Elizabeth was awake earlier than usual, and with dreams of her dances with Mr. Darcy still on her mind she hurried through her toilette. Passing through the kitchen for a snack to take with her, she was on her way to Oak Mount within an hour. As she got closer to her destination she wondered if Mr. Darcy would be waiting for her, as Elizabeth had practically invited him to find her that morning, and while he did not seem to be shocked at the assembly perhaps a good night's sleep made him reconsider. Hoping her worry was in vain, Elizabeth climbed the last rocks that led to the beautiful view she had adored since childhood. These rocks and tree branches were her old friends and had provided a safe haven when the family chaos became too much; she had never brought anyone to this special place.

Upon arriving to his chamber last night Darcy instructed his valet Roberts to wake him two hours before sunrise and have his riding clothes ready. After ten years of service to Mr. Darcy, Roberts knew better than to question his master and went to work on having everything ready for an early morning. Within an hour of waking Darcy was fully clothed and leaving his room, in order to avoid a certain lady he chose to leave through the servant's staircase making the trip to the stables shorter.

Darcy asked the stable boy for directions to Oak Mount as he mounted Poseidon and reminded himself not to rush as it would not due to meet Miss Elizabeth covered in sweat. Finally he arrived at a small grouping of Willow trees, finding it easier to continue on foot he tied his mount to a tree out of the way and climbed to the top of the hill.

Reaching the top Darcy realized he was the first to arrive, the view was expansive as you could see a good portion of the county and being the beginning of fall most of the land was still green. He understood why Miss Elizabeth would enjoy this little retreat.

As Darcy was staring into the distance Elizabeth arrived and was taken aback at the sight of Mr. Darcy in her haven, he was relaxing against her favorite tree and appeared unaware of her presence. She paused for a few moments to examine this man who had intruded her dreams the night before. He was tall, well dressed, and undoubtedly handsome; but outside of the social setting he was also less rigid and seemed younger. It was obvious that Mr. Darcy was shy and maybe he needed to freedom of the outdoors to show his true nature; it was time for Elizabeth to test her theory.

"Good morning Mr. Darcy" he was clearly shocked to see her so suddenly and required a moment before he bowed and greeted Elizabeth. "Are you enjoying our Hertfordshire sunrise? Our society might be somewhat limited but our nature is quite a sight, at least compared to the chaos of London."

Darcy was happy to let Elizabeth lead the conversation as he was still taking in the sight of her in the early morning light. She was wearing a simply green morning dress with little decorations, a cream bonnet trimmed in green ribbon, and a small garnet cross. Her cheeks were pink from the exercise and her eyes shone. If Darcy had any lingering doubts about this breach in propriety this quieted all of them in an instant; she was a vision.

"Good morning Miss Elizabeth. You are correct the sun rise in London is nothing compared to what you experience in the countryside. It is one of the many advantages of being out of town; as I mentioned last night I am shy by nature and much prefer to spend my time at my estate with my sister. We are both fond of the outdoors and enjoy a long ride. Do you ride Miss Elizabeth?"

Mr. Darcy spoke rather quickly and Elizabeth delighted in the idea that he was nervous to see her again. "I do not ride at all, my father made a few attempts over the years but I was just not meant to be on a horse. Walking has always taken me where I want to go. Your sister I assume is a great horsewomen."

"Georgiana has been riding since she was five and now at fifteen is quite accomplished. But I believe we both enjoy the sport because it allows us solitude in the outdoors. I hope that my aunt is able to help her in all the ways I am not able to; I have failed her on many occasions." The last sentence he nearly whispered and Elizabeth wasn't sure the comment was meant for her sake or his own.

"Mr. Darcy your face shows the same concern and pain I saw last night when I introduced you to Mr. Wickham. While I know you plan on speaking to my father later, is there a part of your history you might feel comfortable sharing?" Elizabeth was unsure if her remarks were too bold.

Mr. Darcy took a deep breath, he must be honest with Miss. Elizabeth however he knew without first speaking to her father his story must be appropriately vague "Miss. Elizabeth, I have known Mr. Wickham most of my life. His father was our steward and a very respectable man; my father allowed us to play together as children and we formed a bond of sorts. When I was 10 and Wickham 12 his father died suddenly. My father, out of respect for his loyal steward, provided Mr. Wickham with a gentleman's education from Eton through Cambridge. We roomed together and it was clear that Mr. Wickham was an uninterested student at best, he preferred gambling to lectures, and at the end barely completed his education. When my father passed a living was left to Mr. Wickham; knowing that he was unlikely to calm his lifestyle and accept the living I offered the value of the living instead. He was happy to accept the large sum and was on his way. Last summer we ran into one another again under less fortunate circumstances. These circumstances must be discussed with your father and I believe it is best to stop my story Miss. Elizabeth. You do not know me well but I will speak to your father along with my cousin to assure Mr. Wickham's character is known to the community." After revealing so much of himself to Miss. Elizabeth he sat down on a rock close by and waiting for her response, unsure of what to expect.

Elizabeth took a few moments to take in all the information Mr. Darcy had given her; Mr. Wickham had only been her acquaintance for few short weeks but in that time he seems solicitous, easy in company, and over all likeable. Her youngest two sisters favored the handsome officer and she was shocked to realize he had managed hide so much of his character. "Mr. Darcy I thank you for trusting me with this portion of your history with Mr. Wickham. I know you are uncomfortable delving deeper into your reasons for not trusting the man until speaking with my father. I can appreciate what was not said in your brief story. My father may enjoy his daughter's silliness but he would never allow us to be in the company of a man who was not above repute. Perhaps it is time for us to return to our respective houses; I have dallied a bit longer than is my want and will soon be expected at breakfast."

"You are absolutely correct Miss. Elizabeth; my cousin is likely already harassing my valet asking for my whereabouts. You see he is quite as eager as I am to make a particular visit this morning and heaven help me if Bingley believes we have left without him. I thank you for listening to my story, enjoy your walk home, and I will be calling as soon as is appropriate." Darcy held Miss. Elizabeth's hand, his intention was to bow and saw farewell but in a rare display of spontaneity he lightly kissed her gloved hand. He was rewarded with her blushing face and a quick goodbye.

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As Darcy made his way to Netherfield his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam was being escorted to Colonel Forster's quarters, completely unaware of his cousin's morning ride. "Good morning Colonel Forster, thank you for agreeing to see me this morning."

Colonel Forster regarded the younger man in front of him; though Colonel Fitzwilliam's father was an Earl it was commonly known that his promotions were given due to Fitzwilliam's courage in battle and the great care he showed for his men. "Sir, it is always a pleasure to meet with another officer during these seemingly endless winter camps. Though the Hertfordshire gentlemen have been solicitous over the last few weeks; the longer we are camped here the more time my men have to find themselves in trouble. Luckily the complaints have been limited to unpaid merchants and a handful of drunken fights. But enough of my woes, what brings you to the area?"

"I understand your weariness; soldiers without a purpose can turn into a rowdy bunch quite quickly. Finding myself in a similar state, soldier on leave, I chose to join my cousin Darcy. We are visiting his friend Bingley who is currently leasing Netherfield Park; I do believe you were introduced to the gentlemen last night."

"Ahh yes Bingley, fine fellow; I believe my wife found him to be a happy sort and very willing to dance. Do you plan on being in the area for the winter?"

"Well, I do hope to stay as long as possible; as a military man you know we are all beholden to our superiors. God willing my mother will have the pleasure of my company at her Christmas table in London. Until I know otherwise you will find me here Sir. To go back to the matter of unchecked soldiers are you familiar with a Lieutenant Wickham?"

"Hmm, yes Wickham joined our ranks not a week before we journeyed to Hertfordshire; he is good friends with Lieutenant Denny. Not the hardest worker, though he does seem popular with the other men, and quite social in town. Are you aquatinted with the man and have I reason to be concerned?" Colonel Forster could see the anger building in Fitzwilliam as he spoke and hazarded to guess he would be down a man before the end of the day.

Colonel Fitzwilliam was livid that Wickham had managed, once again, to install himself into polite society; a lifetime of blackguard behavior never seemed to catch up with the horrid man. "Yes, I have unfortunately known the man since childhood. Sir, I warn you now that if you do not rid yourself of the man he will be a black mark on your otherwise clear record. He is a known seducer, debtor, and miscreant; while I cannot go into details last summer he attempted to convince a young lady of my acquaintance to elope. The lady in questions was only 15 and possesses a dowry of thirty thousand pounds."

"Sir, truly no further detail is needed; such men have a tendency of hiding in the military and are sadly rather common. I will speak to some of the men; get an idea of his debts in town and with other soldiers. If he is as you say no doubt I will find debts of honor and the like; he shall be detained soon enough. Thank you for the information; it would be a travesty to have such a man within this lovely society ruining the good name of the militia."

Fitzwilliam took his leave soon after and headed back to Netherfield. With Wickham taken care of he was now free to enjoy the many beauties of Hertfordshire; mainly one Miss. Mary Bennet. He pushed his horse to a gallop hoping it was nearly the appropriate time to make a call.

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After a loud breakfast Lizzie chose to spend the time before the men called to read an old favorite in her room and hide from her mother. To her surprise her solace was disturbed not ten minutes later by the quietest Bennet.

"Lizzie would you help me with my gown this morning? I . . . I know that you and Jane usually help one another and if it's an inconvenience I will just return to my room. Better I leave, yes, that is much better." As Mary turned around to hide in her room she felt Lizzie pull her back into the room.

"Mary you are always welcome to join me and Jane. It would be lovely to dress all together and an extra pair of hands can be very useful." Lizzie shocked Mary further by wrapping her in a tight hug. "And I am so sorry you did not feel welcome before, come we have work to do. Not that you do not already look lovely however I have it on the best authority that we will soon have three very handsome gentlemen to entertain. Let me fetch Jane." Within an hour the three ladies are were ready for morning calls and headed toward the drawing room.

After a few minutes of working quietly Mary had to disturb her sister, "Lizzie did you mean it when you said we would have three gentlemen to entertain? I imagined that Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy would call this morning but" taking a deep breath she continued "you implied Colonel Fitzwilliam would also call. Where you merely teasing me Lizzie?"

Seeing the panic in her younger sisters eyes, Lizzie took both of Mary's hands "I would never tease you in such an insensitive manner Mary. I meant what I said Mr. Darcy told me he and his cousin would be joining Mr. Bingley this morning. The Colonel mentioned you to his cousin last night and was looking forward to seeing you again."

"Oh Lizzie! I cannot believe it, but wait Lizzie how do you know that the Colonel spoke to Mr. Darcy about me last night?" On cue Lizzie was blushing. "LIZZIE! Is that why you were so cheerful when I saw you leaving for your walk this morning?" Mary whispered harshly, knowing there mother could not overhear this conversation.

"Mary, I may have run into Mr. Darcy on my walk this morning. It was a very quick walk together; you know I would never take such a risk with a new acquaintance. But I can say that after our conversation I feel as though he is a man to be trusted and will be happy to know him better." At that moment Mrs. Bennet burst in with Hill rushing to keep up with her flustered Mistress.

"GIRLS, GIRLS, they are here! I must look you all over and . . ." seeing her three eldest sitting calmly, perfectly dressed, and not the least bit shabby Mrs. Bennet was stunned silent. Jane, being the families calming force, took over were her mother seemed to have left off "Mama I believe the gentlemen from Netherfield are approaching the house, perhaps it is best you sit down and await their arrival. We wouldn't want to be caught unawares." And just then Mrs. Bennet regained her equilibrium, sitting in her favorite seat, and adjusting her lace cap as Hill went to meet the men at the door.

"Mr. Bingley, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Mr. Darcy how lovely to see you all this morning; please please sit. Would you care for tea?" Mrs. Bennet seemed to move closer to the seats edge with every word.

"Thank you Mrs. Bennet," the Colonel said nearly laughing at his companions who were distracted by the two eldest Bennet ladies. "We would love a bit of tea and may I say madam you and your daughters paint quite a beautiful picture; warms a soldier's heart." Oh yes he knew just how to sweet talk the matron.

Mrs. Bennet ordered tea and sat back happily watching her three daughters entertain their respective gentleman. In her head imagines of lace, carriages, and wedding breakfasted silenced all fears of the hedge groves; she could have three daughters married by Christmas.

"Mr. Darcy it is very nice to see you this morning." Elizabeth hoped she appeared calmer than she felt, "we never dreamt of having such a full sitting room this morning, you've made many ladies very happy."

Darcy could not help but smile, "I have had a wonderful morning Miss. Elizabeth and the day appears to only be getting better. I was wondering if we could discuss those farming techniques you mentioned last night. As you state an assembly room was not the appropriate location but perhaps now would be a better time."

Taking the gentleman's hint Elizabeth stood, "in fact Mr. Darcy I believe my father would be a better source of such information. Please allow me to escort you to his book room so you might be introduced, he was not up to attending the assembly last night but I am sure he would be happy to discuss many estate topics." Addressing her mother she continued "Mama please excuse us a moment Mr. Darcy asked to be introduced to papa and borrow a few books on farming techniques. We will return shortly." Unfazed by the request Mrs. Bennet shooed the couple away and continued to serve tea to the rest of the group.

Mr. Darcy leaned close to Elizabeth ear and whispered, "That was quite well done Miss. Elizabeth, you mother did not seem to suspect a thing." He delighted in Elizabeth's slight shiver.

"Mr. Darcy you quite under estimate my mother's match making ways, she would have pushed us out the room for any reason. This one time her purposeful blindness works to my advantage; and we have arrived." Elizabeth knocked on the door and opened it a few seconds later never needing to wait for an answer. Her father had always given her full access to his library; it was both a school room and sanctuary. "Papa I have a gentleman who wishes to make your acquaintance."

Mr. Bennet perked up at his favorite child's words; he was used to Lizzie coming in at all hours to avoid her mother, to pick his brain on a book she was reading, and on occasion to discuss an estate matter. But to introduce a gentleman; this was a first and he knew well enough to give it his upmost attention. "Please Lizzie I am always happy to meet any friend of yours."

"Papa this is Mr. Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire. We were introduced last night at the assembly; he and his friends have come to call on us. Mr. Darcy is a guest of our new neighbor Mr. Bingley."

Mr. Bennet reached out to shake the young man's hand. "Mr. Darcy welcome to our home. I have met your friend Mr. Bingley, he is a very amiable fellow and I am glad to know you sir. Please do take a seat."

Mr. Darcy took a seat and began his prepared speech. "Mr. Bennet the pleasure is all mine; I would like to apologize for the intrusion. I rather insisted Miss. Elizabeth make our introductions this morning apart from the other gentleman in my party so I might have the opportunity to ask your advice on a rather delicate situation. At last night's assembly after enjoying a dance with your daughter I was shocked to meet an old acquaintance; Mr. Wickham. We share a rather unpleasant history; the man has wronged my family for years and is known in many circles to be unworthy of polite society. Where the man in my sisters company without knowing his full history I would hope someone would expose his true nature."

"This does sound like a rather serious matter Mr. Darcy. Lizzie my love would you please go back to your mother and sisters; we will be with you all as soon as we can, I believe it would be best if we continued this discussion privately." With that Lizzie left the men, anticipating Mr. Darcy's return more than she was willing to admit; while Mr. Bennet listened in silence as Mr. Darcy elaborated in frank terms the nature of Mr. Wickham's character.

Mr. Darcy was emotionally drained after rehashing his entire history with Mr. Wickham; unaccustomed to exposing his failures to anyone he was unsure of the other gentleman's reaction. A firm hand on his shoulder was a welcome feeling and Mr. Bennet's next words put him at greater ease.

"Mr. Darcy I would first like to assure you that I will not repeat any part of your story that would put your sister's reputation at risk; you do be a great honor by trusting me with the truth of this man's character. Secondly I believe we could both use a drink, here a little wine will take the edge off; also please feel free to address me as Bennet, as my friends do." Both men took a moment to take a sip of wine. "Now I assume by telling me this story you are hoping I can lend you more credibility and we can save the ladies and merchants of Hertfordshire a rather large amount of difficulty. I would recommend we speak to Colonel Foster and Sir Lucas; no two men will be more able to extract Mr. Wickham from the county."

"I would like that Bennet and ask you return the favor and address me as Darcy. You are quite correct, my cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam has already gone to camp and spoken with Colonel Foster. While the man is likely to take the world of a fellow officer, two prominent men of local the gentry coming forward will add more weight to the matter. If it suits you sir my cousin and I would be available for any meeting you may have with either man." Mr. Darcy was happy to have the backing of Mr. Bennet and looked forward to ridding himself of Wickham once and for all.

"Why not come tomorrow afternoon; I will send a note to Lucas today so he will expect us. Now we have settled the unpleasant business, let's return to the ladies and enjoy their smiles." With that they walked toward the drawing room.