10. Chapter 10

FFN fail again and somehow this chapter was posted but not accessible. I'm deleting and re-posting (which worked last time this happened) and I apologize to any who are getting double alerts!

A/N: Please don't throw things at me, but because of how long this was getting, I decided to split this into 2 chapters. And yes, that means the dinner is in the next chapter (for real, I promise!). But in my defense, I thought you'd prefer an update sooner rather than wait for me to post both chapters later... if not, you can wait for Ch. 11 to go up instead of reading this one now. Thank you all for understanding!

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Tuesday morning dawned at Netherfield with considerable brightness, despite the recent poor weather. Mr. Bingley took the light filtering in through his curtains as an indication of the excellence of the day and was out of bed and dressed in record time, at least for that gentleman.

Mr. Darcy, a naturally early riser and not one to enjoy idling in bed, still managed to outpace his friend to break their fast, although only just. He took little note of the weather, preferring instead to review the most recent reports from Bingley's temporary steward. Of course, he knew that this was not polite for company at the table, but he reasoned that this would be of no consequence as the only inhabitants of Netherfield currently were Bingley and himself. Most likely Bingley would not awake for another hour or longer and even if he should make it to breakfast in time for Darcy to still be there, Charles would welcome Darcy's input on the state of his property.

In truth, Darcy was seeking a distraction. Ever since the Bennet sisters left Netherfield, he found himself restless and irritable. The only salve to his present mood was reminding himself that this very evening, he would see Miss Elizabeth. He did not attempt to justify, explain, or otherwise quantify his feelings about seeing Miss Elizabeth Bennet, but instead chose to wilfully ignore the internal conflict he was experiencing between his better judgement and his enthusiastic emotions, once again re-focusing his attention on matters of the estate.

Despite his age, Darcy had never been in love, nor did he truly believe such a future was in store for himself. He believed in the possibility that two people with mutual respect, attraction, and status could find happiness and affection in marriage – in fact, he hoped and planned for his sister to experience this one day in her marriage – but he did not see that this was something he could or should seek for himself. Indeed, Darcy was more familiar with the baser instincts in humanity than the infinitely more complex and dangerous emotions of love, and so he classified his experience as a strong physical attraction and allowed himself permission to indulge in the lady's presence, but nothing more. He reasoned that once back in London, if he was still struggling to rid his mind of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, there were many establishments available to a gentleman of his standing and resources that would assist him adequately.

Bingley interrupted his friend's silent pondering as he entered loudly into the room.

"Darcy! Good morning, old man! My, what a lovely day it is outside!" Bingley's eyes were bright and his smile was wide.

Darcy, never effusive in his words or emotions, looked up at his long-time friend. He gave a slight nod as he greeted, "Good morning," before returning to the documents in front of him.

Bingley had known Darcy far too long to be intimidated or offended by the brusqueness in Darcy's greeting; it was simply Darcy's way. Bingley grabbed a few food items off of the sideboard, rang for a servant, and sat down to eat. The servant came quickly with coffee and tea, and offered to have the kitchen make any additional breakfast items Bingley may desire. Once these necessities were out of the way and they were alone, Bingley was able to focus his entire attention on his plans for the day, or more accurately, the evening.

At some point during his plotting, he began to chuckle at how everything had worked out perfectly thus far. This noise reminded Darcy, who had gone back to his papers, that he was not alone and he looked up at his friend with confusion.

"Bingley, does something amuse you?" Darcy questioned.

"What? Oh, I say, I do apologise for disturbing you, Darce. I was merely thinking how well everything has turned out for today." He neglected to add aloud, just as I planned...

However, Darcy could decipher the thoughts on his face more easily than Bingley may have wished. Darcy's mouth pulled into a small frown and his left eyebrow raised in question. Bingley saw this and was about to respond to his friend's unspoken question when Darcy's face suddenly broke into a mischievous smile.

"You know, Bingley, I could not agree with you more." Rather surprising even himself, Darcy decided that he did not need to know what Charles had done in order to secure an invitation to dine at Longbourn nor how he had managed to ensure that his sisters would be unavailable; he focused instead on the relief, pleasure, and anticipation that his plotting had achieved.

Charles was surprised at the ease with which Darcy smiled and his apparent decision not to question Bingley. It was quite out of character for his friend. Not for the first time, he wondered at the level of attachment between his friend and Miss Elizabeth Bennet, to whom Bingley attributed these changes. Charles briefly contemplated if he might convince Darcy to pay a visit with him to Longbourn this morning. Despite their invitation this evening, Charles found himself restless and desiring to once again be in Miss Jane Bennet's company. Still, Darcy will not agree to such a suggestion, he decided. It would, after all, likely cause gossip and expectations of them both; it was hardly proper to pay a morning call to a household where one had accepted a dinner invitation for that same evening. Bingley sighed and, seeing the reports in front of Darcy, decided a distraction would be needed if he must wait another seven hours!

"So Darce, what does Mr. Simonson say about the prospects for that slope on the southern end?"

ooOoo

The morning at Longbourn was not so leisurely as the one at Netherfield. As was her usual custom, Elizabeth woke with the first light. Somewhat surprising to herself, she felt rested! Perhaps Jane was right after all, she mused. Thinking of Jane reminded her that she had been promised a description of last night's events and guest. This led her mind to anticipating the guests for this evening, but she quickly stopped that train of thought. She redirected her attention to the previous evening, speculating on her own as long as she could. She found she was soon wide awake and nearly shaking with her curiosity. It simply would not do; she determined that she must wake Jane.

Jane in sleep was much like Jane awake: serene, lovely, and always with a smile. Lizzy could not even remember a time that Jane had had a nightmare! Lizzy scoffed slightly and let out a small laugh with the realization that if she did not love Jane so very much that she would find her to be entirely insufferable in her near perfection.

She softly stroked Jane's hair. "Jane dear, good morning."

Jane stirred and eventually opened one eye sleepily. She smiled in response to Lizzy's smile and wished Lizzy a good morning.

Elizabeth, who was never known for her patience, waited only until both of Jane's eyes were open and mostly focused before demanding the promised information: "Do tell me of last night's dinner and our cousin!"

Jane laughed at her sister's eagerness; she knew that Lizzy did not like to be uninformed or the last to know things. "Lizzy, I have only just awoken!" Jane scolded lightly.

Elizabeth huffed in slight frustration, "But Jane, you promised to tell me and it is not as though we can discuss this over breakfast!"

Jane seemed to contemplate for a moment before replying, "Lizzy, of course I will keep my promise. Let us talk a little now and then perhaps after we can take a walk? It looks to be a lovely day and I fear that Mama will keep us very busy this afternoon preparing for dinner; I would like to get some fresh air before then." In truth, after yesterday's events and taking on Lizzy's chores in addition to her own, Jane was rather tired and felt that a walk in the sunshine would lift both her spirits and health.

Elizabeth, never one to refuse a trip outdoors, readily agreed: "Of course, Jane, that sounds like an excellent suggestion. Now, will you please tell me of Mr. Collins?"

"Well," Jane seemed to choose her words carefully and Elizabeth took note of each word she did say and many other words that she did not say, "he was quite prompt in his arrival, which speaks to his character –" Lizzy silently corrected that it spoke to his manners, not character, as Mr. Darcy had pointed out to her only last week; Lizzy quickly reminded herself that she was not thinking of that gentleman right now – "and he spoke very highly of his patroness – "

Lizzy interrupted, "The one he wrote about in his letter?"

"Yes, the very same. He seems most grateful for her attentions to himself and his home. It seems that she is a lady of great distinction and taste and is... generous in sharing her guidance."

Lizzy internally rolled her eyes – she could well imagine the great lady's "generosity" – but then chuckled, "How did Mama react to meeting him?"

Jane winced slightly at the memory but answered nonetheless: "Well, at first, it seemed that there may be a problem. Our mother mentioned the entail and I was unsure if Mr. Collins would take offence, but instead he apologised." Both sisters looked less than impressed with this; Jane continued, "And again, he implied his desire to make amends for being the one to inherit Longbourn. Naturally, Mama took this to mean that he hopes to marry one of her daughters and actually, I believe she may be correct."

Elizabeth was not surprised by this news, but it still did not please her. Nevertheless, there was nothing to be done about it. "And what sort of man is he? Will he make a good master of the estate?" She knew better than to ask if he would make a good husband, but the question was in the subtext and she doubted Jane would fail to recognize it. While Lizzy had no intentions of marrying for any incentive besides love, she knew that their mother had different ideas and may be able to convince one of their sisters...

Jane, who always wished to be both honest and kind, took a moment to contemplate the questions. When she did respond, it was slow and deliberate: "I do not believe I know him well enough to make out what sort of man or master he is; however, he is very respectful of his patroness and her daughter, as well as very complimentary of our mother and home. He seemed to wish to please as even when he had inadvertently insulted Mama by asking which of her daughters cooked the meal, he was profuse in his apologies. I think that can only be a respectable quality." And here she paused, remembering their father's gleeful teasing and unable to be dishonest with Lizzy. "However, he is not as quick witted nor as well-read, I think, as our father, but these are accomplishments few can claim."

Lizzy nodded. No doubt Mrs. Bennet would have been quite put out at the suggestion they did not have a cook, although she was not sure that she felt being a good apologiser was a characteristic she would much desire in a man. And their father... Elizabeth could read between the lines well enough and understood that apparently Mr. Bennet had been mocking their cousin, likely openly and in front of all to hear, and the gentleman had not even been aware such a thing was occurring. This seemed to support her father's opinion that Mr. Collins would likely be a fool. Elizabeth unconsciously frowned slightly with her frustration at her father for his penchant for ridicule; it did their family no credit, even if Mr. Collins had not noticed. What will happen tonight if he does this again? Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy are both far too quick to miss such a display! Lizzy's mind struggled with the discomfort of finding fault in her most beloved parent.

By this time, they were both nearly ready for their walk, having helped one another dress while talking. Careful not to make too much noise and disturb their family and guest, they quietly left their room and descended into the main living area on the first floor.

Both sisters were quite surprised to see their mother already awake, dressed, and giving instructions to the household staff. Mrs. Bennet, upon seeing her eldest two daughters, quickly finished her orders and re-focused her attention on her girls.

"Jane, Lizzy! I am quite glad to see you are both awake. We have much to do to prepare for our guests this evening. I was determined to get fish, but there was none to be had yesterday! It is terribly distressing, but I have sent Milly just now to inquire for today. I am quite determined that we simply must have fish for Mr. Bingley! What will he think of us otherwise? Oh, I cannot even begin to think!"

Jane averted her eyes at the mention of Mr. Bingley, but Lizzy managed to keep her wits and responded in a manner she hoped would calm Mrs. Bennet: "Mama, you need not worry. Mr. Bingley will not mind if there is no fish. He is a very amiable gentleman. In fact, with Jane nearby, I doubt he will even notice what he is eating." Jane's cheeks coloured slightly at her sister's words.

Mrs. Bennet agreed, but was not soothed: "Well, yes, of course, what man could be unhappy with such a lovely girl as Jane nearby? Still though, I am sure that if Mr. Bingley has dined with others in the neighbourhood, and they will have served him fish! We will not be outdone by the Gouldings or Lucases or Browns!"

Lizzy sighed, but experience had taught her not to argue every point with her mother; it was better to divert her attention. "Very well, Mama. Is there anything you need Jane or me to do?"

Mrs. Bennet seemed rather conflicted on this point. While on the one hand, she could and would certainly like to put all of her daughters to work to prepare for this evening's guests, she also needed to be mindful of the impression she left on their current guest, Mr. Collins. His insult of the previous evening was still quite fresh in her mind – her daughters cooking indeed! – and she was wary to enlist her girls to do too much lest Mr. Collins believe she had been untruthful and lose interest in marrying one of them. She was not able to give a proper response, however, because the very gentleman in question appeared at the top of the stairs.

"Oh! Mr. Collins! Good morning, sir! I trust that you found your room to be quite comfortable?"

"Indeed, I did, madam! I thank you most sincerely for your excellent attention to my comfort! I flatter myself that though we only met but a day ago, we have already become well acquainted as family."

At the simpering voice, Lizzy turned and looked behind her quickly to see her cousin. She observed that he was relatively tall, at least their father's height, maybe even a bit more; unbidden, she compared that he was not nearly as tall as Mr. Darcy, nor as lean and graceful. She quickly shoved those thoughts away, but not before her cheeks flushed slightly with her embarrassment.

In truth, Mr. Collins was rather unremarkable in appearance. He was rather heavy, which leant additional roundness to a youthful and not attractive face. His nose was too bulbous, his eyes slightly too close together and he seemed to have a tendency to spit sometimes when he spoke. His clothing was that of a parson, despite his not being at his parish, and it did nothing to flatter his frame. He had thin, dark blonde hair that lay flat to his head that served only to emphasize the extra weight on his face. He smiled broadly at seeing Elizabeth and Jane.

"My fair cousins! Good morning to you!" Despite being at the top of the stairs, he swept himself into a formal bow. "Mrs. Bennet, is this perhaps your lovely daughter, Miss Elizabeth, with whom I was unable to become acquainted yesterday evening?"

Mrs. Bennet affirmed his question: "Yes, Mr. Collins, this is indeed our Lizzy! She was quite sorry to have missed making your acquaintance yesterday evening, but she has recovered quite well from her headache yesterday; no doubt she was merely tired! You are all recovered now though, aren't you, child?" The look in Mrs. Bennet's eyes was not one to be refuted.

"I am, thank you. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Collins, and I do apologise for being unable to receive you properly yesterday." Elizabeth managed to say all this without rolling her eyes, which she felt was quite an accomplishment; although as his eyes were not strictly on her face, she was unsure whether or not her restraint was truly necessary.

"Have you had breakfast yet, Mr. Collins?" Mrs. Bennet suddenly urged, "Jane, Elizabeth, take Mr. Collins with you to the breakfast room, will you?"

Jane and Lizzy glanced at one another, silently debating whether or not to indicate that they had planned to take a walk. Elizabeth believed this would not be a good plan, but apparently did not successfully communicate this to Jane, who volunteered, "Actually Mama, Lizzy and I were just going to take a brief walk – "

Mrs. Bennet interrupted, "Nonsense! Wait until after breakfast and you can all go. I am quite sure that your sisters would enjoy a trip into Meryton and you can show Mr. Collins around as well!"

Lizzy repressed a sigh; she knew that the gleam in her mother's eye meant that any argument would be fruitless. No doubt she wanted Mr. Collins out of the way while she prepared for the evening's dinner guests. "Of course, Mama," and then to Mr. Collins, "If you would follow us, sir?"

ooOoo

Breakfast with Mr. Collins had been exceedingly dull. Although shortly after they three sat down, all three other sisters arrived to join them – still somewhat sleepy, likely from Mrs. Bennet's just recently waking them, if Lizzy was not mistaken – this did nothing to improve Mr. Collins' conversational skills. Elizabeth could not help but wonder that Jane had neglected to mention how excessively boring the man was! It seemed that since she had been unable to hear him expound on the many expensive delights of Rosings Park – the name of his patroness' estate – last night, he was determined to repeat the entirety of his speech this morning. He elaborated the many windows, chimneys, pieces of fine furniture – even French pieces acquired before the war, and excessive numbers of parlours. Lizzy wished there was a way to remove her own ears!

Wherever possible, Elizabeth had attempted to move the conversation to other, more general topics that would perhaps be of interest to the entire table – the fine weather, travel, or books – but with no success. The man was a complete and utter fool and finally she accepted that she should sit quietly and nod along with his ramblings in the hope that it would speed the proceedings along.

Just as the family was becoming ready to retire from the table, Mrs. Bennet entered the room and indicated that she had several items she wished to have picked up in Meryton and would they all be so kind as to walk to the shops for her? Unsurprisingly, Kitty and Lydia were instantly in favour, as the militia was stationed in Meryton and they had planned to go into the village to inquire after a particular officer anyway. Elizabeth cringed at her youngest sisters' behaviour but knew better than to correct them in front of Mr. Collins. Naturally, Jane and Elizabeth could not gracefully refuse the walk as they had already stated their intentions to go earlier. However, Mary indicated a preference for practising her music, in anticipation of entertaining this evening. Lizzy felt herself cringe once again, but could not do anything, but stand and prepare for their walk.

ooOoo

They had never reached Meryton so quickly and yet it had felt as though it were their longest walk ever! Mr. Collins had initially moved back and forth between the pair of younger and older sisters. However, Kitty and Lydia did not seem so concerned with displaying proper manners and consequently made Mr. Collins feel unwelcome in their conversations – oh how jealous Lizzy felt at this! As a result, he had determinedly walked with Jane and Elizabeth for the remainder of the way, despite the regularly increasing pace of their walk.

Lizzy, feeling her headache from yesterday returning, was mostly quiet. Jane – bless her kind heart! – attempted to engage Mr. Collins in less ridiculous topics but only found purchase in discussing Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her daughter. While Mr. Collins' sycophantic droning was grating to Elizabeth's nerves and head, at least this was preferable to hearing the exact cost to the penny of every piece of furniture and every improvement ever made to Rosings Park. All Elizabeth could do was walk quickly, nod along without much enthusiasm, and pray to reach the village soon.

Finally, they arrived on the main street and Lizzy was relieved to have a small list of items to pick up. Just as she was about to instruct her sisters where their first stop should be, Lydia and Kitty became distracted by a pair of gentlemen, one of whom was in a red coat.

Without any consideration of their list, nor requesting permission from their older sisters, Kitty and Lydia immediately set off across the street to a shop that appeared to be directly in the gentlemen's path. Elizabeth was displeased and not a little embarrassed at her sisters' actions. However, not wanting to make a scene nor offend their cousin, she attempted to explain their behaviour as eagerness to accomplish the task at hand.

"Mr. Collins, I do hope you will forgive Kitty and Lydia. The shop they are looking into may have one of the items on Mama's list and I believe they may have been carried away and quite forgot their manners. Let us join them, if you please."

Mr. Collins seemed mollified. "But of course, Cousin Elizabeth! You must not feel embarrassed for your sisters' actions. After all, as Cousin Jane will tell you I promised only yesterday evening, I would never hold any ill-will toward my young cousins. Although Cousin Lydia did not care to hear the wise words of Reverend Fordyce and continues to show a lack of proper respect and decorum... But let us not speak any more of it. Might I flatter myself that you ladies would appreciate the use of my arms as we cross the street?"

Elizabeth winced slightly as she observed his eyes on Jane's figure, but she accepted his arm nonetheless and offered her brief and forced thanks; Jane's thanks seemed much more genuine and Lizzy wondered if her sister had not noticed their cousin's inappropriate looks?

They arrived in front of the shop with Kitty and Lydia only a moment after the gentlemen of interest and so they all greeted and made introductions accordingly. Apparently, the officer, Mr. Denny, was the very one that Lydia had been desirous of gaining news about, although she now seemed much less interested in him than his friend.

Mr. Denny seemed pleased to have come across the sisters and was eager to introduce his friend, Mr. Wickham, who had that very day accepted a commission in their corps.

"Miss Kitty, Miss Lydia." Denny greeted.

"Denny!" squealed Lydia, "where have you been? I have not seen you in the village for at least two days!"

Kitty remained silent – Lydia had always been the more bold of them, despite being younger – but she nodded her vigorous agreement at the excessive absence.

"I do apologise, Miss Lydia, but I went to Town for a couple days. In fact, I hope you will allow me to introduce my friend, Mr. George Wickham. I had gone on an errand for Colonel Forster, but while I was there, I came across George here. Turns out, he had recently decided to enlist and wanted to join a regiment where he would already know some of the other officers, so he came back here with me to speak with the Colonel."

"So have you accepted a commission?" Lydia's voice and manner were too eager and Kitty's eyes were alight with the same enthusiasm.

"I am pleased to say that I have." Mr. Wickham's smile was charming but also seemed modest; Lydia and Kitty each sighed with pleasure.

Denny began the proper introductions, "George, please meet the Miss Bennets. Miss Jane Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, Miss Kitty, and Miss Lydia; my friend, Mr. George Wickham." He indicated each lady as he spoke her name and Mr. Wickham gave a slight bow each time and then a full bow at his own name. It was impossible not to observe his excellent physique when he did so.

Being the eldest, Jane replied on behalf of the sisters: "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Wickham. May I introduce you both to our cousin, Mr. Collins? Mr. Collins is visiting our family from Kent."

Mr. Wickham and Mr. Denny both gave slight nods and murmured their greetings. Lydia then promptly began demanding information from both gentlemen regarding their time in Town.

All of the ladies were struck with Mr. Wickham's air; his open and friendly countenance, fine form and face, and easy manners were quite appealing. Mr. Collins, however, seemed to disapprove of another gentleman distracting attention from himself and soon he felt the need to remind Elizabeth of their list of items.

Elizabeth was quite irritated with Mr. Collins. First, he had held his arms entirely too close to Jane and herself and refused to release their arms after they had made it safely across the street – which had earned an inquisitive look from Mr. Wickham! – but then he had interrupted that same gentleman from his conversation with herself and her sisters in order to chastise her for not returning to their assigned task. Although she felt her cheeks flush with her anger, Lizzy took a calming breath and agreed that while it had been a pleasure to speak with the gentlemen, they did have errands to complete and therefore begged their understanding at their departure.

Mr. Denny and Mr. Wickham agreed that they too had best be on their way, but each expressed their fervent hopes that they would all meet again soon. Lydia, never one to allow the rules of propriety to get in the way of her own happiness, took the opportunity to invite them to their Aunt Phillips' home for her next card party. Although she admitted that one had not yet been planned, she assured them that her aunt would be more than willing to extend an invite to them at her request. Jane and Elizabeth were thoroughly embarrassed by this display and hastened the farewells.

The remainder of their shopping trip was uneventful, largely because Lydia and Kitty were no longer interested in any other officers who happened across their path, now preferring only to speak of Mr. Wickham and how well he would look in a red coat. This had an added benefit of annoying Mr. Collins into an irritable silence, with only occasional grumbles, and so Lizzy did not see any reason to intervene in the conversation. In truth, she found herself thinking quite a bit of the lovely chestnut hair and easy smile of that gentleman as well.

Having acquired everything on Mrs. Bennet's list, the party returned to Longbourn. Once home, Mr. Collins sought 'solitude' in Mr. Bennet's study, with Mr. Bennet – much to that man's chagrin, while Mrs. Bennet enlisted the girls to help with the final details and then go and get ready.

While all of the girls were looking forward to having guests for dinner, Jane and Elizabeth, in particular, seemed to have difficulty suppressing their smiles.

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A/N: As I mentioned above, I'm really sorry that the dinner did not make it into this chapter. I got so excited looking forward to it that I forgot how much other stuff had to come first! That's probably because sometimes I get sort of D/E hyper-focused ;) As you can tell, though, it will definitely be the next chapter!

In the meantime, what do we all think of Mr. Collins and Mr. Wickham? How about no Darcy and Bingley riding up? Hm... dinner should be interesting!

As always, reviews – constructive and supportive alike – are SO appreciated! They really give me the motivation to keep going, especially with RL just getting more and more difficult, so please keep them coming – they mean the world to me! Also, thank you to all those who added this story or me to alerts and favorites!

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**Request: I've mentioned needing a beta previously, but I don't know if I really need punctuation and grammar help. I do, however, really need someone to bounce ideas with about chapters. While I do have an overall outline of where I'm going and what I'm planning for this story, I sometimes find myself getting bogged down in details and I'd really like to have someone to work through these issues with. If anyone's game for this, please send me a PM. **