Author's Note:
Hey all, apologies that it has been so long between chapters! I've been struggling between two goals - keeping the style of this fanfic as true to the original as possible, or telling an interesting story. I've chosen the latter- so please, no comments about how unlikely things may get in future chapters, or characters are being - it's a sacrifice I'm making to reinvigorate this idea.

Any way - this chapter features inspired conversations from the original P&P AND also one of my favourite scenes from the 1940 film version (starring Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier). I realise that film is not particularly loved by everyone, but I kind of adore it, even if it wasn't very true to the book. Just a heads up for those who might feel outraged by that interpretation and are reminded of it in this chapter ( I do understand - I still can't bring myself to watch Pride & Prejudice & Zombies in full).

Disclaimer- Pride and Prejudice, it's characters and settings are the work of Jane Austen.

Chapter 7
April 1812

Lord and Lady Metcalfe had one of the loveliest estates in the region, second only to Rosings. As Lady Catherine's good friend, it was only natural that the invitation to their garden party was extended to her nephews. Once she had heard that the honour had also been given to the parsonage, her ladyship condescended to have two of her carriages travel between the estates to deliver both parties, bringing many words of praise from Mr Collins on the excessive generosity of both noble families.

The day of the gathering was warm and calm, which made ideal conditions for outdoor entertainment, so that even Elizabeth looked forward to the occasion with some delight. She had successfully avoided Mr Darcy's company for most of the week - there had only been one occasion where he had found her on one of the isolated walks around Rosings and then after an brief but customary exchange, they separated ways. Elizabeth's opposition to his company was tempered by the knowledge that he would be departing from Rosings soon, and she was pleased to have the chance to see Colonel Fitzwilliam once more before he too departed for London.

It seemed to Elizabeth, as they arrived and greeted their hosts, that Mr Collins' pleasure at being invited was not entirely without fault - while the gathering could not be considered intimate, there was no more than thirty persons gathered. Several bright coloured canvas shelters had been arranged on the lawn, with tables and chairs arranged underneath. A game of lawn bowls was in play nearest the tents while other activities were further away. It promised to be an enjoyable affair.

Despite the clear intent for guests to find entertainment in the activities provided, Miss De Bourgh had already been taken to the shaded protection of the tent by Mrs Jenkinson - both the Colonel and Mr Darcy standing nearby, so - once he had finished praising their hosts on the event, the invitation and the fine weather - Mr Collins moved swiftly to join them with Charlotte trailing behind.

Having no wish herself to sit by the dull Miss De Bourgh or be forced to make polite conversation with Mr Darcy, Elizabeth turned instead for the games, and noted with amusement that after a moments hesitation, Maria followed her. Knowing no other guests at the party, they made their way to where Miss Metcalfe and Miss Stewart were playing quoits and were invited to join. The appearance of Mr Collins was incentive enough for both Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr Darcy to, once they had determined the comfort of their cousin, move in the same direction. The Colonel readily became involved the game, making cheerful commentary and offering advice to each player, while the other gentleman kept quietly to one side.

With the entertainment of the company, Elizabeth was quite at ease and even smiled at Mr Darcy when he shifted to stand nearest her. After a few minutes he addressed her quietly, "Are you much recovered now Miss Bennet?"

After acknowledging that she had not been greatly ill in the first place, Elizabeth was reminded again of the favour he had shown the week before. She had barely thought of it all week, except when she related the events to Charlotte along with a request that the books be returned to Rosings when next possible. Charlotte had remarked that she did not think Mr Darcy's attentions to Elizabeth to be very unexpected, but Elizabeth dismissed her comments, as she had any earlier ones when her friend had suggested his interest in her. Now, though she found herself feeling friendly enough towards him to continue, "do you not care to play Mr Darcy?"

"Not at this time, I thank you."

Elizabeth could not help teasing, "is it the childishness of the game you resist, or the engagement in leisure?"

Something unreadable passed over Darcy's countenance and he was silent for a moment. "Neither, though right now I may find as much enjoyment in observation as I would in participation."

He was determined to act in only ways which might better her opinion, and find some manner in which to objectively discuss the subject which he knew likely to become contentious between them. When the game concluded, Miss Metcalfe seized upon the Colonel and demanded he join her and Miss Stewart in seeking refreshments - with Maria trailing behind them. Left together, Darcy knew he should act before Elizabeth found cause to accompany them.

"Perhaps, a game of target practice?" He suggested to her, indicating the archery equipment nearby.

Elizabeth agreed with another smile, "are you a good shot, sir?"

"Tolerable enough."

She laughed then, amused at his choice of words, but did not comment. Despite himself, Darcy delighted in her laughter.

"When I was a young man that is, " he added as they approached the set up. "It has been some years since I used a bow."

"You prefer then, more gentlemanly sports - riding, archery?"

"I would not say that - though perhaps I spend more time on such activity," he replied taking up the bow and testing it's pliancy, "not that I would consider either suggestions to be exclusively for gentlemen - ladies may be develop proficiency with a horse or a bow and arrow."

He took one of the arrows, aimed and released in one swift, practiced movement. While the arrow flew well, it landed on the outer edge of the target board, an invalid shot. Darcy blanched with dismay while Elizabeth attempted to hide her smile.

"A poor attempt," Darcy muttered mostly to himself.

"On the contrary, well done for having such success given you are out of practice."

"Well, as I said - I had enough skill when I first learnt." He turned towards Elizabeth, seeing her arch smile. "And now it is your turn."

He offered the bow to her, though another lay ready on the ground. Retrieving another arrow, Darcy positioned himself at her side and instructed Elizabeth on her posture and preparation. He was in danger, but ignored any conscience thought of it, there was pleasure in having the excuse to be so near her. She followed his directions then loosed the arrow, they both watched it fly to land on the target - a much better shot than his.

"Well done," Darcy murmured, handing her a second arrow. Elizabeth repeated the actions, this time the arrow hit the bullseye, almost in the middle.

"You are correct sir," Elizabeth struggled to contain the amusement in her voice as she took a third arrow from him and released it to an even better position - almost perfectly in the centre of the target, "ladies may be proficient in such sports."

He should have been discomposed by this, but her proximity and bright eyes were diverting enough. "Next time, I think to advise a young lady I will not be so patronizing. I thank you for the lesson."

Elizabeth laughed outwardly again, "thank you for taking it so well. Many a gentleman might have been offended."

"Would you mind telling me, Miss Bennet, " Darcy took the bow from her hands and untied the string. "Why you might wish to offend me?"

"Is that possible Mr Darcy?" Elizabeth's smile faded only slightly, "I thought you were invulnerable? You always look so unconcerned and impassive."

"You may be correct, but you did not answer my question."

"No, I did not," Elizabeth now felt the first spark of contention within her. Why would he persist with such a line of questioning? "Though you have assumed that I have meant to offend, when perhaps I only speak and act to gratify myself, that I care little for your approbation, or indeed of any other persons."

"I do not think you are as conceited as this."

"Though you suspect I would be impertinent enough to actively mean to offend?"

"Not at all," Darcy paused, discouraged by how quickly the ease between them was lost to dispute. His attempt to be amiable and genuine was quickly failing. "I ask only to better understand your motivations, if only to reciprocate the attention you once paid to my character"

"And did you not, at the time, request I immediately conclude such contemplation?" Elizabeth began to walk back towards the rest of the party, while Darcy kept pace with her. "Yes I am certain that was your request, as we dance at Netherfield. Perhaps I should do the same – unless you can account for your original petition - for I am sure you had your reasons."

It had arrived then, his chance to talk about Wickham - it had been, after all, why his mood had turned so sour as they had danced together back in November. At the time, her mention of Wickham's friendship and "varying reports" should have given him some indication as to her feelings as well as what that man might have been saying, but Darcy had been too occupied – the fears of Charles and Miss Bennet had whirled around his mind like a storm, having also been brought to his attention during that very conversation. This reminder was his moment though - he could fulfill the promise he had made Jane Bennet and be done with it all.

But he did not speak of it, for Darcy understood now - no matter his actions or her thoughts on him – Elizabeth was clearly set in an argumentative place against him. Anything he said on the subject would be unsuccessful, she had no reason to trust or believe him.

"Not at all," he finally concluded as they neared other guests, " this has all been supposition for the sake of conversation. You may consider myself un-offended of course, and yourself, entirely inoffensive."

With that he bowed briefly and stalked off to find his cousin to suggest an early departure from the day. His search would be fruitless though, as the Colonel had managed to extricate himself from the younger ladies and was seeking out Elizabeth's company. The appearance of one gentleman quickly removed the unpleasant feeling left by the departure of the other.

The Colonel and Elizabeth sat a short distance from the rest of the party, while he amused her with descriptions of seeking refreshments with the younger ladies.

"Truly," Colonel Fitzwilliam chuckled, "I do not believe I have ever known such exuberance - Miss Metcalfe in particular is quite spirited."

"Then you should not like to meet my younger sisters," Elizabeth observed wryly, "for I am sure you will find them just as lively, if not more!"

The Colonel did not respond, having heard descriptions of the younger Bennet girls from his cousin, which he thought was perhaps too severe. Both he and Darcy were rather used to the timid, obedient behaviour of Georgiana, or the dispassionate presence of Anne De Bourgh, so he expected Darcy to describe any young lady who was a slight more cheerful and active to be overly energetic.

In his silence, Elizabeth found herself once more considering the gentleman before her in comparison to Mr Wickham. The mention of the Netherfield ball with Mr Darcy was enough to bring that gentleman to the shadows of her mind, and now she recalled having heard from his similar sentiments about Lydia and Kitty's characters. Her strange smile caught the Colonel's attention though and he questioned her on it.

"I dare not say," Elizabeth did blush, "for fear of insulting or flattering you, sir."

"Ah, you see - now I must insist you explain, risk my opinion if you must! I simply have to know of what you were thinking just now."

"I was wondering," Elizabeth began slowly, "about the similarities and differences between you and another gentleman. But I will say no more, for there is a chance you know him, and I shall be mortified by the reveal."

"Oh come now," Fitzwilliam assured, "there is little chance of offending me."

When she hesitated still, he continued, "let us make a game of it - it does suit the manner of the day. You shall tell me three things about him, and I will try to guess. If I am correct you must tell me, but if not, you may keep his identity to yourself."

His playfulness engaged Elizabeth enough to agree, and she was silent for a moment considering what three points to share. "He is in the militia, and you have a mutual acquaintance."

She thought over what more she knew of Mr Wickham, attempting to recall a fact which would not obviously give his identity away, realising that her knowledge of the gentleman was actually rather limited given the time since they had been introduced. She was sure that she knew more of Colonel Fitzwilliam, and had been acquainted with him for only this trip. A small feeling of apprehension made itself known, but Elizabeth ignored it for the sake of the Colonel's amusement.

"I cannot think of a third, except for what might make the game too easy," she concluded, somewhat affected, though she could see the Colonel was amused by this. "Instead you are allowed three questions before you make your guess."

Colonel Fitzwilliam thought over this carefully, given the wide society in which he took part, there were many options available. To himself, he listed all the officers and gentleman whom he knew in the militia and wondered whom might have some connection to Hertfordshire.

In mock seriousness he stood and began to pace in front of their chairs, voicing his thoughts to Elizabeth.

"We would not have many gentleman who are mutual acquaintances, that is true – so this would be the better way to narrow the possibilities. There is, of course, your cousin," he teased, stopping to turn and they both observed where Mr Collins was animatedly speaking to Lady Metcalfe. "Which would insult me, I am afraid - and entirely illogical given his profession." He smiled at Elizabeth, "and then as well, there is my cousin."

Again he stopped and they both looked at Mr Darcy who was sternly observing the party from one corner. "Now I admit, it would be a flattery," the Colonel continued, and at Elizabeth's look added, "you doubt me, but I would find it so. "

"This may be also inconsequential I know, for Darcy may have many fine qualities but he has no involvement in the militia - save for knowing others with the career. But now I think I must have poorly understood your second clue – but it brings me to some light."

Colonel Fitzwilliam sat down again and leaned in closer to Elizabeth, "you see Miss Bennet, I thought your clue was that you and I share the gentleman as a mutual acquaintance, when in truth you meant he and I did. But, I can speculate that if you know about this mutual acquaintance, than you must also know them. Do you see?"

"Is that your first question?" Elizabeth teased.

"Not at all!" The Colonel stood again and resumed his pacing, though he did not look at Elizabeth, he continued to speak to her. "Given that- we three, you, I and your secret, must all know one person – perhaps each separately. This I can narrow down to only several persons, given our brief friendship – both Darcy and Mr Collins I may re-include, but also Mrs Collins, her sister, my aunt and my cousin Miss De Bourgh would be, I suspect, the most likely options for this 'mutual acquaintance'. Do you follow me?"

"Is that your first question?"

"No Miss Bennet, my first question in fact is – Do you suspect I know this gentleman through my career, or through that connection?"

Elizabeth smiled at the grandiose manner in which he directed the question to her, and replied, "in truth, I am not sure sir. Though I will agree – you are correct, there is a series of connections between you and me, and him and others. It was my mistake to portray it so simply but perhaps, that speaks of the manner in which I think.."

"Say no more!" The Colonel interrupted clearly enjoying himself, "before you give the game away! Very well, now I can also conjecture that such a person must be known to you through living in or visiting Hertfordshire, for I know, despite your keenness for it, you have rarely traveled outside of that country."

Elizabeth remained silent, so he sat and again appeared mock serious. "So for my second question I must know, what is the last letter of his last name?"

"I do not think that will help you, sir!"

"Regardless, it is what I insist to be told."

"Very well, it is M."

The colonel sat back in his seat, humming 'mmm' repeatedly and chuckling. "Yes, I think you are correct. It is of no help." He seemed now more amused by the manner of his investigation then by the inquiry itself, but Elizabeth was not one to suspend his entertainment.

"You only have one question left, you best use it well."

"I shall have to ask then, for the first letter of his last name."

"Now you are likely to know," Elizabeth commented, "it is a W."

"Ww…mm" Colonel Fitzwilliam now hummed repeatedly, until some realization seemed to dawn on him and the amusement faded from his features. He sat up very tall and frowned in a way Elizabeth had not seen before. "I believe I have it," he finally reported quietly.

Surprised by the change in his mood, Elizabeth's smile also slipped away. "It is as I feared, I have insulted you."

The Colonel was thoughtful still, but turned to her, "before I proceed – I should be certain. Do you… were you thinking of George Wickham?"

At her nod, he smoothly hid any annoyance and assumed a polite countenance. "Do not fear Miss Bennet, I find no fault in you."

"I am sorry to raise the subject though."

"Do not be, I encouraged it after all."

"You must tell me, at least," Elizabeth attempted to return them to the gaiety of a few moments earlier. "How do you know of him – career or connection? Though I suppose the second was rather unfair a clue."

After he admitted he had known Mr Wickham through his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam studied her carefully, "tell me Miss Bennet, of what do you know of the history between Mr Wickham and my friend?"

He glanced a moment at Darcy, as though to ensure that gentleman was still beyond hearing them and Elizabeth felt fully the nerves that had been hinted earlier – she should have not allowed this conversation to take place.

"I do not think it proper to speak of such things, Colonel Fitzwilliam." She spoke quietly, though found the courage to keep looking at him, "it has not involved me after all."

She had spoken before about the matter, or what Mr Wickham had shared with her, repeatedly of course, but it had never been openly discussed with someone who was a connection of Mr Darcy. With some encouragement from the Colonel though, she briefly related her knowledge of old Mr Darcy's will and the manner of Mr Wickham's reduced circumstances.

The Colonel made no comment on any point, and she could see how some rage began to burn within him, though he made efforts to hid his emotions. The reasons for his disquiet she could only guess to be from a feeling of deception on the character of his relation, or a desire to defend Mr Darcy's character against the charge. Regardless, there was such a foreign fury in his countenance it quite alarmed her.

"I now wish I had said nothing at all," she chastised herself and he did attempt a sympathetic smile.

"No, do not make yourself feel any guilt – though I take no pleasure in your comparison, you were not likely to understand the reasons." He stood, offering her an arm, "we should rejoin the party, this subject should not ruin our day."

They walked together in silence, until just before they reached the tent. Colonel Fitzwilliam stopped and spoke to her quietly, "Miss Bennet, you did not feel it was your place to share such a tale, and I must agree - nor is it my place to offer any contradiction, though I know there to be some. I will simply advise that you do not place your trust entirely in a man such as George Wickham."

Elizabeth attempted to ask more information of him, but the Colonel was stubborn enough to refuse her. He led them to the circle of chairs where the rest of their acquaintances were seated, refreshments laid on the table. Though Colonel Fitzwilliam sat beside her and they both join in the conversation around the table, Elizabeth was aware of a difference in his manner towards her now. After some time, almost as though they felt some unspoken signal, the Colonel and Mr Darcy indicated that Miss De Bourgh had tired of the society and should return to Rosings Park. They made brief farewells, but reassured Mr Collins that he should remain with Lady Catherine's other carriage as long as he wished, before entering their own vehicle and leaving.

With those persons removed, Elizabeth had only the younger girls to keep her company, as Mr Collins was kept occupied by attending to Lady Metcalfe, and Charlotte was remaining dutifully by him.

Miss Metcalfe and Miss Stewart were vocal in their disappointment that Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam had to leave to early, while Maria attempted to agree with them. The day was not even half over, and they had been assured by Colonel Fitzwilliam that they would stay through the afternoon. There was more talk of the gentlemen - comparing those that were present, or had been present, with others that Miss Metcalfe and Miss Stewart knew. Their speech was as unrestrained as Elizabeth had heard from her younger sisters, but unfamiliar to poor Maria, who struggled to contribute. For herself, Elizabeth was mostly silent - had she known them better, she would have corrected the girls impropriety, but found some relief in not needing to. Despite their grief over the departure of the most handsome gentleman present, the girls did seemed pleased that they had Elizabeth's attention, however she was not suspicious of any reason why - until Miss Stewart giggled and whispered to Maria, "have you asked her yet?"

Marie paled and replied that she had not. "I have not found any reason to."

When the two other girls whispered that she had promised too, Maria whispered back imploringly. "It is as I said, I am sure you are mistaken - it must be a different man from the one we know." Maria now adjusted her tone, as it was clear Elizabeth could hear them any way. "Though I do not know him well, Lizzy knows Mr Wickham much better than I."

The name could not be mistaken, Elizabeth almost laughed out loud at coincidence of hearing it again.

"Do you really?" Both Miss Metcalfe and Miss Stewart turned to Elizabeth, enthralled and curious, demanding questions of her immediately.

"Is he very handsome? Abigail said he was very handsome and very charming too."

"He is a friend of Mr Darcy was he not? We only wished he might have come on this visit to Kent - imagine if we had had the chance to meet him!"

"Tell us, Miss Bennet - what is he like?"

Elizabeth herself was excessively curious about what might prompt such a subject, Miss Stewart indicated herself the source of it, but would give no further detail until they had heard Elizabeth's opinion of the gentleman. Considering the discussion she had just had with the Colonel, she did not feel easy in such a speech and gave only a vague reply that Mr Wickman was barely more than her acquaintance, but that she had enjoyed his company when it was available to her.

This politeness did not satisfy the younger ladies, and Miss Stewart could then not resist giving her own account of the gentleman, who she was certain to be the same person.

"It must be ten years, or maybe a bit more, but I know all the details as though it were more recent - my sister Abigail, she was unmarried and still at home then, and she met him many times - she told me all the particulars. He was introduced by the son of one of the local families to our town - they were at school together."

Both Miss Metcalfe and Maria appeared captivated by the story, though it was clear to Elizabeth that they had heard the details before. They both sat with wide eyes listening to the other girl.

"Mr Wickam, or as I like to call him 'Mr Wicked'- all his devilish deeds is rather infamous at home! Well, he became engaged to marry Abigail's friend, I think her name was Emma, they were in love you see, but they had to wait. As he was only a student and depended on wealthy benefactor, who was like a father. I believe now that it must have been Mr Darcy's family, but Abigail never knew that part. It was all kept quiet until he could take orders and receive the bequest of a living in the north. Then he promised he would return for her."

At this the girl paused dramatically, and her friend giggled at the anticipation while Maria blushed.

"But he never did! And then Emma was sent away by her family, and Abigail only knew the truth of it all because they were such good friends - Emma wrote to her a few times afterwards. I saw the letters and the lock of hair she had cut from the babe - Abigail told me it was just like Mr Wickham's dark brown curls - except she had a little girl, I think. He does have dark brown curls, does he not?"

At Maria's nod, she continued breathlessly, "it was the ruin of the family, they were humiliated - that is why the story is so known, even though no one openly talks of it, because it is not polite. They had to send their younger daughters away to distant relations to escape having a spoiled reputation and the only brother was injured, because he tried to duel Mr Wickham and lost - so when he died the parents left town as well. Today their home is empty - abandoned! And Abigail was not sure what became of Emma or the family after that - she does not like to talk about it often."

Elizabeth sat in shock as the two girls spoke as though they were discussing the plot of some gothic-romance novel - the more details they gave, the more she wanted to deny it as possible. Maria was now very flushed and she turned to Elizabeth expectantly, "you do not believe it could be the same Mr Wickham we have met Lizzy? Surely it must be another!"

"Yes, it might," Elizabeth finally admitted, despite her uncertainty. "Wickham may be a common enough name, or even an alias - which would make the behavior more reprehensible - I quite pity the poor girl and her family. But we cannot be sure it is the same gentleman that we have met."

Miss Stewart waved her hand dismissively at this, "they should have taught their daughter to be more careful. It's something of a parable now - mothers and older sisters whisper it only - beware men like Mr Wicked, they will break your heart and set you, and all you love, on a path of ruin!"

Elizabeth wanted to ask Miss Stewart about more details of the story but knew such topics were imprudent enough, she did not care to be seen taking an interest in the matter. Catching Maria's arm, she excused them from the company of Miss Metcalfe and Miss Stewart.
"We should not participate in this conversation further," she advised Maria as they walked away, in the direction of where Charlotte stood. "It is not a proper subject."

"But Lizzy," Maria worried, "what if it is the Mr Wickham who is currently in Meryton? What shall we do?"

Elizabeth could not reply, for she did not know.