Dare We Entertain the Hope

I finally wrote it Spring! But I dare say, it would have been a lot funnier if you had done it :) This is a harmless piece of fluff... a diversion, if you will. In the novel, P&P, when Elizabeth tells Jane of her engagement to Darcy, Jane says that she and Bingley had discussed that possibility and concluded it to be impossible. That was my starting point. What happens when Bingley, sweet man that he is, persists in misreading what he sees happening between his friend and Elizabeth?

Part 1

Posted on Tuesday, 18 May 1999

"Jane, dear," Bingley said one afternoon as he and his fiancée strolled through the gardens at Longbourn.

"Yes, Charles?" His given name still came shyly from her lips. It had been less than a week since his proposal, and the familiarity was still new to her.

"I must.....I need to ask you something. It concerns your sister, Elizabeth." He didn't quite know how to go on, so, boldly, he plunged right in. "What does she think of my friend Darcy?"

Jane cast her eyes downward. "I'm afraid that Lizzie does not possess a very high opinion of Mr. Darcy. In fact, she does not like him very much at all."

Bingley momentarily looked defeated, but then his face brightened. "Perhaps, after we are married, and she gets to know him better, she will grow to like him?"

"I'm sorry, Charles." Jane disliked causing him any distress. "I fear that when Lizzie makes up her mind, it usually stays that way. I know how much you value your friend, as I value my sister, but we must not hope for a union between them merely because it would make us happy. They must want it, too."

Bingley did, indeed, appear distressed. "That's just the problem, Jane. I know for a fact that Darcy is violently in love with your sister. Positively mad about her! I've never seen him so much as offer a sincere compliment to any other woman but his sister, yet he constantly sings Elizabeth's praises. Perhaps she may be persuaded to change her mind if he makes her an offer, as I suspect he may do very soon."

Jane was sympathetic but no less firm in her conviction. "Charles, I fear I must betray a confidence. I hope you do not think less of me for it, but it is to spare Mr. Darcy further pain that I must relate it, if only to stop you from encouraging him in an avenue that is clearly hopeless."

Bingley's enquiring glance bade her to continue.

"Some weeks back, Lizzie confessed to me that Mr. Darcy had already approached her with an offer of marriage, which she had flatly refused."

"Why on earth would she refuse him?" he cried, shocked that any woman would reject his rich and powerful, if somewhat distant, friend. He knew Darcy to truly be a good, beneficent man, who would have worshipped Elizabeth as his wife.

"Lizzie's reasons are her own, to be sure, but I know that she would not marry any man she did not truly love. Unfortunately for Mr. Darcy, he also enquired of her reasons, and she obliged him with an answer."

Bingley felt all the pain and humiliation that Darcy must have experienced upon Elizabeth's disclosure. Bingley had thought his own pain great, believing that Jane had been indifferent to him, but Darcy's suffering must be intolerable. To have the object of his affections tell him to his face that not only would she not have him, but that she disliked him as well!

A new thought entered Bingley's head as he recalled the past summer at Pemberley when Miss Bennet and the Gardiners had been guests for dinner at the Darcy home. He had first noticed, nay, it was when he became convinced of Darcy's regard for Miss Elizabeth, and had thought she had expressed a similar, if less enthusiastic affection. He could have sworn that she had been receptive to and, indeed, encouraged Darcy's attentions. It explained much, now; Darcy's early rising that morning, riding off to Lambton without a word to anyone, then returning in a humour so foul as to cause even Caroline to retreat to her rooms! Darcy had informed them that Miss Bennet and the Gardiners were required at Longbourn on an urgent family matter, and would not be able to join them that evening. Then the following day Darcy, himself, had quit Pemberley for London. Bingley now understood what had happened. That was when his friend had proposed and, upon her refusal, Elizabeth, in her embarrassment had left the county. Darcy had retreated to London to lick his wounds in private.

"Oh, what agonies he must have felt!" Bingley grimaced. "You are right, my dear. I must not tease him about his attraction to her. I don't know that he will ever get over Miss Elizabeth, but from this day on I shall not be the one to mention her to him."

"That may be difficult enough, with our upcoming wedding." Jane said. "Were you planning on asking Mr. Darcy to stand up with you? I have already asked my sister."

Bingley sighed. "I did intend to ask him, yes." He was silent a moment. Then he stopped walking and turned to Jane. "My dear, I fear it will be necessary for your sister and my friend to be in each other's company often in the weeks ahead, at least until the wedding. I feel it my duty to protect Darcy from any more heartbreak, for he has been a most generous and caring friend to me for years. If Miss Elizabeth is so set against him I must do everything I can to lessen the pain he will feel in her presence. Could I enlist your aid in preventing them from ever being left alone together?"

Jane nodded willingly. "It would be the utmost in cruelty for Mr. Darcy to be rebuffed once more by Elizabeth. I love my sister very much, but she often has a sharp tongue which she can use to disadvantage. I should not like to see your friend's feelings injured in any way."

And so it was agreed. Bingley spent the time away from Jane formulating strategies to keep Darcy's agonies to a minimum during his friend's stay at Netherfield. He confided his plans to his fiancée who heartily approved of his ideas. The day of Darcy's return from London, Bingley was at Longbourn for the afternoon. He managed to excuse himself from a commitment of staying to dinner, and arrived at Netherfield not long after his friend.

"Bingley! Congratulations on your engagement." Darcy said warmly upon seeing him enter the library, where he had retreated for a quiet hour before dinner. "I had not thought to see you until late this evening. Were you not to dine at Longbourn?"

"Thank you, Darcy." Bingley replied. "No, I wished to see you as soon as you arrived. I have something I would ask of you." Darcy looked at him expectantly. "Will you stand up with me at the wedding?"

Darcy gave him one of his rare smiles. "Of course I will, Charles. After everything I did, keeping the two of you apart for so long, I am most grateful for your forgiveness. What of your plans, then? What is the date of the wedding?"

Bingley's face lit up with his own smile. "The last Saturday in November!"

"You've wasted no time!" Darcy laughed. "And who is to stand up with your lovely bride?"

The words were out of his mouth before Bingley could stop them. "Her delightful sister, Miss Elizabeth." He stopped, horrified at his slip. But Darcy did not appear concerned.

"Ah, yes. You mentioned in your letter that you have spent a fair bit of time with Miss Elizabeth on those occasions when Miss Bennet has been required elsewhere. Do you spend most of your days at Longbourn, now?" Darcy continued easily.

"Usually," Bingley said, then added quickly "but do not feel that you need to accompany me if you had rather not. I know that you do not much care for Mrs. Bennet's conversation."

Darcy appeared surprised by his remark, yet he replied lightly "Well, Bingley, she rarely speaks to me at any rate. I would not wish for you to alter any of your plans merely to accommodate me. I have no reason not to go to Longbourn with you."

Bingley said hesitantly "If you are certain that it won't be too distasteful for you, Darcy. I assure you, no-one will think any less of you for staying here while I visit Jane."

Darcy grimaced. "I'm sure they won't." Bingley mentally berated himself for his reminder of the low opinion the local populace had for his friend, and the low opinion held by one person in particular. But Darcy was still speaking. "I should offer my congratulations to Miss Bennet in person, Bingley. You would not wish for me to offend her, or her family, by neglecting my duty, particularly if I am to be a member of the wedding party?"

"Well, no," Bingley stammered. "No, of course not. But there's to be an engagement party next week at the Assembly Rooms in Meryton. You will see everyone there if you are attending."

Darcy looked at his friend quizzically. "Surely you don't think I would avoid your engagement party, do you? Am I that lacking in social graces?"

Bingley quickly shook his head. "No, no. I didn't mean it that way. I just wanted to spare you the unwelcome attentions of Jane's mother."

Darcy smiled mysteriously. "Don't worry, Bingley. I hardly think Mrs. Bennet will say more than two words to me while her daughter's fiancé is in the room. I believe I shall easily escape her attentions and be able to pursue my entertainment elsewhere."

That's what worries me! Bingley thought.

Dinner was announced and the gentlemen proceeded to the dining room.

The next morning Bingley dispatched a note to Jane as soon as he awakened, to warn her that Darcy would be accompanying him. Before breakfast was completed he received a reply assuring him that Jane had arranged for her sister to be elsewhere.

Bingley sighed and wondered how he was going to get through the next two months if Darcy was determined to throw himself into Elizabeth's path at every opportunity.

Immediately after breakfast the two gentlemen mounted their horses and rode to Longbourn. Jane was out on the lawn anticipating their arrival. Bingley greeted her warmly, as an engaged man should greet his fiancée. Darcy appeared to be looking around anxiously for something, or someone.

"Where's your sister?" Bingley whispered to Jane.

"I sent her to town to pick up some things for our Aunt Philips. Then she'll be dropping them off at the Philips's and staying for luncheon." Jane replied, also in a whisper. In a louder voice she said "Mr. Darcy, would you care for a turn about the garden? I don't believe you have seen it."

Darcy smiled at her. "Yes, thank you. I would enjoy that." He followed Jane and Bingley around the house to the gardens in the back.

The afternoon passed pleasantly enough for the young couple, though both wished they could have had more private time together. Bingley felt that Darcy kept watching the front drive, especially after being told that Elizabeth was in town and wouldn't be back until late in the afternoon. Bingley was glad that Darcy hadn't changed his mind and continued to stay at Longbourn after offering his congratulations to the family. Darcy actually appeared to be trying to make a positive impression on the Bennets,

Despite his real inclination, Bingley declined Mrs. Bennet's invitation to dinner for himself and his friend, and they returned to Netherfield. After a quiet supper, the gentlemen played some billiards and retired to the library for a brandy before going to bed.

The following morning, contrary to Bingley's suggestions, Darcy insisted on going with him to Longbourn once again. This time, he had no opportunity to warn Jane, and was preoccupied with devising ways to keep Darcy and Elizabeth apart.

When they arrived at Longbourn, the two gentlemen were shown into the parlour, where Mrs. Bennet and her four daughters sat engaged in quiet activities.

After greeting Jane warmly, and Mrs. Bennet politely, Bingley turned his attention to Elizabeth to see her reaction to Darcy's presence. Her countenance denoted a discomfited mind, and this confirmed to Bingley what his betrothed had already imparted: that Darcy made her uncomfortable, and that she did not wish to be in his company. He frowned and turned his attention to his friend. Darcy was staring at Elizabeth in that stupid manner of his. No wonder the young lady was fidgeting.

Jane was also observing her sister's behaviour closely. Elizabeth was not always easy to read, and today was no exception. She saw her sister's colour rise and glanced at Darcy. He was staring quite intently at Elizabeth. It was clear that his feelings, at least, had not altered. Jane sighed. It would be so much easier if Lizzie would just forget the past slights the man had paid her, and allow herself to get to know him. The past day in Darcy's company had shown Jane that he was a very pleasant man, if rather reserved. She was sure that Elizabeth was making a grave mistake in persisting in her dislike of him.

"It is such a pleasant day!" Mrs. Bennet was saying. "Perhaps you would all like to take a walk and enjoy the fine weather. There are many fine paths around here that offer enchanting views of the surrounding country."

"That sounds like a fine idea!" Bingley cried, caught up in the moment. Then he realized his stupidity again. Darcy and Elizabeth would be necessarily paired to accompany Jane and himself. He looked to Jane, who also recognized the problem, then at Darcy. His friend was of course thrilled at the prospect, although only one who knew him well would be able to see the anticipation in his expression. Oh, I've done it again! What a friend I've turned out to be!

The ladies left the room to retrieve their pelisses, then joined the gentlemen at the front door. Mrs. Bennet watched them fondly as they started down the drive. Kitty had accompanied them, but Mary preferred to stay at home to practice some favourite selections on the piano-forte. Jane and Bingley were both grateful for the younger sister's presence, as it allowed them a chance for some privacy. They lagged behind the others and soon became pleasantly engaged in their own conversation.

A half-hour passed in this delightful diversion when Jane happened to glance away from her betrothed's handsome face and saw Kitty on the path to Lucas Lodge.

"Oh, no!" she cried, and her eyes darted to the two figures still on the path ahead. Charles' eyes followed her own, and he groaned in dismay.

"Come, Jane, we must hurry and catch up before one of them says something he might regret!"

They ran down the path until they reached the other couple, breathless from their exertion. Darcy and Elizabeth both looked at them in surprise. Jane thought her sister looked quite flustered, and she attributed it to the time Elizabeth had been forced to spend alone with a man she disliked so.

Bingley looked at his friend to find that man glaring at him as though they had intruded on something important. Bingley sighed in relief. Thank goodness! We must have arrived just in time. I think he was about to embarrass himself and Elizabeth. Ignoring the fiery looks Darcy sent his way, Bingley determined to stay with the two of them throughout the afternoon, no matter what happened.

"Bingley, I've had a letter from my steward and must excuse myself from visiting Longbourn with you today."

Unable to believe what he was hearing, Bingley almost found himself attempting to talk Darcy out of staying at Netherfield for the day. Then he recollected the situation and voiced his understanding of his friend's reasons. "Yes, well, business always does take precedence over the social niceties. Um, you aren't going to London again, though, are you?" He raised his eyebrows enquiringly.

"No." Darcy assured him. "I believe I can take care of the matter with one or two expresses to the parties concerned. That will, unfortunately, necessitate my staying here to await the replies. Please convey my regrets to Miss Bennet and her family."

Bingley rose from the breakfast table. "You may rest assured that I shall, though I am certain that Jane and I should miss your company."

Darcy laughed. "I think not Bingley! You haven't spent more than five minutes alone in Miss Bennet's company since I returned! I believe you will both be extremely pleased to have each other to yourselves for the day. Unless you intend to hound Miss Elizabeth in the same manner that you have me?"

Bingley had no answer for that question. He merely grinned sheepishly and moved toward the door. "In that case, Darcy, I shall be off to Longbourn to see my beloved Jane, and you may find writing paper and pens in my study." As he tipped his head he thought he saw a smile forming on his friend's face, but it was gone when he looked up.

Within ten minutes, Bingley was out of the house and on the road to Longbourn.

Once Darcy was assured of Bingley's departure, he gathered up his own coat and hat and headed out the door. He had earlier that morning sent the letters on to London, and really had no desire to wait about for the replies. He was of a mind for a good long walk about the countryside. Alone.

He followed a path through the woods alongside the road, his mind puzzling on his friend's recent behaviour. What is Bingley about? He seems determined to get in my way at every turn. I must find some way to speak to Elizabeth alone, but how can I do that when he watches me constantly?

The woods thinned ahead, allowing a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. Darcy stopped to enjoy the sight. As he gazed at the gently rolling hills and sheep dotting the fields he felt a calm settle on him. Tossing his hat onto the ground beside him, Darcy sank down to sit at the base of a tree and enjoy the sun and fresh air.

"Lizzie?" Jane called. "Are you not going to accompany us?"

Elizabeth smiled at her sister. "Thank you for the offer, Jane, but I have an errand to do for Mama. I'll return in an hour." She doubted whether her sister and Mr. Bingley truly wished her presence today. This was the first opportunity they'd had to spend time alone in several days. Sadly, Elizabeth reflected that it was the first time that Mr. Darcy had not accompanied Mr. Bingley on this visit. Now there was a source of frustration! Elizabeth dearly wanted to know where that man was and why he had come to Longbourn in the first place, if he hadn't intended to speak with her.

Oh, teasing, teasing man! I will not think about him today. I will not think about him at all!

Her resolve lasted as long as it took her to complete the errand for her mother. Unfortunately it did not take very long at all. Glancing at the clock in Meryton's centre square, Elizabeth decided that it would do well to leave Jane and her fiancé on their own for a little while longer. Besides, she did not feel up to returning home as yet. The day was fine, and a long walk might help clear her head of some troubling thoughts.

Elizabeth chose one of her favourite paths that led her outside of town to the north and then backtracked to bring her along the upper end of the fields above the Netherfield property. When she emerged from the trees into the sunlight, she stood for a moment admiring the view before her. A slight breeze pulled at her skirts and loosened a few strands of her hair to wave carelessly about her face.

Elizabeth closed her eyes and felt the sun's warmth upon her. Days like this would soon be a rarity as the year lengthened into winter.

She smiled as she thought of Jane's approaching wedding. The winter does have some redeeming qualities this year.

Sighing, Elizabeth turned toward home once more and walked briskly along the path. She knew that she had tarried too long and would be late for dinner if she didn't hurry. So intent was she on getting home that she failed to notice the figure on the path ahead of her until she nearly ran into him.

"Oh! I'm dreadfully sorry, sir. I -." She stopped as she looked up into the man's face.

"Miss Bennet." Darcy said with a faint smile. "Are you on your way home? May I escort you?"

Elizabeth nodded weakly. "I'm sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going."

"Think nothing of it, Miss Bennet. I was paying no attention to my own progress, either." He peered at the ground self-consciously. "I'm afraid to admit that I .. uh.... didn't mind which direction I had come from."

Elizabeth stared at him for a moment. Then she smiled in amusement. "Do you mean to tell me that you are lost?"

Darcy looked up and gave her a sheepish smile. "Yes. I don't recall which direction will take me back to Netherfield."

A mischievous sparkle returned to her eyes. "Then I suppose you must accompany me to Longbourn. Mr. Bingley will be able to show you the way to Netherfield, I'm sure."

"If it is of no inconvenience to yourself," Darcy said hesitantly, entranced by the amusement he saw in her eyes.

Elizabeth smiled. "It is no inconvenience at all, I assure you." She stepped forward to continue down the path, Darcy falling in beside her.

They walked for some distance in silence, before Elizabeth noticed that they were fast approaching Longbourn and her chance to speak with Darcy was coming to a close. Gathering her courage she turned to face him as they walked.

"Mr. Darcy." she said.

He stopped and looked at her in surprise.

"I cannot go on without thanking you for your kindness in dealing with the matter pertaining to my poor sister. I know what trouble and what mortification it must have cost you to be in the company of Mr. Wickham once again." She coloured as she spoke and was unable to meet his eyes.

Darcy did not know what to say at first. He had no idea how Elizabeth had come by this information, how she had known of his involvement. His brow furrowed in puzzlement, and he was just forming a reply when he heard voices calling to them.

"Elizabeth!"

"Darcy?"

Both looked up at the sound of their names to see Jane and Bingley hurrying toward them.

Darcy closed his eyes. How does he manage it? How does he know to appear at the most inconvenient moment?

Bingley looked at his friend's expression and then at Elizabeth nervously twisting her hands. He's done it again! He's offended her with something he's said. How does he manage to do that?

"It's nearly time for dinner, Lizzie," Jane was saying. "I wondered where you had gotten to." She glanced at Darcy and noted his apprehension. Her sister seemed equally uncomfortable. How long had they been in one another's company? Long enough for one of them to say something he shouldn't have, she thought in dismay.

"I suppose we had better return to the house, then." Elizabeth said impatiently and pushed past her sister to hurry down the path. Could you not have left us alone for just five more minutes?

Darcy watched as she walked away. Then his eyes turned to meet Charles'. He wordlessly stared at his friend.

Jane suggested they follow her sister's example and the three of them made their way to Longbourn.

Mrs. Bennet would not take no for an answer this time when she asked Bingley and Darcy to stay for dinner. Although she would have preferred to be deprived of the company of his friend, Bingley was always welcome.

As soon as they entered the house Jane sought out her sister. Elizabeth had already retreated to her room. Jane knocked on the door and pushed it open.

"Lizzie?" She peered in to see what her sister was doing. Elizabeth was seated at her boudoir table staring into the mirror. Jane watched her for a moment. "Lizzie, what did he say? Did he upset you?"

Elizabeth met Jane's eyes in the reflection. "Let's go down to dinner, Jane."

Jane nodded. She knew that if Elizabeth had made up her mind not to discuss this with her, then the matter was closed. But that didn't mean she would not try again, perhaps tonight when they retired.

Downstairs they joined the rest of the family and their guests as they were seating themselves in the dining room. There was a moment of awkwardness when Darcy moved to take a seat opposite Elizabeth and Bingley pulled it out for Kitty instead. But Darcy merely smiled and waited until the others chose their places. He was rewarded for his patience when the last vacant chair proved to be next to the woman he most desired to be near.

Jane and Bingley exchanged concerned glances as Darcy sat down beside Elizabeth. This meal could turn out to be disastrous.

Elizabeth was quietly pleased with the way things had turned out. Here was an opportunity for her to speak with Darcy for a prolonged period of time. She may not be able to address the subjects that most concerned her, but it would be a beginning. She smiled to herself as she composed an opening remark in her mind.

Darcy was no less pleased with the situation. Merely sitting next to Miss Elizabeth gave him great comfort. He caught Bingley's look of consternation as he had made his way around the table to his seat, and he wondered what concerned his friend so much about his being seated next to the young lady. Bingley appeared to be very concerned lately about what Darcy got himself up to. He must be aware of how I feel about her. Why is he making this so difficult for me?

Darcy's thoughts were still reeling as well, from Elizabeth's disclosure of her knowledge of his involvement in her younger sister's affairs. A sudden dread overcame him that she may have changed her opinion of him as a direct result of the gratitude she felt for his efforts in that quarter. This would not do! He determined to discover the truth of her feelings before the close of the evening. Darcy glanced at his friend once more. Bingley had not been very helpful up to this point, but perhaps he could turn Bingley's tendency to interference to his own advantage.

"Is the beef to your taste, sir?" Mr. Bennet was saying.

Slightly startled, Darcy looked to his right to see the server awaiting his answer before placing a slice of beef on his plate. "Yes, thank you." he nodded to the servant.

Mr. Bennet looked at his guest, more than a little puzzled. Darcy did not strike him as a man whose mind wandered from the company he kept. Quiet, he may be, but inattentive? That was not likely. What is going on here? he wondered as his gaze swept over the numerous faces at the table. Bingley and Jane looked positively agitated. Elizabeth was smiling and her mind seemed to be very far away. Suddenly she raised her head and spoke in a playful tone.

"Mr. Bingley, you would do well not to leave your houseguests to wander around the countryside. What would people think when you are forced to form a search party to recover them?"

Darcy nearly choked on his dinner and reached for his glass of wine to wash it down. Bingley laughed before he could stop himself.

"Did Darcy lose his way while out walking? Is that why we found you two together on the path from Netherfield?"

Both Darcy and Elizabeth coloured at this, but no-one noticed. No-one but Mr. Bennet. That gentleman suddenly recollected a letter he had received not too long ago from his cousin in Kent, and he began to mull that idea around in his head.

"Well," Elizabeth quietly replied with a smile. "He said that he was lost."

"And you know every walking path around Meryton so well, Lizzie!" said her father. "Could you not have directed Mr. Darcy to the correct route to Netherfield?"

Elizabeth bit her lip and looked at her father, but Darcy was the one to reply.

"Oh, she did. But we were so close to Longbourn already that it seemed more expeditious for me to return with Bingley."

"But I didn't come here on foot, Darcy." Bingley pointed out.

"Ah, yes," Darcy replied. "I hadn't considered that actually."

"Perhaps Papa would lend you the carriage to return to Netherfield." Jane looked to her father.

Mr. Bennet nodded in agreement, his eyes more on his second daughter's face than Jane's. Elizabeth's gaze was on her plate, but an amused smile was on her lips.

It wasn't often that Mr. Bennet had to entertain gentlemen in his house after dinner. As he offered the brandy to Bingley and Darcy, he wondered where all of this might lead? Was there any truth in Mr. Collins' letter regarding Darcy's interest in Elizabeth? It certainly was beginning to look like there was. That dismayed him, for if Mr. Collins proved to have some kind of insight into such a gentleman's character that would despoil his greatest source of amusement.

But what of Elizabeth? She had always maintained a strong dislike of the gentleman. Mr. Bennet observed the pair before him over the rim of his glass. If Darcy was indeed prepared to court his daughter then he had best approach her soon. Elizabeth would not needlessly torture the man if she knew of his inclination and did not share it.

Bingley chattered on endlessly as was his wont, allowing both his friend and his future father-in-law ample time to dwell on their own thoughts.

Part 2

Posted on Tuesday, 18 May 1999

Upon rejoining the ladies, Bingley promptly took his place next to Jane, leaving Darcy no option but to seat himself in the single chair next to the fire, well away from Elizabeth. This gave him no pleasure at all, for although he could see her bent over her needlework at the table, he could have no opportunity to speak with her. Mrs. Bennet rescued him from his misery, however.

"It is a fine evening still. You might all like to enjoy the fresh air while the weather holds. Who knows when it may turn and we may all be confined to the indoors." She looked around at her daughters expectantly.

"Not I, Mama." said Mary predictably.

"An excellent idea, I must say!" Bingley agreed whole-heartedly.

Kitty looked to Elizabeth, who shook her head reassuringly. Addressing their mother, Elizabeth said, "If Jane and Mr. Bingley would like to take a turn in the garden I shall accompany them." She turned her teasing gaze on Darcy. "And you, sir? Would you care for a short walk after your earlier exertions today?"

Mrs. Bennet didn't wait for him to answer. "That would do very nicely for you all. Jane, Lizzie, run along and get your wraps. It is cool enough to warrant those." She waved her daughters from the room.

Bingley and Darcy slowly made their way to the front door to await the ladies before proceeding outside. Darcy avoided meeting his friend's eyes, unable to quell the excitement at the prospect of a few minutes alone with Miss Elizabeth.

The ladies appeared and the four young people went out into the gardens. The moon was high and cast a bright light across the stone path that wound around to the rear of the house. Jane and Elizabeth led the way as the path wasn't wide enough for four at this point. When they reached the corner of the building and the walkway opened up, Bingley slipped up beside Jane, paying no heed to where he left his friend.

Jane smiled at her fiancé, then the smile disappeared as she realized that Elizabeth must now have Mr. Darcy for company. Bingley obviously had the same thought, for he looked over Jane's shoulder and addressed her sister.

"Miss Elizabeth, are you warm enough?"

Elizabeth looked at him in surprise at first, then smiled. "It is a bit damp out here this evening. Perhaps I will go back to the house for a warmer wrap." She left him no time to reply, but turned quickly and walked back the way they had come.

Darcy looked at Bingley for a moment, then turned to follow, his words floating back in the night air. "Please allow me to escort you. I would not want to see you take a misstep in the dark."

"What have I done?" whispered Bingley.

"Elizabeth probably thought we wanted to be alone." Jane said. "Do not be concerned. If she has gone back inside then Mr. Darcy can say nothing to upset her." However, she still wondered what had transpired between those two on the path from Netherfield earlier in the evening.

Bingley reluctantly agreed, although had he known what was happening on the gravel path beside the house at that moment he would not have been as compliant.

...