A/M- Thanks to all the wonderful reviewers! Swimmy6, you nearly guessed what Wickham is going to do in a couple of chapters, but when it happens I think you might find it fair enough. Flower123, I think Darcy is rather unfamiliar with the feelings he is experiencing and hence can't really think straight, so he couldn't propose a courtship. Besides, even if he did, and assuming she agreed, it would raise great disapproval from the society and there was still the possibility that nothing would come of it and then breaking it off would be rather awkward.

William's mood improved considerably in the next fortnight and so did Elizabeth's. She too had at first wanted to withdraw, and then spilled out exactly how she felt to Jane, who, much to her outrage looked amused.

'Has the high and mighty Lizzy fallen in love with the man she just refused?'

'Oh, do be quiet Jane! I haven't fallen in love with anyone, and neither do I plan to.'

'I had no idea one planned for love.'

Lizzy scowled.

'I'm NOT in love! I'm just...'

'Unhappy, melancholy, and deflated because you just refused a proposal from a man who you think of highly?'

'I do think of him highly, but I am not in love.'

'Are you sure? You were always the bravest of us Bennet sisters. Try facing your feelings, Lizzie.'

Elizabeth looked a bit frustrated, and mildly confused.

'I have never been in love, Jane. I don't know what it is like, but surely it must be much stronger than plain admiration. I tried probing my heart, but I feel so confused. I don't think I'm in love, but what if I am? I would have driven away the object of my affections forever. I'm such a tangle of emotions!'

Jane sighed.

'At least you cannot claim to be indifferent to him! He has affected you so much, Liz. Would any other gentleman's proposal do the same?'

'I don't know! But he isn't any other gentleman! He was one of the best friends I had!'

'Are you sure you see him as nothing more?'

Eliza looked annoyed.

'I DON'T KNOW!'

'Then give yourself some time.', said Jane calmly, only mildly ruffled by the outburst, and as she had expected, Elizabeth came round soon enough and apologized for being so touchy.

However, this composure was short lived, for Anne insisted that a visit to the Bennets was in order. Mr Bingley needed no urging, and Mr Darcy would have liked nothing more than to gaze upon the lovely face that he hadn't seen for a whole fortnight since the disastrous proclamation of love. Georgiana thought she would rather like seeing her brother being awkward around Elizabeth, but the Hursts and Ms Bingley could not be prevailed upon to leave the house.

And so the remaining party set off to Longbourn.

Mrs Bennet was delighted to see them again as she spied from the parlor window and insisted that Jane quickly come down to join her along with one of her sisters. Jane dragged along Lizzy, and when three Darcys and a Bingley entered the room, two people wished desperately that they were anywhere but before each other.

Pleasantries were exchanged, and Georgiana, taking pity on her rather uncomfortable brother, invited Lizzy for a turn about the garden.

'Lizzy! I missed you so very much!', cried Georgiana when they were in the garden.

'Was dearest Caroline not company enough?', asked Elizabeth looking amused.

Georgiana made a face.

'Oh, her company is far superior to most I have experienced, not including Aunt Catherine's, of course.'

Elizabeth had heard of Lady Catherine before, and was told that she was rather annoying when she was awake, despite Mr Collins' duty bound praises of her.

'I wonder how Mary likes Lady Catherine!', said Lizzie thoughtfully.

'I suppose we will know soon enough, for surely you will receive a letter soon?'

'I hope so.'

The conversation continued for a few more minutes after which they two young ladies headed back, and Anne politely announced their departure. The party left the Bennets and briefly visited the Lucases, the Kings, and Mrs Long before heading back to Netherfield. It was during the return journey that Charles expressed his intention to offer for Ms Bennet once he was more certain of her as well as his own affections.

'That is a good idea, Charles.', said Georgiana.

'I am glad you approve, Georgie. I'm rather sick of Caroline's efforts to pair us together. you are as much my sister as Will's!', said Charles, looking rather revolted at the idea of marriage to the girl who was his sister in all but blood.

'It IS a bit annoying.', agreed Georgiana.

'Is that the only reason you wish to be engaged soon?', asked Anne teasingly.

'No, it is because I love Jane and would rather appreciate it if I have the Darcy support in overcoming my sisters' objections.'

'Of course you do.', said Georgiana, and the others nodded.

'Good', said Charles,'because I am enlightening Louisa and Caroline right away.'

The carriage stopped at Netherfield, and the party proceeded to the parlor where Mr and Mrs Hurst sat, he having a nap and she looking at a book without reading a word.

'Where is Caroline?', asked Charles.

'Oh, she was in the library. I believe Mr Wickham is with her.', replied Louisa.

Charles frowned.

'Mr Wickham?'

'Yes, he called upon us this morning soon after you left. He was rather disappointed to miss you, Mr Darcy, but he stopped to have a word with Caroline. I believe I really should check on them, they have been in the library alone for too long', said Mrs Hurst, giggling.

Anne and Georgiana looked scandalized, both having rather set notions of propriety and that insisted that no young woman be alone with a man other than her fiancee or husband, and urged Mr Bingley to intervene instantly.

The young man obliged, and the others followed him to the library.

Charles couldn't help being shocked when he flung open the library doors, and a strangled cry escaped him. Behind him Georgiana and Anne gasped at the sight before turning away.

A/N- Now what could they have witnessed? Keep the reviews flowing!