Chapter 1

Miss Elizabeth Bennet slowly raised her eyes from the book she had been feigning to read and furtively glanced, once again, at the taciturn gentleman from Derbyshire. That Mr. Darcy seemed determined to ignore her presence in the Netherfield library vexed her immensely, since they had been reading in each others company for a full quarter of an hour with no discourse between them. Not that this was an uncommon phenomenon for the lady, who was accustomed to no words - kind or otherwise - from that proud and disagreeable man, but his silence was now an impediment to the real purpose for her being there. It was Elizabeth's duty to talk with him, but addressing the gentleman first would be considered a sign of ill breeding, with his station being so far above her own. That he had willfully chosen not to acknowledged her was insulting and her patience was about at its end.

How was she to communicate with such an infuriating man if he was too uncivil to engage in the usual pleasantries? It was imperative that this conversation took place, and since no one else in her family would inconvenience themselves to do it, the unpleasant task fell on her shoulders. Mr. Darcy's obvious low opinion of her did not make this task any easier, since she was well aware that he only looked at her to find fault. He had made that abundantly clear with his disapproving stares upon their every encounter.

Well, there was no way around it. The rules of propriety would just have to be broken on this one occasion. What real harm would it do to expose one more flaw in her character to this arrogant gentleman? Gathering her courage, Elizabeth took a deep breath to brace herself for the obvious trial ahead.

Mr. Darcy meanwhile - unaware of the lady's conflicting discourse with herself - had resolved to broach no topic of conversation, what so ever, with Miss Elizabeth. Late last night he had finally acknowledged to himself that he was captivated by her bewitching countenance and inordinately fascinated with her intriguingly witty banter. For this reason alone, Darcy was afeared that he would be in real danger of his affections being irrevocably engaged if he spent any more time in her presence. He had retreated here today to avoid her siren's call and safeguard his heart from making such an unfortunate misstep.

Darcy had to admit that her fine eyes had entranced him from the start, but this was of no consequence, since he had resisted many a comely lady from the highest situations in the land with ease. So what was so compelling about this insignificant country maiden that made her impossible for him to ignore? Could it be the witty intelligence and spark of challenge that he saw twinkling in her eyes whenever he dared to look her way? Or perhaps the demonstration of a caring nature while attending her ailing sister, Jane? Darcy could not begin to fathom what her allure was, but he was in the middle before he realized it had begun. All he knew was that his fascination with Miss Elizabeth was growing stronger, and at an alarming rate. Not even in the privacy of his own bedchamber at night was he safe from her influence, as images of her invaded his dreams now on a regular basis. He had not experienced a single restful night's sleep ever since she entered this house.

This infatuation was not to be borne! After much reflection while preparing for the day in the weak morning light, he determined that his safest course of action would be to ignore her. He would limit his interaction with Miss Elizabeth, whenever possible, for the remainder of her stay. Not three hours had passed after making this decision, then here she was invading the privacy of his sanctuary. Now he found himself struggling in vain to ignore her and focus his attention on his book. He could not resist indulging his fledgling passion with covert glances at her lovely face. In fact, Darcy found that he was developing no meager skill for surreptitious scrutiny of one Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

Darcy had to admit that if her circumstances were different he would freely admire her, but as things stood their situation was impossible. Even as a gentleman's daughter her station in life was too far below his own. His family would never accept a woman with a dowery that was a pittance and connections to trade, no matter how he felt about her. He was Fitzwilliam Darcy, the heir to Pemberley, and duty to his name and estate must always come first.

He sighed in exasperation, wondering once again how in the world he had gotten himself in this difficult situation in the first place. This involuntary break of the silence in the room caused Miss Elizabeth to look up. As their eyes met he noticed that enchanting look of challenge and determination that he so admired sparkling in her eyes. Her right eyebrow rose in an inquisitive manner as she squared her shoulders and broke the silence between them.

"Please excuse me for interrupting your reading Mr. Darcy, but might I have a moment of your time?" Elizabeth fidgeted with her skirts around the tome in her lap, while maintaining eye contact with him. "I would like to consult you on a matter of great importance."

For a moment she thought she perceived a look of surprise and curiosity flash across the gentleman's face, but it was gone so quickly she could not be sure.

"Do not concern yourself Miss Bennet, as I have perused this book before." Mr. Darcy closed the book in his lap and folded his hands upon it, giving her his undivided attention. "How may I be of service?"

His manner was stiff and formal but with all the appearances of civility, much to Lizzie's surprise. This was an encouraging beginning, but could she trust him to remain gracious once he knew what she wanted? She would never find out if she remained silent, so Elizabeth steeled herself for the potential conflict yet to come.

"I have a concern that I need to address sir, and it requires me to request your assistance. Jane and I will be departing Netherfield soon, since her health is much improved and I have no wish to inconvenience our hosts any longer than necessary. There is no telling when or if an opportunity might present itself for us to be in company again, so you can see why I felt I had to seize this moment to speak to you. Due to the delicacy of the matter I wish to discuss, I would request this be a private audience." Lizzie paused for a moment and glanced at the door. A small frown graced her brow for an instant, then she looked back at him and continued, barely speaking above a whisper.

"There are too many eyes and ears in this house and it would not do for this conversation to be overheard. I have noticed it is your habit sir, to ride out early in the morning before you break your fast. Tomorrow, shortly after dawn, we could conveniently meet behind the stables on the path that enters the woods. That area is not visible from the house, so our assignation would not be easily observed by anyone. Is this acceptable to you sir?" Lizzie stopped, suddenly realizing her request could be misinterpreted as the kind of flirting expected from Lydia. She hoped that Mr. Darcy was observant and wise enough to know that there was nothing unseemly about her invitation, simply a desire to avoid certain members of the Bingley party. Although the gentleman wore his usual blank expression, which rendered his opinion nearly impossible to read, Lizzie waited patiently to see if she had earned his displeasure.

Mr. Darcy was shocked and wary of her request, to say the least. This course of action was obviously not prudent, but his curiosity was peaked so he wanted to hear what she had to say. Miss Elizabeth had always conducted herself in his presence like an honorable gentlewoman, but her suggestion was far from proper. Was this some scheme of her mother's that she was enacting? Was she hoping that they would be seen together, putting them in a compromising position that forced him to marry her to save her reputation? No, he would not….could not believe that she would resort to such deplorable behavior.

For all the improprieties Darcy had been witness to from her mother and two younger sisters, Miss Elizabeth's conduct had always been beyond reproach. He had scrutinized her features throughout her plea and perceived no duplicity in her manner. With this in mind, he realized there must be an innocent but pressing reason for her request. How was he to phrase his response without seeming harsh or critical? Darcy had no desire to anger the lady or hurt her feelings, but he felt he must allude to the folly of her plan.

"Although I have no issue with meeting you in the morning Miss Elizabeth, I feel duty bound to point out the danger in us doing so." Fitzwilliam noticed that her face had relaxed a little as he spoke, so he paused searching for just the right words to make his point.

"I am sure that the staff here is well paid, but Bingley is too newly in residence to command their loyalties as of yet. This could go terribly awry if we were observed conversing alone in such an isolated location, let alone at that time of the day. It could easily be misinterpreted if witnessed as a clandestine rendezvous between lovers." Darcy stated in the gentlest tone he could muster all the while watching her face.

For just an instant a look of shock and disbelief flitted across Elizabeth's features before she blushed a most delightful shade of pink and looked down at her hands in obvious embarrassment. It took no longer than a heartbeat for her to look up again, locking her eyes with his in a steely and challenging gaze. She was obviously daring him to continue in this vein. Well, Darcy would not back down now. It needed to be said whether Miss Elizabeth appreciated it or not.

"The gossip in such a situation would damage your reputation and by association, those of your sisters. Is there not a less perilous way to accomplish this?" Darcy immediately recognized her obstinate demeanor, much to his chagrin, but was determined to wait patiently and defend his concerns. A number of definable emotions had danced in her eyes as he talked, but to his surprise the predominant one had been amusement. He could not comprehend what could possibly be humorous about his warning.

"Mr. Darcy, I understand your concern, but let me assure you sir, that if there is any danger in this situation it will not come from the Netherfield staff. The majority of them are locals and have known my family since before I was born. If they had to choose loyalties, I assure you it would be in my favor." Her confidence in her knowledge of the staff was obvious and her trust solid, but he noticed that she still seemed hesitant about something.

"No, my apprehension is more with the residents of this house. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst in particular are the ones I fear would cause offense if we were seen together. I have no desire to be the object of either of those grand ladies barbed comments, anymore than I already have." Although discreetly, she rolled her eyes in disgust, at the disdain she had already endured at the hands of Bingley's sisters. "So you see why I wish to keep this private. Shall we agree to meet at the appointed place and time or do you have more objections to air sir?" Elizabeth cocked her brow at him in challenge and waited for the gentleman's response.

"Not at all Miss Elizabeth, I just felt an obligation to voice the danger and impropriety of the situation. Having done so I am quite content to follow through with your plan." On this note Mr. Darcy decided it would be safer for his peace of mind to go back to his reading, so he quickly reopened his book.

Miss Elizabeth took this undertaking as a signal of his dismissal of her and confirmation of Mr Darcy's indifference to the feelings of those beneath his notice. "Then I will take my leave of you sir and see you this evening at dinner. Thank you for granting my lowly request as I am sure that you have better use for your time than spending it with someone like me. I hope that the remainder of your day is more pleasurable." Elizabeth rose gracefully from her seat, tucked her book under her arm, turned quickly, and exited the room leaving a confused and bewildered Darcy in her wake.

What could she have possibly meant by that statement? He was well satisfied with the encounter overall and found that he was looking forward to her presence at dinner tonight, in spite of it contradicting his earlier resolution

ELIZABETH HURRIED UP the stairs as quickly as possible to escape that insufferable man and to check on her sister's wellbeing. Earlier after Jane had taken her draught she had pleaded weariness, so Lizzie had felt free to leave her for a time. She quietly opened the door, reentered the room and looked to the bed, only to find Jane still sleeping soundly. With a sigh of relief she carried her book to the window seat at the far end of the room and opened it to where she had stopped reading in the library. Resting it in her lap she gazed out of the window, glad to have some time to herself to reflect on her earlier conversation.

How did she even began to unravel the mystery that was Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy? Lizzie had never encountered a more confusing and complex man in all her days. One minute he was staring at her with disdain or challenging the validity of her opinions, then out of the blue he was trying to protect her reputation.

Mr Darcy obviously had little regard for her since he found her not even handsome enough to tempt him for one harmless little dance. He had stated as much at the public assembly where any of Meryton's many gossips could have borne witness to his low opinion of her beauty. Thank heavens she was the only one who had overheard his disparaging remark. Yes, the comment had wounded her vanity but she cared very little what that arrogant, taciturn man thought of her. Lizzie had chosen to laugh at his declaration instead, and at the man himself in the process.

Although she had to admit that Mr Darcy was a strikingly handsome man, who cut a fine figure in his elegant and well tailored attire, it was not as though she had any designs on him. No, she was not meant for him or anyone, so his opinion made little difference in the overall scheme of things. Lizzie had known for a long time what kind of future Providence had designed for her on that dreary fateful day in October, almost five years earlier when the mantle of adulthood was thrust upon her. The path she was now forced to traveled mattered little to her. She was still Elizabeth Esther Bennet of Longbourn, Hertfordshire and proud of it.

A movement from the bed caught her attention and brought her back to the present and the issue at hand, her sister Jane. It was Lizzie's nature to be concerned about all her sisters, but her eldest was the one that she worried about the most. She was too good and trusting of people, frequently making excuses for others faults and follies, much to her own detriment.

Jane's etherial beauty inevitably drew the eye of every man, worthy or unworthy, that she encountered. What man alive would not be moved by her lovely sapphire blue eyes, exquisitely set in a face of classic perfection, then graced with shimmering blonde locks and accompanied by a body so lush it begged to be possessed? She had been wooed many times by enamored gentlemen, both here and in London, but as yet her heart had never been touched. If Elizabeth's perception was correct, that was no longer the case. She believed Jane in danger of being half in love with Mr. Bingley already, and this concerned her greatly.

What did they really know of the man's character? For sure he was rich with an income of 5000 a year, and bore the outward appearance of all things gentlemanly. She admitted that she found him charming, admirable and handsome, but what were his habits? Did he imbibe to excess, gamble away his inheritance, and spend his evenings in carnal pursuits? Elizabeth would not tolerate a rake trifling with Jane's feelings, because she knew her sister was of a delicate emotional disposition. Lizzie could well imagine that Jane would not recover easily from disappointed hopes, since she had always been constant and loyal to a fault. This was Lizzie's reason for wanting to speak with Mr. Darcy, to ascertain the seriousness of his friends regard for her sister. It was her plan to dissuade Mr. Bingley's attentions if his affection was not adequately engaged or his purpose dishonorable. She would do whatever was necessary to protect Jane's heart. Lizzie just hoped that Mr. Darcy was as amenable to her purpose as she.

A sigh from the direction of the bed signaled Elizabeth that Jane was awakening and would need her undivided attention soon. She closed her book, laid it down and headed towards the bed to attend her sister. Reviewing all of her musings would just have to wait until she was in the privacy of her own room. It was time to do her duty to her family as she always had and always would. Providence had set her course, and who was she to fight the hand of Providence? As the Bard himself stated "He, that hath the steerage of my course, direct my sail!"

DARCY STARED AT Miss Elizabeth's retreating form, disgusted with himself for his paltry lack of control in her presence. The agitated gentleman rose and walked purposefully to the window to rest his hands on the sill, hoping that the prospect would help him restore some semblance of order to his wayward thoughts. What in the world was he doing wanting to see her again so soon? What possessed him to agree to meet with her in the morning? This promised encounter put him in a most precarious position since his budding regard appeared to be becoming more engaged by the moment. He could not afford to have a tendre for this woman, but what could he do now that she had requested his attendance? He could not fathom what matter could be so important that she would require his support, but he was certain that she felt it was needed. What could motivate a woman to ask assistance from a man who was practically a stranger? Miss Elizabeth knew nothing about him other than what was gossiped about in the neighborhood and little of that was based in fact.

They had the right of it that he was the heir to Pemberley, but its income was grossly underestimated. Since the illness five years ago that almost took his fathers life, Fitzwilliam had worked hard to shoulder most of the burden of running the estate himself. George Darcy was a commanding gentleman who did not relish relinquishing the reins of control. It took almost two years of increased profits under his son's meticulous management before the elder Mr Darcy begrudgingly acknowledged the good sense of granting Fitzwilliam more freedom to make his own decisions. George still retained the power to veto any action his son might take, but it was rare that they were at odds when it came to the running of the estate.

This was not the case when it came to the younger Darcy's personal affairs. On the business of marriage and producing an heir, they rarely agreed. After looking death in the face, the elder gentleman had become obsessed with his son making a brilliant match with one of the insipid heiresses or titled ladies of the ton. It was no secret to anyone in Fitzwilliam's intimate circle that he detested these deceptive and manipulative creatures and their matchmaking mamas.

The majority of these ladies were sorely lacking in their education, in his humble opinion. They were all described as being accomplished in the attributes most valued by the members of the ton, but the majority would not recognize a quote by Shakespeare or a line of Lord Byron's if they had embroidered it on one of their samplers personally. If the conversation was steered away from the subjects of fashion or the latest gossip they were lost and woefully incapable of holding their own.

He consistently found that he had no interests in common with them, so there was nothing to converse about. Fitzwilliam reacted in the only way he could. He avoided them, rarely dancing or interacting with the ladies at social gatherings at all. He had gone so far as to create a mask of indifference to discourage their approach. It worked exceedingly well, except for the most desperate or ignorant amongst the crush. With the most persistent of these huntresses he chose to simply ignore them until they gave up and went away. This had worked on everyone so far except Caroline Bingley, whose constant praise and attention was driving him to Bedlam, but she was not the issue at the moment. The problem was Elizabeth Bennet and this power she had over him, which was totally unacceptable.

Though he would love to have the freedom to pursue the lovely and vivacious lady, he knew her lack of fortune and close connections in trade would appall his father. He determined that he would assist her on this occasion, but after that he would hold to his decision to avoid her company as much as possible. It may not be what he desired, but it was the only logical choice he could make. If things were different - if he was the master of Pemberley instead of the heir - he would not hesitate asking to court her. But as things stood, he was not his own master yet, so the best he could hope for was that someday she would forgive him for his distant and uncivil behavior. The question was, would he ever forgive himself?

ELIZABETH DREADED leaving her sister's side to attend dinner with the residents of the house that evening, but she knew it would be rude to beg off since Jane was much improved. She hoped that by tomorrow her elder sibling would be able to come below stairs for a short while in the evening. By then she trusted, she would have her answer from Mr. Darcy and know how to proceed.

She truly hoped that Mr. Bingley was all that he appeared to be and the one to make her sister happy. It would please her immensely to have Jane well-settled and residing in the neighborhood. This would allow Elizabeth the joy of being the doting spinster aunt to a pack of beautiful little Bingleys. The only downside she could see to this future was that Jane would then be a sister to Miss Bingley and the Hursts. Elizabeth would never be able to express such a thought to her sweet and angelic sister but was pleased that it would not be her burden to bear.

Elizabeth made her way downstairs, having tarried long enough to arrive just in time to head into the dining room. She had expected a repetition of the previous evenings and was not disappointed. She was seated, as usual, beside Mr. Hurst and as far away as possible from Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley. As her dinner companion was more interested in eating and drinking than conversing, she had plenty of time on her hands to observe the rest of the party.

Miss Bingley had seated Mr. Darcy to her left and her sister to her right with her brother sitting across from his friend. Caroline was conversing incessantly with Louisa while fawning over Mr. Darcy, making sure that he had everything he needed. She did everything for him but spoon feed him, and probably would have done that too if she thought it would not offend him. Poor Mr. Darcy looked extremely uncomfortable, like he would rather be anyplace else in the world except by her side. It was quite diverting to watch from Lizzie's isolated position at the table.

"Caroline, something is off about this ragout. I cannot define it, but it is definitely of inferior quality." Mr. Hurst made a face as he looked at his plate and poked at a potato.

"Oh, I quite agree Gilbert. I believe it is the worst I have ever had, but what can you expect when we were are forced to hire a local cook. I thought you said that you had employed the best in the neighborhood, Charles. If she is the best then this just reinforces my opinion that these country people have no taste at all." Miss Bingley stuck her nose in the air then stared at her brother with a look of disdain and disbelief.

"Really Caroline I do not think that it is all that terrible. Mrs. Hastings came highly recommended by Sir William Lucas. I understand that she was the cook for all of Netherfield's previous occupants and they had no complaints." Mr. Bingley smiled warmly at his sister, then looked puzzled when she made a face.

"Well, that explains it considering the source. I will just have to let her go in the morning. I refuse to serve this substandard fare to Mr. Darcy since he is accustomed to the best London has to offer." Caroline pronounced, cutting her eyes at the gentleman in question, in expectation of his approval. Mr. Darcy fidgeted in his seat, glancing meaningfully at Bingley from across the table as he tried to convey the need to control his sister.

"Miss Bingley, would you really let the poor woman go for the lack of a little seasoning?" Lizzie asked, appalled at such a callous attitude. "I have known Mrs. Hastings all my life and she is an excellent cook. I agree that the dish could have used some bay leaf or maybe a little more salt-and-pepper, but it was not inedible."

"So do you do the cooking at home Miss Eliza? Is that how you know what is lacking in the dish? I guess with your family's diminished circumstances that would be understandable." Caroline looked at Louisa, smirked and tittered behind her hand.

"No Miss Bingley, Longbourn is well able to employ a cook. Mrs. Miller has been with my family since before I was born. She is actually the best cook in the neighborhood, so my mother is well known for her table. As for how I knew what was missing in the dish, I believe that anyone with a discerning palate would recognize what was lacking in its preparation." responded Elizabeth to her hostess with a challenging look in her eye.

"Surely Mr. Darcy, you would not let such an offense go unaddressed. I am sure she would be out the door in the morning if she was in your employment." Ignoring Elizabeth's comment completely, Caroline turned to the gentleman with a simpering smile on her face.

"I would have to disagree with you, Miss Bingley. The food here so far has been excellent, so I would have to concur with Miss Elizabeth's assessment that the lack of proper seasoning in one dish is no reason to terminate a usually efficient employee. I believe voicing my displeasure as a warning would suffice." Mr. Darcy responded in a disapproving tone that made it clear that this conversation was over.

The rest of the repast was conducted in silence. Soon the party adjourned to the parlor and the pursuit of entertainment for the evening. A game of whist was proposed by Mr. Hurst, but Mr. Darcy was not in the mood, so Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst headed to the pianoforte to play. The other three sat in companionable silence for a while and listened to the duet performed by the two talented ladies.

"Miss Elizabeth, may I inquire how Miss Bennet is doing this evening? Is her health much improved?" Mr. Bingley fidgeted with his hands a bit, then smiled at her with a dreamy expression on his face.

"Jane is doing much better, thank you. I believe that if she continues to improve she may be able to join us tomorrow evening." Elizabeth smiled at Mr Bingley's obvious excitement at hearing this news. It appeared that the gentleman was definitely looking forward to seeing her sister again. Caroline stopped playing immediately upon hearing this news and turned to Elizabeth.

"I do so look forward to seeing dear Jane back in good health. Although I despair at losing the good company of two more young women in our party, I can well imagine that you must be missed at home." She shot a conspiratorial glance at her sister, then smiled.

"Oh, she cannot be as well as that yet can she? I would rather she stayed until we are sure she is completely healed. It would not do to endanger her health by having her leave prematurely would it. Surely your family can do without you for a few more days Miss Elizabeth." Mr. Bingley looked so lost that Lizzie could not help but smile at his obvious ploy. Caroline on the other hand was struggling to rein in her alarm. Lizzie noted the reaction before she gave a measured reply to the kinder Bingley.

"I am afraid that we can stay no longer than after church on Sunday, as I have obligations that must be handled on Monday. I appreciate all that you have done for my dear sister, but we could not intrude on your hospitality any longer than necessary." Elizabeth said kindly, noting the gentleman's dismay.

As Louisa continued to play, Caroline rose from the instrument and interrupted the conversation. "Miss Eliza do you play?" She sauntered over to an open chair, possessively seating herself as close to Mr. Darcy as possible.

"Yes I do, but poorly I must admit, as I have little time to practice. My sister Mary is the accomplished one in this area, since she spends hours daily at the instrument." Elizabeth studied Miss Bingley warily, wondering what she was about with this line of questioning.

"Oh that is right, you would not have had the benefit of studying with the Masters in London. Have you ever even been to London Miss Eliza?" Caroline raised her chin and gave Lizzie her haughtiest stare. It took all of Elizabeth's self-control to contain her disbelief and outrage at the audacity of this woman.

"Yes Miss Bingley, I have been there many times since I have relations who live in town." Elizabeth raised her own chin in challenge and met Caroline's gaze with an icy glare of her own.

"That is right, I had forgotten that you have an uncle who is in trade. I presume you spend a lot of time in Cheapside when you visit. What kind of a shop does your uncle own?" Caroline looked down her long nose at her, then shot at glance Mr. Darcy's way to confirm that he either approved of Caroline's condescension, or disapproved of the mere mention of Cheapside and those acquaintances who might connect him to it.

"My Uncle Gardiner has a very successful import export business Miss Bingley, so he has an office not a shop. Although he could well afford to reside in a more fashionable part of town, he has chosen to live closer to his warehouses for the time being. Mr. Bingley, sir, was not your family's fortune also made in trade?" Elizabeth inquired, trying to redirect the attention from herself before she lost her composure and said something she would regret.

"Indeed it was, Miss Elizabeth. My grandfather made his fortune in textiles, passing the mill on to my father, who was a shrewd businessman in his own right. He then increased the profits and made some very wise investments that did quite well. He worked very hard to ensure I had a gentleman's education at Cambridge and that both my sisters had the opportunity to go to a fashionable finishing school in London. It was his dream that one day I would become a member of the landed gentry, so here I am." Mr. Bingley looked quite pleased with himself, while his sister looked affronted. It appeared that Miss Bingley did not appreciate being reminded of her humble roots. She was obviously appalled by the turn of the conversation and looked fit to be tied.

"That was a very admirable goal, Mr. Bingley. It sounds like your father and my uncle had a great deal in common. Through some shrewd business investments made by my Uncle Gardiner, which have seen some excellent returns over the years, my young cousin David should find himself in the same position you are in now when he reaches his majority. Both David and yourself are truly fortunate in the prudence of your forebears." Lizzie was thoroughly enjoying the stimulating conversation. Business and speculation were areas that she understood and excelled in

"Thank you Miss Elizabeth on behalf of myself and all of my forefathers." Mr. Bingley shifted uncomfortably in his seat, blushing at the compliment. "That is very high praise coming from you, considering the esteem you obviously hold for your uncle."

"Does Mr Gardiner have investors in his business Miss Elizabeth, or is his capital all of his own making?" Mr. Darcy was fascinated by the bent of this conversation. Never had he had such a stimulating discourse with a woman so totally unrelated to him and decidedly wanted to test her knowledge on the subject at hand.

"The majority of the funds were earned by my uncle, but in the last few years a number of gentlemen, even some of your station Mr. Darcy, have sought him out wishing to invest. My uncle's reputation has preceded him and he is well known to be an honest and hard-working gentleman. If you ever desire to increase your fortune and have extra capital to invest, I would be glad to send him a letter of introduction for you." Lizzie was amazed and confounded that she had made such an offer. She looked at him trying to discern whether she had offended him, but he appeared as he always did, so she had no clue.

"You seem well-informed about your uncle's dealings Miss Elizabeth. Do you not think it unusual that a young woman such as yourself would have so much information on a man's private business? Surely your uncle does not consult with you about such things." Mr. Darcy said deliberately trying to bait her. He wanted to see that flash of challenge in her eyes as her intelligence rose to the occasion. Elizabeth was about to do just that when Miss Bingley exploded.

"Oh good Lord! Why are you going on about this, Miss Eliza? Who cares about investments and business concerns. Please do not bore the rest of us with your unsuitable choice of after dinner conversation. Surely there must be something that is properly engaging to talk about. How about we discuss the scandalous behavior of Lord Percy last season, or the rumors about the Prince Regent's taking another new mistress." Miss Bingley glared at Elizabeth, displaying her displeasure.

"Do you really believe that scandalous gossip is a more consequential discussion than the investments that could secure your future?" Miss Elizabeth was appalled at the shallowness of the woman. She could not imagine being ignorant of such things by choice.

"Charles handles all the business affairs for me at present, and my husband will take them over after him."She glanced possessively at Mr. Darcy, as if to stake her claim, then looked back at Elizabeth. "It is quite unladylike to be involved in matters of business, let alone discuss them openly. It is just not done in polite society." Caroline looked her up and down then turned away in disgust.

"I beg your pardon if I offended you Miss Bingley with talk of an unacceptable nature. It was unintentionally done. On that note, I believe I will retire for the evening as I am fatigued and need to check on Jane. I wish you all a very pleasant evening." Lizzie curtsied, turned around and exited the room without even a glance backward.

Elizabeth rapidly headed up the stairs to Jane's room. That she was experiencing a plethora of emotions was an understatement. Caroline Bingley was the most infuriating creature she had ever met. How dare she disparage Uncle and humiliate her. She knew nothing about the state of Lizzie's family's situation. She could not help but pity Jane if her sister wound up with that woman as a connection.

Finding her sister asleep, Lizzie went to her room and prepared for bed. She would meet with Mr. Darcy early in the morning and hopefully have her answers. She could only trust that the conversation would be more rewarding than what she dealt with this evening. If the gentleman was not forthcoming with the details she wanted then she would have to go to the source. As Lizzie drifted off to sleep she prayed that it would not be necessary to go that far.