Notes: Many thanks to my beta reader and co-author Sam. H.

PPP

The following morning, Mr. Bennet gathered his daughters and his wife in his study to have a serious conversation with them about his health and the measures he would set in place to ensure their safety.

The ladies sat concerned and anxious, and Thomas began to speak without a preamble, "What I am going to tell you, your mother already knows, and considering what happened last night at the ball, I decided it was best to inform you as well." He took a deep breath, " I am very sick and according to Mr. Jones, I do not have much longer to live."

Elizabeth, Kitty, and Lydia looked at their father with shock and deep concern, then at their mother who sadly nodded. As this distressing news began to sink in, the girls began to cry. It was Elizabeth who first managed to ask, "Is there nothing that can be done? Perhaps a specialist from London can cure you."

Mr. Bennet shook his head sadly. "No, Lizzy. Sadly, there is nothing not." He sighed wearily. "Your uncle Phillips is coming this afternoon to make some small changes to my will."

"What will happen to us if you die?" Kitty asked, her eyes full of worry and distress. "Shall we continue to live in Longbourn?"

"That is precisely one of the topics I want to discuss with your uncle. Tommy is the next in line to inherit Longbourn, but he can only take possession of the estate when he turns 21."

Lydia, out of fear and impulsiveness, hugged her father tightly. "Papa, you cannot die! I am not even out in society! You promised me you would dance with me at my coming out ball!"

Surprised and touched because it had been several years since his daughters had hugged him, and he had not been known for being an affectionate father. It caught him unawares. A more demonstrative parent, Fanny took control of the situation and hugged all three of her daughters, showing them how much she loved them.

After a few minutes of the family hugging and Fanny comforting her daughters as best she could, Thomas added, "Lastly, given Mr. Bingley's close friendship with the Willows, I have altered my opinion of him and agree with your mother. He is not to be trusted." He looked at Elizabeth, his eyes full of concern, "We do not like that Mr. Bingley shows so much interest in you, Lizzy. It is imperative you do not end up heartbroken like Jane."

Elizabeth nodded, "Be at ease, Papa. I do not have any tender regard for Mr. Bingley."

PPP

Sir Frederick and his sister arose the next day before the Bingleys and taking advantage of their privacy strolled through the paths of Netherfield Park together.

"Isabella is very upset with you, for good reason."

Frederick chuckled and shook his head. "Elinor, do not need to worry about Isabella. The notice of our engagement will be published on Monday, and she will be happy. But for the moment, I will continue having fun with Caroline Bingley."

"You are never going to change!" smiled Elinor.

"As long as there are women like Caroline Bingley, who are willing to do anything in the hopes of getting what they want, then why would I change?"

"Frederick, need I remind you of Caroline's brother? He may prove to be a problem."

Frederick laughed heartily and said, "Please, Elinor, do be serious. He is the son of a merchant, who, if it were not for Darcy, no one would know existed. Besides, what can he do? He is socially far below me."

"He can challenge you to a duel."

"You disappoint me, Elinor. You must stop reading silly novels." He shook his head. "Dueling is illegal, and his sister's reputation would be completely ruined."

Elinor nodded in agreement with her brother.

"All I need is a few hours alone with Caroline, and to do that, I will require your assistance once again."

Elinor smiled and asked, "What shall you give me in exchange?"

"You are always asking me for something, Elinor. Hmmm, how about 50 pounds?"

"100."

He sighed. "Must you be so greedy, my dear sister. Fine, we have a deal." The siblings smiled at each other and slowly walked back to Netherfield to have breakfast with the rest of the family.

PPP

After the meal, Darcy suggested visiting Longbourn that afternoon to inquire about 's health. He also wanted to offer the Bennet family the possibility of asking his personal physician to examine Mr. Bennet. Only Bingley offered to accompany him. Darcy wrote a short note to Mr. Bennet, in case the family was not receiving visitors.

Bingley and Darcy were introspective on their ride to Longbourn. When they arrived, Mrs. Hill told them that Mr. Bennet was resting and the family was not receiving visitors that day. Darcy handed Mrs. Hill the note to Mr. Bennet, and they returned to Netherfield.

During the hour they were absent from Netherfield, Sir Frederick invited Caroline to stroll in the garden and adjoining grove with him.

When they were in a secluded part of the garden, Sir Frederick took Caroline's hand and said, "My dear Miss Bingley, thank you again for agreeing to stay with me this afternoon, instead of visiting the Bennet family." He kissed her ungloved hand.

"You and your sister are my guests, and it is a pleasure to stay with you."

"No, Miss Bingley, the pleasure is all mine. Pray, call me Frederick when we are alone. I do not want those unnecessary formalities to exist between the two of us." He gave her his best smile and asked, "May I call you by your name?"

Caroline nodded with a smile, and Sir Frederick curiously asked her, "When are you coming back to London, Caroline?"

Caroline frowned slightly and sighed, clearly frustrated, "I do not yet know. I have been trying to convince my brother to return to town for the past few days. We simply must be there to participate in the festive season."

"That is still a month away!" He exclaimed with feigned sadness. He sighed and looked into Caroline's eyes. "Well, it could be much worse! Fortunately, Hertfordshire is only half a day from London, and I could visit you quite easily. May I have your permission to visit you?"

Caroline blushed, smiled, and nodded again. Sir Frederick smiled broadly, kissed her hand, and gently kissed her lips. Caroline blinked. It was the first time a gentleman had kissed her.

"Excellent! We have a deal!" he said softly into her ear as he gently caressed her cheek.

"A deal?"

"Yes, I will be coming to see you here as often as I can during the following weeks." He kissed both of her hands and smiled warmly at her.

Caroline beamed and said, "I will talk to my brother-"

Sir Frederick interrupted her, and shook his head. "I would rather you not speak to your brother for the moment. He will insist on having a chaperone present at all times. I dislike such an antiquated custom! We will not even be able to talk without being interrupted, much less go for a walk alone. It is intolerable, and even more so when I am thirty years old, and you are of legal age!" Then, he smiled and again kissed her softly. He looked into her eyes and said, "You already know that my intentions are genuine and sincere."

Caroline blushed, nodded, and smiled widely, feeling elated and confident. She was sure her dream would come true. Elinor had already subtly hinted on several occasions that her brother was in love with her, but she never imagined that Sir Frederick could be so romantic. Lady Willow! She was going to be the envy of London!