From Longbourn to Pemberley, The First Year: Seasons of Serendipity

By Elizabeth Ann West

The Seasons of Serendipity are four years of imagined storyline for the Bennet daughters after supposing they lost their beloved father at the beginning of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. From Longbourn to Pemberley traces the first year of their lives, as each daughter of Robert Bennet fights for her own happily ever after. This is a boxed set of the previously published A Winter Wrong, A Spring Sentiment, A Summer Shame, and An Autumn Accord designed specifically for readers who want to sit down and enjoy the story as one novel as the novellas were planned to fulfill a story arc this way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pemberley Possibilities
• Release date: Apr 25, 2015
• ISBN: 9781513012162

Book preview

To my father, thank you for making me learn how to bait my own hook.

A Winter

Wrong

The First Season of Serendipity

Chapter 1

Dangling one leg over a tree branch, Elizabeth Bennet inhaled the smells of autumn after a fresh rainstorm. Yesterday's downpour would likely be the last spirited storm until winter's drab anger left much frost but no fun puddles or musty smells. Despite Jane still being at Netherfield, for she had ridden the horse to her tea with Miss Bingley and been unable to return last evening, Elizabeth had spent the morning enjoying the fine weather and avoiding breakfast with her family. Her stomach rumbling, she fetched a treasure from her skirt pocket.

The crunching bite of an apple startled birds above her. As the duo flew away, Elizabeth reluctantly agreed her own freedom had also best come to an end. She shrugged and placed the apple in her mouth to secure it. Her hands free, she walked out on the thinnest branch that would hold her, bent her knees, and swung down as she had hundreds of times since she was a young girl before jumping the remaining three feet to the ground.

Behind her a horse neighed and Elizabeth turned around with the apple still in her mouth and brushed her hair away from her eyes. The sun blocked her vision of the rider until she removed the apple hastily from her mouth and covered her eyes to squint. The tall, erect posture could be no other, but she confirmed it was Mr. Darcy.

Perfect, she muttered and bowed her head with a slight curtsy as the horse neared.

Miss Elizabeth, are you hurt? he asked as he dismounted and walked around to join her with his horses' reins in his hands.

Elizabeth smiled and took another bite of her apple. Of course it would be the proud and reserved Mr. Darcy who caught her enjoying the last days of autumn. Chewing carefully, she couldn't resist making the man who had insulted her at last month's assembly wait a moment in worry. Swallowing, Elizabeth flashed him a smile as if to dare him to say anything about her hoydenish behavior.

Perfectly uninjured, Mr. Darcy. Simply enjoying my morning, and you?

Mr. Darcy scrutinized her person from head to toe as if to question her ability to judge her own well-being. Frustrated that he kept staring at her, Elizabeth placed a hand on her hip and took another bite of apple. Deciding she was finished with his haughty judgments, she nodded and began to walk around the horse and rider towards her own home.

I've just come from Longbourn, he said, softly.

The tremor of his voice was very different than the harsh tone she was accustomed to hearing. She turned around to look at him, her curiosity piqued.

It's too early for a social call. Pray,why did you ride to my home, sir? The apple pieces in her stomach began a most dreadful tumble as Elizabeth worried.

Your sister. I am afraid to say she is unwell.

Elizabeth's mouth opened in horror and she quickly tossed the apple to the ground. Excuse me, Mr. Darcy she said as she gave another quick curtsy and quickly began to walk down the road towards Netherfield.

Watching her for a few moments, he couldn't believe his eyes. Was the woman truly walking the mile and a half to Netherfield? Distracted by her form as a fine walker, he watched as she traveled further and further away. Shaking himself back into good sense, finally Mr. Darcy called after her.

MISS ELIZABETH!

About twenty yards away, Elizabeth kept walking and ignored Mr. Darcy calling after her. Her mind was elsewhere wondering just how sick must Jane be that Mr. Darcy would ride to Longbourn first thing in the morning? Had Mr. Jones been called? Each step added more and more mud to her walking boots, but she didn't notice the increasing weight to her feet and underskirts.

Facing no other choice, Mr. Darcy began to walk his horse after her to catch up. His longer gait made short work of closing the gap and once more he called after her. Without stopping, Elizabeth looked over her shoulder.

Please do not make me tarry any longer. She marched on.

Darcy realized he was uncomfortable at not being in control. She wouldn't speak to him and he felt quite silly nearly running with a horse's reins in hand to keep up with a young woman.

I must insist, the roads are not in good condition. Sit atop Poseidon and I will hold his reins.

I really could not, she replied, still walking with fury.

But your dress...

Is already three inches deep in mud. Really, Mr. Darcy, let's not try to pour spilled milk back into the glass. Walking stride for stride with him, she only had to look to her side to raise her eyebrow at him in mockery.

Silent once more, Darcy continued to walk beside Miss Elizabeth despite his horse's impatient tugging due to the pace they were keeping. If it had been any other next to him, he would have thought it strange that she refused to speak to him. But he had accustomed himself to her particular manner of flirting where she pretended to show no interest. He remembered well how she had spoken to all around him at Sir Lucas' house party for over half an hour, before engaging with him in witty banter over the militia holding a ball.

By the time they reached the edge of the drive, Elizabeth had finally considered every possibility in her mind and was prepared to hear the worst of it.

Could you tell me how ill my sister is?

Her voice startled Darcy as he had become perfectly content silently admiring her person while they rambled on the country dirt road between Longbourn and Netherfield. The exercise brought a lovely glow to her porcelain skin. Clearing his throat, he reminded himself of the harpy, Miss Caroline Bingley, likely awaiting his arrival to regulate his inner yearnings.

Aside from a headache and sore throat, she appears to be perfectly fine.

Aghast, Elizabeth abruptly stopped, causing Darcy to turn around and look at her once he managed to stop Poseidon and himself.

Excuse me, but are you trained in the medical arts?

Stunned, Mr. Darcy scoffed at such a preposterous question.

Then you are not qualified to say she is perfectly fine if you must ride to my home and inform my parents of her condition. Elizabeth's eyes flashed with anger, but they had nearly arrived at the front steps of the estate.

His requisite cold mask firmly in place, Mr. Darcy managed to keep his biting rejoinder to himself. With a bow, he dismissed himself from her company and mounted his stallion. Kicking the horse towards the stables, he took a deep breath and rationalized Miss Elizabeth's rudeness as a sign of concern for her dear sister. He would be greatly distressed if Georgiana were in bed with such an illness. Although he had only quoted Miss Jane Bennet's own words, even he should have realized the woman likely concealed the true severity of her illness to prevent her family much concern.

...❄...❄...

Two days burdened by caring for her sister and playing drawing room games with the aloof Mr. Darcy and acerbic Miss Bingley had driven Elizabeth desperate for respite out of doors. Therefore, on the second morning of her unexpected stay, she accepted an invitation to stroll in the gardens by the increasing Mrs. Hurst after they were the last remaining in the breakfast parlor.

Discussing flowers, Mrs. Hurst impressed Elizabeth with her knowledge and breadth of insight. Elizabeth concluded the older and married Bingley sister was not half as bad when she was separated from the younger. Though, was not that her own lot? She shuddered as they took a turn in the garden when she considered others judging her and Jane on the conduct of their younger sisters Lydia and Kitty. Directly in front of them Caroline walked on the arm of Mr. Darcy.

—and the eyelashes, so remarkably fine, might be copied. said Miss Bingley.

The foursome paused at a crossroads in the path and Miss Bingley's eyes bulged as she gave her sister a nonverbal warning. Elizabeth didn't concretely know the subject of Caroline's conversation, but she recognized the woman's tone as when Caroline criticized her family or her own person. With a brilliant grin, she schemed to place Miss Bingley on her toes.

I did not know you were such a student of art! Elizabeth did her best to mimic the high-pitched feigned interest voice that Caroline used every time she offered 'helpful advice.'

Mrs. Hurst silently released Elizabeth's arm and took the empty arm of Mr. Darcy. This put the gentleman in an awkward position and he cleared his throat.

This walk is not wide enough for our party. We had better go into the avenue.

Elizabeth had no inclination to continue walking with the party until she considered that if Miss Bingley would criticize the Bennets or herself too much, it might impair Jane's abilities to secure an offer from Mr. Bingley. That would be a failure that would surely break her sister's heart.

On such a beautiful day, why not we take the avenue around the park at large? It was a favorite of mine as a child, and I have not enjoyed the same since the property was resided in by the previous owners.

Darcy brightened at the suggestion for such an excursion while Caroline's face soured.

But that is neigh three miles around! We should better employ the curricle for such an exercise, considering my sister's condition, of course.

Elizabeth laughed and started down the path towards where she meant to walk. You and Mrs. Hurst must absolutely secure the curricle, but I am such a great walker as you have repeatedly pointed out, I should prefer to not ride. Besides, it only seats two. I hope you are able to drive, Miss Bingley?

Darcy felt delighted at the turn of events as the Bingley sisters had no choice but to follow through on Caroline's suggestion leaving him to walk with Miss Elizabeth alone once more. Charmed by the woman's ability to maneuver around the machinations of Miss Bingley, Darcy stood convinced not a drawing room in London would be a danger with Miss Elizabeth by his side. Unfortunately, though he offered his arm to her, she declined the assistance and turned the topic to discussing books, asking him many questions, yet revealing very little of her own tastes.

Later that evening, Jane felt recovered enough to join the group after dinner, sitting well nestled in blankets by the fire. As Mr. Bingley paid his particular care to Jane to the exclusion of everyone else, Elizabeth once again found herself entertaining the disagreeable trio of Caroline Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, and Mr. Darcy.

After an hour of literally taking turns about the room physically and verbally, Elizabeth used a time-tested sign between the sisters to convey she was ready to retire. Unfortunately, Jane was so occupied with Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth had to specifically mention that she wished to retire by feigning the long walk around the park that day actually fatigued her. She hated to play the arts of a frail woman, but couldn't rise above the deception when they conveniently suited her needs.

Mr. Darcy immediately rose when Elizabeth did and offered to assist her up the stairs as he was responsible for agreeing to their lengthy walk, but Elizabeth demurred. She wouldn't further denigrate herself by actually pretending to be physically fatigued, even though a curious dizziness was beginning to creep over her.

In the end, Jane bade goodnight to Mr. Bingley and traversed the stairs with her sister. Elizabeth parted from Jane in the hall to enter her own room and took no more than a few steps when the curious case of dizziness became a much more emphatic one. Suddenly very warm, Elizabeth began to feel as the room were spinning and reached out for a piece of furniture to steady herself. Needing help, but unable to find her voice for the tremendous pounding in her head, she closed her eyes, thinking to rest until her senses returned. Vaguely, she heard the door opening behind her.

Lizzie, I wondered if we had to leave so early in the morning—

Smiling as she heard Jane's voice behind her, Elizabeth swore she opened her eyes and turned around to address Jane. Instead, the eldest Bennet daughter called out for help as her younger sister collapsed to the floor.

...❄...

Chapter 2

Warm sun diffused by a window shined on Elizabeth's face and she slowly opened her eyes before groaning at the stiffness she felt all over. Rising from the bed, she recollected she was at Netherfield, yet her head ached something awful. As her eyes were still sleepy, she rubbed them until the bedroom came into sharper focus.

Decorated in soothing greens and creams from the rug to the paper on the wall, Elizabeth smiled as she respected the fine suite she had been able to reside in while caring for Jane. But today she would be returning home since Jane was better and her father would surely send the carriage for them. Locating a fresh morning gown in the wardrobe, Elizabeth dressed herself and cleaned her face. As she was twisting her hair up into a simple style, the bedroom door opened and a maid appeared.

Pardon me, madam. I did not yet know you had risen.

Elizabeth laughed and smiled at the young woman she recognized as Becky, the eldest daughter of the Combes family who farmed the northern edge of Longbourn.

Becky, it's me.

Raising her eyes, Becky flashed a quick smile before swiftly averting her eyes as was expected of all of the servants if they wished to stay employed in the Bingley household. Elizabeth frowned when she accepted the situation for what it was. I am nearly finished. I do not need your help this morning. Thank you.

Becky nodded slowly and began to walk backwards out of the room. This made Elizabeth cross her arms in front of her. Inconceivable! Miss Bingley thought herself royalty now? She would just have to do something about that when she had the chance. In the meantime, she checked her appearance once more in the mirror and released a breath.

As Elizabeth descended the stairs she felt herself grip the banister with more gusto than usual. The dizziness in her head was threatening to return and it was only her strong resolve that she would not be ill that allowed her to continue on, suddenly realizing she was ravenous. Entering the breakfast parlor Elizabeth was confused to see the room empty of prepared food and people. Hearing voices behind her, she closed the doors and crossed the foyer to the study.

As she opened the doors, which felt too heavy for some reason, she spied Jane sobbing on the settee with Caroline holding her hand. The two gentlemen in the room rose as Elizabeth entered.

Jane looked up and though her eyes were red-rimmed, she screamed out her sister's name. Oh, Lizzie! She held her arms out and Elizabeth did what any sister would do when presented with such a distressed loved one, she rushed into them. Hugging her sister, Elizabeth tried to hush her as Jane cried harder.

Jane, Jane! I'm fine. Whatever's wrong?

Miss Bingley had slithered away from Jane's side as Elizabeth had appeared and managed to find the arm of Mr. Darcy who stood watching the tender scene between the sisters.

Well, this is quite mawkish, wouldn't you say, Mr. Darcy? Caroline said off-handedly.

With his sternest gaze, Darcy looked down at Caroline and refused to answer.

They just lost their father, Caroline! How could you be so uncaring? Mr. Bingley chided his sister as he continued to watch Jane, his perfect angel Jane, crying so freely. His face grim, he rubbed his mouth with his hand and turned away from the scene to collect himself.

Elizabeth heard the exchange behind her and keeping an arm on her sister, turned around to address the Netherfield residents.

Pardon me? When none of the London set would answer she looked to Jane.

Making eye contact with her sister, Jane shook her head and began to sob anew. Stunned, Elizabeth lowered herself onto the settee next to Jane and became like stone. How? When? She was so confused and nothing made any sense. Words and voices swirled around her and though the dizziness was making another rally, she shook her head.

Home. We must go home, Jane. Thank you so much for your hospitality, Mr. Bingley, but might we borrow your carriage?

No! Charles Bingley responded before straightening his waist coat as he turned around and moderated his tone before speaking again. What I mean is, Miss Elizabeth you should not travel. You are barely recovered yourself and it would not do to jeopardize your health and Miss Bennet's again.

But we too could be at risk Charles! Caroline piped up from where she sat with Mrs. Hurst.

Charles shook his head between the two groups of women, on one hand his scheming sisters and on the other, the kind and distraught sisters he wished to make his family. Before he could say anything, Mr. Darcy's deep baritone voice interceded.

Miss Elizabeth? Have you eaten?

Elizabeth looked up at him with a quizzical expression. How had he remembered that she had yet to eat and could she possibly eat at a time like this? Becky suddenly entered the study carrying a tray that someone must have ordered. She was stunned to see Mr. Darcy prepare a plate of strawberries and cheese and hand it to her.

You've been so ill. Eat this and we shall explain all that has happened.

Elizabeth nodded and gingerly took a bite of the cheese. She had truly not realized how hungry she had been, hadn't she just eaten last evening? Yes, they had roast duck and Miss Caroline kept talking on and on about a past dinner the rest of them had the pleasure of eating at a ball in London to the exclusion of Elizabeth.

Bingley, perhaps Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst would be willing to assist Miss Bennet upstairs to rest?

Charles brightened at the excuse to offer his arm to Jane, ignoring that Darcy had suggested his sisters escort her. Once Charles began to escort Miss Bennet to the door, Miss Bingley faced a dilemma. She wanted to stay and prevent Miss Elizabeth from having time alone with Darcy, yet if her brother escorted Jane upstairs alone, he could likely find himself in a compromising position and be forced to marry the penniless woman. Aggravated, Miss Bingley rose from where she sat with Mrs. Hurst and decided she could simply return to the study with Charles as soon as Jane was settled.

When Mrs. Hurst appeared unwilling to rise, Darcy gave her a stern look and the older woman found herself most disconcerted. Collecting the baby clothes she had been sewing, she too quit the study to check on her husband. By this time of day, Mr. Hurst was typically found full from drink and napping in the library. Mr. Darcy rose to follow Mrs. Hurst before bidding the maid to stay in the room. Then he closed the door.

Elizabeth tried to voice that she was not comfortable being alone with Mr. Darcy, even with a maid present, but couldn't think of a polite way to express such a notion.

Forgive me, but I recall the day when I lost my own father and thought you might like a more private audience to learn all of the particulars.

Elizabeth slowly nodded, wondering why the disagreeable Mr. Darcy was being so kind to her? Perhaps the man had more to him than she had given him credit for, but that little thought left her mind as quickly as it surfaced due to more weighty matters at hand.

How long was I ill?

Two days. He made himself a plate of refreshments and motioned for the maid to pour them both some tea.

Elizabeth's throat suddenly felt as if it was on fire, and she happily accepted the tea and dedicated herself to draining the cup.

Watching her drink so eagerly, Darcy smiled briefly as he was reassured she truly was on the mend. Finishing his own refreshment, he returned his plate to the table between them, and rested his hands on his knees. He took a deep breath and reminded himself that his attraction to Miss Elizabeth was ill-conceived, and even more so now that they were friendless in the world.

She ignored the impatient Mr. Darcy and held out her cup for another serving which Becky happily supplied. After taking a few more sips, Elizabeth slowed down and finally looked to Mr. Darcy.

Forgive me for eating and drinking like an ogre. I find myself thirstier than I anticipated. Elizabeth gave a light laugh and then suddenly remembered the sober news Mr. Darcy had to tell her. Seeing the man's face remain stern, she scolded herself for surely disappointing Mr. Darcy's strong sense of propriety and slid her cup back to the table.

We all thought Miss Bennet's illness the result of her ride in the rain, but it was not to be. After you succumbed to the same sickness, we quickly learned that many in the county were likewise afflicted.

And my father?

Settled in his chest before he knew what was wrong, or so we are told.

Elizabeth covered her face with her hands and imagined her father's face, white and stricken, coughing but still going about his day.

He had ridden out to check on a tenant with a stricken young child, and it appears he never returned home. Darcy's voice was barely above a whisper as Elizabeth let out a sudden loud sob.

Her poor father! No one was there to tuck him into bed and care for him when he was rendered unconscious. As the minutes ticked by, the doors to the study opened and Caroline entered with an air of superiority.

The carriage is waiting, Miss Elizabeth, if you would like to return to your home.

Elizabeth stood too quickly and gripped the couch arm as Becky rushed forward to steady her. Before Elizabeth could say a word, Mr. Darcy issued another edict.

Please help Miss Elizabeth to her bed and send up some broth. Will you be sure that she eats it? he said, and Becky nodded before slowly escorting the woman who had always brought the nicest fabric scraps to her father's home for Becky and her sisters to make dresses.

As Elizabeth complied with the gentle steering from Becky, she came to a halt at the foot of the stairs. The flight took on the appearance of an insurmountable climb and Elizabeth needed a moment to collect her energy. She refused, though, to ask Mr. Darcy or anyone else for more assistance and instead took them one step at a time, unable to eavesdrop on the heated conversation between Mr. Darcy and Miss Bingley wafting into the hall from the study. But she did clearly hear the names of her sister and Mr. Bingley spouted in angry tones.

As Becky tucked her into bed and promised to retrieve her some broth, Elizabeth managed to ask a question or two.

Becky, who was the child my father was checking on?

Fluffing up the pillows, Becky frowned and could barely speak above a whisper.

Was me brother, Davey.

Elizabeth swallowed as she nervously asked for one more detail. Is he... is he?

Becky shook her head. This sickness is a nasty business Miss Elizabeth. Took many it did.

Thank you, Elizabeth whispered before giving in to her mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion and falling deep asleep.

...❄...

Chapter 3

The bells pealed in Hertfordshire for days as the true costs of life added up. Not only was Mr. Bennet gone, but so were far too many young children and the infirm. Mrs. Long was mourned by her nieces and the neighborhood could not recall a more violent epidemic in two generations. The mysterious illness that lasted no more than nearly the day it took a victim to realize they were grievously ill moved on just as suddenly as it had appeared. As with most tragedies, the spared and the taken had no rhyme or reason but that it was the will of God.

Whisperings abounded as to the source of the sickness and the fashionable, yet newly arrived, brother and sister from London and their guests became a popular speculation. As such, the welcome to Mr. Bingley and his company was decidedly less warm, and other guests were met with a similar suspicion.

Another man would also have the unfortunate timing to arrive at the small hamlet, one Mr. William Collins, the distant cousin of Mr. Bennet and the very man set to inherit Longbourn as part of an entailment on the property. And so it was, two days after Mr. Bennet left this fine earth, his heir, knocked on the door to the to the shrieks of Mrs. Bennet and the cold stares of his fair cousins Mary Bennet, Kitty Bennet, and Lydia Bennet. He had written about his visit, but Mr. Bennet had never told the rest of his family so it became one last cruel irony for the teasing Mr. Bennet to play.

Altogether shocked to instantly inherit an estate upon arrival Mr. Collins, puffed up fribble that he was, failed to even appear mournful of a man so wholly unconnected to him over the glee of his own good fortunes. By the second day, Mr. Collins had situated himself in the master bedroom suite and dismissed Mrs. Bennet to the guest room she had failed to ready for him before his arrival.

Elizabeth and Jane returned from Netherfield to a home foreign to them, one where they were strangers in their own house. The only news the girls could give to cheer the nearly catatonic Mrs. Bennet when they arrived was that before leaving Netherfield, Mr. Bingley had asked Jane Bennet for a courtship and she had agreed provided she be allowed to respectfully mourn her father. This announcement made Mrs. Bennet neatly jump out of her bed.

Oh Jane! My sweet, Jane! Mrs. Bennet gripped the hands of the fairest Bennet daughter and attempted a smile. You have saved us from that wretched man, that wretched, wretched man! She flew to the looking glass to don her black bonnet and veil, the only mourning clothing she could fashion so shortly after entering her widowhood. Hill! Fetch me my shawl, the gray one if you please.

Mama! You cannot possibly be planning to go out! We must not visit whilst Papa is so shortly gone!

Nonsense! I may not visit, but you girls shall go around and tell Lady Lucas and Mrs. Long... Frances Bennet frowned as she remembered that poor Mrs. Long was taken by the same sickness that took her dear husband. Fresh tears and sobs erupted as Jane and Elizabeth helped Mrs. Bennet back to the bed.

Their mother settled in her bed, the girls retired to their shared bedroom and found themselves unable to speak above hushed tones as they worked out who would tend to their mother and who would see to purchases for the household. Given Jane's sweet disposition, it was decided she would remain at home while Elizabeth fetched much needed essentials for the estate.

As Elizabeth donned a gown trimmed in black that she had worked on at Netherfield, she also affixed a gray bonnet. She met her cousin Mr. Collins in the hall and tried to walk past him without engaging in conversation.

Cousin Elizabeth, you appear dressed for an outing. May I ask to where you are headed?

You may ask but I may not feel obliged to satisfy your curiosity, sir.

Ho, ho, a fine joke, indeed. I was warned you were the crafty one with words. By the by, now as head of this household, I must insist to know the comings and goings of all young ladies to keep you safe, you see.

Scowling, she admitted she was heading into town to purchase items such as meat, candles, and additional stationary so that she might begin alerting family members of her father's demise. Before she could say otherwise, Mr. Collins expressed he would invite himself along on this shopping excursion to make sure household funds were not squandered by the shopkeepers looking to take advantage of her delicate female mind.

Mr. Collins, I assure you I have taken on the responsibility of stocking the household many times as my mother has instructed all of us in the way of being the lady of a household. She said so in an attempt to insinuate his lack of knowledge at running an estate, but the sudden gleam in his eye and lick of his lips left a decidedly different impression on her as far as his understanding went.

Just as she had done with Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth expertly avoided taking Mr. Collins arm for assistance, preferring to instead meander and pause at odd intervals in hopes of irritating the man beside her enough to give up his quest to join her. Instead, all her pauses to collect the last wild fall blooms and to suddenly stare out at an open pasture made him more determined to watch over his cousin clearly wracked with grief.

As they entered the bookshop, Mr. Hamilton kindly greeted Elizabeth as she was a frequent customer. Unfortunately he was out of black lined paper, with so many deaths in the neighborhood, but was able to sell her plain parchment and additional ink that with a steady hand, she may apply a border herself. Of course all Mr. Collins could comment on was the cost savings achieved by such a scheme, and Elizabeth rolled her eyes.

Before they could exit the shop, none other than Mr. Darcy entered and gave a low bow when he instantly recognized Miss Elizabeth.

Mr. Darcy. She greeted him with a customary curtsy. Yet before she could speak another word, Mr. Collins very nearly bumped her out of the way to bow very low before Mr. Darcy himself and make a fool's introduction.

Mr. Darcy, sir, the nephew of my esteemed and most benevolent patroness Lady Catherine de! Bourgh It is an honor to meet you sir, a true honor, in such a country as this! Why, when I left Lady Catherine and your affianced not a fortnight ago, they both were in hearty health.

If looks could murder, then Mr. Collins would have found his way following in Mr. Bennet's footfalls exactly where he stood. As they cannot, Mr. Darcy glowered and Elizabeth found herself surprisingly amused by the proud and stuffy Mr. Darcy being affronted by no other than her disgusting cousin. Since a lady may not laugh in most social instances, and certainly not one in full mourning, she quickly lowered her head so that her bonnet hid her delight. Mr. Darcy judged Miss Elizabeth's reaction to be disappointment and without thinking he did what he would not ordinarily do and set out to correct Mr. Collins.

You must be that insipid parson my aunt has written to me about. Collings? or Crossing is it?

Collins, sir. Mr. Collins. New master of Longbourn, if it pleases you, sir.

Mr. Darcy stood silent. He was about to crush this man with the cruelest cut society could give, only to realize here was the man who had inherited the very home in which Miss Elizabeth lived. Forgetting the erroneous comment about his cousin Anne, Darcy peppered Mr. Collins with questions of estate management. Slowly, he watched Elizabeth raise her face and scrutinize him carefully. He tried to flash her a quick smile, but the insipid answers from the parson grated his nerves.

It appears I have kept you and Miss Elizabeth too long, but should you have any questions, Mr. Collins, I am always happy to assist. Mr. Darcy bowed to leave, only Mr. Collins continued to talk.

Could you call upon us tomorrow? There is a stack of papers I must go through and I confess my education at Cambridge did nothing to prepare me for calculations of crop yields and rents.

Elizabeth watched in horror as the man she could hardly bear to stand next to proceeded to invite the one man she could not stand to be in company with over for tea to go through her father's possessions in the library. The rest of the shopping trip she found herself sniping at Mr. Collins for his repeated questioning of the prices in hopes that he would rein in his continued chatter. Unfortunately, Elizabeth's ire with the man was not matched by a similar emotion in her cousin.

...❄...❄...

Shouts and loud noises greeted Darcy as he walked into Netherfield from the side entrance by the stables. He winced as he could make out Caroline's shrill voice echoing through the halls.

Are you absolutely mad, Charles? What about me? What about my chances? Fitzwilliam will never look at me now that you've made such a disastrous match.

Caroline, for the last time, Darcy has no interest in you! Hie to London, buy more gowns, more jewels. Make this season your finest because once Jane's mourning period is over, she shall become my wife no matter what you say.

A tinkle of broken glass startled Darcy as he stood outside of the open study doors. Removing his riding gloves, he boldly strode into the room and immediately poured himself a drink. Behind him, Caroline huffed and exited the room. Darcy shrugged, and poured a second drink for Charles.

Thanks, Darce. I don't know where she gets these ideas that the Bennets will be a shackle to our family name! Jane is a gentleman's daughter. I am a son of trade. By my calculations, Caroline should be overjoyed. Charles took a gulp of his drink and settled into an armchair.

Reflecting on the odious man Darcy had just met, he had to admit he saw things more to Caroline's side.

I think Miss Bingley was trying to convey there are women with more genteel origins and higher ranked family members that would not scruple to unite themselves to a man with your means. Darcy found his own seat and placed his gloves across his thigh.

Charles leaned forward to scrutinize his friend. Do I have your support, or not, old friend?

Darcy laughed hollowly. Of course you have my support, and Darcy motioned to raise his glass in a sign of goodwill. But take some time during this courtship and mourning period to truly weigh the consequences of your match.

What match can there be without love?

Many a miserable marriage started off violently in love only to cool. Ask yourself what can there be if the love extinguishes and there is no pride of familial ties or social standing?

Charles' face slackened and he leaned back. For a few moments, both men were silent and equally reflective. His drink almost gone, Charles absently ran a finger around the rim of his glass. I plan to call on Longbourn tomorrow, would you care to join me?

Darcy took a breath, wondering if it was right to be kinder to his friend than he was to himself? His attraction to Miss Elizabeth was palpable, yet, tomorrow he was riding to her home specifically to sort through her father's personal papers as a favor to her, even though he couldn't say such. He decided whether Bingley's and Miss Bennet's courtship resulted in marriage, it would not be as a result of his personal encouragement nor censor.

Your steward said the north fence was broken in places and needed mending before winter set in, did he not?

Bingley shrugged. What is a gentlemen unless he is at his leisure? He started to laugh, but stopped when Darcy's face remained serious.

The intention, Charles, is to treat this estate as your own. Would you put off such an important matter once you buy such an acreage as this?

Sobered, Charles shook his head. Suppose we both will be riding north tomorrow.

Darcy downed the last of his drink and stood with his gloves in hand. No, I think it's time the sparrow fly free of the eagle. It's just a fence mending, after all. Sufficiently assured Miss Bingley would not be in the hall to accost him, Darcy bowed and retired to his room to change out of his riding clothes and order a hot bath.

...❄...

Chapter 4

Wearing a work dress and apron, Elizabeth continued to clean and tidy in her father's study while Mr. Collins and Mr. Darcy pored over the accounts. She had a pile of books that she planned to take to her bedroom as favorites enjoyed by her and her father. Only a few titles nearly caused her to tear up before she remembered her company and placed her emotions on better regulations.

This ledger is most perplexing. I see here numerous years of profitable returns and yet.. Mr. Darcy continually turned pages back and forth, following the carefully columned sums in Mr. Bennet's steady hand.

According to neighbors, my predecessor spent more time in his library than the fields. It's a well-established fact that sloth will lead many a man astray with... Mr. Collins continued to sermonize the gossip he had already heard from the local townfolk upon inheriting Longbourn.

Dusting off her hands, Elizabeth stood up from where she had been working on the lowest shelves. Perhaps you should ask a person more intimate with the workings of Longbourn than asking pointed questions to the pages of a ledger that cannot answer back. She raised one eyebrow in a perfect arch and both men stared at her.

Ah, you mean the steward, a Mr. Warren? Yes, that's an excellent idea.  Where can we find him, Collins?

Mr. Collins' face turned red and he blustered to answer that Mr. Warren had very recently resigned his post to take a position in London. Elizabeth crossed her arms in front of her, but held her tongue about the true story of how Mr. Collins had irrevocably offended Warren's abilities and attempted to demote him for a candidate put forward by his mysterious patroness, Mr. Darcy's aunt.

Pardon me, but I wasn't suggesting Mr. Warren. I was suggesting you ask me.

The blank looks shared between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins said it all, but only Mr. Collins began to laugh. Cousin, your jests occasionally go too far. You cannot expect that a great man such as Mr. Darcy would possibly take advice from a woman.

Where you may not have been educated in the arts of collecting rents and crop rotation, I can assure you I have. My father never held any education back from any of his daughters who truly desired to learn. I can speak and read French, as well as Latin, and every decision for this estate has been shared with me for the last three years. Elizabeth locked eyes with Mr. Darcy and softened her expression of anger to one of pain. Her fine eyes were wide and begged for his assistance.

Clearing his throat, Mr. Darcy looked to the ledger. Miss Elizabeth, how many fields did your father leave fallow last season?

Three. In addition, we urged Mr. Boggins to break up his pasture. His wheat yields were the highest last year.

Though impressed with her information, Mr. Darcy still was not convinced that she hadn't simply listened as her father made decisions. He had not known Mr. Bennet very long, but he still found it surprising that he would consult with a daughter in such matters. Again, assuming Mr. Bennet made such decisions at all and it was not the missing steward's directions that ran the estate.

Can you account for these large sums from the rents and crop sales that disappear off the ledger? See here? Last season alone nearly four hundred pounds are subtracted from the next quarter's starting balance, yet the household accounts do not account for any largess. Mr. Darcy motioned towards the other ledger book, primarily kept by her mother, sitting closed on the desk.

Smoothing her apron, Elizabeth hung her head. She had always checked her father's math at the end of the season, but hadn't thought to question money leaving the estate accounts. I cannot.

Was your father a card player, Miss Elizabeth?

She shook her head.

Was he fond of drink? Mr. Collins interceded as he spied the decanter across the room, thinking to himself that he could surely use a drink.

Elizabeth glared at her cousin and frowned. "No more