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Mary Bennet reckoned that the armies on the continent did not march as fast as the pace set by her sister. She smiled to herself. That was an exaggeration but it was still a brisk walk. Mr. Collins had tried to slow them down but Elizabeth had used Jane’s recent illness against him.

“My sister is only recently recovered from a chill and fever. I do not wish any of us to get cold today. I worry about my sister’s health.”

Elizabeth, with her ever present footman and maid, walked with Mary at the front of the group, leaving Jane to walk beside Mr. Collins. The pace was sufficient that he had little excess breath and so she was spared his endless drivel. Kitty and Lydia completed the group, an additional barrier between Elizabeth and Mr. Collins.

“Was there a reason Mrs. Bennet wished for us to walk to Meryton? Or did she just wish to have peace at the house for several hours?”

“Lizzie!”

Mary exhaled noisily as she thought about the question.

“It does seem rather contrived when I think on it. Lydia wanted to visit the haberdashery to look for new ribbons. Jane has a note for Aunt Philips but it could have been sent by a groom. If I did not know Mama better I would think we have been sent to chaperone Lydia and Kitty.”

“Well at least I know where we need to visit.”

“Lizzie look, there are soldiers around town. The Militia regiment must have arrived.”

There were many people in the streets of Meryton, the normal bustle of the small town swollen with the addition of the soldiers. But even with this noise and hubbub the air was still cleaved with a Bennet screech.

“Denny!”

Before Elizabeth could turn to admonish her youngest sister, Lydia with a trailing Kitty brushed past her and crossed the street towards an officer. He was walking with a gentleman and had turned at Lydia’s coarse bellow.

“How on earth does she know the name of a particular officer already?”

Mary’s question was rhetorical because Elizabeth was thinking the very same thing.

“When did they arrive in the neighbourhood?”

“Several of the officers have been here for close to a month, but the bulk of the men arrived last Friday.”

“So while I was at Netherfield Park.”

It was not a question but Mary acknowledged it.

“We were introduced to Colonel Forster at Lucas Lodge. If we were not so worried about her behaviour then it could have been nothing more than a typical innocent introduction.”

Elizabeth realised that Mary was correct. It was the manner of greeting that was as much of a concern as knowing the officer in the first place.

“We should go over and be introduced as well. At least get an initial impression of this Denny.”

So the remaining four from the Longbourn party crossed the street and approached Kitty and Lydia with the two men. With eight of them, and most not known to each other, the introductions took a moment. ‘Denny’ was in fact Captain Denny and his companion was a Mr. Wickham who was about to join the Militia with the rank of Lieutenant.

“Miss Bennet.”

The bustle of the street had masked the approach on horseback of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth found herself taking a step back watching her sister’s reaction to his arrival.

“Mr. Bingley, good morning.”

“We were just on our way to Longbourn to check on you, to ensure that you were well. But I can see that you are indeed very well.”

The slightly forward manner of speech had them both blushing. But Elizabeth’s eyes were drawn to his companion. Mr. Darcy’s face was suddenly suffused in anger. His attention was upon the man they had just met, Mr. Wickham. She watched as he briefly paled under the angry stare. But then she saw him smirk and casually tip his hat at Mr. Darcy. He was standing still but there was a swagger to the action. She watched Darcy spin his horse round and head back in the direction of Netherfield Park.

“Mr. Bingley, I believe your companion has abandoned you.”

At Jane’s words Mr. Bingley looked round, surprised to see Darcy in the distance.