This is my take on what would have happened if the second meeting between Elizabeth and George Wickham had been different. In addition to that, it has morphed in the process of writing it into a story that widens the reader's aperture from the usual Darcy and Elizabeth center to the people whose lives are effected by their actions.

Excerpt from the original-

Jane Austen P&P

But the attention of every lady was soon caught by a young man, whom they had never seen before, of most gentlemanlike appearance, walking with another officer on the other side of the way. The officer was the very Mr. Denny concerning whose return from London Lydia came to inquire, and he bowed as they passed. All were struck with the stranger's air, all wondered who he could be; and Kitty and Lydia, determined if possible to find out, led the way across the street, under pretense of wanting something in an opposite shop, and fortunately had just gained the pavement when the two gentlemen, turning back, had reached the same spot. Mr. Denny addressed them directly, and entreated permission to introduce his friend, Mr. Wickham, who had returned with him the day before from town, and he was happy to say had accepted a commission in their corps. This was exactly as it should be; for the young man wanted only regimentals to make him completely charming. His appearance was greatly in his favour; he had all the best part of beauty, a fine countenance, a good figure, and very pleasing address. The introduction was followed up on his side by a happy readiness of conversation—a readiness at the same time perfectly correct and unassuming; and the whole party were still standing and talking together very agreeably, when the sound of horses drew their notice, and Darcy and Bingley were seen riding down the street. On distinguishing the ladies of the group, the two gentlemen came directly towards them, and began the usual civilities. Bingley was the principal spokesman, and Miss Bennet the principal object. He was then, he said, on his way to Longbourn on purpose to inquire after her. Mr. Darcy corroborated it with a bow, and was beginning to determine not to fix his eyes on Elizabeth, when they were suddenly arrested by the sight of the stranger, and Elizabeth happening to see the countenance of both as they looked at each other, was all astonishment at the effect of the meeting. Both changed colour, one looked white, the other red. Mr. Wickham, after a few moments, touched his hat—a salutation which Mr. Darcy just deigned to return. What could be the meaning of it? It was impossible to imagine; it was impossible not to long to know.

In another minute, Mr. Bingley, but without seeming to have noticed what passed, took leave and rode on with his friend.

The party continued to Mrs. Phillip's home and there were many embarrassing entreaties endured on Elizabeth's part for the gentlemen to stay from Lydia and even one shout through the window on the part of her Aunt. Mr. Collins preened and pranced for the officers as well, boring them with his account of a young officer in his home parish. Elizabeth doubted they were listening to Mr. Collins over the protests of Lydia. They soundly declined coming in but promised to return the next evening for a small party. In the foyer, while Mr. Collins ingratiated himself with Mrs. Phillips in his most obsequious manner, Elizabeth pulled Jane aside and asked if she had seen the tension between the two gentlemen.

Jane replied, "I did not notice Mr. Darcy's countenance on the occasion, but I did notice Mr. Wickham. It is ungracious of me to say so but I can describe his sneer in no better words than grotesque. It seems to me as if they are not in one another's good favor."

Replying with a smile Elizabeth said, "Yes, I suspect that they are not. You strive be kind even in the most obviously unkind situations. I cannot help but wonder what has passed between them. Mr. Darcy is not a soldier or associated with the military so they must have known one another in the past." With this lingering thought, she and Jane were recalled to the present conversation and as Mr. Collins had exhausted all of his compliments in the quarter hour introductory visit, they took their leave and returned to Longbourn.

After another dull evening only brightened by the unspoken twinkling humor in Elizabeth's eyes and Mr. Bennet's whenever they met while Mr. Collins droned on, Elizabeth retired to her room. Jane was occupied downstairs with Mary helping to translate her latest obscure Greek text and Elizabeth was suddenly glad that her accomplishments included only a cursory knowledge of Greek and not a "thorough knowledge." She laughed to herself again at Caroline's obvious pandering to Mr. Darcy. She wondered if the woman enjoyed living such an obsequious or if it bored her to tears and she just wanted Mr. Darcy's fortune.

Mrs. Hill came in to drop some linens off for the next day and interrupted her thoughts. The Hills had been with their family since before Elizabeth could remember and she trusted Mrs. Hill more than her mother in cases that required sensitivity in particular. Since she was no longer a child or young girl she knew that lines of distinction were necessary between herself and Mrs. Hill but in her private dealings with her she was authentic and open. It was not a surprise when she asked a very forthright question of her, "Hill, did you hear we made a new acquaintance today, Mr. George Wickham?"

"Yes ma'am, I did. Mr. Collins was speaking rather loudly at dinner." She replied. Hill was used to the second Miss Bennet's unusual inquiries and had even come to rely on her frankness. Elizabeth was a very forward woman but she never questioned Mrs. Hill without reason or for the purpose of gossip. Her questions and their respective answers usually resulted in families being well cared for on their estate and servants being given time off or advanced pay to attend to personal issues. She was an observant and empathetic mistress who, now that Mrs. Hill thought of it, filled the role as feminine complement to a land owner much more fittingly than Mrs. Bennet who seemed only to care for the future marriages of her daughters. Of course, with five daughters and very little independent fortune she could understand why those thoughts were necessary.

Elizabeth went on, "I would like to know more about him. He and another gentleman of our recent acquaintance, Mr. Darcy, shared a look that does not speak favorably to one or the other of them. As Lydia seems intent on flirting with every officer who comes to Meryton I feel it is my duty to be informed. Do you think you can find out the usual information for me?"

"Very likely ma'am. The regiment is much talked about in Meryton and Mr. Hill and I have a small family gathering with my sister in town this very evening after you all retire. She has announced her engagement to Mr. Truslow."

Elizabeth smiled with a twinkle in her eye, "Has she Hill? Your arrangements are masterly- you recommend the pair if I remember correctly! I rather think it has been a long time coming. Do you recall the way they danced at the assembly? It seemed your sister was the only woman in the room to Mr. Truslow. They will be happy and I wish them happy. Please give them my regards and felicitations."

Mrs. Hill, sharing Elizabeth's conspiratorial smile, responded, "I will ma'am," and without any more conversation she curtsied and left. Elizabeth laughed to herself and thought, "Between Hill and Mama no woman wishing to be left alone would remain single above a year in Meryton!"

It was late when Mrs. Hill and her husband arrived at her old childhood home. Putting the Bennet ladies to bed was no easy task and she ordinarily did not voluntarily stray from Longbourn after this was complete. It was uncharacteristic of her, but she had also left quite a few tasks undone before she left. Her excuse to herself was that she was struck with nostalgic memories of her courtship with her own "dear Hill" and Fanny's joy at her engagement was infectious. In actuality it was nice to have a break even if it meant hard work later.

Mrs Hill's sister, Fanny Albright, the baby of the Albright family, was not young at twenty-nine but she was vivacious, sharp witted and spontaneous. She apprenticed and worked for many years in the family bakery until the family matriarch passed and she was then educated in an all girls school. She was almost equally as known for her skills as a baker as she was for her wit and intelligence and unorthodox behavior. For the last eight years she had run the family bakery at a profit to the astonishment of the neighborhood. Physically she had a short stature, fiery red hair and a full buxom figure which had distracted more than one young lad as she bent over the oven to retrieve their bread. Her features were relatively plain when not touched with a smile but only rarely was she without her smile. Fanny was a merry sort and found even the smallest oddities worth laughing at. Though she never flirted, many of the more matronly farmer's wives who visited town huffed that she smiled and laughed too much at their sons.

Three days prior to this night, Fanny had walked over to Longbourn to tell her sister of her engagement. She had circled around the stables to the back kitchen door and rapped confidently on the door. Mr. Hill opened and on seeing her in the courtyard said, "Miss Fanny it has been a long time since you've visited us. Is Jacob too busy to deliver or did you rather like the idea of a walk in this fine weather today?"

"Why both of course dear brother! The dry and mild weather has made particularly fine bread and fine walks, but I will not bore you with talk of yeast and dalliance, I'm here to invite you and my sister to a small party at my house this week. Can you guess why?"

Mr. Hill racked his brain to remember if he had forgotten her birthday. He began to take on a bit of an embarrassed look when Fanny laughed at him and said, "You sir are quite the best kind of brother. I bet I could convince you that you had forgotten my birthday at least twice a year and you would be none the wiser and three times as kind and generous in your gifts." She paused to laugh again and he joined her, knowing she was right.

"No, I will not and cannot keep you in suspense or my news hidden. Mr. Truslow and I are to be married!"

Mr. Hill smiled a hearty smile and said, "He's been head over ears for you since the harvest party last fall. I only wonder that he took this long."

From the kitchen, Fanny heard a loud voice say, "Now John, you know that he was over mortgaged until three months ago and that Fanny would not have him! Stubborn girl!"

John smiled at Fanny, "Your sister, Meryton's most informed banker and gossip." Raising his voice he said, "Darling, do you want to come wish your sister happy or are you pouring over the accounts of the most eligible bachelors in town in there?"

She growled back as she appeared, "I'll pour something over you John if you keep it up!"

"Only make it the sweet molasses of your kisses darling," he said with a wink and then excused himself to the stables.

Fanny smiled and said, "With such a picture of conjugal bliss before me I fear I'm not up to the task of marriage!"

Mrs. Hill swatted her arm and then they shared a warm embrace as Mrs. Hill conveyed her delight at the news of her engagement and her wishes that Fanny's married life would be as fulfilling as her own.

In reality Mr. and Mrs. Hill were well suited for one another. Sarah Albright had been his sweetheart when they were children, they were married at nineteen when John had finally established himself, and they knew one another perhaps better than they knew themselves. They shared similar pursuits in their spare time and were both easy and relaxed about the ebb and flow of life. The only pain in their wedded life came from the fact that they could not have children and their situation at Longbourn had alleviated that pain. John had been a farmer on the estate but Mr. Bennet, in one of his rare empathetic moments, had offered them the respective positions as ladies maid and stable hand after Mrs. Hill's fourth miscarriage. At the time, Miss Bennet was only two years old and the Hills frolicked and enjoyed each Bennet child as they came, though, like many after them, they favored the two eldest daughters and nursed and cared for them as they would have their own children.

The sisters parted with tears and smiles on both sides and Mrs. Hill promised she would be at Fanny's engagement party no matter what time the work at home was wrapped up. Now that the night had arrived she was truly elated for her sister. There were not many women of her station and situation with the good luck to marry at the age of twenty-nine. Sarah had all but given up Fanny to the ranks of old maid, vivacious or not. She had to be fair though, for Mr. Truslow was lucky to have gained Fanny. He had been widowed two years hence and many thought him much more fortunate in his choice of a second wife. Fanny brought out a liveliness in him that he thought his first wife had henpecked out of him.

Mr. and Mrs. Hill had received permission from Mr. Bennet to borrow the carriage and when they alit they were greeted by Fanny and a friend of hers from the bakery. They were welcomed inside and it was indeed a small intimate party. Only Fanny and her betrothed, the Hills and a couple friends and family. They made a small group of twelve and when one of the other farmers pulled out a fiddle, they had a merry time dancing and laughing. It was not until near two in the morning when Mr. Truslow announced his intention of leaving and volunteered to escort some of the other ladies home and ride with the remaining gentlemen until their paths split to their respective farms. He kissed Fanny's hand and stared into her eyes as close as he dared and then pulled himself away. As she sighed at his departure and the remaining guests lingered and chatted, Mrs. Hill pulled her aside, "Fanny you have heard and seen, no doubt, much of the new regiment in town. What do you know of George Wickham?"

Fanny's expression changed and she was not smiling as she said, "Interesting that you should ask me about that so-called gentlemen."

Sarah was surprised. It was rare for Fanny not to find humor in a character, especially new characters. She was gifted with a wonderful ability to make a caricature of those new to her in particular.

"This is odd sister, why do you use such harsh terms for him? Surely you do not know him from somewhere?"

Fanny continued to look cold and said, "I do not know him personally. Of course I have met him in the shop, but I know of him and I know that though he may appear to be a gentlemen of some caliber, not all that glitters is gold. His show, I fear, is not his substance. I hate to keep something from you dear sister but I'm truly not at liberty to share the truth for it is not my secret to share. I will say this however, he has already run up quite a bill of credit among the business network in town and I fear that it will come to naught for many of us."

Mr. Hill responded, "Oh dear. Well, I shan't press you for more details. You have told me enough. I'm sorry to have injected your evening with what I fear is a bit of poisonous thought. One knows so little of new acquaintances."

"Indeed sister," she said and then she relaxed into a smile, "but have no fear. No one person could dampen my spirits for I love and am loved and as the good book says, 'love covers a multitude of sins' so I will apply that to your sin this evening in bringing up that mean snake."

"Ha! You don't recall my engagement party do you? You were only five at the time and you ran through the house singing nursery rhymes about me and John kissing up and down the lane. I can match your 'covered sins' you minx."

They laughed and shared more anecdotes and then Mr. Hill interrupted them and insisted they get back home. Eight would come awfully early and he knew his wife would wake earlier to finish the things she had had left undone tonight. Their short ride was shared in amiable silence with the exception of one observation from Mrs. Hill, "Husband, I have the feeling that we are in for some interesting times ahead. What with Mr. Bingley and his decided interested for Miss Bennet, Mr Collins and his poppycock- you know he can only be here for one reason, and the rather colorful regiment about. We shall sit back and watch the story unfold shan't we?"

Back in Fanny's home, Fanny undressed and was about to get into bed for an early morning herself when she diverted to her writing desk and wrote,

My Dear Mrs. Annesley,

You asked me write to you should I ever hear a "certain person" spoke of or by chance, encounter him in our small corner of the kingdom. Oddly I have had the misfortune of both in the last day. He presented himself with a group of officers in my shop this morning. I will save you the details of my set down at his none too subtle hint concerning my "thick loaves." Though you did not give me particulars, he is every bit as vulgar and foul as you described him. My sister also had occasion to ask me about him and I fear that she rarely asks such questions of her own bidding but usually at the bidding of one of the Bennets. Were our perfidious "friend" to weasel his way into their hearts my sister would be devastated. I wonder if you might speak a word to your master on this occasion since you have hinted that he knows the gentleman- only if you feel it is appropriate for you are always the soul of appropriateness and manners.

Oh yes, and, I'm engaged! He is most worthy and quite the gentlemen.

How is your current charge? No doubt she grows lovelier by the day. I did hear her spoken of as the "loveliest lady of my acquaintance" in the shop a few days back when a Miss Bingley and her sister stopped by. My, how the world seems so small sometimes.

I am so happy. Write back soon. I would enjoy your advice on matrimony as well.

Yours, truly,

Fanny Albright (soon, Truslow!)

Once dusted and dried, Fanny folded and sealed the letter, climbed into bed and fell fast asleep to dream lover's dreams and sleep with the blissful feel of Mr. Truslow's lips on her hands.