A/N Longer one this time - buckle up, its quite a ride!

Jane was seated at the desk in her study, discussing the week's menus with Mrs Innis, when she heard a noise, like the door slamming from the entry, but left it to the staff to manage. It was, however, only a few minutes before one of the maids entered and hesitantly caught their attention. "What is it, Nellie?" asked Jane with a smile. "Begging your pardon, madam, but I thought you should know that Miss Bingley has returned and… she seems somewhat unhappy. Umm, we thought you might want to… intervene?" the young girl tentatively told Jane. All the servants were aware of Caroline's response when the engagement of the Darcy's had been announced.

The smile fell from Jane's face and, with a distracted "Thank you, Nellie", she rose in an instant and strode out the door. Looking up to the second-floor landing, she could hear noises from the family rooms and took off up the stairs as fast as she safely could.

Upstairs she found Caroline, with only one broken item beside her, sobbing in a chair.

Jane looked at the item, looked at Caroline, thought "well, only one objet this time! We're improving!" and sank to her knees beside her sister. "Caroline, Caroline, what is wrong?" she asked softly, holding her sister.

"He lied to me," sobbed Caroline, "He, he lied!"

Jane's confusion did not lessen with this, "Who? Mr. Elmes? What did he lie about?" She knew Caroline had met Mr. Elmes for a walk in the park that morning.

Caroline looked up at her and cried "He isn't landed! Not at all! There is no estate! He just owns some unimproved land near Bath! And, and…" her faces screwed up, "and I was almost in love with him!"

"Oh dear!" said Jane, and hugged Caroline all the harder.

She held her sobbing sister and patted her back while humming "there, there".

Eventually Caroline cried herself to sleep, and Jane nodded to Mrs Innis who had been waiting nearby for her signal, and together they put Caroline to bed.

They exchanged looks and left the room together and Jane went back downstairs.

Charles, she found, was now home and she explained what had happened. Charles was shocked. "But Elmes doesn't have an estate! Where did she get that idea from? He has just managed to purchase sufficient land to meet the minimum land ownership requirements for parliamentary nomination from his savings as a barrister. He's a second son - there was no portion for him."

"I don't know. Clearly Caroline misinterpreted something he said. She mentioned he had an estate before we came to town, and I didn't know what his situation was to correct her."

"Do you think the situation is salvageable?" he asked.

"I don't know - we'll have to wait until she wakes up and is thinking a little more clearly, I think.""

"I should go and see Elmes," said Charles, "see what he thinks".

"Probably a good idea - if we know what he thinks we can help Caroline understand more easily."

~~ HoL ~~

Charles sent a note to Elmes asking to meet him at Brooks, where he knew Elmes was a member. The replying note to agree was swift. Charles found upon arrival that Elmes had authorised his entry in advance so was able to go straight into one of the reception rooms, where the greeter said that Mr. Elmes was to be found.

"Bingley!" Elmes stood and greeted him as he approached. The leather armchairs were well occupied at this time of day with gentlemen chatting, playing chess, or silently reading the paper. Charles eyed the number of men in the room and sked, "could we talk somewhere more privately, do you think?", not wanting to air his sister's business in such a public setting. Elmes raised his eyebrows, noting that Charles' demeanour was slightly hesitant but in no way angry and said "Certainly" and signalled for one of the attendants. A quiet word brought forth a nod and the two men were led upstairs to a smaller room with a number of armchairs. They seated themselves while the attendant took drink orders. Silently making the order up from the service in the room, the attendant then bowed himself out.

Once they were alone, Elmes looked at Charles, "You've got my curiosity raised now, old man! What is it?" he asked.

Charles gave an unhappy look back and replied, "Its Caroline."

Elmes sat up and said "She did seem unhappy when she left me this morning, and it was rather abrupt. Is she unwell?"

"Ah, well, no, not so much to speak of, although she is sleeping at the moment." Charles stopped and licked his lips while he hesitated. "You see, Caroline has always wanted to marry well, and that has usually meant she wanted to marry a landed gentleman. And… somehow, she got the idea that you were a gentleman with an estate. She was, apparently, very upset when she returned home."

"But…" Elmes sat back, flummoxed, "but I have never said that! I am the second son, my brother John will inherit my father's estate. I have had to make my own way in the world after my father paid for my education." He stood and paced back and forth across the room before continuing, "When I met Caroline this morning, we discussed, very tentatively, a way forward. She raised what would happen should I be unsuccessful in reaching parliament, which I thought a sensible question. I explained that I would continue as a barrister in London. Now that I consider it, she did mention returning to Bath if that happened, but… I did not understand what she meant, and I think I brushed it off - as you know, the land, although of good quality, isn't liveable at this point in time. I may have said that. Ah." He stopped for a moment, "I guess that is when she realised that my land is not actually an estate."

Charles nodded, "I knew that, you knew that, and… apparently now Caroline knows that." He sighed. "I am sorry my friend, Mrs Bingley and I invited you to Netherfield because we thought you and Caroline seemed compatible in your outlook, desires, and needs. I'm not sure how seriously you have felt about her, but… this may not be recoverable. I suppose what I am here to ask you is… are you serious enough that we should make the attempt?"

Elmes sat back in thought, Charles could see him searching his mind, then he looked up, "Yes, I am, or possibly was." He said, looking a little hurt, Charles noted. "I really do need to marry, but finding someone suitable… has been difficult. But Caroline…" he looked up, "She is lovely! She is witty and clever - I have discussed political issues that have come up once or twice with her, and each time she has understood the issues and had an insightful point of view - and so handsome!" He sighed at this, perhaps a little wistful, then straightened up and focussed on Charles, "From a practical point of view, I could see her making a very good political wife. I was at the point of thinking seriously, I must admit. Was she really just fortune hunting?" He definitely looked hurt now.

Charles shook his head, "That would be to misunderstand her thoughts," he said, "You are seeking a woman who can play the role of a politician's wife; Caroline does not seek a fortune per se - after all, she has that already - she seeks to have a higher standing in society than 'daughter of a tradesman'. I thought that by supporting you in parliament, she could gain that place, and she seemed to like that idea."

Elmes perked up. "I can understand that way of thinking," he said. His eyes narrowed, then he took a breath and turned to Charles. "I do wish to try to keep her. Do you have any thoughts on how we proceed?"

Charles frowned in thought himself, then he spoke up, "I think… Mrs Bingley and I should talk to Caroline this evening or tomorrow. Perhaps I shall have my wife speak to her first. If there seems any hope that we can bring her around, we shall call you to the house and the two of you can discuss your differences… would you be free tomorrow afternoon? If all goes well, we will ask you to stay for dinner."

Elmes nodded, "I will wait on your note," he said, and then looked a little downcast, "either way", he added. Charles nodded and stood. The two men shook hands, and Charles took his leave.

~~ HoL ~~

Charles returned home and sought out Jane. She was in the drawing-room, and he sat down beside her.

"I am told that Caroline has just awoken and is taking a light meal and refreshing herself before coming down," she said.

Charles nodded, "I have seen Elmes," he said, "and explained the situation. We discussed it and he is willing to try and explain to Caroline. He has admitted he is interested in her. I thought you and I should talk to her and try and explain before he came." He took Jane's hand. "Elmes has land near Bath, but it is unimproved land that may become an estate one day if he ever has the money to devote to it. So, there is potential for entry to the gentry for them, one day. In the meantime, he is trying to build his life as a second son by entering politics. Caroline is such a political person that I think your insight was very keen: it is an excellent situation for her. But it will take work." He looked up at the sound of steps on the landing, "My thought is that you should speak to her first and call me in if you think I can help. Does that seem sensible?"

Jane patted his hand. "Leave it to me," she said with a smile for him.

Caroline entered the room, saw their tête-à-tête, and went to go out again. Charles stopped her by standing and reaching for her. His enfolding hug seemed to shock her. "Caroline," he said, "you are my favourite younger sister, you know, and your happiness is my every want." She looked at him, eyes wide and only slightly returned the embrace. He stepped away from her, bowed and left the room.

Caroline watched him go with an almost shocked expression and then turned questioning eyes to Jane, "What did that mean?", she asked, then she added "I am his only younger sister!"

Jane smiled, "Men," she said, "they don't express their emotions well. You have met my father!" she harrumphed then continued, "Charles loves you, as much as he is frustrated by you at times," then she changed the subject, "but are you feeling more rested now? You were very upset earlier. Should we talk about this? It's not entirely clear to me what has happened," she said, slightly misrepresenting her knowledge in an effort to get Caroline to talk.

Caroline sank to the seat nearest Jane. "When I met Mr. Elmes yesterday morning, we were having a lovely talk, and we… have been getting closer to coming to an agreement. I was ascertaining the prospects for the future if he is unable to enter parliament. It was a wise thought of yours to consider that," she nodded at Jane, "and he replied that he was quite confident that wouldn't happen, but if it did, then he would continue as a barrister. I mentioned that he could of course return to his estate. And he replied that wasn't possible as the land was not liveable, there is no House. I was… I was shocked! I understood he had an estate!"

Jane moved to hug the other woman, then spoke, "I am so sorry there has been a misunderstanding. Myself, I did not know, but Charles has told me today that, in fact, Mr. Elmes does not have an estate. He is the second son and has done very well for himself in that he is a successful barrister and has managed to buy some land. Charles says that one day this may become an estate, but that is a long way away and the land does not currently generate a liveable income."

Caroline looked at her sharply, "but it could be one day?"

Jane nodded, "it seems so," then hesitated, "perhaps we should confirm this with Charles, if that is a point of interest, but that is my understanding."

Caroline sat back in thought and Jane did not interrupt, then she looked up, "so the potential for a parliamentary career soon, or an estate eventually, possibly both, and an income stream as a" she looked disconsolate briefly, "barrister to fallback on, and he is the son of a gentleman so has those connections." She thrummed her fingers then spoke. "Let us ask Charles what he thinks," she said, in a newly conciliatory attitude to her brother.

Jane raised her eyebrows but rang the bell to have a servant ask their master to attend on them. When he came, Caroline stood and spoke to him, "Brother," she said, "what do you think of the potential for G-Mr. Elmes to turn the land near Bath into an estate, with time."

Charles looked somewhat surprised at her sudden turn in mood, and stood a moment in thought, "obviously I am still new to having an estate myself, but I believe the land area he has bought is comparable in size, to, hmm, perhaps Longbourn, so it could possibly, with enough capital outlay, provide a similar return. I believe. We can make enquiries to confirm this if you desire. But I can't imagine that would be soon, Caroline!" he hedged.

Caroline waved a hand, "yes, yes, that is not the point. The point is there is a good chance of having an estate at some point. Hmmm…" she thought about it, while both Jane and Charles stared at her, a little confounded by just how fast she seemed to be moving, and then looked up. "I need to see Mr. Elmes. Can we invite him? I think I would like to have him able to speak to me in a more formal setting." She smiled.

Charles, taken aback even though he knew his sister, replied, "I could send him a note to call on us… perhaps tomorrow afternoon? Perhaps he could stay for dinner after?"

Caroline smiled, "Perfect!" she said.

~~ HoL ~~

The following afternoon, Mr. Elmes arrived. Charles had informed Jasper, the butler, that Elmes was to be brought to him in his study before he was announced to the ladies.

"Bingley," said Elmes, as Charles rose to greet his friend and shake his hand. "Your note was very brief - where does my lady stand?"

"Well, possibly as your lady. She seems to have regained her interest. Now, being her brother, Caroline has never been one to share her thinking with me, so… I can't say I really know what she's thinking. I think you had best talk to her. But I wanted to intercept you to let you know… she seems to have a plan. I think you had best be very clear about what you agree to ensure you are both happy in the long run - I do love my little sister very much, even if she is irritating to me much of the time."

Elmes grinned, "Your care for your sister is good to hear," he said and stood, "now shall we visit the ladies?"

Charles grinned back and walked him out to where the ladies sat in the drawing-room. "Caroline," he said, "Mr. Elmes has come to call on you. Is this a good time?"

Caroline sat straighter with a small smile on her face and said, "It is always a good time for Mr. Elmes." She held her hand out to him and he walked to her, bowed over her hand, and sat down beside her. Jane picked up her sewing and moved to the far end of the room. Charles retreated out to return to his study but raised his eyebrows at Jane as he passed, and she returned his glance with a wait-and-see look.

Jane sat and sewed, fully in their presence but unable to hear what they were saying, for a full forty-five minutes. She desperately wanted to go and get some more blue thread from her sewing box but was unable to leave the room and did not want to disturb the couple by ringing for a maid. There had been serious expressions earlier, but later there were smiles from both of them and a few giggles from Caroline. Eventually Elmes rose, walked towards Jane and, bowing formally to her, said "Mrs Bingley, might I trouble you to leave us that we might have a private conversation?"

Jane's eyebrows rose, but she put her sewing down, rose, curtseyed to match his bow and, murmuring "Of course!", swept out of the room. She did not close the door behind her and hurried to Charles' study. She rushed in, shut the door and leaned on it.

"They talked constantly all this time," she said, "and then he suddenly asks for a private moment! He's proposing! This went faster than I expected."

"Well, I'm only a little surprised. He more or less said yesterday that he was quite close to decided, provided they could overcome Caroline's issue."

Jane huffed and said, "Where should we wait? Here?"

Charles shrugged, "As good a place as any, come sit with me. I doubt it will be long."

And only a few minutes passed before there was a knock on the door.

Charles called "Come!" and Elmes was at the door, an embarrassed smile on his face. Jane gave him a radiant smile and hurried out past him to Caroline.

In the drawing-room, she found Caroline waiting for her with a satisfied smile on her face.

"Is it agreed then?" asked Jane.

"We are engaged. I must write Louisa this evening, that she may share my joy. But, Jane, I think this will be perfect."

Jane said, "Tell me everything" with a smile.

"Well, we are agreed we will work together at putting Geoffrey into Parliament. Half my dowry will fund his run and put us in a decent house in town. He's only in lodgings at the moment as a cost saving measure. He had to cut costs hard to buy that land of his, he tells me, but it is freehold. That is something, for a man of his age! He will continue with the work for his legal firm he has been doing until he wins his party's nomination, that can't be until the fellow holding the seat he wants formally announces his retirement. The other half of my dowry will be left in the four-percents as an initial investment towards developing the estate one day. He will settle an initial five thousand on me, and then an additional thousand for every year of marriage, and the land reverts to me in the event of his predeceasing me with no son. I am very happy!" Caroline seized Jane's hands. "Do you think I have done well?"

"I do, my dear, very well," replied Jane with a smile.

"We will marry as soon as the banns can be read", said Caroline.

~~ HoL ~~

A few days later, Charles had completed the purchase of Netherfield and they were free to return to Hertfordshire. Jane and Caroline had been shopping constantly for Caroline's trousseau, and Caroline had even permitted Mrs Gardiner to help them, as, with her mother deceased, she did not have a married woman as a family member in London to advise her, and she would be setting up a new home.

Caroline was to marry in town and had wanted to stay in town until the day, but Jane was feeling a little off colour and she really wanted to be home, even for a little, so they had agreed to go home to Netherfield for a couple of weeks once the church had been booked and arrangements made for the wedding breakfast. Jane added the argument that it would be good to be present for some of the banns to be read and she needed to check on Longbourn, and Charles argued that he had just paid the largest amount of money he would ever spend on one thing, so he wanted to check it was still there! Caroline had to concede that this was not unreasonable. She seemed to suddenly have more insight into things beyond fashion and gossip, reading the newspaper each morning with a completely new eye for detail on what was happening in the world.

The trip back was made easily, and they arrived at Netherfield for a late luncheon.

Jane visited Longbourn the following day, where she consulted with her sisters to find that her father had been visiting the tenants in her absence, but only because Kitty and Lydia had cajoled him into it. Fortunately, there had been no major events that had required action.

The time until the return to London passed very quickly and soon enough, they were on their way back.

Caroline and Elmes wedding took place in the parish church of the Bingley town house. The Hursts had been able come south for the wedding, and Caroline was very happy to be able to have Louisa there to stand up for her. Caroline was a beautiful bride. They had opted not to go away for a honeymoon to concentrate on Elmes' nomination. Jane was impressed by how focussed Caroline seemed to be being on this possibility. The happy couple left to spend a few private days at the furnished house that he had rented for his new bride in a good part of town.

That night in bed, Jane said "You know, I think I am rather good at this matchmaking thing!"

"I wouldn't get too excited about it, dear", replied Charles.

Jane raised an eyebrow at him, "I do have three more sisters unmarried, you know".

Charles just laughed in response.

The following morning, Jane awoke to a cold morning and, her eyes suddenly going wide, she dove out of bed. While Charles sleepily raised his head, wondering what his wife was suddenly doing, Jane threw up in the chamber pot.

After cleaning her face, she turned to him with big round eyes.

~~ HoL ~~

More fun Pride and Prejudice trivia:
In the novel, they eat in parlours (dining-parlour, breakfast-parlour) and sit in drawing-rooms. Note the hyphens!