Hello again! I know it's been ages since my last chapter and I'm really sorry for the delay; I suffered a bit from writer's block, not because I didn't have the ideas in place, but because I had difficulty expressing them. Anyway, thank you for your reviews and support since they fuel my work and help me through these periods :)

Thanks to the anonymous reviewers: Queenofthetower (thank you so much! that is extremely kind of you, I'm so happy you like my style, I try to incorporate some of Austen's flow, so if you like it, I'm quite happy. I'm also glad the story's exciting so far, I hope it remains that way :) ), Daniella (well, you'll have to read and see :) and thank you, I'm flattered you think so), Guest1 (sorry to hear that, maybe come back another time and try it again), Guest2 (thanks, I'm glad you think so).

I am curious to hear your thoughts on the new chapter and as always, enjoy!

- 6 -

It cannot be supposed by any person who has suffered some degree of pain in public that Elizabeth's visit at Aunt Phillips' was borne very well. The other sisters found enough leisure in observing their aunt's reaction to the formidable Mr. Collins. Lizzy sat rather demurely and spoke little which was not at all her usual manner. If her aunt observed her, which was unlikely, given that Mr. Collins had monopolized her attention, she did not let it show. Jane, of course, was apt to worry on her sister's account but could not exhibit any change in demeanour, for then inquiries would be made into why two Bennet women were looking so glum.

Now we must address a few words about Elizabeth's distress, but not too many, so as not to exhaust the reader.

The vast majority of Meryton's dwellers were acquainted, by sight or sound, with the handsome George Wickham. He had been stationed in that town before and had run the reputation of a dandy, but a country dandy, not a city dandy, and one who was prone to geniality rather than conceit. His dress was different from the other officers', his pipe looked different from the other officers' and even his whiskers were cut differently from the other officers'. Yet, he did not belong to any club, he was not spoken of as a man of great fashion, nor could he aspire to fashionable connections and, therefore, his dandishness was seen as the eccentricity of a passing youth. He had, at the time of his first being stationed, turned quite a few female heads, but no attachment had been formed. Opinions were divided on that; some believed he was a man of sense who would wait till he had enough rank and wealth to marry, others, more mean-spirited thought he would wait for someone with enough rank and wealth to marry him. In all regards, however, he was not considered a mercenary fellow, merely a cautious one. And a cautious gallant was to be desired in a small town such as Meryton.

Therefore, no one suspected or considered that a man with such high hopes and ambitions had, at some time in the past, been seriously entangled with one of Mr. Bennet's daughters. A fine gentleman though he was, he could not offer them more than three hundred pounds each and Wickham was surely sensible of that. He had been seen in the Bennet ladies' company, but he had not favoured them in particular over other young women.

In fact, rumour had been much more prevalent in the direction of one Mary King, an heiress of 10.000 pounds who depended on an uncle in Liverpool. It was said Wickham had been strongly opposed by this very uncle; otherwise, he may have succeeded in wooing Miss King.

And yet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. George Wickham had had occasion to meet and the latter had had occasion to make the former sensitive to his charms.

But I'm afraid it is Lizzy and Wickham who will gradually reveal this mystery and each shall have their say in the matter.

Darcy had known from the beginning that Bingley would delay and eventually forget to invite the Bennets to dine at Netherfield Park. It was no ill will from his friend; it was simply that Charles was far too impetuous in his actions and generous with his promises. He meant to do everything and managed to do little, as a result. However, he found it amusing that instead of the Bennets, who should have been the likelier candidates, the dinner guests the following afternoon were none other than Mr. Denny and the elegant officer who had made such an impression on the female party the day previous.

Caroline Bingley was certainly doing her best to act indifferent, but Darcy noticed that she came down that day dressed with much more care than was her wont. Louisa, who had not been present at the chance meeting in the street, also dressed with more zeal than usual. Mr. Hurst did not duly notice.

When Mr. Denny and his friend made their entrance at last they were received with cold cordiality from the two sisters, but that soon dissipated when the party transpired into the dining room.

"I suppose we should let Mr. Wickham choose the best mutton leg, as reward for retrieving my handkerchief," Caroline quipped halfway through the second course.

"Indeed, you are most kind to bestow upon me such honour. If I may, I shall pray you lose more handkerchiefs, Madam."

This he replied with a gracious smile, but otherwise, no other exchange occurred between the two during dinner.

Mr. Wickham spoke less, at first, to allow the masters of the house independence of speech; he politely contrived to ask Charles more of his stay in Hertfordshire and even encouraged Mr. Hurst to talk of his business. Darcy noticed his efforts and silently commended them, but wondered whether Mr. Wickham was not saving his vocal cords for a better performance during tea in the drawing room.

Darcy's assumptions were both confirmed and denied when they retired for tea; Mr. Wickham spoke more animatedly to the ladies and exchanged little jokes with Mr. Denny about their regiment, but he was still cautious in his manners. He seemed to understand that the party in which he had been received was a cut above him. His friend showed much more enthusiasm at being regarded with special consideration by Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst, but it was Mr. Wickham who seemed to appreciate the honour to its right degree.

As the evening wore on, Caroline found herself in front of the pianoforte and Louisa proposed they sing a duet. Mr. Denny stood by their side to turn the pages, if his help should be needed. Charles was delighted with the arrangement and heaped the three with compliments. Mr. Hurst clapped his hands to the music rather clumsily as he fought the sleep from his eyes. Darcy had put his book down and stood up to listen to the ladies and he soon found that Mr. Wickham had joined him.

"I beg your pardon, Sir. We have not had the chance to speak since our meeting on the streets of Meryton and I'm afraid that was cut rather short."

Darcy found he could not answer his polite beckoning without remembering the reason for which it was cut short. His mind's eye quickly recalled Elizabeth Bennet's change of demeanour and Mr. Wickham's surprise.

"Yes, Meryton is small, I'm afraid, and we run into acquaintances," he replied evenly, wondering if the man would reveal his connection to the Bennets.

"You are, then, well-acquainted with the Bennet family?"

"We have known them for a short while, but Charles has befriended them quickly."

"Yes, your friend Mr. Bingley can't help but be liked wherever he goes. I suppose he made himself amiable to the daughters, too."

"They were kind enough to take care of him during an illness which had the better of him while he was under their roof," Darcy answered with some hesitation.

Mr. Wickham nodded his head sagaciously. "They are very charming young ladies."

Darcy turned his head to look at his companion.

"I take it you are also acquainted with them."

Mr. Wickham smiled in a self-deprecating manner. "Of course. It would be artful of me to deny it. It can't have escaped you that at least some of the ladies recognized me on the street."

"One lady in particular seemed affected," Darcy spoke after some moments.

He thought he heard Mr. Wickham sigh, but the ladies' singing made it impossible to tell.

"Yes, one lady in particular was, I daresay. I feel I ought to explain her conduct, for her sake more than mine. The lady and I did not part as friends the last time I was stationed here, although I sorely wish we had. It seems time has not made the memory any less potent and Miss Bennet is still disinclined to forgive my youthful passion. I was hoping – but I've spoken too much already. I must not be mistaken for making confidences, Mr. Darcy. I only mean to protect her. I confess I am also curious to know how the Bennets are faring, since I may not visit them at my leisure."

Darcy was taken aback by the officer's speech. He had already inferred there had been some disagreement between the young man and the lady in question, but he had not supposed it was something of so serious a nature as Mr. Wickham's sober tone seemed to imply. He was not inquisitive by nature, but his curiosity was piqued, and so was his unease at the prospect of finding out something that he was not supposed to.

"They are faring well, but I cannot vouchsafe for the state of their affairs as neither I nor Charles is intimate enough with the family."

Mr. Wickham nodded his head once more as if any word Darcy could utter was already known to him.

"Certainly. You see, it was only the curiosity of an old friend. I am terribly sorry for inconveniencing you."

"There has been no inconvenience. I must admit your words took me by surprise."

"I have a bad habit, you see, of betraying myself, as concerns old acquaintances. And I'm afraid I've also betrayed Miss Bennet by mentioning her."

"You have hardly done that."

"I shall, if I go any further."

Darcy was tempted to tell him not to go any further at all if he felt ill at ease, but at the last moment, he remained silent.

"At any rate, I am glad they are doing well. I hope the next time that young lady and I should meet, she feels more benevolent towards me."

"If your offence was small, she may," Darcy replied judiciously.

"My offence was indeed great, in her eyes, at least. You have seen her discomfort at the mere sight of me. But I do not wish to affect your regard for her person or any Bennet in your company."

"I don't suppose I shall think differently of the matter, as I do not have a habit of making assumptions or confabulating on such matters," Darcy replied sternly.

Mr. Wickham was quick to repair his address.

"I beg pardon, I did not mean it as an offence, Sir. That is the furthest thing from my mind. I hope I did not appear opaque in my manners. I would never dare call your judgement superficial. You seem a gentleman I may speak plainly to. I was a close friend to this young woman. Perhaps there could have been a more favourable union between us, but alas, the lady did not accept my hand and it is a very good thing she didn't, for as you can see, I am still only an officer. She showed very good judgement in that. But I shall say no more of it. Now that you know, I trust you do not mind my inquiries."

"I did not mind them before and I do not mind them now," Darcy spoke in the absence of a more substantial speech. He was a man who liked to think over what someone told him and so he did now. He might have done the same thing had he been in Miss Bennet's shoes, and yet, this young officer was soon bound to be made captain and seemed the brightest of his regiment. A gentleman's daughter certainly could do better, but how much better? A red coat was not an ideal husband, but not one to be shunned by the second daughter of a large family.

"Yet," Darcy added after some moments, "that hardly explains why Miss Bennet seems displeased with your presence still. If you have given up pursuit, then she must know your matrimonial inclinations no longer concern her."

At that moment, Caroline rose from the pianoforte and Louisa followed suit. They both bowed as Mr. Denny and Charles clapped energetically. Mr. Hurst woke up from his slumber and rose in a state of confusion.

"Oh, yes, wonderful, wonderfully played," he echoed quickly, making a show of his keenness.

Darcy was still waiting for an answer from Mr. Wickham, but they both applauded and spoke words of praise for the two ladies.

When the excitement died down, Louisa took her sister's place at the pianoforte and Caroline was led by Mr. Denny on a stroll around the room.

"Yes, my account may not give a reason for her present discomfort," Mr. Wickham continued now in a voice much lowered. "But I'm afraid that if I went any further, I would be making confidences, after all."

No more was said between the two, but Darcy was left with the feeling that Mr. Wickham might be approached again and the truth would be obtained from him quickly. He seemed a man eager to vent his troubles to a willing ear. Darcy did not think of himself as a particularly curious man. Indeed, he despised the vulgarities of gossip. Yet, as he went up to his room that evening to write his letter to his wife, he could not help but wonder about the friendship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Wickham.

Although there were many words exchanged between Jane and Lizzy on the subject of a particular officer, in the bosom of her family Elizabeth found she could put her displeasure aside, for there was now the Netherfield Ball to be talked of. There was also Mr. Bingley's short visit which required careful debate. After their meeting in Meryton the previous day, he had called on them as he had promised, late in the afternoon, and he had invited them to the ball in person. He had been as cheerful and obliging as if no time at all had passed since his staying with them, but the exact amount of warmth in his tone and expressions could not be properly measured since the ladies of the house were plagued by Mr. Collins' presence and they could not speak freely in his company.

Mr. Collins had also been invited to the Netherfield Ball and felt justified in demanding advice on such an occasion from the female party. Still, there were many allusions made to Jane's prospects that never caught his ear and many arguments fought and won silently over the exact nature of Mr. Bingley's attachment, veiled as innocent remarks on dress and ribbons, so that Lizzy found herself moderately occupied.

In the privacy of her chamber however, she sat in the window alcove and sighed with some despondency. Her nature was not sullen and she rarely liked to be idle, but she required such moments of introspection so she could return downstairs amiable and pleasant.

Jane had been worried that her sister might take to her bed.

"Oh, Jane! You must think me very frail. I may protest his being here, but I shall not lose my wits over a thing like this. I am in command of my feelings and I choose where to stay or go. I can very well remove myself from any place that he shall frequent."

"But what if he is to come to the Netherfield Ball?"

"It is likely, but then, that house is so very large and the ballroom will be full enough that I may avoid him altogether. And if I cannot, I shall be brave and not speak unless spoken to. He will not dare to address me."

Jane promised her she would not abandon her and stay by her side throughout the ball.

"Heavens no! I have Charlotte for that. You must dance with Mr. Bingley. He will be terribly disappointed if he sees you nursing me all night long."

"I do not care for his disappointment as much as I care for you," Jane spoke with much feeling.

"I shall be much happier if you care more about his disappointment. In that way, both parties are pleased," Elizabeth replied wryly.

Jane laughed, shaking her head. "You mean to tease me."

"Not at all. I mean to be honest. And you should not suppose I won't be dancing either, simply because Wickham might be there. Let him avoid me, not I him."

Jane took her sister in her arms.

"You are exceedingly brave, Lizzy."

"I fear I am just the opposite, but one cannot tell the difference. In any case, I am comforted the neighbourhood will remember but little of our relation to Wickham. I could not afford another public display after the Meryton assembly."

"No, I daresay you are still not forgiven for rejecting poor Mr. Darcy," Jane replied, smiling.

"I shall never live it down."

"But I believe Miss King will take your place," Jane continued with some apprehension. "She may not be safe from gossip."

Lizzy nodded sadly. "Yes. Mary King will have the hardest of it."