Yes, it is another 'what if'. I so enjoy throwing in some new details and seeing where they lead. If you are a firm Lizzy/Darcy shipper, you will not like this. That is your last warning.

Life just didn't seem fair at times. Some people seemed to be bestowed with every bit of good fortune, while others had to work hard to have only a portion of what some were merely handed. This was life, and Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam accepted this truth… most days. He did not begrudge men their luck, but after so many years of serving in the military and getting meager wages, on top of meeting his father's expectations so that he might gain his extra portion as promised, he couldn't always staunch the flow of jealousy. Unless it was towards his elder brother, but that was because he barely cared. Lord Matthew Fitzwilliam, heir to the earldom of Matlock, had a cruel streak which included rubbing his brother's lack of fortune in his face. It was this fact that prompted their father to offer his youngest son a larger inheritance. All Richard had to do was not start any serious arguments with his brother. They now only saw each other once a year; on their mother's birthday.

It had been close to three weeks since he and his cousin, Darcy, arrived at Rosings for their annual visit with their aunt, and never, in many years at least, had he felt envy as strong as he did in that moment. He knew he shouldn't feel anything like he was, but that didn't negate the fact that he did. Even knowing that his cousin was harboring his own strong feelings didn't help. No, he was totally and completely enamored with one Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

Miss Bennet was everything he could hope for in a wife. She was lively, intelligent, elegant, kind, and humorous. He adored her smile and cherished every moment he was able to cause its appearance. She was also not intimidated by his aunt. That fact alone made her desirable. Too often, young ladies presented at least the face that they respected or feared the woman. Not Miss Bennet. She could stand toe to toe with her without overstepping herself. It was so refreshing to witness; one would have to be blind not to see that his cousin, too, admired her for it.

"Darcy," he mumbled under his breath as he sulked. His cousin could have her if he would only overcome his own pride. He didn't even need to find a wealthy wife. Few estates were as prosperous as Pemberly. But, Society did have its expectations, and Darcy had never been one to skirt the rules. That was likely why Miss Bennet drew them both in; she seemed to live by her own rules. She was a realist. She understood her place in society and refused to allow it to diminish her. Miss Elizabeth Bennet was nothing short of breathtaking and there was nothing he could do about it. His cousin knew her first, and regardless to whether or not he would make her an offer, one simply did not do that to a friend, let alone a beloved relative.

He wasn't looking forward to the evening. Something had passed between them that had caused her distress. As a rule, he was a very observant man; you had to be to have gotten where he had in his military service. True, one could buy certain ranks, but responsibilities were not given to the undeserving, and he had earned his title and rank with both blood and sweat.

They had been discussing his cousin's triumph with Mr. Bingley. After he had escorted her to the Collins's home, he had realized she had likely known the lady, as it was likely to have occurred whilst Darcy was in Hertfordshire. He knew Miss Bennet held a grudge against his cousin, and now he seemed to have helped fan the flames. It wasn't something he should be proud of, but there was a darker part of him that couldn't help but rejoice at the thought.

Selecting his coat and thanking his valet, he headed down to meet with the rest of the household. On his way down, he realized just how late he was by his meeting the Collins' and Miss Lucas as they entered the house. It troubled him that Miss Bennet was nowhere in sight.

"Mr. Collins, Mrs. Collins, Miss Lucas; it is a pleasure to see you. Where is Miss Bennet?"

Mr. Collins seemed agitated, but Mrs. Collins answered before he could, looking contrite. "I am afraid she is not feeling well. In fact, she has not been well for most of the day. We decided it was best that she remained behind and rested."

"Oh, of course. Excuse me, I fear I have just remembered a matter I must see to. Please, if you would be so kind, inform my aunt that I shall return in only a little while," he stated turning at act as though he were heading back upstairs. Mr. Collins rattled of some nonsense about being happy to be of assistance, but he caught the warning look from the minister's wife; she knew what he was about. As soon as they were out of eyesight, he dashed back down the stairs and out the front door. He needed to make things right!