Thank you to my Beta reader EvelynRo, for making this readable!

Disclaimer: I do not own Pride and Prejudice

A/N: Just in case you have forgotten.

The narrator will be using their actual names; however, the other characters, especially those unaware of the switch will be using their assumed names. Thoughts are italicized. In the last chapter I experimented with adding of (faux) before the false names. I will be continuing that in this chapter as well, since I got mixed responses from the reviews and am unable to decide.

Recap: Mr Collins arrives and Mrs Bennet gets to matchmaking meanwhile Lydia cannot bear the amount of attention paid to him.

Chapter 12

Mrs Bennet had all but forced Mary to practice piano in the morning. Mary wouldn't have minded the practicing so much but it cut down on her reading time. She played heavy sounding complex symphonies quite ill so much so that the most ignoramus of the sisters Lydia was also affected.

"I was thinking of visiting our Aunt Philips," Lydia declared. She had been planning this getaway ever since Mr Collins had read sermons to them.

"That is very nice but we have Mr Collin's to think of," Jane said softly.

"We haven't been to Meryton since ages," Lydia complained, "Its abominable to be detained in the house thus."

She glared in Mr Collin's direction.

"If you plan to go," said Elizabeth, "I am quite ready to accompany you."

"I shall like to come too," said Kitty.

"Oh very well, I shall love to see our Aunt," said Jane.

"Will you be coming Mary," asked Kitty.

"No I need to practice the piano and then read," Mary said, "I have, simply, no time for walking."

Mr Collins who had been listening to the conversation almost sighed. His esteemed patroness had instructed him to marry an active sort of woman, sadly cousin Mary did not seem to be found of activity. The eldest two were already spoken for and the youngest was rather silly. So the choice that remained with him was Mary or Kitty.

As he climbed the steps that lead to the library Mr Bennet came out and practically barred his way. He looked at the girls, who were donning their coats and bonnets, and said:

"Are you out for a walk?"

"Yes Papa," Miss Elizabeth answered, if only she was unattached. Lady Catherine would certainly approve of her. She was a well-bred, genteel and active sort of woman whose company Lady Catherine was sure to enjoy.

"Perhaps you would like to assort your cousins to the village," Mr Bennet asked him, bring him away from his thoughts, back to reality.

"Yes of course I would love to accompany my fair cousins," he managed to respond.

Mr Bennet let out a sigh of relief, he couldn't tolerate Mr Collins any longer. While he had enjoyed his follies initially his enjoyment lasted only until he realised that he couldn't escape Mr Collin's like he would escape his wife by moving into the library away from the feminine sphere.

Mrs Bennet on the other hand wasn't as happy. Mary had refused to go while this was very well when Mr Collin's was staying at home. But it wouldn't do now, when he was accompanying the sisters out. She coaxed Mary into leaving, almost threatened her but Mary was not to be moved.

Mr Collins observed silently adding obstinate to the list of adjectives.

"Lazy slob," Lydia whispered to Kitty and they both giggled.

Mr Collins sighed again, Miss Kitty was simply too close to the silly sister.

The Netherfield party consisting of Mr Bingley, Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam was missing Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth. The conversation was already mundane without the two. Even Miss Bingley felt their loss, though not as much.

Colonel Fitzwilliam in particular felt rather guilty. Toward the end of their stay he had withdrawn himself uncharacteristically. He tried to justify it: The Bennet's were too poor if they couldn't afford four spare horses for the carriage on a rainy day. That he couldn't afford to show interest in Miss Elizabeth, for that would lead to some form of expectation. Darcy himself had warned of the consequences. If he was not playing Darcy he could have easily cleared the air between them, explaining his lot as the second son. Instead he had hinted and hoped Miss Elizabeth would understand.

It seemed to him that she had, for she didn't seem to seek him out. Miss Bingley was responsible in some way too. The lady made sure that he and Miss Elizabeth would stay as far as possible. It was she who had conveniently forgotten to tell him that the Bennets would be taking their leave after the Sunday service.

He wasn't a godly man, and wasn't in a habit of attending church regularly. And so he was unable to bid them goodbye and seem them off. Had he known of their plans, he would have surely attended the service.

He was thinking such thoughts, when Darcy proposed a ride to the village.

"Just the three of us," said Darcy, "and we could be ourselves for a while."

"That's a splendid idea," said Bingley, "I shall get our horses ready immediately."

On their way to Meryton, the gentlemen had a jolly good time. They raced each other to the village. Bingley took the lead initially but halfway through he took a wrong turn, allowing Darcy to catch up and take the lead. Bingley abused himself and his rotten luck constantly, as he not only lost the lead, but was reduced to the third place behind Colonel Fitzwilliam. The Colonel complained that Darcy had the best horse.

"You cannot complain all your life, Fitzwilliam," said Darcy, "If you think my horse is superior then you should have acquired a superior steed when you could, as well or apply more effort and skill."

"Just a few minutes ago, I was leading," lamented Bingley, "I put in so much effort too!"

"But you lacked skill," Colonel Fitzwilliam said rather cruelly, "By forgetting the way to village, and so you cannot be allowed to lament either."

Then he spurred his horse to move faster and was almost neck to neck with Darcy. Mr Darcy sensed his cousin was upset, slowed down and allowed the Colonel to take the lead. It was only when they had reached the outskirts of Meryton, Colonel Fitzwilliam cooled down. The galloping horses slowed to a trot.

"I apologise Bingley," he said in a tired voice, anger and riding had drained him.

"No need to apologise," said Bingley affably, "what you said was true, I should have been paying more attention to where I was going."

"I suppose you expect an apology from me as well," said Darcy.

"No, what you said was true as well," said Fitzwilliam, "I did win this race."

All the men laughed.

"Look at us, acting like boys," said Bingley, "who would say we are grown men."

"I wouldn't call you a grown man, even when you are serious" said Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam smirked.

"I hope I am never as severe as you, Darcy," said Bingley.

"Now boys, let us have some peace," said Colonel Fitzwilliam, "quit squabbling amongst yourself."

"Yes Miss Fields," said Darcy sarcastically and then he and Bingley laughed out loud.

"I say, Darcy, now that we are in Meryton, where do we go from here?" said Bingley once the laughter died.

"How about we call on Longbourn," said Fitzwilliam, who was still feeling guilty for not bidding Miss Bennets farewell.

"Longbourn," exclaimed both Bingley and Darcy together, thinking of Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth respectively.

"Yes well I didn't see them off at the church," explained the Colonel, "I would like to know how they fare."

"I think it's a capital idea," said Bingley, "What do you say Darcy?"

"Indeed, we should ask after Miss Bennet's health," said Darcy surprizing both his companions, a little.

"I think the shortest way is through Meryton," Darcy added.

"Yes indeed, the roads are in much better condition there," said Fitzwilliam, "than say we take a shortcut from over here."

So they went into the village, Bingley leading them. Both Darcy and Fitzwilliam were having second thoughts about the visit, though. They had reached the village market and so neither spoke until …

"Why it is Miss Bennet," said Bingley out loud and waved at her from across the street.

When the Bennets sighted them they came directly towards them. Bingley was quick to dismount followed by the other two gentlemen.

"You look lovely Miss Bennet," said Bingley, after the usual salutations were exchanged, "We were on our way to Longbourn to ask after your health."

"Then it is very fortunate we met here Mr Bingley," said Jane evenly, "otherwise we would have missed each other."

"How are you feeling now Miss Bennet?" Darcy asked.

"I am quite well, sir," said Jane.

"You must pardon me for not seeing you off, Miss Bennet," added the Colonel, "I did not know you would be leaving us so soon."

"Please sir, you need not apologise," said Jane, "Both Elizabeth and I knew that you like to start your days late."

"Indeed sir," said Elizabeth, "rest assured our vanity is not injured."

Just then Lydia said quite loudly, "We are going to visit our Aunt, Mr Denny. Why don't you and your friend join us?"

This drew the attention of the gentlemen to Mr Denny and his friend. Bingley gave them a glance then went back to talking to Miss Bennet. Mr Darcy and the Colonel however turned red. Colonel Fitzwilliam was about to move towards him when Darcy held him back with a gesture.

Elizabeth observed them silently. She also noticed how pale Mr Wickham had turned. His hands seemed to tremble as saluted the gentlemen. In response he got menacing glares. Then quite abruptly, Darcy and Colonel mounted their horses and left. A confused Bingley hastily bid them goodbye and trailed after them.

Elizabeth was confused by this exchanged, as well, but didn't say anything.

Both Darcy and Fitzwilliam were seething on seeing Mr Wickham there. Colonel Fitzwilliam would have done him some bodily damage, were it not for Darcy restraining him. Darcy barely controlled his own temper. They stormed off before either of them lost control – not even waiting for Bingley.

I was a credit to Bingley's horsemanship that he was able to catch up to the cousins before the house was in sight. Meryton was far behind them though and the three were well within the estate's boundary when Colonel Fitzwilliam pulled his horse to a halt. Bingley mimicked his actions but Darcy who was right next to his cousin didn't realise that Fitzwilliam had stopped. As a consequence, Darcy stopped in front of them a few seconds later. By then Fitzwilliam had dismounted and was pacing.

"Why did you stop me Darcy?" said Colonel Fitzwilliam.

"I can't stand the sight of scoundrel either, Richard," said Darcy, "But we couldn't have created a scene there."

"Darcy, Fitzwillian! I don't understand," said Bingley, "What is the matter? Why did you storm away "from there in such a hurry?"

"We just saw an old acquaintance," said Colonel Fitzwilliam, "Let's just say neither of us were pleased to see him."

"Now, that would be an understatement," said Bingley.

"You are right, Bingley," said Darcy, "That man was the son of my father's steward and a first class scoundrel."

Bingley sensed there was more to the story but wisely didn't say so. Instead he suggested the go home and relax. The two men welcomed this idea.

'Suddenly, everything seemed different', thought Fitzwilliam. The sky had darkened, as though announcing Wickham's sinister presence. He could almost see Georgiana's pale wan face in front of him. How he wished he could break his jaw!

Miss Bingley fawned at him, but she was no longer the villain she was before, in Fitzwilliam's mind. She was simply a silly lady.

'She has a considerable fortune though,' thought Fitzwilliam, 'she must be warned about Wickham.'

In Longbourn, Mr Collins told Mrs Bennet of his admiration of Mrs Phillips's manners and politeness.

"I think her affability and elegance is second only to Lady Catherine and her daughter," said Mr Collins, "She was most civil to me when we visited her, and she included me in her invitation for tomorrow evening."

"Of Couse she would have included you in her invitation," said Mrs Bennet, "You are the cousin of her nieces, practically family."

"But I wasn't expecting it," said Mr Collins, "I was wondering, if you would mind my visiting Mrs Philips."

"Mind your visiting her," said Mrs Bennet, "Certainly not! Why would you think such a thing?"

"I would mind leaving you and Mr Bennet alone," said Mr Collins.

"I am sure Mr Bennet would not mind, as for me I will miss your company but young people need to have amusements."

"You are the most affable lady of my acquaintance, Mrs Bennet."

"Oh mama, why can't you and papa come along as well," asked Lydia, "then you will see Mr Denny's new friend, he is to be an officer too."

"Yes indeed mama, Mr Wickham is the most handsome," sighed Kitty dreamily, "in front of him Mr Carter looks like an ape."

"La every officer in the militia looks stupid and disagreeable in front of him."

"I wonder if he will come tomorrow, Aunt Philips said he will."

"Uncle Philips will personally invite him. He is bound to come."

The evening of the card party came soon. But not soon enough for Lydia and Kitty. Mary was persuaded to go by Mrs Bennet and she was to keep Mr Collins company. The coach was called to transport them into Meryton. There Mrs Philips greeted them with much enthusiasm.

"My dear girls, I am so glad you all came," said she, "The officers have come too, they are presently with your uncle."

"Is Mr Wickham here as well?" said Lydia.

"Yes my dear, Mr Wickham is here as well."

"That is good for he is the best of them."

"Mrs Philips, I am much surprised by the size of this apartment," said Mr Collins, "Why it is much like the small summer breakfast parlour at Rosings!"

"Surely our apartment is not that small."

"You misunderstand me madam," said Collins immediately, "Rosings Park is the abode of Lady Catherine de Brough. Even the smaller rooms of Rosings are very large. The chimney-piece alone had cost eight hundred pounds and the furniture is exquisite . . .

"Oh dear I suppose I did misunderstand you."

In describing to her all the grandeur of Lady Catherine and her mansion, with occasional digressions in praise of his own humble abode, and the improvements it was receiving, he was happily employed until the gentlemen joined them. Mrs Philips was an attentive listener as much as an avid gossiper she was. She enjoyed conversing with Mr Collins the girls however were bored and waited the arrival of the gentlemen eagerly.

The gentlemen did approach, and when Mr. Wickham walked into the room, ever lady's eyes were fixed on him. He was clearly superior to every gentleman present in the room. When he decided to sit next to Elizabeth, she couldn't help feel pleased.

The conversation in the beginning was simple enough, small talk about weather and roads. What Elizabeth really wished to know was the history of his acquaintance with Mr Darcy but she dared not even mention that gentleman. Her curiosity, however, was unexpectedly relieved. Mr. Wickham began the subject himself.

"Do you know Miss Elizabeth how far Netherfield is from Meryton?"

"About 2 miles, I would say."

"And Mr Darcy how long has he being staying there," Wickham's manner was hesitant.

"About a month," said Elizabeth; and then, unwilling to let the subject drop, added, 'He is a man of very large property in Derbyshire, I understand.'

"Yes," replied Mr. Wickham; "his estate there is a noble one. A clear ten thousand per annum. You could not have met with a person more capable of giving you certain information on that head than myself, for I have been connected with his family in a particular manner from my infancy."

Elizabeth could not but look surprised.

"You no doubt are surprised, Miss Bennet, after seeing how cold Mr Darcy and I were to each other yesterday, it hardly seems we are acquainted let alone intimately connected. His father, Miss Bennet, the late Mr Darcy, was my godfather, one of the best men that ever breathed. His son, it pains me to say, is nothing compaired to him.

Elizabeth was curious and somewhat surprised but cared to mask her features and when Wickham spoke of other subjects she dared not enquire about it any further. And suddenly Wickham changed his track again.

"A military life is not something I wished-for. The church ought to have been my profession—I was brought up for the church, and I should at this time have been in possession of a most valuable living, but for Mr Darcy!"

"Indeed!"

"Yes—the late Mr Darcy bequeathed me the next presentation of the best living in his gift. He meant to provide for me amply, and thought he had done it; but when the living fell, it was given elsewhere."

"Good heavens!" cried Elizabeth; "but how could THAT be? How could his will be disregarded? Why did you not seek legal redress?"

"There was just such an informality in the terms of the bequest as to give me no hope from law. My godfather had hoped his son would honour his wishes, no doubt. But Mr Darcy did not. My crimes I imagine were I spoke too freely against him, too him – injured his pride."

"This is quite shocking!"

And shocking it was to Elizabeth, Mr Darcy didn't seem evil to her. Yet hadn't he said, hinted rather wanting a rich wife with a hefty dowry. Could greed be his flaw?

"I see your cousin is losing," observed Mr Wickham.

Mr Collins was indeed loosing and was giving a long winded speech about it.

"It is a matter of chance, winning or losing however, thanks to Lady Catherine de Brough I need not worry about a mare sixpence."

"Your cousin seems to talk about Lady Catherine quite often", Mr Wickham enquired, "Is he much acquainted with her?"

"Lady Catherine de Bourgh," she replied, "has very lately given him a living. I hardly know how Mr Collins was first introduced to her notice, but he certainly has not known her long."

"You know of course that Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Lady Anne Darcy were sisters; consequently, that she is aunt to the present Mr. Darcy."

"No, indeed, I did not. I knew nothing at all of Lady Catherine's connections. I never heard of her existence till the day before yesterday."

"Her daughter, Miss de Bourgh, will have a very large fortune, and it is believed that she and her cousin will unite the two estates."

Now Elizabeth understood why Mr Darcy talked of dowry and fortune, that evening, he was hinting about his engagement to his cousin. Poor Miss Bingley, though.

She was about to ask more on the subject when Lydia asked Lizzy quite politely not to keep Mr Wickham all to herself. Mary then was persuaded to play the pianoforte and Lydia quickly dragged Mr Wickham to dance with her. Mr Wickham gave Elizabeth an apologetic half smile as he left with Lydia.

All in all, Elizabeth felt charmed but at the same time not fully convinced of Mr Wickham's story. She decided to discuss it with her sister Jane and carry out her own investigations.

A/N: Hey guys sorry for forgetting you all. so do you think this piece is publishable? Please review