Chapter 8 has been updated to reflect brilliant changes reviewers pointed out.

The next morning, Elizabeth sought out her father in his study. "Papa, I must speak with you about Mr. Collins and the entailment."

Mr. Bennet peered at her over his spectacles. "Concerns about our esteemed parson cousin, Lizzy?" he asked wryly.

"I fear he may know more of the entailment clause than he has let on," Elizabeth said grimly. "He seems intent on preventing my securing an engagement with Mr. Darcy. What if he tries to persuade Mr. Darcy to break it off?"

Mr. Bennet's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

Elizabeth stopped and turned to her father imploringly. "We must examine the entailment document at once and determine if there is truly such a clause. And we must act swiftly before Mr. Collins can interfere further."

Mr. Bennet leaned back looking thoughtful. "Hmm, perhaps our cousin harbors more cunning than I gave him credit for. Your concerns are valid, Lizzy."

He stood up resolutely. "Let us unravel this mystery without delay. Fetch your mother here, and we shall all review the fine print posthaste."

Elizabeth hurried off in search of Mrs. Bennet. But as she entered the drawing room, raucous laughter and chatter met her ears.

"Oh look, it's him, it's Mr. Bingley! And with Mr. Darcy, too!" Mrs. Bennet cried shrilly. She leapt up, grasping Jane's shoulders. "Sit up straight, dear!" Mrs. Bennet commanded, fussing with a few loose strands of Jane's golden hair."

Satisfied, she nodded before retaking her seat. "There now, you look perfectly elegant to receive our guest."

Elizabeth hesitated in the doorway, realizing now was not the moment to question her flighty mother about legal matters while she was preoccupied with matchmaking. She would have to wait until their guests departed.

She joined her sisters in greeting Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. Upon seeing Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth felt her nerves flutter anxiously. She curtsied politely, murmuring a greeting, all too aware of his presence.

Mr. Bingley beamed at the room. "What a delight to call on you ladies this morning! And you are all looking radiant as ever." His gaze lingered admiringly on Jane.

Jane blushed prettily at the compliment. "You are too kind, Mr. Bingley. We did not expect the pleasure of your company today."

"It was such a fine morning, I convinced Darcy here it was the perfect morning for country ride." Mr. Bingley supplied.

"Capital idea!" Mr. Collins boomed, bursting into the room. "The young ladies were just saying they hoped to stroll out today."

Elizabeth suppressed a groan at her cousin's sudden appearance. His transparent attempt to insert himself between Jane and Mr. Bingley did not go unnoticed.

She studied Mr. Collins carefully as he maneuvered to Jane's side, suspicion rising within her. His purposeful interference was too conveniently timed to be coincidence.

"We would be pleased to have you join us," Jane offered graciously, ever the diplomat. But her smile faltered slightly as Mr. Collins took up position possessively at her side.

"Excellent, excellent," Mr. Collins declared. "A chaperoned walk between engaged couples! What could be more proper?" He looked expectantly at Elizabeth.

Mr. Collins' thinly veiled machinations all but confirmed Elizabeth's fears - he aimed to prevent both Jane's blossoming romance with Mr. Bingley and her own engagement to Mr. Darcy. Well, she would not stand for such transparent interference.

An awkward silence descended. Elizabeth's eyes glinted with determination to not let Mr. Collins spoil their walk. She would remain vigilant for any further meddling.

Summoning a polite smile, Elizabeth replied, "An excellent notion. Shall we be off?" The group set out from Longbourn, Kitty and Lydia darting ahead. Mr. Bingley offered his arm to Jane, both soon lost in intimate conversation.

That left Elizabeth to walk beside Mr. Darcy, uncomfortably aware of Mr. Collins dogging their steps. He seemed intent on monitoring their interactions, much to Elizabeth's annoyance.

Desperate to avoid her cousin's scrutiny, Elizabeth cast about for a neutral topic. "Mr. Darcy, have you had occasion to explore the paths around Longbourn?"

"Not extensively thus far. But the countryside here has a pleasing wildness to it."

Elizabeth smiled. "Indeed. I know several lovely wooded trails, if you would care to walk them sometime."

Mr. Collins interjected pompously, "As Cousin Elizabeth's betrothed, you have the privilege of her company on country rambles. I, too, as her clergyman and cousin, endeavor to chaperone such outings."

Elizabeth suppressed a vexed sigh. She quickened her pace, hoping to outstrip her officious cousin, but his short legs proved surprisingly swift.

Ahead, Kitty and Lydia's laughter echoed back to them as the youngest Bennets skipped out of sight around a bend. Elizabeth felt a pang of envy at their carefree escape from their cousin's overbearing presence.

"Mr. Darcy," she said quietly, "I meant to ask if you had further concerns about the entailment after our discussion yesterday." She glanced warily at Mr. Collins hovering not far behind them. "I know my father wishes to review the document himself and understand its particulars."

"I appreciate Mr. Bennet's prudent caution. We should all satisfy ourselves as to the entailment's precise stipulations."

Elizabeth breathed a small sigh of relief that Mr. Darcy grasped her meaning. If only they could discuss freely without her cousin's interjections!

Just then, a group of red-coated officers were seen approaching, and her breath caught at the sight of one familiar face - Mr. Wickham! What was he doing here?

Beside her, Mr. Darcy stiffened, a thunderous look overtaking his features.

Mr. Wickham glanced their way, then did a startled double take. Mr. Wickham doffed his hat politely. "Good day, Mr. Darcy. Miss Elizabeth." His companions bowed and echoed greetings.

Elizabeth saw the officers' curious glances shift between Mr. Darcy's stony countenance and Mr. Wickham's now-flustered discomfort. An awkward tension descended upon the group.

"I say, it seems you already have company. We shall call again another day." Then he quickly led his puzzled friends off the path and out of sight.

Bewildered, the officers bid their goodbyes and followed Mr. Wickham's retreating figure down the lane.

She risked a cautious glance at Mr. Darcy beside her. His stony expression had softened slightly as he watched the officers depart. Catching her eye, he inclined his head, indicating they should resume walking.

Elizabeth complied, though she was eager for a private word with Mr. Darcy. His reaction to seeing Mr. Wickham was not what she expected, considering Mr. Wickham's story. But Mr. Collins continued to linger nearby, his ears no doubt pricked for any morsel of information.

She gazed anxiously at Mr. Darcy as they strolled along the path. She knew she must broach the uncomfortable subject of Mr. Wickham's claims, but hardly knew how to begin.

At last she spoke softly, so as not to be overheard by Mr. Collins who still lurked nearby. "Mr. Darcy, I feel I must tell you...Mr. Wickham shared with me his account of certain dealings between you."

She hesitated, then plunged on. "He spoke of your refusal to provide him the living your father intended." Glancing up, she saw Mr. Darcy's expression darken ominously.

"Did he indeed?" Mr. Darcy remarked coldly. "And I suppose he shared no details of his own behavior in the matter?"

Elizabeth bristled at his contemptuous tone. "Well sir, I only know what he told me. That you failed to uphold your father's wishes, abandoning him to a life of hardship."

Mr. Darcy's eyes flashed. "Madam, you understand but half the story, and Mr. Wickham has spun it to his benefit." He took a breath, composing himself. "But you are to be my wife. We should have no secrets between us."

He paused, seeming to gather his thoughts. "The truth may damage certain reputations when revealed. But if I have your word it will go no further..."

Elizabeth nodded earnestly. "You have my utmost confidence, sir. I would tell no one, save perhaps my sister Jane. But she is the soul of discretion."

Mr. Darcy considered this gravely before continuing. "Very well. The facts are these..."

And so he relayed the sorry tale - how Mr. Wickham had squandered his inheritance on frivolous pursuits and distasteful behaviors, then demanded the valuable living promised to him. Out of concern for the parishioners, Mr. Darcy had refused, offering monetary compensation instead. But Mr. Wickham had reacted with resentment and retaliation.

Elizabeth listened in growing dismay, color draining from her cheeks. "I see I have done you a grave injustice," she admitted when he had finished. "To think I believed such a scoundrel over a gentleman like yourself! I humbly beg your forgiveness."

Unexpectedly, Mr. Darcy's stern countenance softened. "You could not have known. Wickham is adept at deception. I blame only myself for not revealing his true nature sooner."

Elizabeth felt ashamed to have thought so ill of this honorable man. Impulsively, she laid a hand on his arm. "Thank you for being so open with me. I promise it shall go no further."

Mr. Darcy's eyes met hers, surprise flickering in their depths. "Of course. We...we should head back."

Elizabeth nodded, cheeks warm. As they resumed walking, a new understanding seemed to have blossomed between them. Glancing shyly at Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth felt the first stirrings of a powerful emotion she dared not yet name.

Glancing over at his solemn profile, she murmured sincerely, "Thank you again for confiding in me about such a painful matter. I appreciate you trusting me with the truth."

Mr. Darcy met her earnest gaze. "Of course. I hope..." He hesitated briefly before continuing. "I hope we may always be honest with one another."

Elizabeth nodded. "I hope for that as well."

She bit her lip worriedly as a thought occurred to her. "Speaking of which, I fear Mr. Wickham may pose a danger to my younger sisters. Lydia in particular is enthralled by redcoats and likely to be taken in by his charm."

Mr. Darcy's expression darkened. His jaw tightened.

"Have no fear," he said after a moment, a protective glint in his eye. "I will ensure Wickham remains far from here."

Elizabeth sighed in relief. "Thank you. I confess that ease my mind greatly."

Mr. Darcy merely nodded, a trace of his earlier solemnity returning. They continued on to the house in contemplative silence.

As they approached Longbourn, Mr. Darcy spoke up solemnly. "Miss Elizabeth, I — have been considering the entailment of Longbourn. I believe we should examine the inheritance document's specifics right away, to ensure your cousin can still not make a claim."

Elizabeth nodded. "A wise idea. Let us speak to my father directly about it in his study. And away from my cousin's ears."

They entered Longbourn and Elizabeth hurried to where Mrs. Bennet was happily chattering to Mary about wedding clothes. "Mama, Mr. Darcy and I must urgently see the entailment paper you discovered. We need to verify the clause for ourselves."

Mrs. Bennet fluttered a hand unconcernedly. "Oh nonsense, what does it matter now? You shall marry Mr. Darcy regardless!"

"Please, may we see it?" Elizabeth insisted.

With an exaggerated sigh, Mrs. Bennet finally relented and asked Hill to fetch the ancestral Bible box once more. Elizabeth carried it into the study then slipped out the folded document secreted within. But her heart sank as she scanned the faded ink - no legal wording at all, just a years-old livestock record.

"This cannot be the entailment," she muttered, crestfallen. She shook her head at her mother's befuddled expression. "Wherever did you get the idea this was the inheritance document?"

Mrs. Bennet fluttered her hands fretfully. "Well I cannot recall now! You must keep searching."

Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet exchanged grave looks. Without tangible evidence, Mr. Collins' claim could not be refuted. Longbourn remained at risk.

Elizabeth felt a swell of frustration. "Is it possible you dreamed up this supposed clause, Mama?"

"No, of course not!" Mrs. Bennet huffed. "But I cannot think where it has gone. You must keep searching!"

"Enough, Mrs. Bennet," Mr. Bennet said wearily. "There is clearly no such document. We must accept that Longbourn shall pass to Mr. Collins."

"Nonsense!" Mrs. Bennet huffed. "The clause was real, I tell you!"

Mr. Bennet held up a hand placatingly. "Calm yourself, Mrs. Bennet. Whether real or imagined, no such document can be found now."

Elizabeth stared at the useless livestock receipt in dismay. "How can the document be nowhere to be found?" A troubling thought occurred to her. "Do you think...might Mr. Collins have taken it?"

Mr. Darcy's expression turned thunderous. "It's possible. He seems quite invested in inheriting the estate."

Mr. Bennet stroked his chin. "Hmm, an interesting theory. Perhaps our cousin harbors the document in his quarters to prevent us contesting his claim."

"But why go to such lengths, when he believes it secure by law?" Elizabeth wondered.

Mr. Darcy's eyes glinted with anger. "As insurance. In case we discover a loophole, he could produce or destroy the document at will."

"And if he does not have it?" Elizabeth asked hesitantly.

Mr. Darcy and her father exchanged grim looks.

"Then he likely destroyed it already," Mr. Bennet said.

Elizabeth paled. "Surely he would not go so far..." But doubt tinged her words.

Mrs. Bennet, who had been pacing fretfully, now paused to interject shrilly, "Oh, I wouldn't put it past that odious man! Far too cunning and grasping, if you ask me."

Mr. Bennet raised an eyebrow. "Only last week you were set on Lizzy marrying him," he remarked drily. "What brought about this drastic change of heart, my dear?"

Mrs. Bennet waved a hand dismissively. "That was before we knew of his true schemes and motives! Only a scoundrel would steal family documents for his own gain."

"If he did take it, which we cannot prove," Mr. Bennet cautioned.

"Mark my words, he is behind this somehow!" Mrs. Bennet insisted. "He steals our estate why would that not stop him from stealing the document detailing the inheritance?"

Mr. Darcy's expression soured at Mrs. Bennet's display. "We cannot ignore the possibility. Mr. Collins seems determined to inherit at all costs," Mr. Darcy said sternly.

Elizabeth clenched her dress in agitation. "What can we do?"

Mr. Darcy paced the study, brow furrowed. "I believe our first priority should be locating that inheritance document itself. Even a copy in your father's records would suffice as evidence. My obtaining a special license matters little if we cannot prove your marriage supersedes your cousin's inheritance."

"You are quite right," Elizabeth agreed fervently. "With tangible proof, we can irrefutably contest any claim."

He paused thoughtfully. "Here is my recommendation - you and your family continue searching vigorously for the document or any pertinent copies. I will ride to London as a contingency, in case the document remains lost. But finding physical proof of the clause must be our primary aim."

"I completely agree," Mr. Bennet said resolutely. "We will scour every inch of Longbourn if need be until that paper is found. And your retrieving a special license will be an added assurance."

"I shall ride for London immediately and make all haste in securing the special license," he assured them.

With a final solemn nod, Mr. Darcy quit the study and collected a bemused Mr. Bingley for their departure back to Netherfield.

Jane looked curious at their sudden exit. Elizabeth motioned for her sister to follow upstairs.

Once in the privacy of their room, Elizabeth quickly explained the latest developments.

Jane's eyes widened. "How distressing that the paper cannot be found! Do you think Mr. Collins destroyed it?"

Elizabeth wrung her hands. "Possibly. In any case, we must keep up the search here while Mr. Darcy acts in London."

"Of course. We will turn the house inside out if we must," Jane said stoutly.

Elizabeth smiled gratefully at her sister. With Jane's help, she felt a spark of hope that the crucial document might yet come to light. And if not, Mr. Darcy's special license would offer another chance to secure their futures against Mr. Collins' schemes.

Just then, Hill appeared at the door. "Pardon me, Miss Elizabeth. Miss Lucas is here to call on you."