Chapter 8

The next few days were very busy for all the Bennet's. Mr Bennet barely left his study. Messenger boys were back and forth to the war office and his house. One day Elizabeth was called to her fathers study "dearest, I would like you to take a look at these letters don't worry about not understanding what is written just look at them"

Elizabeth nodded she had done this before. For the next two hours she looked through each one carefully. Suddenly her face brightened. "Papa, notice the tiny flourish on certain letters but not on others of the same letter" she pointed to what she was talking about.

Her father looked at her, "You are amazing, I hadn't noticed that. I had only concentrated on the text. This has saved me so much time" he hugged her to him

"You would have seen it" Elizabeth was pleased to have been a help to him.

"Send Bobby to me please" he sat at his desk and scribbled a quick note. The boy entered the study "into the usual hand please lad"

Bobby nodded and ran off.

An hour later several men walked into Bennet's house and readied themselves for hopefully some good news. Mr Bennet had sorted the stack into oldest date first and had even written down and translated much of the stack.

"Gentlemen, thank you for coming so promptly" The gentlemen which included Richard all sat in what had become their customary seating. Coffee was sent for and they settled down to hear hopefully good news.

Darcy and Bingley had joined Jeffrey and Robert in a visit to Gentleman Jackson's Boxing saloon. All four were evenly matched so they swapped partners regularly. John Jackson himself stopped by to see the action pleased to see them all again. After the sparring had finished Darcy said he couldn't join them at Whites as his solicitor would be joining him at home for a meeting. The three others washed up and went on their way.

Darcy made it home to find his Solicitor had already arrived. "Jacob its good to see you again" The men shook hands. To Darcy's offer he requested coffee. After it had arrived Darcy got down to business.

"The reason I am needing your help is Mrs Younge my sister's companion is in touch with Wickham. When she is out alone I am having her followed, but I want you to get Wickham. I have all his vowels so debtor's prison could easily be in his future" a thought occurred to him and he smiled "But I think a life at sea could also be arranged" The gut feeling he had was still niggling away at his insides, and it was not a feeling he liked especially where his sister was concerned.

He had just seen his solicitor to the door and a footman opened it as the gentlemen shook hands Caroline Bingley presented herself on the doorstep. "Oh Mr Darcy how good it is to see you again"

"Miss Bingley, good day to you" Darcy's heart sank

"I am here to see my brother" the lady tried to enter his home

"I am afraid your brother is at White's" Darcy told her

"Well, I don't mind waiting for him" the woman persisted

Darcy apologised at not being able to entertain her as he would be leaving shortly on business.

"Then I will visit Miss Darcy" she said

"My sister is busy with her lessons today" Darcy took the cane and hat that the footman had fetched for him. "Good day to you Miss Bingley" Darcy left, thinking quickly he made his way to White's pleased to have an escape plan so easily thought of.

The ladies were pleased with the dresses that had so far been delivered to the house. After fittings were carried out they had also shopped for dancing slippers, walking boots, riding boots and just everyday shoes. Stockings and new undergarments and then the bonnets and other hats had been purchased. Elizabeth felt she wouldn't wear half of them but the aunts were insistent and there were three of them plus Lady Matlock and when they had their minds set it was no use fighting them. She picked up her embroidery and set about making herself busy. No matter what anyone said tomorrow she was visiting Hatchard's bookstore. She heard the men leaving her father's office and smiled hopefully her father had set matters as he wished them set and they would see something of him.

Mrs North their housekeeper entered the room "Miss Elizabeth, your father needs you" Elizabeth put aside her embroidery and went to her father's study

Her father told her to take a seat and pushed a glass of mead towards her. "This must stay between us, we have deciphered the full message thanks to you" Mr Bennet looked at his daughter fondly and raised his glass to toast her, "The message originated in Russia from the usual contact codename Boris, he has suggested a pincer attack, generating in the South of France and the North of Spain. I am now going to start copying their missives but redirect them to the middle of France where Wellesley and his troupes will be waiting for them" Mr Bennet smiled in satisfaction.

They sat quietly enjoying the liquor Elizabeth noticed how tired her father was looking "I think an early night is in order for you, shall I send in a tray?"

"Yes, I think that sounds like a good idea I will have it in my room" They finished their wine in silence both busy with their own thoughts. Elizabeth rose and kissed her father's cheek. She quietly left the room closing the door behind her.

Walking into the room she was surprised to see both her cousins Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley. She curtsied and greeted them all. Jane and Mary then entered the room and Mrs North with a decanter of wine and a decanter of their elderflower cordial. Elizabeth was grateful for this she didn't like to indulge too much so the soft drink would be very welcome. Mr Bingley was so happy to see Jane again. "I understand you will be at the theatre this week Miss Bennet"

"Yes, the Earl of Matlock has invited us to his box on Wednesday" Jane said happily. It was one of her favourite things to do when in town

Darcy smiled "Yes, we are also going to the Theatre that night and my box is next to my uncle's" he turned to Jeffrey and Robert "you are also very welcome to join us, my sister will be with us for the performance, and after you would all be welcome back to Darcy House for a cold collation"

Jeffrey and Robert looked at each other and agreed. "Do you think Richard or Henry would join us" Jeffrey asked

"Oh I know Richard is but I am not sure of Henry's plans" said Darcy he looked at Elizabeth and said "The invitation is for you and your sisters I will also extend to your Aunts and Uncle's"

"Will you mind if my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner were also included?" Elizabeth hesitated to ask but she would hate them to be left out.

Darcy's mind clicked over this information "Would that be Edward Gardiner?"

Jane and Elizabeth smiled at him "yes, I will write his direction for you"

"No need, I know Mr and Mrs Gardiner"

Elizabeth sighed happily as she entered Hatchard's book store, she loved the scent of books, she happily browsed the shelves she skipped over the horror section and found herself amongst the poets she was just reaching for a book by Wordsworth when an arm reached for the same book "Oh, I am so sorry" they both said at the same time. They turned and Elizabeth smiled at seeing Mr Dary. "Ladies first" he gallantly said. She glanced down and saw he already had several books.

"Thank you I have been looking for this copy for a short time" she said to him.

"Miss Bennet would you care to join me for tea in Gunter's" he asked

Elizabeth smiled again "What a coincidence I will be meeting Jane and Lydia there shortly"

Darcy returned the smile "would you also do me the honour of introducing my sister to you, she had an appointment with her modiste and should be along shortly.

"I would very much like to meet her Mr Darcy"

Elizabeth paid for her book and Mr Darcy then paid for his. They left the building and Darcy handed over his package to a footman. "If you give Jacob your package he will see that it is delivered to your home"

Elizabeth handed over her much smaller package and took the offered arm and they started walking towards the popular tea-room. Mr Darcy looked down at her fondly "Miss Elizabeth, would you allow me to enter into a courtship with you"

Elizabeth looked at him in surprise "yes, I think that would be most acceptable"

Darcy gave her the widest of smiles that the dimples were very much in evidence "thank you, I will speak to your father as soon as possible"

They entered the tea-room to see that Jane and Lydia had already secured a table. As they sat Mr Bingley arrived followed by Miss Bingley. Mr Bingley did not look happy that is until he spied Jane, then his face split into a wide grin.

Miss Bingley was very happy to see Mr Darcy but not happy to see who else was at the table. She was sure she could still attract Darcy to her but seeing Eliza Bennet with him and the way Darcy was looking at her well now she was not so sure.

Georgiana and Mrs Younge had had a very productive day at the modiste. She was especially pleased with the dress she was to wear at the theatre. The colour an old rose pink was beautiful and she had managed to get slippers in the same colour. She happily joined her brother and what looked to be a lot of females her nerves at meeting so many new people was slightly overwhelming. Darcy introduced her to the ladies her eyes widened slightly at Miss Elizabeth's name. Darcy also introduced Mrs Young. They happily chatted about their day and Lydia and Georgiana were soon happily in talks regarding shopping and clothes and the trip they were to make to the theatre.

Miss Bingley looked around the table they were all happily talking together and ignoring her her colour heightened "Miss Eliza, have you visited you relations in Cheapside yet"

Lydia on hearing how her sister had been called the hated name looked at the women "My sister's name is Elizabeth she would not give you leave to call her anything else" the look Lydia gave her was venomous.

"My apologies" Miss Bingley did not look happy to be called out by what she considered an upstart child.

"Caroline, I don't believe you have met Miss Lydia" Bingley smiled at the young woman he did like her

"charmed I'm sure" Miss Bingley almost sneered at her but Darcy was watching the exchange.

"Charles I need you to escort me to Lord Howards Ball on Wednesday" said Miss Bingley

"Sorry Caroline I am already engaged that evening" Bingley wasn't sorry at all

Miss Bingley asked in a very tight voice "and pray what has you so busy" she almost snarled at him she couldn't believe he wasn't as pliable as he had always been.

"I am going to the theatre with friends" said Bingley carefully

"Oh I will join you then it is an age since I have been to the theatre" said Caroline happily

"Sorry Caroline, the box is full and as it is an invitation you cannot just invite yourself along" Bingley said firmly.

"whose box is it then"

"Lord Matlock's" he said

Miss Bingley had to admit defeat. She wasn't on talking terms with the Earl and his wife she also had a feeling that Darcy's box was being used so a very large party was probably invited and another feeling that the Bennet's were invited. Her heart sunk. She had never felt so unwanted.

A/n Firstly let me thank all that have left a review and it makes me very happy that you are enjoying my story. Secondly I am using artistic license regarding The Pirates of Penzance it was my Nana's favourite operetta. Sorry also that it wasn't clear that Darcy and Bingley had already travelled to London I wanted to move the story along because it was flowing, Again thank you for your very kind words.