A scene popped into my head one night and then a story began to form around it. So here it is and be prepared - it kind of follows canon and it kind of doesn't. Let me know what you think!

2016 © Gaskellian

All rights reserved.

It was commonly known that the county of Hertfordshire was a locale of country vistas and more temperate weather than those counties of the north; what was of lesser renown – but whispered of in many circles – was the relative safety to be had whilst journeying or dwelling within the confines of its borders. There were rumors regarding an avenging band of citizens who patrolled the roads and towns to ensure security, although the precise size of said group was yet unknown. Grateful travelers saw naught but cloaks and horses; they were, thus, unable to provide such details in which a curious public might take delight. Highwaymen, however, had quite a different opinion. They were, similar to the rest of the populace, wondering as to the identities of these adventurers but only in order that these individuals might be eliminated as barriers to the lucrative trade of brigandry. Unfortunately for those criminals, but not for the innocent citizenry, the most advantageous view to be had of these stalwart riders tended to be as they struck down one engaged in wrong-doing.

The protection of these brave souls extended beyond patrolling their thoroughfares; they were also instrumental in preventing a great number of assaults upon females. The sources of their information were dubious but the results were rather spectacular. With this vast amount of undisclosed knowledge, it was certain that intrepid individuals would exert themselves to discover such valuable intelligence.

In Meryton and at Longbourn estate, the peace was felt as strongly as any other site in Hertfordshire. The Bennet family, both parents and every one of their five daughters, was seated at dinner – with much enthusiasm, it should be noted, for there was little done quietly in Longbourn – and conversing upon their respective news. Lydia was excitedly describing to Kitty her latest idea for bonnet trimming, while Mrs. Bennet was happily holding forth on the subject of the neighborhood's upcoming assembly. Mr. Bennet was one of the few seated at the table capable of consuming the food before him, as he preferred to observe than to speak.

The dining room door opened and admitted their neighbor's daughter and Elizabeth's particular friend, Charlotte Lucas; she begged forgiveness for her abrupt arrival.

'Mrs. Bennet, I do hope that you will pardon my sudden appearance but my cousin had sent a letter on which I must have Eliza's advice.'

In her animated fashion, Mrs. Bennet replied, 'Oh, Charlotte, you are welcome to her help. Lizzy, you are finished your meal, are you not? Good. Then you may accompany Charlotte. I shall be up shortly in case you are in need of any guidance.' With a wave, she dismissed the young women to their consultation.

Elizabeth smiled at her friend and the two withdrew. It was not many minutes later that they heard footsteps upon the stairs and Mrs. Bennet appeared in the doorway of Elizabeth's bedroom. As she locked the door behind her carefully, her demeanor completely changed. There was neither lightness nor silliness present; her air was perfectly serious and that of a person accustomed to their words being obeyed.

'You are both ready?' At two nods of agreement, she continued, 'Charlotte, who is with you?'

Charlotte answered readily, 'My brother is outside, waiting, and we are to meet two others on our arrival.' Mrs. Bennet approved and the girls were given permission to leave.

Before opening the door, however, Mrs. Bennet placed her hands on Elizabeth's shoulders and gazed directly at her. 'You will take care.'

Elizabeth smiled. 'Yes, Mama.'

Turning, the elder woman murmured, 'May you both return unharmed.' She unlocked the door to the bedroom, opened it and began to loudly disclaim to any in hearing about how grand friendship was for avoiding loneliness and why Elizabeth should count herself fortunate to have the freedom to remain over the night at the Lucas' home.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Charlotte silently slipped down the servant's stairs and disappeared into the night.

At the next day's lunch, Lydia noisily exclaimed, 'I heard that those men were seen only last night in Wheathampstead. Oh, so close to Longbourn. . . . . .' Wheathampstead itself was but a quiet village, not five miles from Meryton. From her manner of speech, it was evident that the fifteen year old was pining for the mysterious men who permitted girls similar to herself the luxury of a serene existence.

With marked enthusiasm, Kitty inquired, 'Did you learn what occurred? Was this yet another robbery? Did they have to kill anyone?' The topic was patently one of much interest in a house of five daughters – to havesuch a thing happen and in such close proximity to their home. There could be no other subject broached that could claim the smallest portion of the mystique laid at the feet of these shadowy figures.

Unlike their youngest sisters, Elizabeth and her elder sister, Jane, ate their meal, silently listening to the conversation. Mrs. Bennet was quite as vocal as usual, querying about that detail and had Lydia overheard this story amongst the servants or in another place? She appeared as moved by the story as any young girl, sighing over the descriptions given of the handsome men who had routed an evil person, preying on naïve young girls.

'They are better even than officers. Any fellow with a bit of money can purchase a commission but these men have no need of such artifice; their deeds weigh more heavily than any uniform.' Thus saying, Mrs. Bennet then reminded her daughters that the Lucases were to call soon and they should remove themselves to the sitting room before long.

Lady Lucas arrived, full of the latest information on the self-appointed Watchmen of Hertfordshire. She and Mrs. Bennet sat together, examining the story, while Maria had placed herself between Kitty and Lydia, her particular friends and of a like age to herself. They three were excitedly reviewing every scrap of intelligence known to them and occasionally questioned the older women if they had, in fact, been aware of some certain specifics.

Mary, Jane, Elizabeth and Charlotte looked on their younger sisters with amusement. Of these ladies, though they might be as titillated as another over those enigmatic persons, their interest did not express itself in a similar manner.

'I fear, 'Jane began, 'that we shall not see the end of such talk until these men make themselves known to all. Mystery does fuel gossip.'

Charlotte replied, 'You would not find me disagreeing on that point. I would, however, add that if they choose to wed, then we shall hear no more of the topic.'

Laughing, Elizabeth concurred but amended, 'If they choose to marry and permit society to know of their marriages, then there will be silence. For if none were to be aware of their lack of availability, what good would come of it? No, they must advertise in all the papers of their having entered the state of matrimony before there will be silence on the subject.'

Mary asked, 'Bravery should be its own reward; why, then, would their acts of courage not be as impressive if they were married?' Despite her eighteen years, Mary had not gained an appreciation for the romantic and was wont to examine most circumstances in a rather narrow fashion. This unimaginative tendency did not make her any less capable of rational thought, although it did minimize the importance placed upon her company in the eyes of their somewhat limited society.

'Your reasoning is sound,' answered Elizabeth, 'but your comprehension of feminine nature is not. There are a great many ladies who would swoon at the sight of a handsome hero galloping on his trusted steed; conversely, I would believe that there are not a small number of women who would be unaffected. You, Mary, are a prudent creature. I am afraid that my love of adventure and excitement precludes my inclusion in that group. Jane, Charlotte, in which category would you place yourselves?'

Jane conjectured that she was but a simple person and, much as shrewdness was well thought of, she could not profess a wish to be considered part of either faction. Charlotte, however, was of the opinion that she could ill afford to ignore circumspection and caution; she was, therefore, of a piece with Mary in her grouping.

It was at that moment that the young ladies heard Mrs. Bennet cry, 'Netherfield is to be let at last and to a young man of large fortune! Such fine news - he will likely hold parties and balls with many eligible single men, who might be agreeable enough to fall in love with our girls.'

Lady Lucas provided the name of the gentleman in question: he was Mr. Bingley and hailed from the north of England. This young man was to take possession within the month and, to his credit, he was to bring a large party down with him immediately. If he were to prove himself handsome, as well, then he would certainly present himself as the perfect neighbor.