A/N- Thanks loads to all the reviewers! I suppose Caroline did have rotten luck but her action of taking it out on Jane shows exactly how much she deserves it.

The Bennets sat at the breakfast table, the witty banter between Mr Bennet and Elizabeth keeping them all amused. Mrs Bennet was too happy to tell them off, for the previous day's visit had made her feel certain that Jane would be having a proposal soon. They were unaware of course, that Jane would be receiving a letter soon, and even when the letter did arrive, Jane merely said that it was from Caroline Bingley and that she would read it later. None could have guessed the impact the letter would have on poor Jane, who was at present blissfully eating her food, delighted with yesterday's visit during which Mr Bingley had hinted at his intentions towards her.

The breakfast proceeded normally, till Jane did read the letter, started looking rather pale and then rushing out of the room after mumbling something about not quite feeling well. Eliza looked a bit concerned, but no one else seemed to notice, though Mrs Bennet commented that it just might be some sort of good news.

'Ms Bingley probably wants to tell Jane that her brother will be offering for her soon, and about time too!'

'Another wedding so soon would be delightful! I saw this lovely gown in the village Mama, that I simply must have. Jane's wedding will be the perfect excuse!', said Kitty.

'But I wanted that gown Mama! Kitty can have Jane's old blue gown, the one she wore at the last ball.', complained Lydia.

'That's not fair! Lydia always has the new gowns! I want a new one this time!'

'But you said that you wanted Jane's blue gown, Kitty!'

'I wanted it when it was new! I'm so sick of old gowns all the time. Mama, I won't attend the wedding unless I have a new gown. All the village laughs at me!'

'Be quiet Kitty! Jane's blue gown is practically new. You will have it without complaint.', said Mrs Bennet, unknowingly pushing Kitty's wishes to the lowest priorities again.

'But you will buy me the gown won't you Mama?'

'Of course, love.'

'That's unfair Mama! No one will ever offer for me because they won't see me looking nice like the other's do, and I'm just as pretty.'

'No you aren't, that's why new gowns are wasted on you.'

Kitty rushed out of the room, deciding that she really had had enough.

'Since it is Jane's wedding, and Jane's gown, somebody just might ask her. I'm going to check on her.', said Lizzy, and left the room to follow Jane. In the background she could hear Lydia complaining that Kitty shouldn't be allowed to act like such a spoiled little girl, and her father announcing that he wasn't paying for any more gowns.

She shook her head in frustration, thinking that her youngest sisters really were silly, and wondering if the letter really did contain good news, for she hadn't thought that Jane looked very happy. Her sister looked more like shocked to her.

'Jane?', asked she standing at the door of their shared room.

'What is it Lizzy?', came a muffled voice.

Lizzy entered the room to see her sister sitting on her bed, her face white.

'What happened Jane?', asked the concerned sister.

Jane held out the letter to her.

'Read this!'

Lizzy obeyed, and started reading.

My dearest Jane,

I suppose you will already know from the village gossip that I am engaged to Mr Wickham, or George, as I now call him. It might come as a surprise to you, for even Charles couldn't believe it at first, but I am very much in love and can't wait for the wedding. Of course that means that we simply must go to London, for a wedding in a small village isn't really what I've been planning, and all the lovely gowns in town... I'm sure darling George will love seeing me in those! I just can't wait to be Mrs Caroline Wickham. It does have a nice ring to it, doesn't it.

In fact, I'm hoping for a double wedding, for all who know Charles can see how much he is in love with dear Georgiana, even though he is soo shy about it. He goes flirting with all sorts of young ladies, but his heart is caught and he doesn't dare talk to the only girl he will love.

I am hopeful, though, that he WILL manage the courage to propose soon enough, for Georgiana is so kind to him that he couldn't possibly go on this way for much longer, and when she accepts (I just know she will ), I will have acquired a sister as well as a perfect husband! That too the same day if only Charles would show some backbone! No one would expect such shyness from someone who can't seem to help flirting with every other young lady.

I wish i could invite you to the wedding(s?) but since it (they?) are to be in London, I can't.

Yours,

Caroline Bingley (soon to be Wickham)

Elizabeth couldn't help being disgusted at the way Caroline had blatantly lied, and could only sympathize with Wickham who would have to endure her all his life.

'Oh Jane! This is such rubbish! Mr Bingley loves YOU. Mr Darcy did mention that his friend was easy to fancy himself in love, but this time is different. Mr Bingley wished to offer for you.'

'Then why didn't he?', challenged Jane.

'Because you are special! He didn't want to disappoint you in case he didn't love you as well as you deserved. I wish I had told you sooner, Jane dear, but I couldn't stand to get your hopes up only to have them dashed.'

'Well they are dashed now.'

'Oh no! Not in the least. Jane, I know you don't believe me just yet, but Georgiana explicitly told me that there was no man she loved. Surely she wouldn't lie?'

'No, but this says nothing of Mr Bingley's feelings. After all, who could know him better than his own sister?'

Elizabeth desperately wished to slap Caroline at that instance, but showing her anger would in no way help Jane.

'Jane, I see that you will not be convinced, but I am certain that you will definitely see Mr Bingley before he departs for London, and then you can yourself ask him if he is not very fond of Ms Darcy. No one could possibly think this question inappropriate. And did he not hint towards his intentions yesterday?'

'He said that he couldn't possibly marry someone who didn't match his temperament and was as sweet tempered as I was. But Lizzy, Ms Darcy is the sweetest creature to grace the planet.'

Lizzy shook her head in exasperation and was about to continue when Becky knocked at the door and announced that Mr Bennet required Jane in his study immediately. Jane proceeded to leave, and told Lizzy that she did not wish to say anything of the letter to the remaining family, to which Elizabeth agreed readily.

A/N- Whao! That really was an early update now. Or at least it would've been if I'd posted it as soon as it was done, which was less than a day after the last update. Poor Jane, but she's to have some good news soon. Keep reviewing!