A/N- Thanks to all the last chapter's reviewers. I wish I could've updated earlier, but I got sort of busy, and a bit low on the inspiration. Its back now though, hope you enjoy this. Oh and newsflash! I'm now on Tumblr as aphroditeindisguise01, to be contacted there if anyone wishes to contact me that way.

Jane walked to the study, wondering what her father could have to say to her. It was usually Lizzy who was summoned to the study, and Mary used to invite herself in occasionally, but Jane usually stayed in the parlor with her mother. She entered the study, partly curious, as it is natural to be, but mostly melancholy after having read Caroline's letter. Elizabeth's reassurances had done little to lift her mood, for who could know more about Mr Bingley's intentions than his own sister?

Whatever Jane had been expecting, it certainly wasn't seeing Mr Bingley waiting for her, and under the circumstances Jane's astonishment was only natural.

'Mr Bingley has something he would like to say to you, Jane.', said her father, before leaving the study and closing the door behind him, leaving his firstborn quite puzzled and not altogether happy.

'Ms Bennet. It is delightful to see you again.'

'It is always a pleasure to see you, Mr Bingley', said she politely.

'It is a bit astonishing to you, perhaps, that should call on you so soon.', said he nervously.

'I believe you wished to tell us of certain joyous news?'

'Indeed.', said he, not realizing that Jane was talking of Caroline's letter, of whose existence he was still unaware, and that he had just, as far as Jane was concerned, confirmed all that was written on it. He only thought that she had guessed his intentions, and the thought made him nervous.

'Do carry my regards to Ms Bingley and Mr Wickham.', said Jane, attempting to look perfectly composed, and succeeding, a fact that did little to reduce Mr Bingley's nervousness, for he thought her to be teasing.

'I see you have heard of it already?'

Jane looked surprised.

'I should think so, since Ms Bingley herself wrote to me with the news.'

'It was quite a surprise, was it not?', said he, mentally reproaching himself for beating about the bush.

'A pleasant one, nevertheless. I was very glad to hear of it and I am sure the rest of the family will be just as happy once you have informed them of it.'

'I shall gladly do so, if you wish me to.'

'Is that not the news you came to convey?', asked Jane.

Mr Bingley shook his head, a bit embarrassed as he realized that he was yet to declare his intentions to the lady he loved, and that her confusion was rather understandable.

'I had far more important things to convey, and I am afraid I had half forgotten of it.'

'What could be more important?', asked Jane curiously.

Mr Bingley coughed nervously, and Jane got quite the wrong impression.

'Oh I see!', she exclaimed.

Bingley calmed just a bit, though his brow furrowed on confusion as she continued.

'Caroline explained it all, sir. I extend my heartiest congratulations to you.'

'I think you might have misunderstood, Ms Bennet.'

'I doubt it, sir. Ms Bingley explained the situation explicitly. Do carry my best wishes to Ms Darcy.'

Bingley suddenly realised exactly what she was talking of, and before he could think about it he had blurted out the next few words.

'I wish to court you, Ms Bennet.'

He reddened as she simply stated at him in astonishment, but continued bravely.

'I wish for your permission to court you, with the intent to offer. Your father says that he approves of it if you do, and I can only hope that you would grant me this great honour.'

Jane finally seemed to have found her voice as she said,

'But... I thought you loved Ms Darcy!'

Bingley couldn't help letting out a nervous chuckle.

'I'm sure Caroline wishes I do, but I'm afraid Georgiana is more a third sister than anything else. I thought you knew of my affections for you?'

'I thought I did... But the letter...'

'Was simply wishful thinking on Caroline's part.'

Happiness graced Jane's face as she heard this, and Bingley smiled to himself, a lot more hopeful now.

'Poor Caroline! She will be so disappointed. I believe she had set her heart on a double wedding'

'That is still possible, if you consent.'

Jane blushed, and he continued.

'But I wouldn't want to rush you in the least, and I'm content to simply court you add long as you wish, till none of us would doubt each other affections again. Will you consent to this, Jane?'

Jane absently noted how perfect her Christian name sounded in his voice as she nodded her agreement, blushing furiously.

The study door was suddenly flung open.

'Congratulations, my child.', said Mr Bennet, while Jane and Charles gaped at him with surprise.

He winked.

'Listening at the doors is quite a family trait, isn't it? I believe your mother would have done the same, and it would be highly unfair of me to deny you this pleasure. Bingley, it is time you got used to the oddities of the family. You still wish to court Jane?'

Charles nodded.

'Afraid so. She has me too enamoured.', he joked.

'Then I suggest that you inform Mrs Bennet, for I doubt she would appreciate being kept in the dark.'

Jane and Charles nodded, and left the study holding hands, a face that Mr Bennet noted, but chose to ignore add he followed them.

A/N- Here's another chapter that I hope you all like. Keep the reviews flowing!