*Set at the end of Jane and Charles wedding breakfast*

The meal was soon over and Lizzie had to mingle. She watched out of the corner of her eye as Will went to congratulate his friend once again. She wasn't completely sure how life would play out for from here, but she knew that no matter what their friendship would live on.

Over the next hour, or so she gave herself entirely to the celebration. Speaking, laughing and basking in the presence of the family and friends, she held most dear. It took rather a long time for her to notice that will had disappeared. She knew he wouldn't go without a word to her. So where was he?

"Papa?" She crossed to him as he hid in a quiet corner. "Papa has Will left? Only he didn't say anything to me"

"He's taking a turn around the garden to stretch his legs before the long journey back" he waved vaguely out the window. She peered out, but couldn't see him.

" I'll just go out, make sure he's well"

"Ever the good hostess" His voice dripped with sarcasm. Lizzie chose to ignore him, and turned her back with a much dignity if she could muster.

The air was crisp, but she didn't take the time she normally would to embrace it. Something felt off. She couldn't put her finger on it, but ever since she's scan the room and noticed Wills absence, she hadn't felt right. And as she rounded a particularly, large shrub feeling began to make sense.

"Ohh Mr Darcy" The she shrill voice assaulted her ears " you are so funny" A fake laugh followed "But doesn't all this puts you in mind to find your own wife?" The two came into view. Will, stoic, deeply uncomfortable. And Miss Caroline Bingley, attached to his stiff arm. Her fingers clawing into him like a cat up a curtain " You really do need a woman, someone to run your house, to give you an heir!"

Lizzie watched as the creature batted her eyelids. She couldn't believe that anyone be so bald. And considering her own mother that was quite a statement to make. To speak to a gentleman like that was simply not done. With little thought she jumped into action.

" Well hello there" she is called out jovially " looks like we are in the same mind. What a splendid time to take in the fresh air." The relief that spread across Wills face might have been hilarious, if the situation wasn't so serious.

"Oh miss Eliza" The other woman spat out. "Are your Cheapside relations so bad you've had to escape outside?" This smarmy look on her face was enough to tip Lizzie into, what she would later admit was, rather on gentle-womanly behavior.

Plastering on her own fake smile, she answered "Indeed not. My uncle and aunt are quite charming. In fact, while speaking with uncle and my dear new brother, we discovered most wonderful connection. You see when your father was looking to expand his northern factories he wished to open a new one in London. Well, it was my very uncle who helped advise him. Isn't that lovely Miss Bingley. My uncle. Helping your father. Opening a new factory. Well, your brother was quite excited as he still oversees that very one. Well, of course you'll have to give up such close running when he joins US as landed gentry" She took a breath and feeling a little guilty, let her voice grow gentle " Uncle says your father was a wonderful man. He was glad to have known him"

" It grows rather cold. Let us move in doors were we can warm" Will suggested, hopeful that that would change the direction of things. Caroline was red with anger and she did nothing to curb her previous behavior.

" Eliza may return, I believe you and I will mid conversation"

"Yes I heard, hardly correct conversation for a woman to be having with a gentleman. I think it best to return indoors and keep your hands off of uninterested men. You have no right to speak as you have!"

"Ohhhhh, so you're his wife now are you?!"Caroline sneered

That's it, Lizzy had how well and truly lost her temper. Will know the look she wore and desperately wanted to escape. His one consolation was that it wasn't, for once, aimed at him

"No Miss Bingley, I am not his wife! I'm something much, much worse" her words we as ice "I've seen him at his best and worst. He stood with me when I've felt alone in this world. I am his closest, truest and oldest friend! And I assure you NO ONE gets through the doors of Pemberley as mistress without Will seeking MY stamp of approval!" And with that she turned her back on the conniving social climber and stalked from the garden.

"Lizzy!" He muttered a little too loudly "must your temper always cause such trouble" and he too turned tail and left.

"Miss Elizabeth! Miss Elizabeth!" He called out as she made her way down the hallway. "Lizzy!" This caught her attention. Slowly she turned to him

"Oh Will, I'm so so sorry. I just couldn't stand it anymore. That women has absolutely no morals or dignity! She is everything you've always wanted to stay away from" Intense fury reddened cheeks. "I didn't mean to lose my composure, but she just pushes me to my limit. Have I created an awful mess?"

Will couldn't contain the chuckle as it escaped his lips

"You certainly got your message across, although it will probably lead to a lot of questions. But we can handle that if it gets brought up" He watched her, a sly smirk spreading across his face "your stamp of approval?! Really" She arched an eyebrow, he was teasing her? Now?

"Tell me I'm wrong!" He barked out another laugh.

"We may want to warn your father of this outburst. Just in case…."

Her answer as tired "Well, doesn't that sound like fun"