Darcy sat, praying that the tedious line of conversation would soon stop, as Bingley and his sister continued to argue over some trivial matter of which he had little interest in observing. In truth he had stopped listening the moment Caroline Bingley had entered her brother's study unannounced. Darcy, who was in the middle of offering Charles his discerning eye over a potential investment opportunity, when interrupted by the lady's unwelcome intrusion; could only sit and hope she would soon leave. It seemed all they could speak of was the forthcoming ball Bingley and his sister would be hosting in the private rooms of Hart's in but three days. Darcy hated balls at the best of times, be them public or private it did not matter, they themselves were toil enough to endure; but to be subjected to such single-minded conversation in the days before such an unwelcome event was not to be borne.

He had already devised the best survival strategy for the evening. If he was lucky, he could stand up with Miss Bingley for the first set if she so desired him as her partner, which he felt certain she would; then he could take refreshment in the upper rooms before returning to conclude a final full set with Anne. If he timed it correctly, he could then visit the card room, take an early supper and leave without notice or reproach. One small consolation, knowing his hostess as he did, he was most certain there would not be a long list of single females present in need of dance partners.

He did not remember the Bingley's being so agitated over the preparations of the private ball they had thrown while still at residence at Netherfield. On the contrary, Charles had only announced the event and delegated much of the work in a single day, informing the household staff that the ball would occur but two days later. Caroline had been nothing but her most efficient self. The house had been transformed into a spectacle at its most elegant.

In truth, it must be much easier to organise a ball for people of no consequence in the country, to that of the upper set of the ton season. Yet, Darcy considered, perhaps it had been the pending pleasure of Miss Jane Bennet's company which had acted as chaste incentive for Charles to make the ball happen with such haste.

He sat, blocking out the voices which encircled him as he was prone to do. He had become quite skilled at closing himself off to his surroundings, a skill which served him well. He preferred to focus on his own thoughts to that of the observations of others. The ball at Netherfield. How he cursed, yet yearned for such an evening; how he cursed, yet yearned for such a partner.

It had been almost three months since his fool hardy moment of weakness at Rosings Park. That ill-judged declaration when he had lost all sense of proprietary in the hope of finding happiness by succumbing to a sensation so strong, he had been powerless to follow reason or reservation. How she had shunned such an offer, finding no pleasure in an address most unwelcome. It had been almost three months of which Darcy could not pull himself from his own melancholy and critical inner reflection.

How had such a woman overpowered him so? How could the opinion of one woman so beneath his notice on every level wound him so? In vain he had struggled to ignore the feelings which Miss Elizabeth Bennet stirred within his soul. Even after such an unladylike rejection, full of prejudice and poor understanding, he could not quite forget her. In vain he had struggled to forget her fine eyes and inquisitive expressions. No other woman held his attention and thoughts so captive. What he would not give to stand as her partner upon the dance floor once more. To think he was willing to give her everything; to go against the aspiration of his own family and breeding to elevate her from her provincial back country existence to mistress of Pemberley. Not even such a prize could tempt such a spirited, head strong woman. That the outcome of his declaration would be rejection had never crossed his mind. For the first time his station and breeding had not been commendation alone; Fitzwilliam Cornelius Darcy had been appraised and found wanting.

"And what does Mr Darcy think of such a scheme," cried Miss Bingley in a voice most shrill. "For I am certain he does not wish to see you throw away your chance of finally seeing this family well established. What would our father say if he could see how idle you were being with such a responsibility? I mean be reasonable Charles, for what in heavens would make you wish to be tied to such an estate when it is quite clear it does not fit within our social sphere or standing. Darcy, I implore you, please talk sense into my ridiculous brother before he ruins us all. You cannot, I am certain, be in favour of such a scheme? To be forever tied to such society would be a punishment I am sure you would not wish to endure."

"I am afraid I cannot offer you such comfort Miss Bingley for I myself am at odds over such an opportunity. The house is still leased in your brother's name until the new year and such an unforeseen offer, at such a reasonable purchase price, cannot be slighted. I would be doing your brother a disservice if I did not encourage him to consider the benefits of such a purchase. He must evaluate the good with the bad and decide whatever path will service his own fortune and happiness. I am merely here to offer him my council."

"Oh Darcy, you of course are all good sense," Caroline cooed, leaning against the dark wooden desk in front of him in a manner which she hoped displayed her figure to its best advantage. "There is no man with more sound judgement or such vast understanding. Indeed, I should never go against your better judgement." She smiled at him from under her thick dark lashes before turning to her brother. The smile quickly dropped and through a tight mouth she continued with venom, "but with you I am most vexed indeed. I shall never grace the halls of Netherfield Park again. I will not endure such an existence. If you insist on this selfish pursuit to subject our family to such a dismal future, I shall from hence forth never call you my brother."

Upon seeing her brothers startled expression and sensing Darcy by her side, she forced herself to calm her temper, and once again fixed her facial expression into a well-practised smile. "Mark my words brother there is nothing for our family in Hertfordshire. You had best continue your search and look North. I am sure Darcy knows many eligible estates in Derbyshire or at least in the close proximity." Taking a small breath to compose herself further, she gave Darcy her best and most appealing smile before heading for the door.

"I shall leave you both to discuss, for I am sure once considered, you will not disappoint my feelings on the matter. I am sure Darcy, you would not neglect poor Georgiana's feelings with such unfeeling indifference as my brother seems so intent to inflict upon me."

"Caroline please," pleaded her brother as the lady walked with purpose from the room. He turned to Darcy who merely shrugged in response. "And I suppose you too think the idea of purchasing such an estate is an idea most ridiculous? For I cannot see what is so abhorrent in such a scheme. I declare I have never been happier than when I was situated in Hertfordshire. Never have I been surrounded by such fine countryside and good people. Yet my sister seems to think I am all that is evil for even considering such a notion."

"The idea is neither ridiculous nor is it your only option. Bingley, you must trust your own judgement, I can only offer my opinion. The final decision must be yours alone. For too long you have taken my word for gospel, though in truth, I cannot be sure if it was always given for your own good."

He paused, considering his involvement in separating his friend from Miss Jane Bennet. How wrong he had been in his interference between such a union; he was still unsure. The pain in Elizabeth's retort of his conduct towards her sister had given him many sleepless nights on the matter. A just reason indeed for her to think upon him with contempt. Though he had at the time been certain that there was no real attachment on the side of the lady, now all he could do was question his behaviour. He still believed he had been kinder to his friend than he had been to himself; yet he could not crush the small worry that he had in fact destroyed his friends chance at future happiness.

"Let us look over the copy of the accounts once more. The house is satisfactory to be sure, but let us understand what sort of living can be expected from what property exists and what potential there is for improvement?"

"A fine plan, a fine plan," Bingley replied, taking his seat at his desk once more. He glanced down at the rows of figures which sat before him. In truth he had no head for figures, the numbers simply swirled upon the paper, leaving him with a rather sore head. "Why not simply tell me your thoughts and then I shall tell you mine?"

Darcy rolled his eyes at Charles lack of commitment to such a potentially important decision. In truth in matters of such importance, he had to admit Caroline was much more astute than her brother. He was loathed to simply tell Charles what to do, it was not his place. Before he would not have overthought such an action, though lately he had been keenly observant in his overbearing nature. He must let Charles be master of his own mind, he would not interfere.

He could not deny the purchase of Netherfield Park did have some clear advantages, however there were limitations. The holdings in general were not large upon further inspection. Darcy had several thoughts with regards to such a purchase; from the size of the bedrooms, to the small number of existing tenants, but the one overarching benefit to his friend purchasing the estate settled on but one clear advantage. The one benefit which Darcy would not openly list to his friend in his observations; that he would be but three miles from Longbourn and in doing so, be but three miles from Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

Having called on Anne not once, but twice to no avail; had left Richard in a most unforeseen vexed disposition. Had he not only informed her the evening previous of his desire to pay call upon her? To then find the lady not at home, after what he assumed quite an agreed understanding, was an annoyance he had not foreseen. It was most unwelcome.

He kicked his shinning black boot against the kerb of the pavement at the foot of number twelve. To call a third time would render him utterly ridiculous. He had no intention of being sent on his merry way again by Anne's rather too smug housekeeper. He would not bestow on her such a satisfaction, especially not for a third time.

Anne had looked most pleasing at last night's dinner. He regretted his behaviour over the dinning table, he had not intended to irk her so. In truth he had not intended to lock horns in any way across the dinner table last night, if there was one thing Richard prided himself on it was his charm at being a most affable dining companion. Yet last night he could not hold his tongue.

He had found himself quite overcome by her silly notions and the mention of Lord Colville. Who was Lord Colville anyway? What did Anne, and everyone else for that matter, see that he could not? The gentleman was agreeable to be sure, but he did nothing on observation which deserved him such praise amongst every one of his acquaintance. However, Richard could not deny, the man did breed some of the most excellent horses and his dress sense was quite impeccable.

Even Darcy seemed most taken by the Viscount. This was another point which grated sorely upon Richard. His cousin was not often open to making new acquaintances willingly. The fact that he would do so now with Lord Colville, and evidentially enjoy he company, left a rather sour taste in his mouth.

Darcy had also wounded Richard when he had spoken most favourably of a potential match between Anne and the gentleman; quite certain of a mutual fondness between the two. He kicked his boot against the kerb a final time then began to walk down the street, deep in thought. Anne would not be happy in such a situation with such a man, surely. His Anne, who had sed but a quiet life in the country; how could she be expected to run a grand estate in the north of Scotland. She would not even be able to understand the locals. Her gentle demure and temperament were hardly the picture of a vibrant socially apt Viscountness. Anne would not enjoy such a life; he was most certain.

He was also certain her mother would not approve of such an alliance. He paused. Would his aunt disapprove? Lord Colville possessed both fortune and title, not even Darcy could out do the gentleman in his credentials. No, not even the promise of peerage could overcome one small matter; Lady Catherine would never willingly give up the control of her daughter. She had lost her once to an aunt, he was certain she would put her foot down to a husband.

On this point Richard took some comfort. He could not imagine Lady Catherine moving aside to allow some unknown gentleman control over Rosings Park. Nor was it likely his aunt would allow Anne to be betrothed to a member of the Scottish peerage and escape more than eight hundred miles from the grasp of her influence. He was still most surprised that Lady Catherine had allowed Anne to be granted her current freedom in London. He wondered if his aunt would remain in the country if she knew just how much freedom Anne was enjoying.

Feeling rather perturbed that his plans had been most thwarted, he headed in the direction of St James's. He had been most looking forward to a leisurely promenade with Anne by his side. He even had Darcy's valet polish his boots thrice for just such an occasion. Her conversation was still far superior to any other woman of his acquaintance, and when encouraged to focus on an agreeable subject, a league all her own. An afternoon with Annabelle was always agreeable, for she possessed both youth and beauty; but sadly not terribly much between the ears.

With no other option to be had, Richard opted to fill the rest of his afternoon in the only other employment which he hoped to find in anyway near as satisfying as promenading with Anne on his arm. An afternoon at Whites with a collection of like-minded fellows, a few games of billiards and a brandy or two, should save this from being an entirely wasted afternoon.

He was just turning onto Pall Mall when he noticed a lady coming out of a tea shop. He knew her immediately. Suddenly it was as though a light had switched on inside his mind, bright and full of opportunity. Why had he not considered such a line of attack before this? He almost laughed at his own stupidity for not realising how to best the situation. He was a Colonel in the British Army for goodness sake. He had grown far too soft during his frivolous stay in London. No matter, here was a lady who would soon help put this Lord Colville distraction to bed. One could only hope literally.

Caroline Bingley motioned for her maid to follow her as she swept from the tea shop, leaving her sister and Mrs Abbot still gossiping like two old fish wives. Lord how she detested married women and their mind-numbing conversation. Still sorely vexed after her earlier conversation with her brother and his ridiculous suggestion that he should perhaps purchase Netherfield Park as his intended estate; she had decided the best remedy to such a foolish notion was to visit her favourite dressmaker. Sadly, she had run into her sister on route which had resulted in a rather unavoidable delay to her plans. Thankfully she had no other distractions for the rest of the afternoon so would be able to look at fabrics and sketches to her hearts content. Her dress for the ball at Harts was already near completion, but it would not hurt to do one final fitting.

"Miss Bingley," came a voice she knew all too well from behind her.

Oh Lord, she thought, what the devil can he want. She paused, waiting for the gentleman to catch up to her. She licked her teeth on his approach, fixing her features into their usual bright smile.

"Ah, Colonel Fitzwilliam what a joy to meet you so unexpectedly. But I am afraid I must be on my way for I am rather late as it is."

"My dear Miss Bingley, tell me it is not so. You do not even have time to talk to me? One of your dearest friends. Pray let me walk with you, that way we may converse and you shall not be detained any further."

He held out her arm which she took while casting him a look most curious. They walked on several steps before Caroline's curiosity got the better of her.

"Well what is it to be Colonel? What deliciously devilish plan do we find ourselves in the midst of this afternoon? I have known you far too long to not notice when your person is full of mischief."

"Can a gentleman not merely wish to converse with a member of his dear acquaintance. Must I have an ulterior motive, perhaps I was simply pleased to run into you so unexpectedly."

"Unexpected or not, I cannot ignore the gleam in your eye or the general overly pleased attitude of your person."

"As ever Miss Bingley you are quite on the money. How astute your observations. Yet I must confess, although the idea has only just formed, I believe it to be a rather good one worth sharing. I am rather distressed at my not considering it sooner. It would appear I would very much like you to be my confidant on a subject related to my future happiness. It would appear I am very much in need of your assistance."

"And pray, what would such assistance curtail?"

"Why I am merely asking for your help on a matter which I believe will suit both our purposes," Richard said matter of fact.

"It is odd, is it not, for I seem to often find myself in such a role. I seem to recall helping you only last season in your attempts to secure the affluent Miss Clarke, but it all came to nothing." She looked at him challengingly. Pursing her mouth into a perfect pout she continued in a determined tone; "no good came out of that rather disappointing situation for myself either. You promised to offer aid to my own endeavours, yet I received no substantial assistance whatsoever on that front. You sir, shall not dupe me again into being any man's pawn."

"Caroline," he soothed, squeezing her arm gently as he escorted her along Pall Mall. "You cannot judge me too harshly. You know how my cousin is, and my brother is no better. I promise you; I did all in my power to bring you together with both gentlemen when in company. I gave them both almost constant high praise to your many virtues indeed. Was it not I who managed to convince Darcy, in one of my rare but excellent letters, that he should accompany Bingley to Hertfordshire for the fall? Do not blame me if under such excellent circumstances, cosy and confined under the same roof, you could not snare the title of Mistress."

She stood staring at him defiantly, how dare he insinuate it was an error on her part. She was still rather displeased about the whole farce that was her stay at Netherfield. Not only did it not turn into the much-anticipated isolated country retreat where Mr Darcy would realise only she was the most suitable future mistress of Pemberley; but she had had to endure her love sick brother and his simpering over another angelic, unsuitable, empty-headed creature. To make matters worse, a complete nobody with neither connections or fortune. She felt her temper rising, she would not even stoop so low as to think of the odious Miss Eliza Bennet with her calculated deceitful nature and fine eyes.

"What is it that you want Colonel Fitzwilliam. I am a very busy woman and I do not have all day to listen to you drone on over such ridiculous matters of which you clearly know nothing."

"I know you have recently set your sights on a particular Viscount of our mutual acquaintance."

Her nostrils flared in a most unbecoming manner. A man of much less courage would have been curbed by such a violent expression. However, Richard had a scheme which he was most desirous to have Caroline Bingley hear out. He would not be frightened by her fowl temper.

"Who have you been talking to?" Caroline demanded. She kept looking forward as they walked, but her hand dug unpleasantly into the Colonels forearm.

"Need I talk to anyone? Subtlety has never been a strong aspect of your character. I have watched you in his company and I know you very well, you and I are not so unalike. We both know exactly which side our bread is buttered."

"Though I have wealth in my favour and you have not," she growled at him, while smiling sweetly to a passing acquaintance.

Growing impatient and tired of her upstart attitude, he leaned his face closer to her ear, nodding to the Finchley's as they walked by.

"You may have wealth and dress like a lady, but never forget my dear Caroline, you are nothing more than the daughter of trade. Your family has purchased no estate in which to call home and you survive in society by the good grace of others.

You would do well to remember that the friendship my family extends towards you does a great deal for you social standing. You would do well not to speak to me in such a manner again if you are desirous for such a curtesy to remain intact."

He felt her body stiffen at his response. Keeping her eyes forward and her chin high, she swallowed her anger as best she could.

"What is it you wish to discuss with me Richard? You need not worry, I am forever at your service."