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“I thank you for considering my desires and reputation, Mr Collins.” Elizabeth inclined her head from where she sat. Jane and Mary remained in their seats.

‘This man is nothing like I thought he would be,’ Elizabeth told herself silently. ‘Not only is he intelligent, but he is very much aware of the thoughts and feelings of those around him. I believe he will make Mary very happy.’

“Of course, Cousin Elizabeth. I believe that I do not speak out of turn when I say that we do not suit, and we would not have made one another happy,” William responded with a slight smile. “Now, to the reason I requested that you attend me here. Allow me to ask you something.”

Elizabeth inclined her head and extended her hand palm up to tell him to proceed.

“In a general sense, do you believe it is fair to hear one side of a tale and make judgements without seeing evidence to refute what you have been told or heard from the other party?” William enquired. “In the time I have been a guest at Longbourn, I have seen that in most cases you are fair. Am I wrong in what I have observed?”

“I like to think I am just in my judgments,” Elizabeth returned.

“So then, you would not listen to one side of a story,” William postulated, “let us say, from one who you have only just met and know nothing of their history, and because it feeds a prejudice you already have, you would not take what you were told as fact without seeking the other side, would you?”

“Are you referring to what Mr Wickham told me?” Elizabeth asked hotly. “I told you everything he said, and how I saw honesty in his looks.”

“So that precludes looking at both sides before you make a judgement? I heard the same conversation, word for word, and I did not detect honesty or facts. All I heard were many contradictions, and that was in addition to the impropriety of a disclosure of that sort to one newly met. Not only that, but it was also done in a public place where anyone could have overheard,” William shot back. “With your perfect recall, tell me, Cousin, how many times did Mr Wickham say his feeling for the father would not allow him to expose the son, or words of that meaning?”

As she went over the discussion in her mind, Elizabeth was unhappy she had perfect recall. “Four times in different ways,” she admitted.

“Exactly! My request to you, Cousin, is to join your two sisters present in the parlour when Mr Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam arrive. I ask you to listen to them and review the proof they have. Remind me what proof Lieutenant Wickham offered you to back up his claims.” William waited for Cousin Elizabeth to reply, but she just turned away. “I am aware that Mr Darcy insulted you, but is that reason to blindly believe every word that Lieutenant Wickham told you?”

“How will I know that this colonel is not just saying what his cousin wants him to?” Elizabeth asked stubbornly.

“Firstly, I have known Colonel Fitzwilliam since shortly after I was preferred to my living, and I can attest to his honour and the fact that he is scrupulously honest,” William replied. “Secondly, did you miss the fact that I said that they have evidence with them? I have seen said documented proof, but do not take my word for it; wait until you have reviewed it with your own eyes.”

“I think I preferred you when I believed you to be a buffoon,” Elizabeth jested. Whenever she was uncomfortable, she turned to humour. “I suppose I would be rather missish, not to mention grossly unfair, if I refused to meet with them, hear what they have to say, and review what they have as proof.” She paused as she thought of something. “However, I will not be sanguine with Mr Darcy looking at me to find fault.”

“For an intelligent woman you are slow at times,” William stated as he shook his head. “Cousin Elizabeth, if you disliked someone, thought them tolerable and not handsome enough to tempt you, would you look at that person every time you were in company with them?”

“Er…I…no, I would not; I would avoid them,” Elizabeth responded.

“Exactly,” William answered smugly. He had the pleasure of seeing a look of confusion on his cousin’s countenance and then seeing her eyes become wide as the realisation of what he was alluding to hit home.

‘Surely not!’ Elizabeth thought. ‘It is impossible that Mr Darcy admires me.’

~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~

As he waited for Fitzwilliam and Mr Darcy to arrive, William heard Cousin Lydia speaking of how she and Cousin Kitty were soon to walk into Meryton to go see the officers.

Although he knew he needed to speak to Cousin Bennet in the near future, William decided that he must do something in the meanwhile. He would never forgive himself if something were to happen and all of his cousins were to be ruined along with the youngest Bennet. He would still offer for Mary, but would the shame be too much for her to accept him?

What was needed were men to guard the girls and step in to save them from themselves if need be. He did not know where to find such men on short notice. However, he remembered that Fitzwilliam knew many former soldiers.

That decided it. William would speak to Fitzwilliam as soon as he and Mr Darcy arrived.

~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~

Darcy was nervous as he and Richard arrived at Longbourn. Just a few days past, he had been so sure of his place in the world and his worth as a gentleman to be admired and desired. Knowing that his behaviour and manners caused the woman he now knew he loved to dislike him to the extent that her sister described her feelings as hatred had shocked him to his core. That realisation had hurt more than all three times Richard had struck him combined. Now he was not at all sure of himself.

He saw Mr Collins waiting for them in the drive, and he looked rather serious. Darcy worried that Miss Elizabeth had refused to see him.

“Welcome to Longbourn, Fitzwilliam, Mr Darcy,” William said as he bowed.

The cousins dismounted and allowed the waiting groom to lead their stallions away before turning to face the parson and returning his bow.

“Collins, you look well. Before I forget, my older brother and our cousin, your patroness, will arrive at Netherfield Park later today,” Fitzwilliam related. “It is kind of you to wait for us outside in the cold, but there was no need. We are not so very high and mighty, are we, William?”

“No, indeed,” Darcy agreed. “Is all well? Are we both welcome here?”