A/N- Hi folks! This was meant to be up ages ago but... actually, I don't think I'll explain exactly why it took so long because then I might write another twenty chapters on all the horrible characteristics of human race. Suffice to say, here's the next chapter. (I think the resemblance between Mr Collins and Mr Toad is shocking. Never really thought of that before.

Mary's engagement was a news of much importance in the neighborhood. She had been a confirmed wallflower almost ever since she came out, very rarely even dancing, so of course her engagement was shocking. But people like Mary and Mr Collins never are in the gossip for long, unless they do something particularly scandalous and the news was soon outdated. That did not affect their happiness in the least, and Mrs Bennet never tired of telling anyone who would listen that Mary had always been the most accomplished of her daughters. In her excitement, even Jane was neglected for a while, much to the girl's secret relief and subsequent guilt at the relief.

While Longbourn was celebrating, occupants of Netherfield was lost in confusion. Mr Bingley had decided to propose to Ms Bennet, and first told William of his decision when they were alone in the library. He had been attacked by nerves, as young men often are when they truly care for a woman, and thought there was no better way to sooth them than to gain the approval of his friend.

'I see', was the calm response he received when the news was broken, much to his dismay, for to him it was a matter of life and death and to see his friend take it so lightly infuriated him. Nevertheless, he continued, half thinking that he had been misheard.

'Do you approve, then? I know Caroline does not, but I care not what she thinks. I love Ms Jane, and wish to marry her.', said Mr Bingley.

'Will my opinion affect your decision?', asked his friend with a grin.

'I doubt it, unless you have excellent reason to disagree with my choice.'

'Then why ask me at all?', teased William.

'Because I feel your opinion is worth hearing.'

'Then hear what I have to say. I am not certain of your attachment to her.'

'I know I have been infatuated before, but this is stronger than I have ever felt before.', said the lovestruck gentleman, looking rather furious that his news and intentions were not being given due importance.

'Then test your affection'

'What do you mean?', asked he barely restraining himself from shaking his friend to remind him the gravity of the situation.

'Give yourselves a couple of months before any proposal. If you still love her, and I shall be very glad if you do, then I am sure she will not refuse you.'

Bingley agreed, certain that his love could withstand this little challenge, and extremely eager to prove his friend wrong. Though Charles had immense respect for his friend, he was outraged that the matter was being taken so lightly and wanted to prove the depth of his feelings. On closer reflection, however, he realized that he had fancied himself to be in love before, only to find that his feelings were only a minor attraction, so it was wise to wait a while before he did after all propose marriage to a young girl he cared about.

Though he successfully advised his friend, William himself was entirely confused in matters of the heart. He knew that he loved Elizabeth ardently, but was unsure of her feelings, and unwilling to upset her and destroy any chances of her ever accepting his proposal. In such a circumstance, there was only one thing to do. Darcy walked to the parlor, and upon finding hid mother alone, he began his confession of love.

'I love her.', he said, not bothering to specify further.

Anne looked startled.

'You don't intend to propose to that venomous shrew!', said she in alarm, misinterpreting hr son's meaning.

'Mother! How could you call her a shrew! And a venomous one at that! Why, she is the one woman I wish to spend my life with, of course I intend to propose to her. I'm just not sure when, but surely you couldn't dislike her that much! Why, you have willingly sought her company for so long!'

'I wouldn't spend a moment with her if I could help it! I can't believe you have been so taken in! I thought you had better sense!'

'I love her!'

'Love covers a multitude of faults, William, but natural spitefulness of not one of them.'

'I agree, but she is not in the least spiteful.'

Anne rolled her eyes.

'No man in his right senses would call Caroline any less.'

William looked puzzled.

'Caroline?'

Anne continued.

'I thought you despised her, and here you are, telling me you love her. I won't object if you do love her, but she is not a woman I would like as a daughter.'

'What does this have to do with Caroline? Of course I dislike her! I never meant her at all!'

Anne looked relieved and confused all at once. Ms Bingley was the only woman that her son spent much time with, so she had naturally jumped to conclusions.

'Thank goodness! Who is it, then?'

'Ms Elizabeth, of course.'

Anne was delighted, for she liked the young woman very much and approved wholeheartedly. As a mother, it was her duty to interrogate her son, and Lady Anne Darcy never shirked her duties.

'I don't see why it was obvious, but I demand to know how long you have had this little secret.'

And so William explained the particulars of how how fell in love with an impertinent girl who had striking eyes.

A/N- Here ends the latest chapter of this story, which would have been up a week ago if only certain humans weren't so horrible. Not all humans are that bad, though. Which is an excellent reason to review and make a poor human soul very happy, right?