Manners and Money

Prologue

It was good to have Eliza here with her in Hunsford - thought Charlotte Collins, leaving her friend in the drawing room. They no longer shared intimate and sincere talks, they used to but it was comforting to have a kindred spirit around.

Charlotte Collins had all, she'd always voiced, she wanted; a comfortable home, secured future, she was nobody's burden. So why was she sad? It was not even sadness. She felt contented, almost happy, when she had the house all to herself and even if Mr Collins was in, his presence went often unnoticed. Yet, she felt she was missing something, something substantial. Charlotte shook her head. There was no point in dwelling upon such things. She was always a materialist, never a romantic. Well, that was not exactly so. She hoped to find someone who would love her but when she turned twenty-five, she stopped entertaining such thoughts. Now she had to sleep on the bed, she laid herself and there was no place for self-pity and regrets.

It's been almost three weeks since the arrival of her guests to Hunsford and Charlotte thought all went well, in a quiet way. Her father was well pleased with his daughter's situation and her sister, Mariah, was in awe of everything around her, even her brother-in-law. Charlotte knew she made a right decision in taking control over her husband. She planned his day in such a way that they met during meals only. He passed the chief of the time between breakfast and dinner either at work in the garden, or in reading and writing, and looking out of the window in him own book-room, which fronted the road. That was another thing Charlotte thought of: the room arrangement. One might wonder why Charlotte should not prefer the dinning-parlour for common use as it was a better sized room, and had a pleasanter aspect, but it was an arrangement to Charlotte's credit. Mr Collins would undoubtedly have been much less in his own apartment, had the ladies sat in one equally lively.

Easter was approaching and an addition to the family at Rosings had arrived. Very few days passed in which Mr Collins did not walk to Rosings, and not many in which Charlotte did not think it necessary to go likewise. The patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh had also other family livings to be disposed of and Charlotte found it necessary to help Mr Collins obtain them. There was one thing, Charlotte Collins was sure of, she had to do absolutely everything in her power to secure happiness of her future children. And the future happiness of the children meant financial security. She didn't want her daughters to suffer what she had suffered. Therefore, no matter how humiliating meetings with Lady Catherine were to Charlotte, she bore them with a pleasant expression on a blank-eyed face. Being surrounded by Mr. Collins and her Ladyship, Charlotte learnt not to hear the meaning of the words, she was forced to listen to.

Charlotte looked around Mr Collins's book-room. He was not there. Yesterday he walked the whole morning within the lodges opening into Hunsford Lane; in order to have the earliest assurance of the arrival of Mr Darcy. Today, he found it necessary to go to Rosings to pay his respects. Approaching the window, Charlotte noticed the figure of her husband, all in bows, followed by two gentlemen of whom one was Mr Darcy. She smiled slightly. So after all, Mr Darcy was interested in Eliza - she thought, congratulating herself on the correct assessment of the gentleman's heart. Still smiling, she went into the parlour, where Lizzy was sitting, reading her book. Charlotte was only able to say:

"I may thank you, Eliza, for this piece of civility. Mr Darcy would never have come so soon to wait upon me."

When the gentlemen's approach was announced by the doorbell and shortly afterwards, the three gentlemen entered the room. Charlotte's eyes met with those of a man who led the way. It was by no means her husband. The greetings and introductions were made and the gathered ladies had the pleasure of making acquaintance with Colonel Fitzwilliam, the younger son of Mr Darcy's Uncle, Lord Matlock. The Colonel was about thirty, not handsome, but in person and address most truly the gentleman. There was something boyish and flamboyant about him. No one would, however, accuse him of lack of seriousness when needed. Taking her eyes of the Colonel, Charlotte looked at Mr Darcy. He looked just like he had been used to look in Hertfordshire - paid his compliments, with his usual reserve and whatever might be his feelings for Eliza Bennet, met her with every appearance of composure. Elizabeth merely curtseyed to him, without saying a word.

Colonel Fitzwilliam entered into conversation directly with the readiness and ease of a well-bred man, and talked very pleasantly, though chiefly with Elizabeth. Mr Collins made every afford to please Mr Darcy but that Charlotte didn't even hear, Suddenly, she found herself being addressed by Mr Darcy:

"I have noticed you have a beautiful garden, Mrs Collins."

"Thank you, sir. It gives me pleasure to plant flowers." She replied.

"The flowerbeds will be indeed colourful in the summer." He remarked.

"Yes. Do you enjoy gardening?" she enquired.

"No." He said rather abruptly and Charlotte began worrying, she said something wrong. "My sister is fond of it." He finished in a pleasanter manner than before as if he had realised, he was impolite. What a strange man - thought Charlotte. Darcy then fell into silence again, only to ask Eliza how her family fared and then took his leave, along with the Colonel.

It was not Mr Darcy, however, who occupied Charlotte thoughts. It was the much-admired Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was decided to be a welcomed addition to the company by all inhabitants of the parsonage, especially Charlotte and Elizabeth. He called almost every day. He would come, sit, talk and laugh. Charlotte knew it was not for her that he came. She wasn't naive. She was a married woman and no sensible man would look at her as a woman, however being married, she felt free to think well of the Colonel, even if it was in a slightly indecent way.

The Colonel for his part was happy to be in company of sensible people. Anything was a welcome relief to him at Rosings, and Elizabeth Bennet caught his fancy. He always seated himself by her and talked agreeably of Kent and Hertfordshire, of travelling and staying home, of book and music. Mrs Collins was a background for Eliza Bennet. He noticed she was plain and slowly closing to his own age. She was intelligent and when alone with Miss Bennet and himself, witty. One thing, he could not understand was what induced her to marry the toad Collins but having reflected upon it, he decided it was probably out of necessity. This fact did not lessen his opinion of her. He knew he would have to do it himself one day. Mrs Collins did not occupy his thoughts at all. He concentrated himself on her little, pretty friend.

The weeks passed quickly and one Saturday morning both gentlemen from Rosings called on the inhabitants of the parsonage to bid them farewell. Mr Darcy left soon but the Colonel waited for half an hour for Elizabeth to come back.

"She went for a walk early this morning and she was not seen since." Told him Charlotte.

"I hope nothing happened to her." The Colonel looked slightly worried.

"I'm sure she is fine. She is known to be a great walker. Especially in the woods, she can disappear for hours."

"Do you walk a lot as well?" he enquired.

"Not as much as Eliza. I remember her passion for walking ever since she was a child."

"I understand, you were neighbours?"

"Yes, and very good friends, I suppose." She looked a bit distracted and dreamy as though she was mourning some thought. After a pause she continued: "My father's estate is but a mile from Longbourn."

"And Longbourn will be one day your home." He stated.

"So it would seem." She smiled slightly as though embarrassed by the fact.

The Colonel was taken aback. Was it possible that a woman who married for money could have scruples about inheriting an entailed estate? He didn't know. He didn't want to know. Therefore, he changed the subject:

"I believe we have an acquaintance. A Colonel Forster. Am I right?"

"Yes. The Colonel's regiment was stationed in Meryton. A small town near my home in Hertfordshire."

"I believe he was lately married."

"Yes. Mrs Forster is a great friend of Elizabeth's youngest sister, Lydia."

"Is she?" remarked the Colonel and looked intently into Mrs Collins's eyes. Charlotte smiled and as if waking up he said: "I believe I must be going, now." Smiling warmly at Charlotte, Colonel Fitzwilliam took his leave.

Chapter One

Six years later

Colonel Fitzwilliam rode into Longbourn Lane. He decided he finally had to return the call on the family of Mrs Darcy. Mr Bennet visited him soon after his arrival, so he could not postpone it any longer. To tell the truth, the Colonel would not think it a nuisance, had it been Mr Bennet only. He liked the elderly gentleman, who had the intelligence and wit, Fitzwilliam admired but the company of Mrs Bennet was more than he could stand.

It was a week now since Fitzwilliam's arrival to Meryton. His regiment was stationed there. Darcy, having heard the news of it, teased him that he should find a wife there, just as he and Bingley had five years earlier. Fitzwilliam was a bit annoyed with the notion. He didn't feel like marrying, he didn't need a wife, especially if she was to be a stupid bird like that of his brother's and there was no Elizabeth Darcy II.

Riding towards Longbourn, Fitzwilliam's thoughts returned to the recent events. His father died almost two years ago and his brother, James, became the next Earl. It seemed that everything would return to the usual ways, when the news arrived that James's son and heir fell off his pony and died five days later. It was a family tragedy. James and his wife, Jean were distraught. Jean was in the eighth month of her pregnancy and she gave an early birth to a baby-boy. They boy was weak but survived and as both parents were still young, other children would follow. However, it seemed, both James and Jean could not forget and get over the tragedy.

It was then that Fitzwilliam arrived to Longbourn Manor. He was led into the drawing room, where he found Mrs Bennet and Miss Bennet, formerly known as Miss Mary.

"Ah, my dear Colonel!" exclaimed his host, "it's so good to have you with us. I only wonder why Mrs Darcy hasn't written in her last letter that you will be stationing here. She must have forgotten for she is very busy managing such a great estate and bringing up the heir to all of Pemberley."

The Colonel tried to smile good-naturedly, unintentionally causing Mrs Bennet to think, he was encouraging her to continue.

"You cannot know how happy I am to see all my daughters so well settled. Even Mary, here, is to be married next summer. I, for once, don't understand why she should choose to wait for a year!"

Fitzwilliam expressed his congratulations but Mary did not manage to reply before Mrs Bennet began again:

"You see, Mary is to marry Mr Henry Smythe. He is only the younger son of Sir Gordon Smythe but he is making his living in law. You see Sir Gordon took Netherfield Park when Mr and Mrs Bingley moved to the North. I cannot understand why all of my daughters are settled in the North." Fitzwilliam could well understand it but wisely said nothing and let Mrs Bennet prattle: "First Mrs Wickham, then Mrs Darcy and my dear Mrs Bingley. Even Catherine, you do remember Kitty, even she moved out and finally married that parson near Pemberley. At least Mary will stay here."

Mrs Bennet could not have known that Mary and her fianc» decided to move to London as soon as they were married. The reason for a yearlong delay was that Mr Smythe wanted to settle his affairs before he created a family. Mary like Charlotte learnt not to listen to the meaning of the words spoken by her mother and in her company remained silent.

As Mrs Bennet continued, the Colonel thought about the first time he met her. It was during Darcy's wedding. When the couples left, there was breakfast in Longbourn and Mrs Bennet did all in her power to put Miss Catherine in his way. There was, however, no inclination on either side and although Mrs Bennet's plans spoilt a little, an otherwise wonderful and happy day, the Colonel did not hold any wrong against the lady, in that section.

Allowing Mrs Bennet to talk for the whole of fifteen minutes, the Colonel enquired:

"Is Mr Bennet at home, by any chance?"

"No. He is gone to Meryton to see Mrs Collins. Her son will one day take Longbourn as his."

"Do you mean Mrs Charlotte Collins?"

"Yes. Do you know her? I don't think she was at the wedding. Her son, William, he is a nice boy but in my opinion, he is too serene and he never seems to enjoy himself. I can never understand him. A strange child, I tell you."

The Colonel thought that the boy was probably a normal, intelligent child.

"Mr Bennet is very fond of him." Heard Fitzwilliam and smiled.

He thought, he would like to renew his acquaintance with Mrs Collins though Mr Collins was someone, he would not want to meet.

"Will you be at the ball in the Assembly Rooms this Saturday?" enquired Mrs Bennet.

"I believe I shall." Replied the Colonel.

"Splendid! Sir Gordon will be there with his daughter. She is a very fine lady. So much like Miss Bingley. I heard, she was married lately?"

"Yes." Replied the Colonel, hoping Sir James Hampton can be happy with Caroline. "I believe, I must take my leave. Mrs Bennet, Miss Bennet." The ladies bid him farewell. When he was walking down the hall, he heard Mrs Bennet's voice:

"Such a pity, Kitty married that parson. She was so taken with the Colonel. He was falling in love with her, too. Such a pity!" Fitzwilliam shook his head and smiled. In different circumstances, he might have even felt sorry of offended but he did know that Kitty Bennet was hopelessly in love with her husband and that he, himself, never had any inclinations towards her, whatsoever.

Chapter Two

Colonel Fitzwilliam was walking down the Meryton High Street. He was on his way from the regiment's headquarters, to Mrs Collins's house. He wanted to call on her. His housekeeper told him where the lady lived. The day was beautiful for autumn. The leaves were yellow and red but they were not yet falling. The Colonel inhaled deeply. Autumn was his favourite season. He remembered having spent a few weeks with the Devonshires many years' back. He remembered the old Duke, a friendly old man who was distraught after the premature death of his wife. Autumn that year was just as beautiful as this year's.

Looking at the houses along the street, he noticed a four-year-old boy, wearing short pants and a small jacket, crying on the corner of one of the houses.

"Hello!" said Fitzwilliam, approaching the boy. The little one stopped crying and looked at the man in red coat, who has just addressed him.

"Aren't you going to say something?" enquired Fitzwilliam.

"Mamma forbade me to talk to strangers."

"I see. Your Mama is very wise. Let me introduce myself: Colonel Richard Darcy Fitzwilliam, at your service."

The boy stood silent.

"Aren't you going to introduce yourself?" demanded the Colonel amused.

"No, because you are a stranger."

"But you know who I am."

The boy replied nothing.

"And when will I not be a stranger?"

"When you know Mama." Replied the boy seriously.

At that moment a female voice called:

"William, dear, where have you been? Don't disturb the gentleman."

"Mama!" exclaimed the boy happily and ran in the direction of the voice. Fitzwilliam stood up and turned towards the approaching woman. The boy met her, fifty feet from the Colonel.

"I was so worried." Called she. She was a thin, tall woman of about his age in a dark gown. When she was looking at the boy, her eyes sparkled and otherwise a plain face lit up with a radiant smile.

"Now, little fellow, I told you never to run away from me. You might have got lost and what would I do without you?" her voice was warm but firm and the boy listened intently, nodding his head.

"I'm sorry, Mama. I will be a good boy."

"You are a good boy. My little treasure. Give Mama a hug."

The boy wrapped his arms around her neck and she kissed his cheek.

"Can I go and play with Cousin Harry, today?"

"We shall see, darling."

Fitzwilliam watched the scene, taking place in front of his eyes. The woman looked familiar, he was trying to remember where he had seen her before. He watched her take the boy's hand and her eyes stopped when she noticed the Colonel. He thought, she smiled at him. He smiled back, uncertain whether he should approach her or not. He saw her say something to the boy, who looked at Fitzwilliam and replied to his mother's enquiry. The Colonel noticed a flicker of recognition, yet she turned back and led the way, disappearing in one of the shops.

Fitzwilliam stood a moment longer and reassumed his walk towards Mrs Collins's house.

"Good day. Is Mrs Collins at home?" the Colonel asked the woman who opened the door.

"No. She is not."

"I see. Could you please tell her that Colonel Fitzwilliam called." Said he, handing her his card.

"Very well, sir." She replied rather stiffly.

He was about to take his leave when the gate to the little garden opened and the woman and the little boy entered.

"Mrs Collins!" exclaimed Fitzwilliam, suddenly remembering, who the lady was.

"Colonel Fitzwilliam, please do come in." She led the way. "Please excuse me for a moment. I shall be back in a short while. Mary will show you into the drawing room." With that she and the boy disappeared.

Fitzwilliam sat down and looked around the room. It was pleasantly furnished but it was visible that the owner was not wealthy. The Colonel remarked that green was the dominating colour which was rather peculiar according to the fashion. He always thought that green was a cold colour but this room was by no means cold.

"I am sorry for keeping you waiting." Said Charlotte Collins on entering.

"It is of no consequence, really. I am sorry I have called in an unsuitable moment." Replied the Colonel standing up.

Charlotte smiled and invited him to sit down.

"Mary will serve some tea in a moment. It has been a long time since the time we have seen each other." Stated Charlotte.

"Indeed. I believe we have seen in Hunsford, some six years ago."

"Yes. It seems a history to me now. I mean, a lot of things has changed since."

"Like my cousin marrying your friend."

"Exactly." Said Charlotte and Fitzwilliam thought she wanted to add something but stopped. The tea arrived and Charlotte poured him a cup.

"How is Mr Collins, pray?" asked he.

"Mr Collins died three years ago."

"I am exceedingly sorry. Will you forgive me my faux pas? I had no idea. I am truly sorry. As you know, my Aunt, Lady Catherine, forbade me to visit Rosings for I supported my cousin's choice in marriage..."

"I thank you for your sympathy, Colonel. I learnt to live without a husband. I have a son, who is the sun of my life."

"You have a lovely son, Mrs Collins. I heard from Mrs Bennet that he is a great favourite with Mr Bennet."

"Yes. Mr Bennet likes William indeed. He always says that William is his substitute for Lizzy, I mean Mrs Darcy."

Fitzwilliam wasn't sure what to say.

"Oh, please don't take me wrong. Mr Bennet doesn't treat William as a substitute. I think he cares for him a lot. He is a son, he never had."

Fitzwilliam smiled.

"Have you seen, Mrs Darcy lately?" asked Charlotte to change the subject.

"I have. I paid them a visit in Pemberley when I was on my way here. Mrs Darcy was well. And the little addition to the family brings them both a great joy."

"Yes. She wrote me that her son is wonderful. But then every mother thinks so about her baby."

"I believe so."

"So Elizabeth escaped the fate of the Bennets and bore a son. None of the other sist..." she cut, feeling how improper this conversation was. Fitzwilliam wasn't sure what happened so chose to remain silent on that topic and changed the subject:

"After the death of your husband, you've returned to your home county?"

"Yes. Mr Collins left me with a small inheritance and I could choose when I would want to live but I thought that if William was to inherit Longbourn one day, then it would be better for him to live here."

"I am sure and then you have your family here."

"True." She said and fell into silence.

Realising that he trespassed her hospitality by staying for over half an hour, he stood up and said:

"I believe I must be going. It was good to see you again, Mrs Collins."

"You, too, Colonel. Good bye."

"Good bye, Mrs Collins."

Fitzwilliam walked out onto the street. It was the best spent forty minutes since his arrival to Meryton.

Chapter Three

Charlotte Collins sat in the window of her bedroom, deep in her thoughts. Colonel Fitzwilliam - over the years he faded in her dreams. She never allowed herself to think about him. She almost forgot him but today all the memories came back. He was still as handsome as she remembered him. He looked as young as ever and the same smile played on his face. When she saw him this morning and he didn't recognise her, she felt it strongly. However, her sense told her that it was very unlikely that a man, who had seen her once in his life, almost six years ago, would recognise her. Even if it was the man who left a mark on her heart.

She wondered what happened to him during the years. She knew he did not marry because that much she heard in the village. Reflecting on the past, Charlotte decided life did not treat her bad. After Eliza's marriage to Mr Darcy, Mr Collins forbade her to contact Elizabeth Darcy because Lady Catherine would be displeased. She did not obey. Well, in a way she did because the post arrived via her sister Mariah. The time went on and Mr Collins gained more and more favours with her Ladyship. Their income had soon doubled and Charlotte could easily make economies. And then, the fatal epidemic of influenza came to Kent. Charlotte and William were visiting her mother when the news of Mr Collins's sudden and unexpected death arrived. William had just had his first anniversary and Charlotte took him to Hertfordshire, for what she was scolded by Lady Catherine. Leaving William in Hertfordshire, Charlotte returned to Kent to bury her husband and close the parsonage, her home for the last four years. Mr Collins left her an income of two hundred fifty pounds a year, which was sufficient to rent a small house in Meryton, what she did promptly. Her father was already dead and Lucas Lodge was in possession of her brother. Her mother lived with him. Charlotte preferred to have her own household, that much she could afford. She was happy. She had her son and it was all that mattered. She sometimes wished her little daughter, who died soon after the labour had survived but Charlotte knew she could be thankful to God for what she had.

Looking out of the window, Charlotte noticed Mary Bennet's figure approaching the house. Mary and she had become quite close in the recent months. She stood up and went downstairs to greet her guest.

"Mary, it is good to see you." Called Charlotte when Miss Bennet entered the drawing room.

"Well, Charlotte, it's been a long time since I've seen you in such a good mood."

Charlotte only smiled.

"Is it by any chance the handsome Colonel who visited you this day and sat for an hour?"

"Where on Earth did you get it from?" exclaimed Charlotte. Mary was a new person now. The fact that her sisters married and moved out plus the incoming marriage of her own, made her forget about accomplishments and with every day Mary became a nicer and more companionable person. One day she was the old Mary, every one knew and then five months later, on coming back from London, no one recognised her.

"The whole town is talking about it, didn't you know?" said Mary mockingly.

"Be serious, dear Mary. The Colonel paid me a visit today and the whole town is to be talking about it already?"

"Apparently, Aunt Phillips saw him coming back from here."

"Now, I understand. I am sorry to say that but your Aunt has the longest tongue in the county."

"I know, that's why I could run away to you today. She is keeping Mother interested with all the news. I needed a break from Longbourn. Father spends most time with you and William, or he goes to see Mrs Darcy in the North and even if he is at home, he confines himself to his library and doesn't allow anyone to disturb him."

"I could talk to him if you wish." Suggested Charlotte.

"No! Let it be. I shall be married soon. There is no point. But coming back to the Colonel. An hour they say?"

"It wasn't an hour for your information, Mary. It was a bit more than half an hour. Well maybe forty minutes."

"An how long have you not seen him?"

"Six years."

"That explains it. You must have recounted on all the events that happened throughout the years." Said Mary suppressing a smile.

"Stop it Mary. You begin to sound like Elizabeth."

"So what have you been talking about?" urged her Mary.

"All and nothing." Replied Charlotte.

"Does he know you are widowed?"

"Mary!!!"

"Alright, alright!" laughed Mary. "Will you be at the Assembly Rooms on Saturday?"

"No, rather not."

"Please, be there. You don't have to dance or anything but I would want you to be there. Henry is coming from London. Please, Charlotte. You need some amusement!" cried Mary.

"I will think about it but I cannot promise anything."

"Good."

Mary left her friend fully satisfied. The Colonel was to be at the Assembly Rooms as well. She would know what was really going on between the two, soon.

Chapter Four

Having one place free in the carriage, Mary arranged the whole evening in such a way that they would stop at Charlotte's on their way to the Rooms.

"Henry, I am telling you. There is something going on between the two and I want to know what that is."

"Mary, are you already beginning some matchmaking?"

"I wouldn't call it matchmaking. I would call it human curiosity."

"And to what this curiosity tends?"

"To knowledge." Replied Mary seriously.

"Don't start, dear. You better let me steal a kiss from you before your mother comes."

"If I let you, it will no longer be stealing. It would be collaboration with the enemy."

"Do you take me for your enemy?"

"Don't you like it?"

"No!" exclaimed Henry, not really sure whether Mary was jesting

"And I thought that enemies can also be good and nice. But if you think otherwise..."

He hugged her and gave her a kiss.

"You are a wonderful woman, Mary!"

"I doubt you saying that if you knew me six years ago."

"You may say what you want but I...."

"Ah, Henry, Mary, there you are. We must make haste for we are already late for the Assembly!" exclaimed Mrs Bennet. "I have no idea why you insisted on picking up Charlotte Collins!"

Mary chose to ignore the remark, therefore she said:

"Is your sister coming, Henry?"

"Yes. Father will be taking her." When Mrs Bennet led the way to the carriage, Henry whispered to Mary's ear: "She is all eagerness. Your mother told her that Colonel Fitzwilliam is to come and he is a son of an earl."

"Did she mention, he was a younger son?"

"I doubt it." Replied Henry, looking at his fianc»e whose lips escaped a smirk.

Mary convinced Charlotte not to wear anything black but she couldn't convince her to take a brighter looking gown than a dark blue one. Mrs Collins was ready and waiting when they arrived.

On entering the Assembly Rooms, they were greeted by Sir Gordon. His daughter did not accompany him at that moment but he soon informed everyone that she was dancing with Colonel Fitzwilliam. While saying that, he winked at Mrs Bennet who winked back and smiled understandingly. Mary leaned over to Henry and said:

"Take me from here or I shall kill my mother." Henry smiled:

"As you wish my dear but you wouldn't like to leave Charlotte here alone."

"No! Therefore we'll take her with us."

Henry offered Charlotte his other arm and they sailed off leaving Mrs Bennet to confer with Sir Gordon.

Charlotte's eyes were subconsciously looking for the figure of Colonel Fitzwilliam. She couldn't see him dancing. She desperately wanted to know how Miss Smythe looked today but she didn't know why it was so.

Suddenly a voice from behind called her name:

"Mrs Collins!"

"Colonel!" she replied smiling.

"It is good to see you? How are you?"

"Very well, thank you. And you?"

"Just the same. It's a lovely assembly, don't you think?"

"Yes. Would you care for a dance?" asked the Colonel, seeing Mary and Henry joining the set.

"I don't think I should, sir."

"I'm sorry. I should have thought first. Shall we have some punch?"

"Yes." He offered her his arm.

"How is William?"

"Very well, as always. He is such a lively child."

"He must occupy most of your time then."

"He does but it is always a pleasure for me. He is dearest what I have."

He poured her a glass and led her to the couch near the window. Charlotte noticed Miss Smythe looking at them intently while she was waiting for her turn in the dance.

"Tell me, Colonel, how do you find Meryton."

"Extremely pleasing."

"Would I be too bold, if I asked for elaboration?" she couldn't believe she has just said it. Was she flirting with him? She, Charlotte? Impossible!

"You will not be too bold." He laughed, was she flirting with him? Impossible! "The landscape is beautiful. People friendly. What else would one wish for?"

"Indeed."

"Miss Bennet seems to be very happy."

"Yes, she is. I wish her all the best. She found her soul mate. She deserves it."

"You seem to be fond of her."

"Yes. We were not close friends before I married but over the years Mary changed, especially once she met Henry."

They looked at the dancing couple in companionable silence.

"Ah, Colonel!" they heard a shrieking voice of Mrs Bennet's.

"Mrs Bennet, a pleasure to meet you again" replied the Colonel standing up.

"And it is you, too, sir. Don't you think, Miss Smythe is looking lovely tonight."

"Yes, she is." Replied the Colonel on a verge of rolling his eyes.

"Mary, look, your Mother is beginning to spin the web." Remarked Henry.

"Oh, no! She cannot. Henry, we must stop her from making a fool of herself."

"You mean that once my sister learns the Colonel inherits no earldom, she will stop talking to him."

"I did not mean that!" exclaimed Mary, and Henry simply looked at her meaningfully.

"I did. Not those words exactly, but more or less..." confessed Mary.

"Let us go." He led his fianc»e towards his future mother-in-law. Approaching, they heard her say:

"Charlotte, don't you think that she resembles the Colonel physically? The hair?"

"I don't agree." Interrupted Mary. "Maxine has long hair, whereas the Colonel definitely short."

"Oh, girl..." began Mrs Bennet but checked herself. "I still think..."

"Mother, Henry tells me, his father will host a ball." Mary cut in.

"Is that so, Henry?"

"Ah... ah..." Mary looked at him with a demand in her eyes. "Yes. Though it is not certain when, exactly!"

"That is wonderful. Wonderful for all of us!" cried Mrs Bennet in delight.

"Yes, mother. I can see Mrs Long approaching. You told me to remind you once I see her that you needed to talk to her."

"Ah, yes, yes. And the ball! She will be happy for her niece."

Mrs Bennet disappeared and the remaining four breathed with relief. Charlotte did all her best not to burst out while listening to Mrs Bennet prattle about Miss Smythe. She could swear that had it not been for Mary's interruption, Mrs Bennet would be in a worse condition than the one she was now in.

"Mary, we haven't had a chance to speak!" exclaimed Maxine Smythe, approaching her brother and his company.

"Indeed, Maxine! How are you tonight?"

"Very well, thank you. Colonel, I must complement you on the fine officers, you have brought to Meryton. Though, none of them is a better dancer then yourself."

"Perhaps it's because I'm older and only practise makes a master." Replied Fitzwilliam.

"You are so modest about yourself, Colonel. My dear Mrs Collins, please do not monopolise the Colonel, I have spoken to at least four ladies who would die to dance with him."

Mary was on a point of retorting that Maxine was one of the ladies if not all four of them but she held her tongue reflecting that Maxine didn't have enough inner-self to speak with herself.

"Sister, I had not yet have a pleasure of dancing with you tonight." Called Henry.

"Will Mary not be offended?" asked Maxine with irony.

"I am sure, she will forgive me a dance with my very own sister." Replied Henry and took her to the floor.

"Colonel, has Charlotte already told you about her hobby?" called Mary.

"No, I believe, not." Replied Fitzwilliam.

"Oh, Charlotte! Do tell."

"I don't want to bore the Colonel."

"Mrs Collins, you are never boring." Replied the Colonel. Was it just gallantry or does he think so - wondered Charlotte.

"It is really nothing big." Replied she, calmly.

"Well, then I shall tell you, if she is too shy. Mrs Collins here collects miniatures."

"Really? Anything particular?"

"I look for them in old shops and some of my friends who remember my little passion, look for them for me on flea markets and on sales."

"Charlotte, has recently been looking to find one by Sir Joshua Reynolds. They are very rare and hard to obtain."

"How many miniatures do you have already?"

"About 70."

"It's a collection then."

Mary has satisfied her curiosity. She knew all she wanted now. Maxine Smythe is such a nuisance - thought she lying in her bed. I will have to show her, her rightful place. She then turned her mind to much more pleasurable thoughts. The Colonel seemed very much taken with Charlotte and Charlotte was even more with him. How thoughtful of me to mention Charlotte collects miniatures. I am sure the Colonel will find one for her. It's just the question of time. And I will make sure they won't loose their time.

Chapter Five

Henry watched with amusement the competition between his fianc»e and her mother. Two grown up women tried to marry off a man but to two different women. Personally, he thought that if the Colonel wanted to marry, he would make his own decision about it. However, if Henry was to take sides he would choose Mary's, and it was not because she was his wife to be. He loved his sister, Maxine, but he wasn't blind and stayed conscious of her faults. Henry knew that she would not make a good wife for the Colonel, in fact she would not even look towards him, had she known that the Colonel was not to inherit the title.

"Mary! I am so glad to have met you here." Called Maxine Smythe leaning out of her carriage in the middle of Meryton High Street.

"Hello, Maxine." Replied Mary walking towards the carriage.

"I was on my way to Longbourn, in fact."

"Then it's good that we've met." Replied Mary and Maxine wasn't sure how she should interpret that statement. "I mean that we would not have met otherwise." Finished Mary smoothly.

"Yes." Called Maxine.

"Care for a walk?"

"Well, maybe, you'd sit into the carriage. My shoes are not good for a walk."

Mary, who wanted to have a private talk with Maxine, accepted.

"I must tell you how happy I was to meet the Colonel! He is such a charming man." Sang Maxine.

"What is so charming about him?" asked Mary as if interested.

"Well, you know, handsome and handsome and handsome - hahaha - isn't it funny that I can't say anything more about him - hahaha! And, of course, his social position."

"Ah, yes, the social position." Replied Mary thoughtfully.

"Yes. Can you imagine, my being a countess?"

"Maxine, you must know something..."

"Can you imagine all the jewellery? Of course, that's not all but only think of the balls and gatherings. I'm sure you'd enjoy something like that as well."

"Maybe, but Maxine, the Colonel..."

"I have never been to a palace like that of the Earls of Matlock. Well, I've been to many grand houses, but I heard that that one is very beautiful. They say, it's greater than Mr Darcy's Pemberley."

"Maxine, what is money? There are other things more important in life than money."

"But money makes you somebody in the world, Mary. Don't be naive. I know what you are going to say. What about love, trust, having something in common? Forget it, Mary. It's out of date."

"And if I told you that the Colonel..."

"Look at that woman over there. What a funny thing to wear! I haven't seen anything of the kind. I wonder if this is what they were in London this autumn. Mary, I meant to ask you at the Assembly. How is your dear sister, Mrs Darcy?"

"She is well, thank you."

"And how is the young heir?"

"Same, I believe." Replied Mary; she hated with Maxine spoke about Elizabeth in terms of endearment, although they have never met. When Elizabeth was visiting Longbourn for the first time, the Bingleys were still living in Netherfield and when she came the second time, Maxine was in London.

"How I wish, he was older, or I was younger - hahaha." Mary turned away and rolled her eyes.

"Mary, I am terribly sorry but I must be returning. Papa asked me to be back before lunch."

"Of course, Maxine. Have a nice day." replied Mary and went off the carriage. She had no luck telling Maxine that the Colonel was a younger son. But there will be another time. I may have fun, watching her secure the Colonel - thought Mary, walking towards Longbourn.

Mary Bennet was conscious that she has lost a lot of her own time. How she wished now, she had been different. Once Lydia, Jane and Elizabeth married and Kitty went to stay with Elizabeth, Mary was forced to accompany Mrs Bennet. She moralised over every morning visit and every assembly but in reality she was happy that there was no more Bennet sisters she could be compared to. She spent a year in company of her mother and slowly began to decide that she could no more. It was then that Netherfield Park was let again and a Sir Gordon Smythe and his family arrived. Sir Gordon was a widowed gentleman with two sons and a daughter. His older son was already married and lived in London. In Netherfield lived Sir Gordon's younger son, Henry and daughter Maxine. Mary Bennet fell in love with Mr Henry Smythe, the moment she laid her eyes on him. He was not handsome but there was something about him that fascinated Mary. He was intelligent, well spoken and opinionated but by no means proud, rude or disdainful. Yet he did not seem to notice Mary at all. When in his company, Mary tried to be invisible. She didn't talk, she didn't play, she silently observed his every movement, his dancing with all the young girls. The old maiden - Mary Bennet - stood no chance, yet she tried to be at every social gathering, just to admire from away. It was then that the Gardieners visited Longbourn. Her Aunt noticed how changed she was and one day asked her for a moment of private conversation. She asked Mary to come with them to London. Mary eagerly agreed. After a month of her stay, she became confident enough to share with her Aunt the fact that she was in love with Mr Henry Smythe but she had no chance with him. She said it was because she wasn't good enough, that she was stupid and ugly and freckled and spotty and plain and.... everything the worst. Her Aunt then told her that it was not so. That the most important is who you are and not how you look but she agreed that there were few things that Mary could change about her outer-appearance. Away went all the plain dresses in dark colours, her hair were taken care of, so was her complexion. Mrs Gardiener put Mary in society, showed her how to converse and comport herself. The Mary Bennet, who came back to Longbourn five months later, was a new person - self-conscious, outspoken and witty. There was none if the pride or false self-esteem she once possessed. To prove it, we can only state that her own mother did not recognise her and informed her husband that Mary brought a very fine lady with her, when she saw her daughter descend from the carriage. It was indeed a stunning transformation and when Mary walked into the Assembly Rooms the first Saturday after her arrival, she did not miss one single dance and Mr Henry Smythe asked her twice.

They got engaged two months later and Mary was the happiest person on Earth. She believed that she had her own value and that she was worth every single thing life could bring her.

Only few months more and I shall marry Henry - thought she dreamily before closing her eyes and falling asleep.

Chapter Six

"Mary, I have a most wonderful news!" cried Mrs Bennet, running into Mary's room a few weeks later.

"What is it, Mother?"

"Sir Gordon has just sent me a note saying that the Colonel visited them this morning and spent an hour listening to Maxine play!"

"What?!" exclaimed Mary terrified.

"Start listening, girl. I am sure, he will propose!"

"But you haven't told Maxine that he is only a younger son, have you?"

"Of course not. It's of no consequence! With all the recent deaths in his family he will be an earl in no time! Don't you think that would be lovely for dear Maxine to be a countess? She is such a lovely lady and she likes you so much! If she married him, you would be so well connected!"

I would sooner regret that Mr Collins did not fall in love with me than believe that Maxine Smythe likes me - thought Mary.

"Now, Mary, you must go to Netherfield and talk favourably about the Colonel. Wouldn't that be lovely if you and Maxine were married on the same day? A double wedding!"

"Mother, I cannot go."

"What are you saying, girl? You must!"

"No, Mother. I must nothing. Quite frankly, I think that Maxine will not make a good wife for the Colonel."

"But he will be a good husband for her! Think only, you will be connected to Lord Matlock!"

"It is enough already that I am connected to Mr Darcy and that he is connected to Lord Matlock. In fact, this is more than enough as far as I'm concerned."

"Girl, don't you see that if Maxine marries the Earl, your daughter may be the next Countess of Matlock!"

"Mother, one - the Colonel is not an earl, two - I don't have a daughter, three - I don't want my possible daughter to be the next Countess of Matlock if she is not to be happy in marriage."

"Where did you get this nonsense from! You sound like your sister Elizabeth!"

"And she finished quite well off, didn't she? Now, excuse me Mother but I am going to Meryton."

"You insolent girl! You will obey me!"

Mary didn't listen any more. She was already walking down the stairs, on her way to call on Charlotte Collins.

"Charlotte, how are you?" called Mary stretching her arms towards Charlotte.

"Thank you, Mary - well, and you?"

"Charlotte, we sound like two refined ladies. Save me this talk because I will have to listen to Maxine Smythe tonight."

"Would you like to take a walk with me and William?"

"With pleasure. Shall we go to the grove?"

"Good idea, indeed. William hopes to play with his cousin so we may step into Lucas Lodge." Replied Charlotte.

Chapter Seven

The Colonel was walking down the grove. For the past two hours, he was wandering through the fields trying to come up with a solution to Miss Smythe's problem. For sure, she was amiable and sweet and she seemed to know what he needed before he knew it but he wasn't sure what Miss Smythe thought. Was she interested in him romantically? Or was it just pure friendship like the one he shared with Mrs Collins? It was a difficult problem to solve. Although many thought that he was ladies man but Fitzwilliam had little experience with ladies with schemes on him. And then it occurred to him that there was no better person to ask for advice than Mrs Collins. He, therefore, set off towards Meryton but he didn't walk far before he saw Mrs Collins herself in company of her son and Miss Bennet. All he could do was to thank his fate for that.

"Mrs Collins, Miss Bennet, Master Collins! Good to have met you."

"Good day, Colonel."

"I was just on my way to call on you Mrs Collins."

"It is indeed good that we chose this path for a walk, isn't it Charlotte? For the Colonel would have arrived to an empty house."

"Indeed." was all Charlotte could muster.

"How are you Master Collins?" turned he to the boy.

"Very well, sir."

"Don't call me - sir. Do you think you could call me Richard or better - Uncle. In a way I am your uncle, very distant one but anyway."

"How distant?" enquired the boy, making everyone laugh.

"Well, my cousin, married a cousin to your father." Replied Fitzwilliam amused.

"Well, then I suppose I could call you Uncle Richard."

"Good. Do you want to have a ride on my back?"

The boy nodded readily and Fitzwilliam placed him on his arms. They played for a while and then the Colonel put William on the ground. Mary, who wanted to allow Charlotte and the Colonel some privacy, took William's hand and initiated bird nest search.

Charlotte and Richard went together in silence. Finally Richard spoke:

"I wanted to talk with you about a matter of great importance to me."

"Yes." Replied Charlotte, stiffening.

"I hope you will not think me too bold but you are Mrs Darcy's good friend and she would be the person I would confide in but as she is not here... I mean, can I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"If a lady is interested in a man in a romantically way, what would she do?"

"What do you mean?" asked Charlotte being completely confused as to what those questions tended.

"I mean what 'arts', so to speak, would she employ to capture his heart, if I could express it this way."

Is he talking about me? Was I too open with him? - despaired Charlotte but composed herself well-enough to reply:

"I suppose she would try to focus the man's attention on herself."

"Yes. But how would she do it?"

"Well, I guess, she would draw him into an interesting conversation. She would play for him or draw his portrait."

"I see." He thought for a while and then asked:

"What do you think about those 'arts'?

"I remember Elizabeth quoting her future husband a long time ago. He said that there is meanness in all the arts which ladies sometimes condescend to employ for captivation."

"And I am sure he added something like; whatever bears affinity to cunning is despicable." The Colonel laughed.

"Possible but then you have to see the other side. Who is an unmarried woman? A burden - you'd say - and you wouldn't be very far from truth. Marriage is the only career for us."

The Colonel fell into silence.

"I didn't mean it as an offence." Said Charlotte defensively.

"No, it was never understood in this way. I just wondered how true your statement was. But you must know something as well. Marriage is also the only career for the younger sons."

"You don't seriously believe it, do you Colonel!" exclaimed Charlotte.

"No, I guess not." Replied he ironically.

"Of course not! You can join the army, go into politics, and become... whomever you want. A woman cannot! She can become a governess but then she is reduced to a servant. A little bit more perhaps but not much."

"You are right, Charlotte." The latter froze for a moment. Fitzwilliam realising what he has just said, blushed:

"I am sorry. Mrs Collins." Funny - he thought - I always call her Charlotte when I think about her. I think about her?

They reached Charlotte's house.

"Would you come in for tea, Colonel?"

"I thank you. I must return to the headquarters. I have spent the whole morning wandering and I haven't been in the office yet."

She smiled at him.

"But with your permission, it would be a pleasure to call on you tomorrow."

"It will be my pleasure. Good day, Colonel."

"Good day, Mrs Collins." I preferred when he called me Charlotte - thought she. "And thank you for your honesty."

"You are welcome."

"Good day, Miss Bennet. William."

"Bye, Uncle Richard."

All three of them watched the man walk towards the regiment's headquarters.

Chapter Eight

"Well, Charlotte," began Mary once they found themselves in Charlotte's parlour, "I believe the Colonel is very much taken with you. Uncle Richard? - sounds promising."

"Mary, stop it. He has no interest in me. I guess Miss Maxine Smythe captured his heart."

"Don't say it, even while joking."

"Why? What is wrong with that?"

"What is wrong? I tell you. The Colonel and you are perfectly suited for each other."

"Mary, I am a poor widow."

"Not so poor! I dare say."

Charlotte kept silent.

"Charlotte, I'll tell you something now. It may cost me your friendship but it is for the best. I had no idea how beautiful, enchanting, bewitching life could be! I was always the ugly girl among the beautiful Bennet sisters. I could never accept it. I was fighting this thought and then I met Henry and I fought even stronger. One day my Aunt told me that the most important thing is to know your own value. And I understood I had a great value despite the fact that I was the 'ugly Bennet sister'. I accepted myself as I was and life became so much easier. Charlotte, you've never understood your value. You are still fighting with yourself, with the feelings you have for the man. You were imprisoned in a marriage with Cousin Collins. You married him not to be a burden. You thought about the material side of life - fine - but I know you are a romantic..."

"I am not. I never was."

"Charlotte, stop pretending. It's enough to look at the books you have in your book-room."

"How can you, Mary?" exclaimed Charlotte.

"I can very well, Charlotte. It's time you understood your value. You are ten times better than all the Maxines of this world. When I look at you, I can see an intelligent, wise, thoughtful woman."

"But not beautiful." Said Charlotte bitterly.

"What is beauty of outer appearance when there is no inside. Charlotte you are beautiful. Your soul is!"

"No one ever cared for my soul." Said Charlotte with tears in her eyes.

"Charlotte, look at me. Six years ago - would you call me beautiful? Would you call me anything positive?"

"I guess... I guess..."

"No. You would not. I would not. Right now I feel beautiful. And do you know why I feel so?"

"No." Charlotte shook her head.

"Because I believed in myself. I believe in my abilities. You have to believe, too."

"Oh, Mary, if it only I could." Sobbed Charlotte.

"You can. You have to. You must. It's the only way."

"A way? To what?"

"To self-fulfilment."

"Self-fulfilment?" questioned Charlotte - "Self-fulfilment." Repeated she stating.

"Charlotte, allow yourself to love."

"But it doesn't mean that I will be loved."

"Of course not. But even if it will pain you at first, such solution is the best. Life will become much more easy."

"Thank you." Whispered Charlotte and in a farewell, Mary kissed her wet cheek.

"Think about it Charlotte."

Chapter Nine

Pemberley

"Darling," said Elizabeth Darcy on entering her husband's study, "has Cousin Richard written to you lately?"

"Why do you ask?" questioned her husband in reply. It was a weird request from his wife.

"Well, I haven't heard from him for some time now."

"Dear, how many times do I have to tell you that I always know when you are up to something. What is it this time?"

"Do you remember teasing him that he would find himself a wife in Hertfordshire?"

"Yes."

"Did you get any letters from him lately?"

"Informing about his engagement?" joked Darcy.

"I am serious Fitzwilliam."

"No, he has not written. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, nothing, never mind." She kissed her husband's forehead and walked out. She returned to her parlour and began rereading the letters she received this morning.

Dear Elizabeth,

I hope that you and the children are well. How I wish I could see your little Edward Bennet. He must have grown. Colonel Fitzwilliam was telling me that both of you were well when he visited you before coming to Hertfordshire.

Here everything is much as it was. William is turning into a big boy. How I wish he did not. I would wish to keep him small forever. Your father adores him and I am happy to say that my son is not shy. He has such a good relation with the Colonel. He even started calling him Uncle Richard - isn't it sweet?

Mary convinced me to go to the Assembly Rooms with her. I must admit I enjoyed myself. Your Cousin was there and Mary told him that I collect miniatures. She claims I should mix with the people. She says I should wear brighter colours and have a new hairstyle but I can't stop thinking what people would say if I started to behave as an unmarried woman.

Everyone is very much taken with the Colonel. I believe Maxine Smythe is scheming for him. At least that's what your Mother says.

Do you know that the prices of veal increased by 8,5 %?

Give my regards to your husband and a big kiss for the children.

Yours, Charlotte

Charlotte, I think you are very much taken with the Colonel - thought Elizabeth as she proceeded to her mother's letter.

Dear Mrs Darcy,

How I love the sound of your name! I hope you are all well. Your father and Mary are well as always but I am suffering from my poor nerves! Especially, with the situation we have here. When the dear Colonel arrived, I instantly thought, he would make a great husband to Maxine. You do remember Sir Gordon Smythe. It's his daughter. Such a fine lady. Much like my dear Jane's sister, Caroline. She plays marvellously and has such a fine hand in drawing, not to mention her taste in fashion. She has such an eye for fine lace and gowns!

Anyway, I have told Sir Gordon that the Colonel would be perfect for Maxine and Sir Gordon was all for it. He said: "My dear Mrs Bennet, such a fine thing for little Maxine to be a Countess." Lizzy, I tell you, we'll have a double wedding in the summer. We would be one big family then! If only Mary wasn't so stubborn insisting, the Colonel should marry that Charlotte Collins. Mary shouldn't start matchmaking before she herself is married. Not only will Charlotte throw me out of my house one day but also she is to ruin Maxine's happiness now!

I wish there were no Charlotte Collins in this country. And I cannot understand why the Colonel is spending so much time with her! You should write to him and tell him that Charlotte is not for him and that Maxine is the right one - Lord and Lady Matlock! - how well it will sound!!!

Give my best to Mr Darcy and the children.

Yours, etc.

Elizabeth shook her head. What was this talk about Lord and Lady Matlock - she wondered. Without farther delay, she proceeded to her sister's, Mary, letter:

Dearest Elizabeth,

I hope that you and Fitzwilliam as well as the children are doing well. I am sorry for no having written before. I don't even have a good excuse. Please forgive me. Henry is in London at the moment and I miss him terribly but he will be coming for the ball in three weeks time so I shall be rewarded for my patience.

At home, it's more or less as always. Father stays in the library or visits Charlotte or Colonel Fitzwilliam. Mother suffers from nerves and tries matchmaking. She is like a stubborn child about it. And worst of all she is trying to marry off the Colonel. You will probably never guess to whom. Well, if you know Mama, then you'll guess - to Maxine Smythe.

Soon after the Colonel's arrival to Meryton, she told Sir Gordon that the Colonel is a son of an earl. Which is of course true but she neglected to say that he is a younger son. Now, Maxine believes that she will be the next countess. I tried to tell her the truth on two or three occasions now but she listens to no one but herself. I really wish you were here, Lizzy, to put those stupid ideas out of Mama's head.

Personally, I believe that the Colonel is taken with Charlotte Collins, which I find very good for both of them. The Colonel got his 10,000 pounds on his father's going. That combined with Charlotte's 5,000 would be just fine for them. I told the Colonel that Charlotte collects miniatures and I am sure he will get one for her. They are great friends with William already.

Hug the children from me and pass my greeting to your husband.

Yours, etc.

At that moment there was a knock on the door and Fitzwilliam Darcy walked in.

"Dear, did you have any news from Hertfordshire?"

"Why do you ask?' she asked cheekily.

"I was merely showing interest." He replied rather soberly.

"You won or rather my curiosity did. I'll show you my letters if you show me that from Richard."

He handed her the sheet of paper and took the other letters.

Darcy,

I should have written a long time ago. I hope that your wife and children are in good health. I am in Hertfordshire for more than two months now and I can both understand why Bingley took a house here as well as why he left it later on.

The family of your wife has been more than warm in regard to my person. Mr Bennet is a fine gentleman and we spend many hours talking about book, politics and other subjects. He seems to have a great relationship with the heir to Longbourn. William Collins is a lovely boy and so is his mother - so amiable and pleasant. I guess she is one of few women who can lead a conversation without invading man's privacy. I can understand why Mrs Darcy and she are such good friends.

I was mostly surprised when I met with Miss Mary Bennet. She is a great friend of Mrs Collins. They seem to be on very cordial terms. It is rare that I meet them separately. Did I tell you that Mrs Collins is very intelligent and wise? I asked her for an opinion about women's arts ad she said a very wise thing: "Possible but then you have to see the other side. Who is an unmarried woman? A burden - you'd say - and you wouldn't be very far from truth. Marriage is the only career for us." It's wisdom.

I shall be finishing now.

Give my best to Mrs Darcy and the children.

Yours, etc.

PS. If you by any chance come across a miniature by Sir Joshua Reynolds, please procure it for me. R.D.F.

"Am I mistaken or is my Cousin Richard 'the Sworn Bachelor' Fitzwilliam in love?"

"You are not mistaken, dear." Replied his wife to the enquiry.

"So your mother, can be right saying that we will have two weddings in the summer." Laughed her husband.

"Not necessarily."

"What do you mean? Charlotte Collins seems to be taken with Fitzwilliam as well!"

"Yes, but dear Cousin 'the Sworn Bachelor' is unconscious of the fact that he is in love with Charlotte."

"How do you know? It's written here in plain English, he is in love!"

"Only subconsciously, if he was aware of the fact that he loves her, he would not mention a word about it to us and made sure, Charlotte's name was not mentioned in his letters. However, he may be in danger of proposing to Maxine Smythe."

"Why?"

"Because he doesn't mention her."

"So you mean that he is in love with Maxine Smythe?" asked her husband confused.

"No, he just thinks he is because he is flattered by her attentions to him."

"This is beyond my ability to comprehend. How can he be in love with two different women."

"It's obvious, dear, he loves only one of them."

"And it's Charlotte, right?"

"Yes."

"You say it's subconscious and that if he knew it he would not write about her, right?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Out of pride, fear of rejection of unreturned love, call it what you want."

Darcy thought that he had to review his letters to Georgiana when he first met Elizabeth. Maybe there was something in it.

At the same time Elizabeth thought: "Georgiana told me that Fitzwilliam praised me from the first letter he sent her from Hertfordshire, and he never mentioned Miss Bingley. I wonder if he was contemplating marrying her. Well, that is of no consequence now, that he married me."

Pemberley; three weeks later

"Fitzwilliam," began Elizabeth when they were eating breakfast, "I thought we could invite Charlotte to come here after Mary's wedding."

Her husband looked at her and smiled:

"What a splendid idea, dear, so it shall be. The girls will be thrilled to have William to play with." And not only the girls - he thought to himself - cousins may be just as happy.

Chapter Ten

"Mrs Collins, can I have a moment of private conversation with you?" asked Fitzwilliam, entering the drawing room of Charlotte's house on the morning of the ball at Netherfield. He could go on like this no longer. He had to talk. He had to speak, to voice what was in his heart. And Mrs Collins was the right person. It's been a long time now, since his heart was heavy. It was heavy with thoughts and decisions to be made. He didn't know what to think or how to react. What he knew, as a man of action was that he had to make a decision. Yet, he couldn't do it. Not alone. Not himself. He wondered how Darcy could do it twice. How Bingley could? If they could - Fitzwilliam reasoned - I can as well. But how?! Finally, he decided, he had to go to Mrs Collins.

"Yes, of course, Colonel. Please, sit down."

He did as she asked but then got up, paced the room, stopped at the mantelpiece, turned to the surprised Mrs Collins, returned to his seat and blurred:

"Do you think I should propose to Maxine Smythe?"

To tell the truth, Charlotte was in the state of shock.

"What?" cried Charlotte but bringing herself to control said: "I am sorry, it was a bit unexpected." No - cried her heart - don't do it!

"It is I who is sorry. I shouldn't have asked. But my mind is so confused. I don't know what to say. What to do?"

"Please, calm down, Colonel. You must do what your heart tells you."

Why am I saying it? Why can't I just tell him how much I care for him? Why can't he love me? Why no one has ever loved me?

"So I should marry her?"

Before Charlotte could respond, he continued:

"You see, I cannot tell. She is amiable. She is beautiful. She is intelligent. Why am I telling it to you? You know it."

No, I don't and I don't want to know anything about it - wanted to call Charlotte.

"And she always knows what I would want..."

You've told me that before - she bellowed in her heart.

"But you see, I think that it is expected of me to propose, and yet I don't know if that is what I want and if I don't know what I want now then how will I know what I will want in the future. You know what I mean? And what if she will not be who I think she is. I mean I love her. I think so. But then life often proves different from our hopes. Just look at my Aunt Lady Catherine. She wasn't like that when she was young. I mean she was but Pierre DeBourgh didn't know it. My Mother always told stories how she used to pretend and hold her temper. What if Maxine is the same?"

"Then don't marry her." Replied Charlotte.

"But what if these are only my prejudices? What if I will hurt a sensitive, good soul?"

Charlotte simply looked at him intently without saying a word. Can't you see that you are hurting a sensitive, good soul, just now? - she thought

"Mrs Collins, you are the only person who can help me. Mrs Collins, you are wise and intelligent, help me." He said beggingly.

Why does he see nothing but a wise and intelligent woman? Silently whined Charlotte.

"Mrs Collins, speak what you must. But please, speak."

"The most difficult thing in life is to regret. If you are ever to regret the fact that you missed your chance for happiness with Maxine Smythe then it is better that you use your opportunities now." She said slowly.

"You mean that I should ask her?"

"Yes." She stated firmly but her inside was torn into pieces.

"Thank you, Mrs Collins." He bowed in good bye "And wish me luck." He joked as if nervous. His life was to be decided tonight at the ball. If all goes well, he'll be engaged. In week's time, when he will be relieved of command of the regiment, he'll go London to arrange everything and then he and his bride - Mrs Maxine Fitzwilliam - will go to Scotland, where his duties called him.

Chapter Eleven

"Charlotte, what happened?" exclaimed Mary Bennet arriving at Charlotte's house, half an hour later.

"Oh Mary! I am so unhappy!" sobbed Charlotte.

"Charlotte, what on Earth is the matter?"

"It's the Colonel."

"What about him?"

"He is going to marry Maxine Smythe."

Mary was speechless.

"Oh Mary, why does it have to hurt so much? Why?"

"Charlotte, how do you know it?"

"He told me a few minutes ago."

"He told you that he proposed to her and that she accepted?"

"He asked me if I think, he should marry her."

"What? He came here? To ask you? What kind of man he is?"

"The one I am in love." Wept Charlotte.

"Shhhh, hash, Charlotte, darling. Everything is going to be alright."

"How can it be alright if he is marrying another woman."

"Hash, Charlotte. They are not married yet. She may refuse him."

"Mary, you don't believe what you are saying."

On the contrary - thought Mary but not wanting to give hope to Charlotte, she refrained from saying anything further. Instead she called the housekeeper and instructed her to put Mrs Collins to bed.

Mary Bennet had a plan that had to be completed without delay.

Descending from the carriage, Mary Bennet asked to be shown to Maxine's parlour. It was improper to pay a visit on a day of the ball but this was simply too important.

"Maxine, I have come to talk to you. It is of great importance."

"Good God, what is the matter, Mary?"

"I wanted to tell you before but there never seemed to be an occasion."

"What is it, Mary? You scare me."

"It's about Colonel Fitzwilliam."

"Tell me." Cried Maxine almost in terror.

"Colonel Fitzwilliam will not inherit a title."

"Mary, stop joking. You are mad. Your mother..."

"I know, Maxine but it is the truth. Richard Fitzwilliam is a younger son. His father died two years ago and his brother inherited the title of Earl of Matlock."

Maxine was pale. Almost white.

"He and his wife, Jean, have a son." Finished Mary.

"It can't be true... Your Mother... My Papa... they said... he was...was. Why... Mary, you are lying... it can't be the truth... you want to ruin me..." Maxine was hysterical.

"No, Maxine. I wanted to tell you earlier. But you never let me."

"So it is my fault now!"

"Calm down, Maxine. It is the truth. Ask Henry, when he comes this afternoon. He'll tell you." Mary got up to leave. Her job was done. She wished she did it earlier.

With a heavy heart, Mary was returning to Charlotte's house. It's been four hours since Charlotte told her about the Colonel. She knew, Charlotte would need comforting and that there was no one to give it to her but Mary. She felt anger when she thought about what the Colonel did. "Men are so insensitive!" - murmured Mary.

"How is Mrs Collins, Mrs Grouse?" asked she, when the housekeeper opened the door.

"She is in her room, ma'am."

"Has she eaten anything?"

"No, she does not answer me."

"I see. I will try to talk with her."

"Very well, ma'am. If you need anything, please call."

"I will." Said Mary and walked up the stairs. She knocked on the door.

"Charlotte, it's me, Mary. Can I come in?"

There was silence.

"Charlotte, please. You shouldn't be alone, now. Let's talk. It will do you good."

"Last time we talked, it brought me no good." Sobbed Charlotte.

"Charlotte, open the door, please. We can't talk like this. We are friends, remember?" Mary knew that what she was doing was beneath her but she had to get Charlotte out of the mood, she got into.

There was silence and then Mary heard Charlotte steps. She unlocked the door and returned to bed. Mary went in and closing the door behind herself, she sat on the bed next to lying Charlotte.

"Charlotte, you cannot..."

"I was so stupid. It is my fault!"

"What is your fault?" asked Mary astonished.

"I should have never believed in what you said!"

"Charlotte,..."

"Don't Charlotte me! Or rather do! I am the stupid, plain Charlotte and I will always be so. Nothing will ever change!" cried Charlotte.

"That's not true. And you know it. You are great Charlotte!"

"Stop it Mary! Don't lie! I am not great! I am pathetic and that's what the truth is!"

"No, Charlotte! It is you who should stop!"

"It's all my fault." Whined Charlotte, relapsing into sobbing.

"What is your fault?"

"I should have chased him. I should have used 'women's arts'. I should have told him, he shouldn't propose to Maxine because I love him."

"Charlotte, stop self-whipping yourself. It does no good."

"But it is my fault."

"No, Charlotte."

"I should have done what they all do."

"They? Who?"

"Other women. He would propose to me now and not to Maxine."

"In fact, I cannot understand why a sensible man like the Colonel is proposing to Maxine Smythe who is empty inside. If he admires Elizabeth so much, why not choose someone alike." Wondered Mary aloud, changing the topic slightly.

"Because there is not another Elizabeth!" replied Charlotte.

"Maybe, but there is many sensible women who resemble Elizabeth in a way."

"Yes, and now, you are going to tell me that I am an example of those women. I've had enough of it. Now, you'd better go and prepare for the ball."

Mary looked at her sadly but did not move.

"I will despair a little about myself and return to the normal Charlotte, everyone knows and loves. We shall see soon." Said Charlotte bitterly.

"In fact, tonight." Replied Mary.

"No, Mary. I am not coming. I am tired and in no mood. Excuse me in front of Sir Gordon. Say I was suddenly taken ill or make something up."

Mary did not try to argue. There was no point. Maybe, just maybe, her luck would change - thought Mary, giving Charlotte a kiss in the chin and leaving the room.

Chapter Twelve

"Mrs Collins, can I have a moment of private conversation with you?" asked Fitzwilliam, entering the drawing room of Charlotte's house on the morning of the ball at Netherfield. He could go on like this no longer. He had to talk. He had to speak, to voice what was in his heart. And Mrs Collins was the right person. It's been a long time now, since his heart was heavy. It was heavy with thoughts and decisions to be made. He didn't know what to think or how to react. What he knew, as a man of action was that he had to make a decision. Yet, he couldn't do it. Not alone. Not himself. He wondered how Darcy could do it twice. How Bingley could? If they could - Fitzwilliam reasoned - I can as well. But how?! Finally, he decided, he had to go to Mrs Collins.

"Yes, of course, Colonel. Please, sit down."

He did as she asked but then got up, paced the room, stopped at the mantelpiece, turned to the surprised Mrs Collins, returned to his seat and blurred:

"Do you think I should propose to Maxine Smythe?"

To tell the truth, Charlotte was in the state of shock.

"What?" cried Charlotte but bringing herself to control said: "I am sorry, it was a bit unexpected." No - cried her heart - don't do it!

"It is I who is sorry. I shouldn't have asked. But my mind is so confused. I don't know what to say. What to do?"

"Please, calm down, Colonel. You must do what your heart tells you."

Why am I saying it? Why can't I just tell him how much I care for him? Why can't he love me? Why no one has ever loved me?

"So I should marry her?"

Before Charlotte could respond, he continued:

"You see, I cannot tell. She is amiable. She is beautiful. She is intelligent. Why am I telling it to you? You know it."

No, I don't and I don't want to know anything about it - wanted to call Charlotte.

"And she always knows what I would want..."

You've told me that before - she bellowed in her heart.

"But you see, I think that it is expected of me to propose, and yet I don't know if that is what I want and if I don't know what I want now then how will I know what I will want in the future. You know what I mean? And what if she will not be who I think she is. I mean I love her. I think so. But then life often proves different from our hopes. Just look at my Aunt Lady Catherine. She wasn't like that when she was young. I mean she was but Pierre DeBourgh didn't know it. My Mother always told stories how she used to pretend and hold her temper. What if Maxine is the same?"

"Then don't marry her." Replied Charlotte.

"But what if these are only my prejudices? What if I will hurt a sensitive, good soul?"

Charlotte simply looked at him intently without saying a word. Can't you see that you are hurting a sensitive, good soul, just now? - she thought

"Mrs Collins, you are the only person who can help me. Mrs Collins, you are wise and intelligent, help me." He said beggingly.

Why does he see nothing but a wise and intelligent woman? Silently whined Charlotte.

"Mrs Collins, speak what you must. But please, speak."

"The most difficult thing in life is to regret. If you are ever to regret the fact that you missed your chance for happiness with Maxine Smythe then it is better that you use your opportunities now." She said slowly.

"You mean that I should ask her?"

"Yes." She stated firmly but her inside was torn into pieces.

"Thank you, Mrs Collins." He bowed in good bye "And wish me luck." He joked as if nervous. His life was to be decided tonight at the ball. If all goes well, he'll be engaged. In week's time, when he will be relieved of command of the regiment, he'll go London to arrange everything and then he and his bride - Mrs Maxine Fitzwilliam - will go to Scotland, where his duties called him.

Chapter Thirteen

"Charlotte, what happened?" exclaimed Mary Bennet arriving at Charlotte's house, half an hour later.

"Oh Mary! I am so unhappy!" sobbed Charlotte.

"Charlotte, what on Earth is the matter?"

"It's the Colonel."

"What about him?"

"He is going to marry Maxine Smythe."

Mary was speechless.

"Oh Mary, why does it have to hurt so much? Why?"

"Charlotte, how do you know it?"

"He told me a few minutes ago."

"He told you that he proposed to her and that she accepted?"

"He asked me if I think, he should marry her."

"What? He came here? To ask you? What kind of man he is?"

"The one I am in love." Wept Charlotte.

"Shhhh, hash, Charlotte, darling. Everything is going to be alright."

"How can it be alright if he is marrying another woman."

"Hash, Charlotte. They are not married yet. She may refuse him."

"Mary, you don't believe what you are saying."

On the contrary - thought Mary but not wanting to give hope to Charlotte, she refrained from saying anything further. Instead she called the housekeeper and instructed her to put Mrs Collins to bed.

Mary Bennet had a plan that had to be completed without delay.

Descending from the carriage, Mary Bennet asked to be shown to Maxine's parlour. It was improper to pay a visit on a day of the ball but this was simply too important.

"Maxine, I have come to talk to you. It is of great importance."

"Good God, what is the matter, Mary?"

"I wanted to tell you before but there never seemed to be an occasion."

"What is it, Mary? You scare me."

"It's about Colonel Fitzwilliam."

"Tell me." Cried Maxine almost in terror.

"Colonel Fitzwilliam will not inherit a title."

"Mary, stop joking. You are mad. Your mother..."

"I know, Maxine but it is the truth. Richard Fitzwilliam is a younger son. His father died two years ago and his brother inherited the title of Earl of Matlock."

Maxine was pale. Almost white.

"He and his wife, Jean, have a son." Finished Mary.

"It can't be true... Your Mother... My Papa... they said... he was...was. Why... Mary, you are lying... it can't be the truth... you want to ruin me..." Maxine was hysterical.

"No, Maxine. I wanted to tell you earlier. But you never let me."

"So it is my fault now!"

"Calm down, Maxine. It is the truth. Ask Henry, when he comes this afternoon. He'll tell you." Mary got up to leave. Her job was done. She wished she did it earlier.

With a heavy heart, Mary was returning to Charlotte's house. It's been four hours since Charlotte told her about the Colonel. She knew, Charlotte would need comforting and that there was no one to give it to her but Mary. She felt anger when she thought about what the Colonel did. "Men are so insensitive!" - murmured Mary.

"How is Mrs Collins, Mrs Grouse?" asked she, when the housekeeper opened the door.

"She is in her room, ma'am."

"Has she eaten anything?"

"No, she does not answer me."

"I see. I will try to talk with her."

"Very well, ma'am. If you need anything, please call."

"I will." Said Mary and walked up the stairs. She knocked on the door.

"Charlotte, it's me, Mary. Can I come in?"

There was silence.

"Charlotte, please. You shouldn't be alone, now. Let's talk. It will do you good."

"Last time we talked, it brought me no good." Sobbed Charlotte.

"Charlotte, open the door, please. We can't talk like this. We are friends, remember?" Mary knew that what she was doing was beneath her but she had to get Charlotte out of the mood, she got into.

There was silence and then Mary heard Charlotte steps. She unlocked the door and returned to bed. Mary went in and closing the door behind herself, she sat on the bed next to lying Charlotte.

"Charlotte, you cannot..."

"I was so stupid. It is my fault!"

"What is your fault?" asked Mary astonished.

"I should have never believed in what you said!"

"Charlotte,..."

"Don't Charlotte me! Or rather do! I am the stupid, plain Charlotte and I will always be so. Nothing will ever change!" cried Charlotte.

"That's not true. And you know it. You are great Charlotte!"

"Stop it Mary! Don't lie! I am not great! I am pathetic and that's what the truth is!"

"No, Charlotte! It is you who should stop!"

"It's all my fault." Whined Charlotte, relapsing into sobbing.

"What is your fault?"

"I should have chased him. I should have used 'women's arts'. I should have told him, he shouldn't propose to Maxine because I love him."

"Charlotte, stop self-whipping yourself. It does no good."

"But it is my fault."

"No, Charlotte."

"I should have done what they all do."

"They? Who?"

"Other women. He would propose to me now and not to Maxine."

"In fact, I cannot understand why a sensible man like the Colonel is proposing to Maxine Smythe who is empty inside. If he admires Elizabeth so much, why not choose someone alike." Wondered Mary aloud, changing the topic slightly.

"Because there is not another Elizabeth!" replied Charlotte.

"Maybe, but there is many sensible women who resemble Elizabeth in a way."

"Yes, and now, you are going to tell me that I am an example of those women. I've had enough of it. Now, you'd better go and prepare for the ball."

Mary looked at her sadly but did not move.

"I will despair a little about myself and return to the normal Charlotte, everyone knows and loves. We shall see soon." Said Charlotte bitterly.

"In fact, tonight." Replied Mary.

"No, Mary. I am not coming. I am tired and in no mood. Excuse me in front of Sir Gordon. Say I was suddenly taken ill or make something up."

Mary did not try to argue. There was no point. Maybe, just maybe, her luck would change - thought Mary, giving Charlotte a kiss in the chin and leaving the room.

Chapter Fourteen

"She refused me." Stated the Colonel matter-of-factly, when Charlotte, a bit dishevelled, entered the parlour. It was quite late and he knew he has crossed every boundary of propriety but this was a matter of great importance. He was coming straight from the ball at Netherfield and he had forced his way into Mrs Collins's house to speak with her. On seeing Charlotte, his thoughts were suddenly distracted: "How she looks in her night-gown or better without it!"

"What?!" he was woken up by Charlotte's voice.

He stared incredulously at her.

"I am sorry. I ... I... it is my fault... I am so sorry..."

"I am sorry. How is your health, Madame." called the Colonel,

"Better."

"She simply refused me! Maxine Smythe refused me." Cut in the Colonel.

"Oh, Colonel, I feel responsible. I was the one who advised you. I was the one who encouraged you. I, as a woman, should have guessed that Miss Smythe was not keen on you. I blame myself..."

Her monologue was suddenly breached by laughter. Colonel Fitzwilliam was laughing like he has never laughed in his life.

Charlotte's eyes filled with tears. What was she to do?

Seeing Charlotte's face, the Colonel stopped and looked at her sincerely:

"My dear Mrs Collins, it is not like that. You mustn't blame yourself. I asked for your advice but it was always my decision. It was and still is my life and I take every responsibility for it. Maxine Smythe refused me. I came here to talk. You are my best friend, someone I can confide in. I wanted to talk to you about my feelings." He looked at her intently but she was looking away, as though hiding from his stare. "I felt strange when she thanked me for my assurances but replied in negative." He began again. "I always thought that if I was refused, I would despair, felt distraught but it was not so. In fact, I felt certain lightness. Can you imagine? It was lightness around my heart. I am afraid to say it but I was... I was relieved." He paused. "The moment Maxine Smythe said: "I am afraid I cannot accept your assurances." my heart leapt but it was a leap of joy. Can you comprehend it? I was happy. As if I was wishing she said 'no'. Is there something wrong with me?" he asked as if waiting for her answer but it did not come.

"Why should I be happy about a woman refusing my hand?" he asked rhetorically.

Charlotte's gaze was fixed on the floor.

The room was filled with silence.

"I don't know." Muttered he and addressed Charlotte:

"I should go. Do not distress yourself. There is no fault on your side. I will be fine, too. Please excuse my late call. Goodnight."

"Goodnight." Mustered to reply Charlotte and the Colonel left.

Charlotte Collins was left with her thoughts. She, too, felt a heavy burden fall off her shoulders. Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam was still free and that thought was good enough for Charlotte to sleep peacefully that night.

A week later

Dear Mrs Collins,

I am already on my way to London as you read it. I should have called in person but the matters concerning change in command over the regiment took more time than expected yesterday and I reluctantly resigned myself to writing a farewell letter. Thank you for all the help you have given me. I would not have come out as I did without your guidance.

Yours &c.

PS. I have just received this from London. I had hoped to give it to you in person but circumstances proved different. Please accept it as a token of friendship. RDF

Charlotte opened a box, which came with the letter. It was a miniature by Sir Joshua Reynolds. Tears rolled down her cheeks: "Why can't we be more than just good friends?"

Author's note: Mark, sorry for stealing your title. Hope you won't be terribly mad at me?

Chapter Fifteen

Next summer

"Oh, Mr Bennet! God has been very good to us. All our daughters married. Even Mary!" called Mrs Bennet when the carriage with the newlyweds rolled off. Her husband said nothing but turned to Charlotte Collins:

"I hope you shall never remarry, my dear Charlotte or I will lose the last bit of sense I still have here."

Charlotte smiled faintly - No, she was never to remarry - She was Charlotte Collins nee Lucas, who was the plain girl in the county. The past Spring was the worst time of her life. Even the first Spring of her marriage was better. Better because she was in control of the situation. During the first weeks, she woke up every day hoping Richard Fitzwilliam would come back. Then she resolved to wishing he would write, right now, she was slowly growing up to the idea that he would neither write nor come and that she, Charlotte, will have to go on with her life without any hope for happiness with Richard Darcy Fitzwilliam.

"Charlotte, I am so happy that you are coming with us to Pemberley." Said Elizabeth Darcy approaching Charlotte.

"So am I." Replied Charlotte smiling delicately.

Elizabeth looked at her as if understanding. The previous night Mary came to her sister to speak:

"Lizzy, it's good that you and Fitzwilliam take Charlotte with you."

"I'm happy about it as well. It will be just as in the old times when Charlotte and I were girls in Hertfordshire." Smiled Elizabeth.

"I'm sure." Replied Mary. She didn't like the old times. "But it's not only that. I meant the Colonel thing."

"I guessed that much. Poor Charlotte, she doesn't have luck in love."

"I always imagined our talk about it. And I always thought you would say something like: 'She's paying now for her marriage of convenience.'"

"Do you judge me that bad?" laughed Elizabeth.

"No, never, I just always thought that you could not forgive Charlotte her marriage with Collins."

"I could not at first. I thought it was the most stupid thing she could do but then I've learnt to accept it. It was her life, her choice."

"True. But coming back to the Colonel. Have you heard anything from him?" asked Mary.

"He wrote to Mr Darcy. The letter was rather sober and Mr Darcy was even considering going to London to meet his Cousin but in his next letter, the Colonel wrote that he is travelling to Scotland. He then sent us a few letters but none of them brought anything new."

"Charlotte is still very much in love with him."

"I know. I'll try to talk to her. Maybe we will able to interest her in someone else while in Derbyshire."

"I hope so."

Both sisters sat in silence.

"Go and get some sleep, Mary. You are to be a beautiful bride tomorrow." Laughed Elizabeth.

"I will. And thank you, Lizzy."

"Take care."

"I will, Sister. Wish me luck."

"You don't need it Mary. You will be very happy in your life. Six years ago, I would have never believed that you would turn out so wonderfully." Elizabeth hugged her sister and kissed her cheeks. "I wish you and Henry all the happiness the world can give."

"Thank you, Lizzy." The doors closed behind Mary.

"Have you finished chatting with your last unmarried sister? It is an event, isn't it? No more Misses Bennet. All of them 'nee Bennet' - a happy day for your mother." Said Fitzwilliam Darcy entering his wife's bedchamber via second door.

"Do I hear sarcasm in your voice, dear? You've done your homework, I can see. Private tutor in person of my father?"

"You can call it so." Replied her husband, kissing Elizabeth's palms.

The Darcys arrived to Longbourn four weeks prior to Mary's wedding and were to leave the day after the wedding taking Charlotte and William with them. They came without their children. Therefore their visit was shorter. Elizabeth was missing her little ones, already. The two older girls: Jane (after Mrs Bingley), aged 4 and Rebecca (after Lady Matlock), aged 3 wanted to come but Mr Darcy decided against it, promising to take them along the next time. Bennet, aged 1, was either way too small to travel.

"Darling," moaned Elizabeth, "I will be glad to be home in five days."

"So will I." Replied her husband, stroking his wife's head, lying on his chest.

Chapter Sixteen

An Inn in Lake District

Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam was lying alone in his room in the Inn. He was coming back from Scotland. He spent five long months there. Far in the North of Scotland, in Sutherland. His Uncle, on maternal side - 2nd Marquess of Stafford and 1st Duke of Sutherland - George Granville - did all in his power to cheer up his nephew but all in vain. Richard was in low spirits and worst of all he didn't know why. Although Scotland was wonderful, wide and undiscovered, the Colonel did not see its beauty. His duties were soon completed and he spent chief of his time in Dunrobin - his Uncle's castle. The heir of the House of Sutherland, Richard's cousin had recently married Lady Harriet Howard, who in Richard's eyes possessed little charms, although she was declared a beauty. Richard had warmer feelings for his other cousin, Lord Francis, yet even Francis could not encourage Richard to break away from his sober mood. He got up early, being unable to sleep, he wandered through the fields. He felt as if he was mourning something. Was it lost love? Did he love Maxine Smythe and his initial reaction was just a strange side effect while his true feelings remained undisclosed? There was this feeling of loss in his heart but he wasn't sure what he lost. In fact, he didn't know what he had lost and when it was. Walking down the corridor one day, he heard two maids chatting. One of them was telling the other a story of the ghost of Dunrobin.

"It was four hundred years ago. The wicked Earl of Sutherland captured a beautiful young girl from the Mackey Clan after a battle and locked her up in the haunted room, next to the night nursery. He wanted to marry her, but she refused him, and one night he came to her room to find her trying to escape down a rope of sheets. Enraged, he whipped out his sword and cut the rope, causing her to fall to her death at the foot of the tower. She is supposed to be heard weeping and wailing. Do you thing the Colonel heard her? I heard his butler say, he cannot sleep at nights."

Richard smiled at the idle chatter. But then reflected that something did haunt him, though it wasn't the ghost of a young girl who found her death at the foot of the tower. It was his memories that haunted him. Or maybe not exactly the memory but emptiness. Yes, it was an emptiness of his life.

And then one day, Richard just knew that he had enough of Scotland. It was time to come back. So here he was in an Inn in the middle of Lake District, waiting for the dawn to begin so that he could continue his journey home.

Next Day, Pemberley

There was a knock on the door and the butler hurried to open it.

"Good day, sir." Greeted he the visitor at the door.

"Good day, Bates, my man. How are you?"

"Very well, thank you, sir. We have not expected you, sir."

"I know, Bates. Is the Family at home?"

"No, sir. Mr and Mrs Darcy went to Hertfordshire for Mrs Darcy's sister's wedding."

"Of course, I have forgotten. It's already July. How that time flies!"

"Would you like me to take your belongings to your room, sir?"

"Yes, thank you, Bates. When are the Master and Mistress expected?"

"On the morrow, sir."

"Very well, indeed. I shall be happy to see my cousin. And where are my nieces and nephew?"

"In the nursery, sir."

"I shall go and greet them. Do you think you could prepare a bath for me, Bates."

"Very well, sir. It will be ready in half-an-hour."

"Thank you, Bates." Called Colonel Fitzwilliam and went towards the nursery.

The bath was indeed refreshing - thought the Colonel walking down the corridor towards the dining room where he was informed dinner was served. He walked down the stairs and the miniature table in the antechamber drew his attention. He stopped looking at the miniatures, especially that of his Aunt, the late Lady Anne Darcy by Sir Joshua Reynolds. He remembered Mrs Collins and her passion for miniatures. Mrs Collins, Charlotte Collins, Charlotte - yes, he should have written to her a long time ago. He received her letter, thanking him for the miniature but he did not answer her then. Charlotte was such a wonderful person, she understood him, and he felt good in her company. For a moment he thought he missed her, missed her advice, her smile. What was it in Charlotte that he liked so much? He couldn't state, he just did like everything about her.

Chapter Seventeen

Next Day, Afternoon, Pemberley

"Mr Darcy, Mrs Darcy, it is good to welcome you back in Pemberley."

"Thank you, Mrs Reynolds." Said Darcy and excused himself to talk to his steward, standing a little apart from the others but wearing an anxious expression on his face. It was probably about the new cows they invested. Darcy hoped they were fine.

"Mrs Reynolds, may I present my dear friend, Charlotte Collins and her son, William. They will stay at Pemberley for some time." Said Elizabeth.

"It's a pleasure to welcome you in Pemberley, ma'am. And you too, Master William."

"Thank you, Mrs Reynolds." Replied Charlotte smiling.

"We have a visitor at Pemberley, ma'am." Said Mrs Reynolds turning to Elizabeth.

"A visitor?"

"Yes, Colonel Fitzwilliam came rather unexpectedly yesterday."

"Where is he?" asked Elizabeth, slightly looking at Charlotte, who blushed furiously at first and then turned pale.

"I believe in the woods. He said he had an important letter to write." Elizabeth did not comment on that and instead said:

"Mrs Reynolds, I shall take Mrs Collins to her room. Please take William to the nursery."

"Very well, ma'am."

When Mrs Reynolds and William disappeared, Elizabeth turned to Charlotte.

"Are you well?"

"Yes." Muttered Charlotte.

"Charlotte, everything is going to be alright."

Charlotte nodded.

"You have nothing to worry about. Let me take you to your room now. You probably would like a bit of rest. We shall have tea at five." Continued Elizabeth.

Tea Room, 5 p.m.

"Cousin Richard, you cannot imagine how happy I am to see you." Said Elizabeth, on entering the room where her husband and his cousin were waiting for the ladies to arrive for tea.

"My dear Mrs Darcy, you look as beautiful as always or even better." Laughed the Colonel.

Elizabeth studied him for a while. Earlier, her husband came to her with a letter from Richard's mother - Lady Rebecca. It said:

Dear Nephew,

I hope you and your family are well. I am writing to you because of Richard. He is staying in Scotland with my cousin - George Granville and his family. Cousin George wrote me a very worrying letter. Here is what he says: "Richard has been in low spirits ever since his arrival. We tried to cheer him up in every possible way. We took him to balls as much as it is possible in Scotland, we had many visitors, and we tried to occupy him with something so that he would not give into melancholy but it all came to naught. He was sad and did not respond to any of our efforts. I am at a loss and I don't know what to do. Maybe if we knew the cause of his state something could be done. My wife suggested that his heart was broken but to me it seemed as if he lost his place in the world. I truly don't know. Please advise me." Darcy, you are my only hope. Maybe Elizabeth and you could think about some way to bring the Richard we know back. I am at a loss. I knew he was in low spirits when he came back from Hertfordshire and at first I blamed Miss Smythe's refusal but right now I don't think it is the case. I don't know what Hertfordshire does to men, first Bingley then you and now my Richard.

Yours &c.

Baring the letter in mind, Elizabeth asked at the Colonel:

"How was Scotland?"

"Beautiful, I suppose." He fell into silence.

"That is a short answer for a vast country like Scotland. Tell me how do you find your family and cousins. I believe Mr Darcy told me lately that one of your cousins entered the state of matrimony?"

"Yes. He married Lady Harriet Howard of Carlisle Howards." He relapsed into silence again.

"I believe we have met Lord Francis some years ago, haven't we my dear?" she turned to her husband with eyes full of demand that he would speak.

"Yes. Francis was always closer to you, Richard, wasn't he?"

"Yes."

"Was it some sort of younger son's solidarity?" continued Darcy. His spirits were lifted when his steward told him that the cows were fine and that the mills across the river, he was interested in buying were came on sale just a day before his arrival to Pemberley. He had already instructed his steward to buy them.

Richard did not manage to reply as the door opened and Charlotte Collins came in.

"Charlotte, we were waiting for you." Called Elizabeth. "You do remember Colonel Fitzwilliam?"

"Of course." Charlotte's voice was failing.

"Mrs Collins!" exclaimed the Colonel smiling broadly, "I have been thinking of you this morning. How are you?" Darcy and Elizabeth exchanged glances.

"Very well, thank you, Colonel. And you?"

"Never better. Never better. It was such a long time since we've seen each other."

"Yes, it must be six months at least." Replied Charlotte.

"It's more than six months. We have seen on the night of the ball at Netherfield and it was the 10th of December!"

Elizabeth almost choked hearing his reply. "Just like Bingley's words in Lambton Inn all those years ago." She thought.

"Yes, you must be right."

"Shall we have some tea?" asked Elizabeth.

Everyone sat down and the tea was served. The conversation flew easily. And neither Elizabeth nor Darcy could notice any signs of Richard's sadness or melancholy. The Colonel seemed in want of knowing of everything that happened in Hertfordshire and about how Charlotte and William were doing. At first Charlotte seemed rather tensed but she eased up with time and by dinnertime she was animated and her cheeks flashed.

Chapter Eighteen

On the next morning, Richard met Mrs Collins together with William wandering around the garden of Pemberley:

"Uncle Richard!" exclaimed William who hadn't seen Richard the previous day.

"Hello, Master William. How are you doing?"

"Very well, thank you. Did you kill a lot of enemies?"

"Fortunately not. There is no more war, William." The boy looked disappointed. "But I can tell you how I was hunting for a bear in Scotland."

"Please do!" The boy's eyes sparkled.

Richard sat on the bench next to where Charlotte was sitting and took William onto his lap and started telling his story.

"There was a whole party of us. All with dogs. It was early morning. We let the dogs go and waited. We had a great hunter with us - Sir Gerard. He knelt down and listened to the ground. He could hear every thump, even a leaf fall down. Suddenly he said in half voice: "yes! yes!" We waited and suddenly one of the dogs cried then the second then all of them. The hunters divided to search the wood. I was standing on the verge of the wood and then I saw that bear. It was huge and his mouth was full of blood. He was crying terribly, roaring and all I knew was that there is no one else around me but my cousin Francis and one of his men. The bear began to close, we had no chance of shooting, so we had to run away. The bear's heavy paw hit Francis's men and right then I saw Sir Gerard with his flint. He shot and what a shot it was. It hit the bear right between the eyes."

"Colonel, you had luck. It was a great danger, you were in." Said Charlotte.

"I admit it was close but a military man must get accustomed to dangers."

"But still you should not endanger yourself unnecessarily. I could not have..." she wanted to say: I could not have bared if something happened to you. But the words stopped in her throat. She looked at the Colonel blushing slightly.

"So Sir Gerard killed that bear with one shot." Called William absolutely amazed after hearing such a story.

"Yes, he did."

"Are there many bears in England?"

"In England not but in some parts of Scotland, there are."

"Then I shall go to Scotland and kill a bear."

"First you have to grow up." Laughed Richard.

From the window of her bedroom, Elizabeth was looking at the whole scene. Maybe, just maybe, Charlotte was the person to bring Richard out of his mood.

The days passed and Richard and Charlotte spent chief time in each other's company. To the Darcys it seemed that Richard could have never been anything else. He was smiling and in good mood. He laughed often and not once have they seen him with a melancholic face. To Richard himself it seemed a miracle. Charlotte's company was all he could desire. He told her stories of the army and Scotland. She old him of her life and William's bringing up. His melancholy was gone. Again he saw the brighter side of life. If only it could last.

Chapter Nineteen

"Where is the Colonel?" asked Charlotte when she saw Elizabeth one morning, in the sixth week of her stay. The Colonel prolonged his visit but he was one of the guests of the Darcys, who were always welcomed for an infinite period of stay.

"His brother arrived early this morning and they are talking in the library."

"I hope nothing is wrong."

"So do I. Mr Darcy is with them as well and James had a rather agitated expression on his face, according to Mrs Reynolds." Replied Elizabeth.

In the evening, Lord Matlock left Pemberley but the ladies saw neither Mr Darcy nor the Colonel. They asked the dinner to be served to the library when Matlock was still with them, and when James was leaving the ladies were already in their rooms.

It was six in the morning, on the next day, when Charlotte who spent a restless night went for a walk. She hoped to meet the Colonel but he was nowhere to be seen. A few minutes after seven, she returned to the house and went to the library. She hoped to relax with a good book. On entering, she noticed a man silhouette sitting in the armchair.

"Colonel?" she asked.

"Yes? Ah, Mrs Collins! How are you?"

"Fine. But you do not look well, sir."

"I don't want to burden you with my problems."

Charlotte wasn't sure what she should do.

"You know that my brother was hear yesterday?" began he suddenly.

"Yes."

"It seems that tragedies come in herds on people."

Charlotte was silent. There was nothing she could say.

"Please sit down. You must think me no gentleman for letting a lady stand while I am sitting."

"You have more important things to think about than propriety now." she reassured him, sitting in the armchair next to his.

"More than two years ago my father died and James inherited the title. Soon after James's oldest son fell off his pony and was killed. Jean, James's wife, who was then pregnant with their second son, gave an early birth. The boy is almost two now and the doctors have diagnosed him as... mentally retarded."

There was silence in the room when Charlotte touched Richard's hand and said:

"I am so sorry. It must be terrible for you. But maybe the doctors are wrong. Maybe he will be fine. Such things happen."

"Thank you for your consolation, Mrs Collins. I am much obliged but James consulted all the best specialists. They are all in accordance. It would be a miracle if..."

There was a knock on the door and the butler came in:

"There is an express message for you, sir."

"Thank you." Replied Richard and opened the envelope.

"Oh, my God!" he cried and sobbed. "Tis too much. Too much!" The letter fell out of his hands. He hid his face in his hands and sobbed. Charlotte sat stunned. All she could do was to place her hand on his head and stroke it gently. He looked up at her and saw her concerned face.

"Why does it have to happen? Why Charlotte? Why?"

"Hash, Richard. Please talk, dearest." She dropped at her knees and holding his hands in hers looked at him earnestly.

"It's my brother........................ James...................he was killed.............. in a carriage accident last night." He sobbed again, placing his head on Charlotte's hands.

Chapter Twenty

Darcy and Fitzwilliam left Pemberley in the late morning, directing themselves to Matlock. Charlotte did not have the chance of speaking with Richard in private. She stood besides Elizabeth as both men rode away.

"I love him." She said.

"I know." Replied Elizabeth

"You do?"

"And he loves you, too. But for some unknown reason, he does not admit it."

"No, Elizabeth, he doesn't love me. He treats me as his friend. Nothing more."

Elizabeth did not reply but stared into the vast green hills of Derbyshire.

"It's such a tragedy for the Fitzwilliams." Said Charlotte.

"Yes. I cannot still believe it. Yesterday he was here with us and today he is dead." Replied Elizabeth.

"And his son..."

"You know?" asked Elizabeth slightly surprised.

"Yes. Richard, I mean Colonel Fitzwilliam, told me. What will happen now?"

"Mr Darcy and the Colonel are the guardians of the young Lord Matlock. It was written down in James's will a long time ago." Replied Elizabeth.

"Does it mean that the Colonel will resign from his commission?"

"Probably. Someone has to run the estates. Lady Jean is unable. She was always very frail and fragile. I don't think, she will live long under the circumstances. The death of her first son did a lot of damage and now with her husband dead and her son retarded. She will not be able to live through it. And Lady Rebecca was always dependant on her husband, the late Lord, as far as management was concerned, so I don't think she will take over Matlock Estates. That leaves out Richard."

Charlotte nodded. Now Richard was lost for her forever. They would never meet again. It was time for her to come back home to Hertfordshire.

Dawnwall on the Matlock Estates, two months later

"Mother," began Richard Fitzwilliam, "I believe all the business is well here."

"Good, my son." Replied Lady Rebecca. She was a shadow of the woman she once was.

"I must leave for a few days."

"I thought you said all the business was concluded."

"There is one left. It's personal. I believe I must talk to someone. It's of great importance. I've waited a long time and it took me even longer to understand many things. Mother, I must go to Hertfordshire for a few days."

Lady Rebecca smiled what was a rare sight nowadays and replied:

"Then go, son and may this last business be concluded successfully as well."

"Thank you mother. I love you."

"I love you too, Richard. Take care."

"I will." He walked out of his mother's chambers and whistling directed himself to the stables. In two days, he was hoping to be made the happiest man in England.

THE END

© 1999 Copyright held by author