The Bennet carriage rolled up to Netherfield. Tonight was a celebratory dinner for Darcy and Elizabeth's official courtship.
Bingley and Darcy had come to Longbourn last evening as promised, without Bingley's sisters. It was a smashing success and joy was had by all.
Jane was nervous to once again be in company of Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst. Elizabeth was anxious to see Darcy, as she was unable to see him this morning due to the rain.
In the drawing room, everyone fanned out and mingled. Elizabeth was ensnared by Miss Bingley while taking a turn around the room.
"Miss Eliza, let me congratulate you on your conquest."
"Thank you, Miss Bingley, he is quite the catch, is he not?"
"You do realize you are not worthy of him?"
"Very much, Miss Bingley, I try to tell him as much, but he simply will not listen."
"How surprised we all were when we heard the news. I mean after all the things he has stated about you and your family, it came as quite a shock. I could make you a list, if you like?"
"By all means, Miss Bingley, and I'll make a list of all the horrible things he has said about you and we will compare the two and have a merry laugh."
Caroline reddened as Elizabeth smiled.
"You are determined to ruin him."
"On the contrary, Miss Bingley.
Did I mention how I met his Aunt, Lady Matlock? Well she is quite the delight and we have become fast friends, we correspond regularly. I will be sure to mention you in my next letter. How exactly would you like that to go, Miss Bingley? That you are my particular friend or a snivelling harpy trying to climb social ladders above your status?
Elizabeth smiled as she watched Miss Bingley do the calculations in her head. She would either bow or be destroyed.
Miss Bingley huffed a sigh and answered.
"If I had known you were this ruthless, Eliza Bennet, I would've befriended you long ago."
"It will not be that easy, Caroline. You have insulted my family and hurt my sister Jane in particular. If you wish to latch on to the Darcy coat tails then you will be of service when called upon. Now if you choose to accept that role, when I offer you my hand you will kiss it and then find another place to stand until dinner, and if you choose otherwise then you may do as you please, and I will make sure not a door in london will admit you."
Elizabeth held out her hand. Caroline took it and kissed it, curtseyed and joined her sister louisa.
Darcy joined Elizabeth.
"What was that, pray tell?"
"That was Miss Bingley overstepping once again. She needed to be put in her place."
"Do you wish for me to talk to Charles?"
"No thank you, my love. She will either comply or be crushed like the tiny insect that she is."
"This formidable Elizabeth is very sexy, my dear "
"Really, sir? You did not seem to enjoy her last evening while she was trouncing you in chess."
"On the contrary, I was never more attracted."
"It is a shame about the rain this morning. How I long for your touch, sir."
"Be careful what you wish for, my love."
Dinner was called and the evening was very pleasant.
The next morning was indeed dry and Elizabeth nearly sprinted to the cottage in anticipation.
As she approached she spied Darcy tossing rocks into the lake while waiting.
"Good morning, fine sir."
Darcy turned and smiled.
"And a fine morning it is, do you not think?"
"Indeed I do, sir."
"Would you not like to take a turn around the lake?" He asked.
"I very much do not, sir."
Darcy laughed.
"Very well my incorrigible lady, why don't we go inside the cottage."