—----------In Meryton_______________

Lizzie, Jane and y/n are walking together.

Lizzie : Mr. Collins, the sort of man who makes you despair at the entire sex.

Y/n : I could not have worded that out better lizzie. If it was not for him I think that I would and could probably come to like someone but thankfully he appeared and reminded me why not to.

* all laughing*

—-------------------------

It was a winding afternoon and a handkerchief was blown away. He stands before Lizzie, holding a handkerchief, a witty curl on his exquisite mouth.

Wickham : Yours, I believe?

Lizzie is, for a moment, speechless, but then nods and takes the kerchief as Kitty and Lydia rush up from behind Wickham.

Lydia : Oh how perfect you are, Mr Wickham!

Kitty : He picked up my glove, too. Did you drop yours on purpose, Lizzie?

Lydia : Mr Wickham's a lieutenant.

Wickham : An enchanted lieutenant.

Y/n : What are you up to, Liddy?

Lydia : We just happened to be looking for some ribbon

Kitty : White, for the ball!

Wickham : Shall we all look for some ribbon together?

—----------Entering the Ribbon Shop_______________

They come into the shop. The others go towards the counter. Wickham hangs back, and smiles a complicit, witty smile at Lizzie.

Wickham : I shan't even browse. I can't be trusted. I have very poor taste in ribbons.

Lizzie : (gravely) Only a man truly confident of himself would admit that.

Wickham : No, it's true. And buckles. When it comes to buckles, I'm lost.

Lizzie : Dear oh dear. You must be the shame of the regiment.

Wickham : What laughing-stock.

Lizzie : What do your superiors do with you?

Wickham : Ignore me. I'm of next to no importance, so it's easily done.

On the contrary, Wickham is almost impossible to ignore. Lizzie tears her eyes from his winsome features as Lydia grabs her sleeve.

Lydia : Lizzie, lend me some money!

Lizzie : You already owe me a fortune, Liddy.

Wickham : Allow me to oblige.

[At the same time =]

y/n : Please Mr. Wickham, you do not need to do such a thing.

Lizzie : No! Please - Mr Wickham

Wickham : I insist.  

Wickham gives Lizzie a smile and moves away to the counter.

—---------------------------

Y/n walks toward Lizzie out of everyone's earshot.

Y/n : My, my Lizzie has it finally come true? *Smirking at her*

Lizzie : What are you talking about?

Y/n : Might you perhaps take interest in this Mr. Wickham gentleman?

Lizzie : What– of course not. Y/n, don't be ridiculous.

Y/n : But, all jokes aside Lizzie, if it is true, please be careful. He might seem like a gentleman now but remember, we have Just met him not long ago.

Lizzie : Come now y/n, do you know who you're talking to? *giggling*

Y/n : *chuckles and brings her in a side hug while walking towards everyone else* I have no doubt in you Lizzie, I just want to look after you and care for you as you have for me.

Lizzie : Thank you, I would advise you the same.

Y/n : Whatever do you mean? *confused, turns her head to face her*

Lizzie : All I can hint you is of a certain stoic faced man.

Y/n : Whatever you are thinking please let it go as none of it is true.

Lizzie : My, my..Interesting as you know who I am talking about. *giggling at her tease*

Y/n : *turning around as to avoid Lizzie from seeing her face, avoiding the conversation* Come now lizzie, let's be on our way home. 

---------------------------------------------------

Wickham is escorting the girls home. He's scything down cow-parsley with his sword, as Lydia and Kitty wave yards of ribbon about. It's impossible not to admire the cut of Wickham's jib as darts athletically about the undergrowth. Lizzy is almost as fizzly as her sisters. Jane watches them all with her benevolent smile.

Wickham : Take that, you cur! And that, and that!

More cow-parsley bites the dust.

Lizzie : I pity the French.

Wickham : Oh so do I. Miserable bunch. Small, swarthy and that tiny Emperor.

Lizzie laughs.

Jane : Look! Mr Bingley.

Mr Bingley and Darcy are riding towards them across the river/stream. Bingley pulls in his horse, jumps down and hurries over, his open friendly face filled with delight. Darcy stays astride, staring at Wickham, who suddenly sheaths his sword and looks at the ground. Lizzie and y/n watch him. His eyes darted up to Darcy and away again. Darcy's face is dark and closed.

Bingley : I was on my way to your house.

Lydia : Mr Bingley, how do you like my ribbons for your ball?

Bingley is gazing at Jane.

Bingley : Very beautiful.

Lydia : (jumping around Jane) She is! Look at her! She's blooming

Jane : Oh Lydia!

*y/n, who was furthest from the others, observed them all.*

Lydia : Be sure to invite Mr Wickham, he's a credit to his profession.

Darcy turns and rides off without a word. Y/n watches, fascinated as Wickham recovers himself.

Jane : Lydia you can't invite people to other people's ball.

Bingley : Of course you must come, Mr Wickham. Ladies, excuse me. Enjoy the day.

Bingley bows, principally to Jane, and follows Darcy who was already riding away from them.. Y/n and Lizzie turn to Wickham, but he has walked ahead. The mood of the day has changed completely and Y/n turns to Lizzie in concern and they turned their head to Mr. Wickham, starts to follow him thoroughly puzzled.

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To be Continued......................................