A/N: what if Mr Collins arrived the afternoon after the Netherfield Ball, picking up where this would make difference, the walk to Meryton when Wickham is introduced. I chose this scene because I'm poking fun at Mr. Collin's obvious exertion to keep up with the Bennet ladies in the BBC adaptation during said walk to Meryton.

Updated to fix errors and rework ever so slightly some dialogue. Nothing of inpact overall. Also, working on Google Docs iPhone app sucks, 0/5 stars would not recommend.

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Elizabeth had noted with growing concern her youngest sisters' proclivity to hover around redcoats and was therefore not surprised when Lydia declared a great need to walk to town nearly double what had heretofore been an average of once or twice a week. Indeed had not Jane's illness consumed much of her care, and Mr. Darcy's unpleasant if not unjust judgment of herself and all her family filled the rest of her thoughts while staying at Netherfield, Elizabeth would have much sooner seen the advantage verging on need to accompany the two youngest Bennet sisters whenever they went out. Although the scenery on walk to Meryton was not so picturesque or the wind so fresh as on her preferred paths, she did not begrudge the extra exercise when the opportunity presented itself quite nearly directly after the family broke their fast Monday morning. Having returned with relief to the familiarity of Longbourn's unique set of inhabitants, she did not find the volume of Lydia's voice or the near instantaneous agreement of her mother for them to go out when the request was made as grating as she had before. Lydia, however, had not mentioned any specific errand nor had she been asked to. Recalling the embarrassment that had flooded her when Lydia had been so bold as to directly inquire after a ball in the very man's home whose funds would be required to hold such an event, in front of not only the hostess presumptive, but also the most disagreeable, proud Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth was loath to allow such a scene to occur again unchecked. It was decided the two eldest would accompany two youngest sisters, with Jane proclaiming she would take the opportunity to increase her strength and enjoy being out of doors after her cold.

Confident some opportunity would present itself and Lydia rise to the occasion, Elizabeth was prepared when, after entering town after a brisk walk uninhibited by any less-than-fit parson, hearing Lydia call out to Denny. She would have scolded her for not addressing the officer by anything besides his surname in such a familiar manner had not she noticed the man walking alongside and his handsome face. Recovering herself, she took her sister's hand to slow her crossing to front of the shop the men were currently passing, and facilitated somewhat civilized introductions. His companion, Denny explained, was a friend come lately from town to join the militia. Lydia was in raptures considering the already pleasing figure would soon be shown to best advantage by donning a red coat and saber.

Seeming to forget that one usually come to town intending to spend some time in the vicinity, Lydia quickly arranged for the soldier and his soon-to-be compatriot were accompanying the ladies back to Longborn directly. IPerceiving the look the men exchanged, one of amusement and something less favorable she could not quite find the precise descriptor for, Elizabeth was glad she had come and began to attempt to temper the boisterous behavior of her youngest sisters and steer the conversation to a polite, if not overly engaging subject.

After crossing the bridge, she heard hoofbeats approaching from behind and quickly got the group to the side. Mr. Darcy appeared over the apex of the bridge but had not yet seen them, as he was looking behind him over his far shoulder. As he turned his gaze forward, Elizabeth witnessed Mr. Wickham react and then a moment later Mr. Darcy's face change dramatically as it shifted from her's to that of the man on whose arm she was on. One turned white, the other red. Mr. Darcy was prevented from immediately riding away as Mr. Bingley was in the process of crossing directly in the center of the bridge, oblivious to the tension but not to the fact that his angel had appeared immediately before him.

He called out to the party and expressed concern that Miss Bennet may be overexerting herself so soon after her recovery.,

"You must allow me to insist on accompanying you back to Longborn."

Dismounting, he turned to the two men in the Bennet party, "Not that you are in any way unable to ensure these ladies' safety, Lt Denny and…? I don't think we've been introduced, have we Darcy?"

The gentleman he addressed thus did not react and was still, save for the slight shake of his fists, which were balled on the reigns so tightly his knuckles had turned white. His horse seem to be extremely well-trained as it merely flicked its tail in annoyance at such treatment..

Unable to resist, Elizabeth added her voice to Bingley's, "Indeed, allow me to introduce to you. Mr. Darcy, this is Mr. Wickham. He is come to join the militia. I'm sure you will relish this opportunity for a new acquaintance to spare you from the confined and unvarying society here."

Darcy reacted in a barely perceptible manner. It almost seemed as though he had given them the cut direct. Elizabeth was incensed, Bingley absorbed in ensuring Jane was indeed well after such a walk, and Lydia uninterested in anyone without regimentals. Indeed, after the first instance had failed and no one seemed to mind Mr. Darcy's detached manner, Elizabeth determined to add a rejoiner to force the issue. Before she could speak though, Mr. Wickham intercepted her attempt.

"You do not acknowledge me. Well, Darcy, if you think to affect me or my new acquaintance with these obliging young ladies, it shall not be so. I doubt not that your typical behavior in an unknown society would make it all to easy for me to expound on our intimate ties and certain disappointed hopes on both sides. And I am certain your pride would prevent you publicly voicing your concerns over our family matters that transpired this summer."

Only Mr. Darcy's gaze showed any sign of having heard this as it flicked instantly towards his challenger. His jaw locked and his nostrils flared. Elizabeth was unused to such intensity from Darcy and involuntarily gasped slightly. His demeanor changed for the briefest of moments and his head whipped towards her. He seemed to be somehow even tenser than before.

"Your commanding officer seemed to be a reasonable sort when Bingley and I dined with him last week, but perhaps not as well informed of certain events as another Colonel may be. I would like nothing better than to put those gentlemen into contact. Their actions are not bound by civility as mine are. Meryton is by no means unprotected."

At the last sentiment he looked directly at Elizabeth and continued solely to her, "Good day. Bingley, you will excuse me from joining you and the Miss Bennets. I find I have some pressing correspondence to see to."

With that, he swiftly turned his horse and rode towards Netherfield at a trot.