for the mood of the highwaymen.

Trying to regain control of the situation, Rogers straighten himself up and assumed a more menacing posture.

"Mr. Darcy, I've been given very specific instructions by my employer. I am to separate you from your betrothed for a few days. Miss Lucas is to travel back to Rosings in the other coach."

Darcy and Lizzy were confused by these instructions, but agreed that any scheme that sent some of the party back was a good idea so they would play along. Maria was such a fragile thing she was probably already swooning in the other coach anyway. A quick glance was enough to ensure agreement between them, and they said nothing about the mix-up.

Darcy said, "Very well. Miss Lucas is in the other coach. She's the small skinny one."

Roger seemed satisfied with his answer, and sent one of his men to insure that Miss Lucas was in the coach as advertised. It would not do to be sloppy, so he asked his man to ask her name without prompting just to make sure Darcy was not trying to pull one over on him. You never knew what these rich men get up to.

Rogers was not new to this kidnapping business, so he knew that gentlemen were easier to control if you brought a lady or two with them. Looking at the pair descended from the coach he added, "I believe I will bring one or two of these ladies along to keep you from mischief, Mr. Darcy. I understand there's a Miss Bennett who particularly dislikes you. Which one is she?"

Elizabeth saw no point in dissembling, and she didn't really want to be separated from her betrothed anyway, so she said, "That would be me."

With an evil looking grin, Rogers said, "All right Miss, you'll come with us."

He gave a bit of an evil laugh at the severe discomfort he was about to subject this ridiculous woman too. 'Jolly Rogers, indeed! Who did she think she was?'

Rogers had one last bit of business to take care of.

"I am to send Miss de Bourgh back to Rosings and take one of the others with me as extra insurance… What's your name girl", he said looking directly at Annie.

Without batting an eye, Annie said, "I'm Charlotte Collins. Miss De Bourgh is in the other coach with the clergyman."

"Fine, you ride with Jimmy over there."

He chuckled to himself over the punishment for the other snippy little miss.

"Miss Bennett, you get the pleasure of traveling with the last man in the world you would ever want to share a horse with." HAHAHAHAHAHA

In fairly short order, the coaches was turned around and sent back to Rosings. Darcy, while not all that enamored with the idea of being attacked by highwaymen, was not so very unhappy with the idea of sharing a horse with his betrothed. It was tough to tell what Annie thought, but she looked like she might enjoy the adventure… or at the very least, she would have more material for her next book.

Darcy lifted Liz up to the horse and mounted behind her, then they set off, still under heavy guard.