Sorry for the wait! I hope you enjoy the chapter!

The next morning brought his wife's sisters to the house.

"And Mama wouldn't look at him, knowing he had offended Mr. Andrews, and she never even cared to learn what had been said in the first place," Miss Lydia recounted. "He very nearly found himself thrown from the house. Papa has demanded he make amends, or he shall find himself unwelcome until the day he is able to take possession of Longbourn. He was as white as I ever did see."

"I can't recall a time Papa was so angry," added Miss Elizabeth. "What exactly did he say?"

He debated on what to say, but upon seeing Miss Mary's stressed, inquisitive look, he decided to hold nothing back. "He made insinuations about my marriage to Catherine, and practically stated that she was below the attention of a man such as myself."

They all gasped and appeared outraged, even Miss Mary. Mr. Collins would certainly find no friends among his cousins. His offense assured he would find no friend in Mrs. Bennet either. He smiled inwardly; Mr. Collins may be inheriting Longbourn, but he would not be able to further connect himself to Oliver or his family. Finally, his wife suggested they walk with her sisters into Meryton. He quickly agreed, thinking he might enjoy the exercise.

They strolled around the village. Finally, they ran into a couple of officers that the Bennet's were acquainted with. A stern look caused Miss Lydia to put a little space between herself and the officers, but he let the little flirting she did go. The officers had with them another man; a Mr. Wickham. Oliver couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about the man. Outwardly, he seemed like a friendly fellow, but the looks he would occasionally share with his friend was concerning. He couldn't help but wonder if he was overly sensitive because of the events of the previous evening, but he couldn't be sure. Ever the gentleman, he was kind when he was introduced. There was no point in making an enemy when there was no need.

They were talking for only a few moments when Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy rode near.

"We were just on our way to your house," grinned Mr. Bingley, not noticing him standing there. Mr. Darcy seemed amused.

"You would have been sorely disappointed then, Mr. Bingley," Oliver decided to interject. "My sisters decided to call on my wife and myself today." Mr. Bingley faltered, noticing him for the first time. He amended what he asked for before; he could handle daughters, if he was able to make suitors as uncomfortable as he had managed to do with Miss Jane's.

Mr. Bingley dismounted and came forward, keeping Oliver in his sights, but most of his attention was on Miss Jane. He had in his hand an invitation to a ball. The Bennet sisters thanked him profusely. "We were going to stop by Mrs. Andrews home on our way back," he said, handing his wife their own invitation. Oliver nodded his thanks. He turned to Mr. Darcy and managed to catch an intense look between himself and Mr. Wickham. Mr. Darcy then, rather rudely, spurred his horse forward, causing Mr. Bingley to give a quick farewell. Oliver found it very interesting.

Morning brought his wife's sisters once more to his mother's house, and once they had departed with his wife in tow, he set out for Netherfield. He needed answers, and he was determined to get them.

Yesterday had been a very interesting day. After their encounter with the officers and Mr. Bingley, he offered the sisters a ride home, where he forced himself to encounter Mr. Collins once more. The man practically blubbered, begging for forgiveness. He let the man know that he would forgive him, but he would not forget. That night, they dined with the Phillips'. Mr. Bingley and his household were not present. In attendance, however, were many of the officers.

His reason for his visit to Netherfield that day was stemmed from a conversation Miss Elizabeth had with Mr. Wickham. He was troubled when he heard the account from her that morning. She obviously believed the man; a man whose character was more unknown than the man with whom he seemed content to publicly defame. As blunt as he was, Oliver was still careful about what he said and who he said it to. He knew boundaries.

He rode up to Netherfield, hoping Mr. Darcy would be available. He was ushered in and he waited patiently to be announced. It was not long before he was led into a room where both Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley were present.

"I trust you are both doing well today." Both answered in the affirmative. "Well, since you are aware that I am not a man to dance around a topic, I shall get straight to my point. Mr. Darcy, I understand that you are close with Mr. Bingley, however, I do not know what information your friend is aware of, or what you might approve of him knowing."

Mr. Darcy went rigid. "To what do you refer?"

"Mr. Wickham."

"Bingley knows that I detest the man, though there are details that few are aware of. What do you wish to know?"

"I am going to deduce that you do not think him a man to be trusted."

"You would be correct."

"May I ask why? I will need something more substantial if I am to convince my wife's father to forbid his presence at Longbourn, or his acquaintance with my sisters. He told Miss Elizabeth a tale that defames you to all who would hear it, and I do not like the liberty he felt he could take in doing it."

"What has he said?"

"That he is the son of your late father's steward. That your father favored him and you hated him for it, so you denied him the living promised to him."

Mr. Darcy grew visibly angry and had to walk away for a moment to contain himself. Mr. Bingley looked shocked at the idea that someone would slander his friend in such a way. Mr. Darcy turned back to him. "I thank you for informing me of what has been said, and for seeking me out for my side of the matter. It is true that Mr. Wickham is the son of my late father's steward, and my father did favor him, but I wouldn't say it was over me. Wickham was his godson and he treated him as a beloved nephew. He made sure Wickham had every opportunity he could provide. We were raised together, and schooled together; however, once we had reached university, he changed. He made friends with some rather unsavory people and he took a turn down their path. When my father died, Wickham requested the sum of three-thousand pounds instead of the living that had been promised to him; he had no desire to be any part of the church. I have it well documented that he requested the money. I keep track of all large monetary transactions.

"Wickham is not a man to be trusted. He has led to the ruination of more than one young lady, and nearly did so to one I know well. For her sake, I shall keep her identity secret."

Oliver nodded. "Understandable."

"I would suggest that any man keep the ladies of his family far away from him. His true character can never stay hidden for long, and I would be willing to wager that you will hear of his dallying with the shopkeepers' daughters and owing large amounts of money to the ale houses and merchants in the area; possibly within a month, maybe two. It depends on how long he will be in an area. Since he has joined the militia, and he will be here through the winter, he may be a little more careful."

"Thank you, Mr. Darcy, for your honesty. I now know how to act," Oliver said, standing to leave.

"And how will that be?"

"As I have already stated, my wife's father has delegated to me the responsibility of seeing to my new sisters' futures. I'll not have them entertain a man who is less than respectable."

Darcy nodded his approval, not that Oliver needed it, but as a show of respect. As he rose to leave, Mr. Bingley spoke up.

"Out of curiosity, Mr. Andrews, if a man was interested in asking for one of the Miss Bennets hands, would they need to seek out Mr. Bennet or yourself?"

Oliver smiled at him. "Mr. Bingley, they are still his daughters; he merely wishes me to do the legwork to ensure they do not end up in an unhappy marriage. It is of extreme importance to him that they are able to respect their spouses. I have no doubt, however, that if I were against a union, he would support my opinion. Good day, gentlemen. Thank you for your time."

Bingley watched the man leave, exasperated. He was really having a hard time liking the man. Darcy had told him that he shouldn't take offense to the man, but he couldn't help it. Logically, he knew he shouldn't see the man as a threat, but he did. He had just obtained the blessing of his good friend in the matter of Miss Bennet, but her brother-in-law was an annoying obstacle. Would he seriously refuse to give him a good review to his father-in-law?

Groaning, he practically threw himself into his chair.

"Are you alright, Bingley?" asked Darcy.

"No! That man… Never have I encountered someone who…. who…."

"Didn't like you on first sight?" Darcy smirked for the first time since Mr. Andrews's arrival was announced. "I would dare to say that he may like you, very much, but you are playing the suitor to one of his wife's sisters. As I have told you before, I would do no less for Georgiana, and I am sure you would, at the very least, check to see that any man seeking Caroline's hand is respectable. Truly, I think he is taking great delight in vexing you."

"But why?!" Bingley cried.

"For his own amusement? To see how you will respond? You are of a happy disposition, Bingley, and you enjoy a good joke as well as the next man; perhaps you should respond to him in a similar manner? Or at the least, you can respond with a bit of humor. Build a camaraderie with him."

Bingley glared at his friend. Build a camaraderie with him? How could he do that when it seemed that Mr. Andrews was determined to be his foil? Of course, Darcy didn't think he wanted to be a foil, more than he was feeling him out?

Other thoughts began to surface. Was he serious about Jane Bennet? He certainly felt something stronger for her than he had other women. He could admit that he was usually distracted from women as soon as another came along. It had been over a month and he still very much desired Jane Bennet's company. But could that be because there were no other ladies to catch his attention? No, that wasn't true; the Miss Gouldings were lovely, but they didn't hold a candle to Jane.

Jane. It wasn't just her beauty he felt attracted to; he didn't think he had ever met a lady who was so sweet and naturally graceful. She was kind to everyone she met, and didn't seem inclined to hold a grudge. She also didn't flirt outrageously with him; allowing him to do most of the pursuing. But did she like him? He felt that she did, but like he had already determined, she was kind to everyone. The thought that she didn't like him have him a hollow feeling. When Miss Edith Mallory became engaged to Mr. Lowe, he took her desertion with little feeling.

He was now confused. Did he truly like Jane Bennet above all others? He needed to know. But how?

He needed to go to London!

"Bingley!"

He was shaken from his thoughts. "Yes? Darcy?"

"I've been trying to get your attention for the last few moments," his friend said, concerned. "Are you alright?"

"I don't know," he answered honestly. "I need to go to London!"

"London? Why?"

"I have a matter that I need to see to, right now! I'll be back in three days!"

"You're leaving now?"

"Yes. Tell my sisters it is a matter of great import. They may continue of with the plans for the ball." He began to walk towards the door.

"Is this really necessary?"

Bingley stopped and turned to his friend. "Yes, it is very necessary. There is something I must check on. I will tell you more when I return. Please, Darcy, understand."

Darcy sighed. "You are not acting yourself, but I will understand. But tell me, does this have to do with Miss Bennet?"

"Yes," he answered honestly. "There is something I must know."

"Then I wish you well and will pass on your message to your sisters when they return."

"Thank you."

He would be certain. He would!