Author's note: Inspired by an idea of merdarkandtwisty here. I'm not Jane Austen, therefore my interpreation of her characters may be different from yours (and possibly from what she intended), sometimes on purpose—either because I decided to twist the character to change the story, or because the changes in the story lead to changes in the characters.

This story is short and contains time jumps; it will be over in three chapters, after which I will post three vignettes. I intend to post once a day, depending on what Real Life allows me to do. I hope you'll enjoy this, and if not, I'll be interested to know why. Well, and if you did like it, I'd be happy to know what pleased you, as well. :-)

London, 1803

Edward Gardiner presented himself at the door of the fashionable town house. As he followed the butler to his master's study, he wondered whether the investment scheme he relied upon to launch his business was coming to an end before it even began. The summons was unusual, and that explanation was the only one that came to his mind to account for his presence. His host's manners did nothing to appease his fears. The older gentleman was welcoming but also appeared nervous and … sad? Mr Gardiner's own nervousness rose up one notch. Surely his investor was not about to tell him that he had lost the money he planned to devote to the business!

"Ah, there you are, Gardiner. Sit. Do have some coffee."

"Forgive me for speaking plainly, sir, but I should rather know why you have summoned me. The plans are well on their way. Did something come up to threaten their execution?"

"No, no, rest easy. I …"—his host stopped and looked at him earnestly—"Have you ever thought about marrying?"

Stunned, the young man could only shake his head. He then tried to elaborate.

"I am only two and twenty, and though I hope our endeavours will bear fruit, I cannot expect to support a wife or a family yet."

"What if you had some capital to help you?"

Gardiner frowned. "Sir?"

"I am speaking of twenty thousand pounds."

"What are you about?"

No answer was forthcoming immediately—only a long sigh.

"My daughter is likely with child."

Of all that could be said, he least expected that. The young lady—he believed she was about his age—was neither married nor betrothed. He did not know what to answer. After some time and another sigh, his investor spoke again.

"I like you. I trust you. I should like you to marry her."

"Would not the father be the most suitable person to do so?"

"Absolutely not! Margaret would be deeply unhappy tied to that man. I believe she has begun to realise this. In any case, he has since married, and I should not have been powerful enough to force his hand had I wished it."

"Why me? If I recall correctly, you thought highly of one of your nephews."

"If I gave my support to a marriage between cousins, that would give my sister ideas, I fear."

"I am the son of an attorney, I live by trade, or rather, I plan to do so soon. This would be a step down for your daughter."

"Being out of our circles might be good for her. She would not have to suffer the scorn and cattiness of those hypocrites. Besides, I remember you said your sister married a gentleman?"

"Ah. Sir, if you are to become my father, I believe it would be best if we kept your name from Mrs Bennet. She has five daughters, and though the eldest is not fourteen, my sister already frets about how she will be able to have them all make advantageous marriages. I should not have her abuse the connection."

"As you wish. Does that mean you agree?"

Gardiner paused. He had met the young lady several times and quite liked her. Of course, with their difference in station, he had not contemplated more. Now that he thought about it, he felt the alliance could be as good for his personal felicity as for his commerce. He would not answer without having talked with her, though, and told his host so. The young lady was thus called to her father's study.

Two weeks later, the young couple were joined in holy matrimony. Four months later, Mrs Gardiner gave birth to a little girl.

The Assembly Hall in Meryton, October 1811

While Mr Bingley and Mr Hurst were respectively enjoying the dance and the refreshments, the rest of the party was rather displeased with its evening. Miss Bingley and her sister Mrs Hurst were taking note of their surroundings and of the local people with the intent of criticising them later; as for Mr Darcy, who was a friend of Bingley, he had elected to remain near the wall after having danced once with the aforementioned ladies. He did not move until his friend came to him and entreated him to dance with the sister of a lady he had just met. Darcy was about to decline, though he wished to identify the young lady in question before answering Bingley.

"Which do you mean?"

"She is standing just behind you."

Darcy turned and looked at her. She was tolerable, though not handsome enough to tempt him to dance. He kept looking at her until he caught her eye and realised that if he declined the introduction, that would be rude and might injure Bingley. Moreover, he had the feeling he had already met the young lady, but could not recall where. Half an hour of conversation would certainly suffice to solve that question, and it would distract him from his boredom.

"Please, do have your partner introduce her."

This was done promptly, and soon Mr Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet were on the dance floor. Darcy thought that there also was something familiar in the elder Miss Bennet's features. He did not dare ask Miss Elizabeth many questions but learned that neither she nor her sisters had ever had a London season nor travelled much out of the Meryton area.

Subsequent gatherings did not enlighten him; he was more and more puzzled. All the Bennet ladies, including the mother, recalled him of someone, but he was at a loss to say whom. In addition to that, he found himself more attracted than he would have liked to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, her fine eyes, and her pert opinions.

Netherfield, Wednesday, November 13

When Miss Elizabeth Bennet entered the breakfast parlour and enquired about her sister who had fallen ill the day before while dining with Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst, Mr Darcy thought that he had never seen her look so lovely.

He was still thinking of her after she had left for Miss Bennet's room and was only half-listening to the catty comments Bingley's sisters made about her appearances and manners, adding a word when it was appropriate. They were now criticising the Bennet's connections, and he thought he would make an effort to be more attentive in case they had learned something of interest.

"I think I have heard you say that their uncle is an attorney in Meryton."

"Yes; and they have another, who lives somewhere near Cheapside."

"That is capital," added her sister, and they both laughed heartily.

To this speech Darcy made no answer, for as soon as Miss Bingley had spoken of Cheapside, he had a revelation. Gardiner. Of course! If he had not been in company, he would have hit his forehead on the nearest wall. The Bingley sisters did not say his name, but it must be him. There was a familial resemblance between Mrs Bennet and her brother; Darcy knew the man had family in Hertfordshire. The Gardiner children often spoke about their Cousin Jane, who was clearly a favourite, sometimes also about their Cousin Lizzy. The other girls were mentioned less often, but their names might also have come up. He felt stupid for not realising the connection earlier.

That was good news where Bingley was concerned. Men of Mr Gardiner's calibre were certainly worth being connected to. He would not discourage his friend if he was inclined towards Miss Bennet, but perhaps the lady's feelings should be ascertained first.

Meanwhile, Bingley had protested that their uncle's location did not make the Miss Bennets less agreeable; his sisters answered that it must lessen their chances of marrying men of standing and laughed some more at the expense of their friend's inferior relations. Darcy had at first smiled at the irony of the situation but soon found himself annoyed by their pettiness. They knew nothing of the Gardiners, yet they felt secure in their dismissal of them. Feeling the need for some air, he left the room.

After having thought about it, he decided against telling Bingley what he knew of the connection unless the younger man came to ask for his advice. Similarly, he would not tell the Bennet sisters he was acquainted with their uncle and aunt; he wondered if they would realise it on their own. He would write to his sister and tell her of this new development. That would probably amuse her.