"Ah, Mr. Darcy, good morning. My niece and I wish to speak with you. Will you grant us a few moments of your time?"

Darcy was surprised to encounter anyone during his ride, and the pair before him was truly unexpected. He was not unhappy to see Miss Elizabeth, but he could not recall ever having a conversation with her uncle. He was lucky he could even bring his name to mind. But he had to admit his curiosity was peaked. "Of course, Mr. Phillips, allow me to dismount so we may converse more easily."

Mr. Darcy dismounted and led his horse to tether on a nearby fence

"Even if he can prove Mr. Wickham's tale untrue, I still do not like him." Elizabeth whispered.

"No one is suggesting you have to; I certainly am not. If that is what you take from my comments, I can only think you are being deliberately obtuse. I only asked that you not allow your dislike for Mr. Darcy to task you so. After all, I know of nowhere that it is mandated you must like everyone you meet."

Feeling somewhat placated, "That is exactly it. Thank you for understanding, uncle."

"However, that also means that not everyone you meet must like you."

"Uncle!"

"Come, Lizzy, you cannot have it both ways. I think you should just acknowledge your mutual dislike and move past it. No need to expend so much energy on such unpleasantness."

Elizabeth glared at her uncle before looking towards Mr. Darcy upon his approach, luckily, he was still far enough away so as not to hear the conversation. "Lizzy, if we are civil, I am sure he will respond in kind." Mr. Phillips whispered. She shot her uncle a sharp glance that suggested that was not likely to happen.

"Now, of what did you wish to speak? Is there something I may do to assist you?" Elizabeth was taken aback by this simply display of helpfulness.

"Mr. Darcy, I fear what we wish to discuss will not be welcome, however it is quite necessary." Mr. Phillips hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Mr. Darcy, I believe you know a gentleman known as Lieutenant Wickham."

"Wickham! He is a lieutenant now, is he? He most certainly is not a gentleman. Why do you ask of him? Has he said anything?" Darcy demanded.

"You seem quite agitated, Mr. Darcy. Have you something you wish to hide?" Elizabeth snapped.

"Hush, now Lizzy. There is no need to -"

"And, you, Miss Elizabeth, seem quite combative. I am at a loss to understand why." Darcy snapped back.

"Children, there is no need for this antagonism," sighed Mr. Phillips. "Lizzy, be good. And I respectfully ask the same of you, young man."

Darcy's first instinct was to put Mr. Phillips in his place. Who did this man think he was to speak to me in such a manner? Almost, immediately he discarded that thought. He felt the correctness of Mr. Phillips' censure. It reminded him of his own father saying the same thing to him, usually when he and Wickham clashed in their youth. Wickham! How easily Elizabeth Bennet could vex him and make him lose his line of thought.

"My apologies, Mr. Phillips. You are correct, conversation regarding Wickham is never welcome but please tell me how it is he leads you to me this morning?

"Mr. Wickham intimated a close association with your family." Elizabeth noticed Mr. Darcy's face change with her uncle's statement. His jaw clenched and his face reddened with anger. And just before he closed his eyes, she noticed, not just anger, but pain. Her curiosity was growing, and she promised herself she wouldn't interrupt him again.

Mr. Darcy took a moment to collect himself, and when he opened his eyes, the anger and pain was replaced with determination. "Please continue, sir."

"Mr. Wickham was kind enough to inform us of his relationship with you. He mentions you grew up together, as close as brothers he said. He then declared you chose pride and wealth over the bond of friendship, the wishes of your father, and, indeed, common decency. What say you to these allegations, sir?"

Darcy would have laughed if so much were not at stake. "Mr. Phillips, you do have a gift for brevity. I imagine his telling was much more involved."

"That is true. He regaled us for quite some time on the topic. And I must say, Mr. Wickham weaves an excellent tale. Deceit, betrayal, dishonor, and more. It was quite the performance. He is a skilled liar."

"You did not believe him? That is most remarkable." Darcy could not but marvel at the man before him.

"I did not." Mr. Phillips stated firmly. "Mr. Darcy, it has been some time since I learned to see through bluster and prevarication. Not to mention, Mr. Wickham was too charming, too smooth, too…practiced. He obviously enjoyed the act of telling his story as much as the story itself. He is very impressed with himself and his ability to persuade his audience, including the young ladies of the neighborhood, of his sincerity.

"But Mr. Darcy, while I do not believe Mr. Wickham, you are both newcomers to our community. We must actively seek the truth of the matter. Only then, can we work to stave off any rumors that may present themselves. Thus, the purpose of our meeting is not only to alert you to the account of you being put forth but to allow you to share your perspective as well."

"Mr. Phillips, you have my gratitude. It is true that Wickham is a practiced storyteller. He is so convincing that very few seek me out to hear my version of events. I will share what I feel I can while still maintaining my privacy. And Miss Elizabeth, I have often thought you one of the most intelligent women of my acquaintance. My respect for you in that regard only grows. That you so clearly saw through Wickham's charm is a testament to your good sense."

Mr. Darcy obviously believes I share my uncle's astuteness. Elizabeth was astonished by this open approbation. And unlike Wickham, she had the sense that his words were not said in order to flatter her but simply a statement of fact. So, when her uncle did not correct Mr. Darcy's assumption, she followed suit, remaining silent. She now very much wanted to hear what Mr. Darcy would say in his own defense.

As Mr. Darcy told of his connection with Mr. Wickham, she found her dislike of Mr. Darcy tempered slightly. She still could not say she liked him. Nor could she say she unequivocally believed his version of events. Had she not learned that lesson only last night?

Having questioned her own powers of discernment, she vowed to take more time to form her opinions. She recalled a conversation she had at Netherfield Park in which Mr. Darcy said, "My good opinion once lost, is lost forever." She now found this statement more complicated than she originally thought.

Initially, she took it as evidence of Mr. Darcy's implacable resentment. But had he been speaking of Mr. Wickham? It certainly seemed as though there was good reason if Mr. Darcy's account proven true. She was also struck by how she could attribute the same characteristic to herself. Had not Mr. Darcy lost her good opinion? Prior to this morning, she would have said it was lost forever. She realized she should take greater care in forming those opinions.

Mr. Darcy finished his tale, and as he looked at his companions expectantly. "Mr. Darcy, your account certainly has the appearance of truth. Yet, I find myself a bit reluctant to take it at face-value without further scrutiny. Would it be impertinent to request some manner of proof?" Mr. Phillips asked with a quick glance to Elizabeth.

"Not at all, Mr. Phillips. If only all those with whom Wickham shared his tale would ask for such. I have receipts of the debts I have paid on Wickham's behalf as well as documentation that corroborates the veracity of my statements regarding my father's will and the financial reconciliation made for the living. I can ask that they be sent to Netherfield. However, while I am willing to provide this material, I ask that you use the information only to directly refute a claim made by Wickham."

Elizabeth wondered at this. "Will you not wield this information yourself and tell your side of things? Do you not wish to prevent scurrilous rumors about yourself from spreading?"

"Miss Elizabeth, it has never been my practice to trade stories. I do not wish to start now, even in my own defense. I will allow my evidence to prove my case."

"That is a sound strategy, Mr. Darcy. It is a sure and steady way to win a legal case." Mr. Phillips observed in an approving tone.

"I imagine you and your niece, as two trusted members of the community, can make more progress on my behalf than I ever could, being a reserved outsider who is not at all charming or affable."

It was spoken with just a hint of humor. That quite surprised her as did the comment itself. It was the most self-aware thing she had ever heard Mr. Darcy say. He obviously knew how he was regarded in Meryton. Yet, he did not seem angry. Once again, she thought to reevaluate her perception of Mr. Darcy. What was it that her uncle had said? First impressions are shallow.

"Once you have had the opportunity to verify my claims, may I also rely upon you to warn the shop owners and tradesmen in Meryton? If they value their livelihood, they will not extend him credit. I pray he has not been here long enough to do them any real harm."

"I do not believe he has had the opportunity. While I thank you for your trust, I sense there is something more you have to tell us."

"Mr. Phillips, I think you must be an excellent attorney. You are correct. I do not wish to be indelicate in the presence of Miss Elizabeth, but I fear there is another warning I must issue."

"Those same shopkeepers and tradesmen, as well as the other families in the neighborhood, should be wary of Wickham's proximity to their daughters and wives. I cannot offer you proof of my charges without revealing the identity of an innocent young lady, rather innocent young ladies." Darcy blushed scarlet as he looked to Elizabeth. "Miss Elizabeth, I encourage you, in particular, to be on your guard around Wickham."

Elizabeth bristled at this stricture. She felt her temper rise at his presumption. "Mr. Darcy, I can quite handle myself around the likes of Mr. Wickham."

Darcy was quick to agree with her. "Yes, I believe you can. But, from what I have learned today, you were not only a witness but a party to Wickham's embarrassment. He can be persistent when he feels he has not received his due. He will try to persuade you back to his side. He cannot bear that a beautiful young woman did not fall to his usual schemes. That, coupled with your cleverness, present an attractive challenge to Wickham."

"I am sure Lizzy, will use an abundance of caution with regard to Mr. Wickham. I will also impart this information, discreetly, of course, to her father so we may ensure the safety of her sisters as well. Now, unless you have any questions for us or additional concerns you wish to share, we should part before Lizzy is missed. And you, lad, have an assignment to complete."

"Indeed, I will write to my man of business straight away. I will have my evidence before you in a few days' time. Mr. Phillips, Miss Elizabeth, you have my gratitude for bringing this matter to my attention. And for granting me the opportunity to preserve my good name in the community."

The group completed their farewells. As Mr. Darcy retrieved his horse and rode away, Elizabeth and Mr. Phillips remained silent. Once they were alone again, Mr. Phillips turned to face Elizabeth.

"That is a most unbecoming smirk you wear, uncle." The smirk grew into a grin. "Do not say it. Do not."

"As you wish, who am I to disobey a beautiful and clever young lady?"

"I do not know that Mr. Darcy was even aware of what he was saying. You must not read too much into his comments." Elizabeth was adamant.

"All the more reason to, in my mind." Her uncle retorted

"I suppose that is true. Life with Mr. Darcy would never be boring." Elizabeth said absentmindedly.

"Imagining life with Mr. Darcy, are you?" As Elizabeth gaped at him, he could not help but laugh. "As vexatious as the two of you may be, you are also quite entertaining."

Mr. Phillips relented. "I am sorry Lizzy. I will tease you no more. However, it is a good attitude that, to not read too much into comments that one might make without much thought." A contemplative expression crossed Elizabeth's face. When she did not contradict him, he felt his point made and continued. "In truth, the entirety of our conversation with Mr. Darcy was very illuminating. What are your thoughts on the gentleman now?"

"I confess I do not know what to think about him. I will need to consider what we have learned today. But you, my dear uncle, have been a delightful companion. Shall we walk again tomorrow?"