Dare We Entertain the Hope?

By Teg

I finally wrote it Spring! But I dare say, it would have been a lot funnier if you had done it :) This is a harmless piece of fluff... a diversion, if you will. In the novel, P&P, when Elizabeth tells Jane of her engagement to Darcy, Jane says that she and Bingley had discussed that possibility and concluded it to be impossible. That was my starting point. What happens when Bingley, sweet man that he is, persists in misreading what he sees happening between his friend and Elizabeth?

Part 1

Posted on Tuesday, 18 May 1999

"Jane, dear," Bingley said one afternoon as he and his fiancée strolled through the gardens at Longbourn.

"Yes, Charles?" His given name still came shyly from her lips. It had been less than a week since his proposal, and the familiarity was still new to her.

"I must.....I need to ask you something. It concerns your sister, Elizabeth." He didn't quite know how to go on, so, boldly, he plunged right in. "What does she think of my friend Darcy?"

Jane cast her eyes downward. "I'm afraid that Lizzie does not possess a very high opinion of Mr. Darcy. In fact, she does not like him very much at all."

Bingley momentarily looked defeated, but then his face brightened. "Perhaps, after we are married, and she gets to know him better, she will grow to like him?"

"I'm sorry, Charles." Jane disliked causing him any distress. "I fear that when Lizzie makes up her mind, it usually stays that way. I know how much you value your friend, as I value my sister, but we must not hope for a union between them merely because it would make us happy. They must want it, too."

Bingley did, indeed, appear distressed. "That's just the problem, Jane. I know for a fact that Darcy is violently in love with your sister. Positively mad about her! I've never seen him so much as offer a sincere compliment to any other woman but his sister, yet he constantly sings Elizabeth's praises. Perhaps she may be persuaded to change her mind if he makes her an offer, as I suspect he may do very soon."

Jane was sympathetic but no less firm in her conviction. "Charles, I fear I must betray a confidence. I hope you do not think less of me for it, but it is to spare Mr. Darcy further pain that I must relate it, if only to stop you from encouraging him in an avenue that is clearly hopeless."

Bingley's enquiring glance bade her to continue.

"Some weeks back, Lizzie confessed to me that Mr. Darcy had already approached her with an offer of marriage, which she had flatly refused."

"Why on earth would she refuse him?" he cried, shocked that any woman would reject his rich and powerful, if somewhat distant, friend. He knew Darcy to truly be a good, beneficent man, who would have worshipped Elizabeth as his wife.

"Lizzie's reasons are her own, to be sure, but I know that she would not marry any man she did not truly love. Unfortunately for Mr. Darcy, he also enquired of her reasons, and she obliged him with an answer."

Bingley felt all the pain and humiliation that Darcy must have experienced upon Elizabeth's disclosure. Bingley had thought his own pain great, believing that Jane had been indifferent to him, but Darcy's suffering must be intolerable. To have the object of his affections tell him to his face that not only would she not have him, but that she disliked him as well!

A new thought entered Bingley's head as he recalled the past summer at Pemberley when Miss Bennet and the Gardiners had been guests for dinner at the Darcy home. He had first noticed, nay, it was when he became convinced of Darcy's regard for Miss Elizabeth, and had thought she had expressed a similar, if less enthusiastic affection. He could have sworn that she had been receptive to and, indeed, encouraged Darcy's attentions. It explained much, now; Darcy's early rising that morning, riding off to Lambton without a word to anyone, then returning in a humour so foul as to cause even Caroline to retreat to her rooms! Darcy had informed them that Miss Bennet and the Gardiners were required at Longbourn on an urgent family matter, and would not be able to join them that evening. Then the following day Darcy, himself, had quit Pemberley for London. Bingley now understood what had happened. That was when his friend had proposed and, upon her refusal, Elizabeth, in her embarrassment had left the county. Darcy had retreated to London to lick his wounds in private.

"Oh, what agonies he must have felt!" Bingley grimaced. "You are right, my dear. I must not tease him about his attraction to her. I don't know that he will ever get over Miss Elizabeth, but from this day on I shall not be the one to mention her to him."

"That may be difficult enough, with our upcoming wedding." Jane said. "Were you planning on asking Mr. Darcy to stand up with you? I have already asked my sister."

Bingley sighed. "I did intend to ask him, yes." He was silent a moment. Then he stopped walking and turned to Jane. "My dear, I fear it will be necessary for your sister and my friend to be in each other's company often in the weeks ahead, at least until the wedding. I feel it my duty to protect Darcy from any more heartbreak, for he has been a most generous and caring friend to me for years. If Miss Elizabeth is so set against him I must do everything I can to lessen the pain he will feel in her presence. Could I enlist your aid in preventing them from ever being left alone together?"

Jane nodded willingly. "It would be the utmost in cruelty for Mr. Darcy to be rebuffed once more by Elizabeth. I love my sister very much, but she often has a sharp tongue which she can use to disadvantage. I should not like to see your friend's feelings injured in any way."

And so it was agreed. Bingley spent the time away from Jane formulating strategies to keep Darcy's agonies to a minimum during his friend's stay at Netherfield. He confided his plans to his fiancée who heartily approved of his ideas. The day of Darcy's return from London, Bingley was at Longbourn for the afternoon. He managed to excuse himself from a commitment of staying to dinner, and arrived at Netherfield not long after his friend.

"Bingley! Congratulations on your engagement." Darcy said warmly upon seeing him enter the library, where he had retreated for a quiet hour before dinner. "I had not thought to see you until late this evening. Were you not to dine at Longbourn?"

"Thank you, Darcy." Bingley replied. "No, I wished to see you as soon as you arrived. I have something I would ask of you." Darcy looked at him expectantly. "Will you stand up with me at the wedding?"

Darcy gave him one of his rare smiles. "Of course I will, Charles. After everything I did, keeping the two of you apart for so long, I am most grateful for your forgiveness. What of your plans, then? What is the date of the wedding?"

Bingley's face lit up with his own smile. "The last Saturday in November!"

"You've wasted no time!" Darcy laughed. "And who is to stand up with your lovely bride?"

The words were out of his mouth before Bingley could stop them. "Her delightful sister, Miss Elizabeth." He stopped, horrified at his slip. But Darcy did not appear concerned.

"Ah, yes. You mentioned in your letter that you have spent a fair bit of time with Miss Elizabeth on those occasions when Miss Bennet has been required elsewhere. Do you spend most of your days at Longbourn, now?" Darcy continued easily.

"Usually," Bingley said, then added quickly "but do not feel that you need to accompany me if you had rather not. I know that you do not much care for Mrs. Bennet's conversation."

Darcy appeared surprised by his remark, yet he replied lightly "Well, Bingley, she rarely speaks to me at any rate. I would not wish for you to alter any of your plans merely to accommodate me. I have no reason not to go to Longbourn with you."

Bingley said hesitantly "If you are certain that it won't be too distasteful for you, Darcy. I assure you, no-one will think any less of you for staying here while I visit Jane."

Darcy grimaced. "I'm sure they won't." Bingley mentally berated himself for his reminder of the low opinion the local populace had for his friend, and the low opinion held by one person in particular. But Darcy was still speaking. "I should offer my congratulations to Miss Bennet in person, Bingley. You would not wish for me to offend her, or her family, by neglecting my duty, particularly if I am to be a member of the wedding party?"

"Well, no," Bingley stammered. "No, of course not. But there's to be an engagement party next week at the Assembly Rooms in Meryton. You will see everyone there if you are attending."

Darcy looked at his friend quizzically. "Surely you don't think I would avoid your engagement party, do you? Am I that lacking in social graces?"

Bingley quickly shook his head. "No, no. I didn't mean it that way. I just wanted to spare you the unwelcome attentions of Jane's mother."

Darcy smiled mysteriously. "Don't worry, Bingley. I hardly think Mrs. Bennet will say more than two words to me while her daughter's fiancé is in the room. I believe I shall easily escape her attentions and be able to pursue my entertainment elsewhere."

That's what worries me! Bingley thought.

Dinner was announced and the gentlemen proceeded to the dining room.

The next morning Bingley dispatched a note to Jane as soon as he awakened, to warn her that Darcy would be accompanying him. Before breakfast was completed he received a reply assuring him that Jane had arranged for her sister to be elsewhere.

Bingley sighed and wondered how he was going to get through the next two months if Darcy was determined to throw himself into Elizabeth's path at every opportunity.

Immediately after breakfast the two gentlemen mounted their horses and rode to Longbourn. Jane was out on the lawn anticipating their arrival. Bingley greeted her warmly, as an engaged man should greet his fiancée. Darcy appeared to be looking around anxiously for something, or someone.

"Where's your sister?" Bingley whispered to Jane.

"I sent her to town to pick up some things for our Aunt Philips. Then she'll be dropping them off at the Philips's and staying for luncheon." Jane replied, also in a whisper. In a louder voice she said "Mr. Darcy, would you care for a turn about the garden? I don't believe you have seen it."

Darcy smiled at her. "Yes, thank you. I would enjoy that." He followed Jane and Bingley around the house to the gardens in the back.

The afternoon passed pleasantly enough for the young couple, though both wished they could have had more private time together. Bingley felt that Darcy kept watching the front drive, especially after being told that Elizabeth was in town and wouldn't be back until late in the afternoon. Bingley was glad that Darcy hadn't changed his mind and continued to stay at Longbourn after offering his congratulations to the family. Darcy actually appeared to be trying to make a positive impression on the Bennets,

Despite his real inclination, Bingley declined Mrs. Bennet's invitation to dinner for himself and his friend, and they returned to Netherfield. After a quiet supper, the gentlemen played some billiards and retired to the library for a brandy before going to bed.

The following morning, contrary to Bingley's suggestions, Darcy insisted on going with him to Longbourn once again. This time, he had no opportunity to warn Jane, and was preoccupied with devising ways to keep Darcy and Elizabeth apart.

When they arrived at Longbourn, the two gentlemen were shown into the parlour, where Mrs. Bennet and her four daughters sat engaged in quiet activities.

After greeting Jane warmly, and Mrs. Bennet politely, Bingley turned his attention to Elizabeth to see her reaction to Darcy's presence. Her countenance denoted a discomfited mind, and this confirmed to Bingley what his betrothed had already imparted: that Darcy made her uncomfortable, and that she did not wish to be in his company. He frowned and turned his attention to his friend. Darcy was staring at Elizabeth in that stupid manner of his. No wonder the young lady was fidgeting.

Jane was also observing her sister's behaviour closely. Elizabeth was not always easy to read, and today was no exception. She saw her sister's colour rise and glanced at Darcy. He was staring quite intently at Elizabeth. It was clear that his feelings, at least, had not altered. Jane sighed. It would be so much easier if Lizzie would just forget the past slights the man had paid her, and allow herself to get to know him. The past day in Darcy's company had shown Jane that he was a very pleasant man, if rather reserved. She was sure that Elizabeth was making a grave mistake in persisting in her dislike of him.

"It is such a pleasant day!" Mrs. Bennet was saying. "Perhaps you would all like to take a walk and enjoy the fine weather. There are many fine paths around here that offer enchanting views of the surrounding country."

"That sounds like a fine idea!" Bingley cried, caught up in the moment. Then he realized his stupidity again. Darcy and Elizabeth would be necessarily paired to accompany Jane and himself. He looked to Jane, who also recognized the problem, then at Darcy. His friend was of course thrilled at the prospect, although only one who knew him well would be able to see the anticipation in his expression. Oh, I've done it again! What a friend I've turned out to be!

The ladies left the room to retrieve their pelisses, then joined the gentlemen at the front door. Mrs. Bennet watched them fondly as they started down the drive. Kitty had accompanied them, but Mary preferred to stay at home to practice some favourite selections on the piano-forte. Jane and Bingley were both grateful for the younger sister's presence, as it allowed them a chance for some privacy. They lagged behind the others and soon became pleasantly engaged in their own conversation.

A half-hour passed in this delightful diversion when Jane happened to glance away from her betrothed's handsome face and saw Kitty on the path to Lucas Lodge.

"Oh, no!" she cried, and her eyes darted to the two figures still on the path ahead. Charles' eyes followed her own, and he groaned in dismay.

"Come, Jane, we must hurry and catch up before one of them says something he might regret!"

They ran down the path until they reached the other couple, breathless from their exertion. Darcy and Elizabeth both looked at them in surprise. Jane thought her sister looked quite flustered, and she attributed it to the time Elizabeth had been forced to spend alone with a man she disliked so.

Bingley looked at his friend to find that man glaring at him as though they had intruded on something important. Bingley sighed in relief. Thank goodness! We must have arrived just in time. I think he was about to embarrass himself and Elizabeth. Ignoring the fiery looks Darcy sent his way, Bingley determined to stay with the two of them throughout the afternoon, no matter what happened.

"Bingley, I've had a letter from my steward and must excuse myself from visiting Longbourn with you today."

Unable to believe what he was hearing, Bingley almost found himself attempting to talk Darcy out of staying at Netherfield for the day. Then he recollected the situation and voiced his understanding of his friend's reasons. "Yes, well, business always does take precedence over the social niceties. Um, you aren't going to London again, though, are you?" He raised his eyebrows enquiringly.

"No." Darcy assured him. "I believe I can take care of the matter with one or two expresses to the parties concerned. That will, unfortunately, necessitate my staying here to await the replies. Please convey my regrets to Miss Bennet and her family."

Bingley rose from the breakfast table. "You may rest assured that I shall, though I am certain that Jane and I should miss your company."

Darcy laughed. "I think not Bingley! You haven't spent more than five minutes alone in Miss Bennet's company since I returned! I believe you will both be extremely pleased to have each other to yourselves for the day. Unless you intend to hound Miss Elizabeth in the same manner that you have me?"

Bingley had no answer for that question. He merely grinned sheepishly and moved toward the door. "In that case, Darcy, I shall be off to Longbourn to see my beloved Jane, and you may find writing paper and pens in my study." As he tipped his head he thought he saw a smile forming on his friend's face, but it was gone when he looked up.

Within ten minutes, Bingley was out of the house and on the road to Longbourn.

Once Darcy was assured of Bingley's departure, he gathered up his own coat and hat and headed out the door. He had earlier that morning sent the letters on to London, and really had no desire to wait about for the replies. He was of a mind for a good long walk about the countryside. Alone.

He followed a path through the woods alongside the road, his mind puzzling on his friend's recent behaviour. What is Bingley about? He seems determined to get in my way at every turn. I must find some way to speak to Elizabeth alone, but how can I do that when he watches me constantly?

The woods thinned ahead, allowing a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. Darcy stopped to enjoy the sight. As he gazed at the gently rolling hills and sheep dotting the fields he felt a calm settle on him. Tossing his hat onto the ground beside him, Darcy sank down to sit at the base of a tree and enjoy the sun and fresh air.

"Lizzie?" Jane called. "Are you not going to accompany us?"

Elizabeth smiled at her sister. "Thank you for the offer, Jane, but I have an errand to do for Mama. I'll return in an hour." She doubted whether her sister and Mr. Bingley truly wished her presence today. This was the first opportunity they'd had to spend time alone in several days. Sadly, Elizabeth reflected that it was the first time that Mr. Darcy had not accompanied Mr. Bingley on this visit. Now there was a source of frustration! Elizabeth dearly wanted to know where that man was and why he had come to Longbourn in the first place, if he hadn't intended to speak with her.

Oh, teasing, teasing man! I will not think about him today. I will not think about him at all!

Her resolve lasted as long as it took her to complete the errand for her mother. Unfortunately it did not take very long at all. Glancing at the clock in Meryton's centre square, Elizabeth decided that it would do well to leave Jane and her fiancé on their own for a little while longer. Besides, she did not feel up to returning home as yet. The day was fine, and a long walk might help clear her head of some troubling thoughts.

Elizabeth chose one of her favourite paths that led her outside of town to the north and then backtracked to bring her along the upper end of the fields above the Netherfield property. When she emerged from the trees into the sunlight, she stood for a moment admiring the view before her. A slight breeze pulled at her skirts and loosened a few strands of her hair to wave carelessly about her face.

Elizabeth closed her eyes and felt the sun's warmth upon her. Days like this would soon be a rarity as the year lengthened into winter.

She smiled as she thought of Jane's approaching wedding. The winter does have some redeeming qualities this year.

Sighing, Elizabeth turned toward home once more and walked briskly along the path. She knew that she had tarried too long and would be late for dinner if she didn't hurry. So intent was she on getting home that she failed to notice the figure on the path ahead of her until she nearly ran into him.

"Oh! I'm dreadfully sorry, sir. I -." She stopped as she looked up into the man's face.

"Miss Bennet." Darcy said with a faint smile. "Are you on your way home? May I escort you?"

Elizabeth nodded weakly. "I'm sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going."

"Think nothing of it, Miss Bennet. I was paying no attention to my own progress, either." He peered at the ground self-consciously. "I'm afraid to admit that I .. uh.... didn't mind which direction I had come from."

Elizabeth stared at him for a moment. Then she smiled in amusement. "Do you mean to tell me that you are lost?"

Darcy looked up and gave her a sheepish smile. "Yes. I don't recall which direction will take me back to Netherfield."

A mischievous sparkle returned to her eyes. "Then I suppose you must accompany me to Longbourn. Mr. Bingley will be able to show you the way to Netherfield, I'm sure."

"If it is of no inconvenience to yourself," Darcy said hesitantly, entranced by the amusement he saw in her eyes.

Elizabeth smiled. "It is no inconvenience at all, I assure you." She stepped forward to continue down the path, Darcy falling in beside her.

They walked for some distance in silence, before Elizabeth noticed that they were fast approaching Longbourn and her chance to speak with Darcy was coming to a close. Gathering her courage she turned to face him as they walked.

"Mr. Darcy." she said.

He stopped and looked at her in surprise.

"I cannot go on without thanking you for your kindness in dealing with the matter pertaining to my poor sister. I know what trouble and what mortification it must have cost you to be in the company of Mr. Wickham once again." She coloured as she spoke and was unable to meet his eyes.

Darcy did not know what to say at first. He had no idea how Elizabeth had come by this information, how she had known of his involvement. His brow furrowed in puzzlement, and he was just forming a reply when he heard voices calling to them.

"Elizabeth!"

"Darcy?"

Both looked up at the sound of their names to see Jane and Bingley hurrying toward them.

Darcy closed his eyes. How does he manage it? How does he know to appear at the most inconvenient moment?

Bingley looked at his friend's expression and then at Elizabeth nervously twisting her hands. He's done it again! He's offended her with something he's said. How does he manage to do that?

"It's nearly time for dinner, Lizzie," Jane was saying. "I wondered where you had gotten to." She glanced at Darcy and noted his apprehension. Her sister seemed equally uncomfortable. How long had they been in one another's company? Long enough for one of them to say something he shouldn't have, she thought in dismay.

"I suppose we had better return to the house, then." Elizabeth said impatiently and pushed past her sister to hurry down the path. Could you not have left us alone for just five more minutes?

Darcy watched as she walked away. Then his eyes turned to meet Charles'. He wordlessly stared at his friend.

Jane suggested they follow her sister's example and the three of them made their way to Longbourn.

Mrs. Bennet would not take no for an answer this time when she asked Bingley and Darcy to stay for dinner. Although she would have preferred to be deprived of the company of his friend, Bingley was always welcome.

As soon as they entered the house Jane sought out her sister. Elizabeth had already retreated to her room. Jane knocked on the door and pushed it open.

"Lizzie?" She peered in to see what her sister was doing. Elizabeth was seated at her boudoir table staring into the mirror. Jane watched her for a moment. "Lizzie, what did he say? Did he upset you?"

Elizabeth met Jane's eyes in the reflection. "Let's go down to dinner, Jane."

Jane nodded. She knew that if Elizabeth had made up her mind not to discuss this with her, then the matter was closed. But that didn't mean she would not try again, perhaps tonight when they retired.

Downstairs they joined the rest of the family and their guests as they were seating themselves in the dining room. There was a moment of awkwardness when Darcy moved to take a seat opposite Elizabeth and Bingley pulled it out for Kitty instead. But Darcy merely smiled and waited until the others chose their places. He was rewarded for his patience when the last vacant chair proved to be next to the woman he most desired to be near.

Jane and Bingley exchanged concerned glances as Darcy sat down beside Elizabeth. This meal could turn out to be disastrous.

Elizabeth was quietly pleased with the way things had turned out. Here was an opportunity for her to speak with Darcy for a prolonged period of time. She may not be able to address the subjects that most concerned her, but it would be a beginning. She smiled to herself as she composed an opening remark in her mind.

Darcy was no less pleased with the situation. Merely sitting next to Miss Elizabeth gave him great comfort. He caught Bingley's look of consternation as he had made his way around the table to his seat, and he wondered what concerned his friend so much about his being seated next to the young lady. Bingley appeared to be very concerned lately about what Darcy got himself up to. He must be aware of how I feel about her. Why is he making this so difficult for me?

Darcy's thoughts were still reeling as well, from Elizabeth's disclosure of her knowledge of his involvement in her younger sister's affairs. A sudden dread overcame him that she may have changed her opinion of him as a direct result of the gratitude she felt for his efforts in that quarter. This would not do! He determined to discover the truth of her feelings before the close of the evening. Darcy glanced at his friend once more. Bingley had not been very helpful up to this point, but perhaps he could turn Bingley's tendency to interference to his own advantage.

"Is the beef to your taste, sir?" Mr. Bennet was saying.

Slightly startled, Darcy looked to his right to see the server awaiting his answer before placing a slice of beef on his plate. "Yes, thank you." he nodded to the servant.

Mr. Bennet looked at his guest, more than a little puzzled. Darcy did not strike him as a man whose mind wandered from the company he kept. Quiet, he may be, but inattentive? That was not likely. What is going on here? he wondered as his gaze swept over the numerous faces at the table. Bingley and Jane looked positively agitated. Elizabeth was smiling and her mind seemed to be very far away. Suddenly she raised her head and spoke in a playful tone.

"Mr. Bingley, you would do well not to leave your houseguests to wander around the countryside. What would people think when you are forced to form a search party to recover them?"

Darcy nearly choked on his dinner and reached for his glass of wine to wash it down. Bingley laughed before he could stop himself.

"Did Darcy lose his way while out walking? Is that why we found you two together on the path from Netherfield?"

Both Darcy and Elizabeth coloured at this, but no-one noticed. No-one but Mr. Bennet. That gentleman suddenly recollected a letter he had received not too long ago from his cousin in Kent, and he began to mull that idea around in his head.

"Well," Elizabeth quietly replied with a smile. "He said that he was lost."

"And you know every walking path around Meryton so well, Lizzie!" said her father. "Could you not have directed Mr. Darcy to the correct route to Netherfield?"

Elizabeth bit her lip and looked at her father, but Darcy was the one to reply.

"Oh, she did. But we were so close to Longbourn already that it seemed more expeditious for me to return with Bingley."

"But I didn't come here on foot, Darcy." Bingley pointed out.

"Ah, yes," Darcy replied. "I hadn't considered that actually."

"Perhaps Papa would lend you the carriage to return to Netherfield." Jane looked to her father.

Mr. Bennet nodded in agreement, his eyes more on his second daughter's face than Jane's. Elizabeth's gaze was on her plate, but an amused smile was on her lips.

It wasn't often that Mr. Bennet had to entertain gentlemen in his house after dinner. As he offered the brandy to Bingley and Darcy, he wondered where all of this might lead? Was there any truth in Mr. Collins' letter regarding Darcy's interest in Elizabeth? It certainly was beginning to look like there was. That dismayed him, for if Mr. Collins proved to have some kind of insight into such a gentleman's character that would despoil his greatest source of amusement.

But what of Elizabeth? She had always maintained a strong dislike of the gentleman. Mr. Bennet observed the pair before him over the rim of his glass. If Darcy was indeed prepared to court his daughter then he had best approach her soon. Elizabeth would not needlessly torture the man if she knew of his inclination and did not share it.

Bingley chattered on endlessly as was his wont, allowing both his friend and his future father-in-law ample time to dwell on their own thoughts.

Part 2

Posted on Tuesday, 18 May 1999

Upon rejoining the ladies, Bingley promptly took his place next to Jane, leaving Darcy no option but to seat himself in the single chair next to the fire, well away from Elizabeth. This gave him no pleasure at all, for although he could see her bent over her needlework at the table, he could have no opportunity to speak with her. Mrs. Bennet rescued him from his misery, however.

"It is a fine evening still. You might all like to enjoy the fresh air while the weather holds. Who knows when it may turn and we may all be confined to the indoors." She looked around at her daughters expectantly.

"Not I, Mama." said Mary predictably.

"An excellent idea, I must say!" Bingley agreed whole-heartedly.

Kitty looked to Elizabeth, who shook her head reassuringly. Addressing their mother, Elizabeth said, "If Jane and Mr. Bingley would like to take a turn in the garden I shall accompany them." She turned her teasing gaze on Darcy. "And you, sir? Would you care for a short walk after your earlier exertions today?"

Mrs. Bennet didn't wait for him to answer. "That would do very nicely for you all. Jane, Lizzie, run along and get your wraps. It is cool enough to warrant those." She waved her daughters from the room.

Bingley and Darcy slowly made their way to the front door to await the ladies before proceeding outside. Darcy avoided meeting his friend's eyes, unable to quell the excitement at the prospect of a few minutes alone with Miss Elizabeth.

The ladies appeared and the four young people went out into the gardens. The moon was high and cast a bright light across the stone path that wound around to the rear of the house. Jane and Elizabeth led the way as the path wasn't wide enough for four at this point. When they reached the corner of the building and the walkway opened up, Bingley slipped up beside Jane, paying no heed to where he left his friend.

Jane smiled at her fiancé, then the smile disappeared as she realized that Elizabeth must now have Mr. Darcy for company. Bingley obviously had the same thought, for he looked over Jane's shoulder and addressed her sister.

"Miss Elizabeth, are you warm enough?"

Elizabeth looked at him in surprise at first, then smiled. "It is a bit damp out here this evening. Perhaps I will go back to the house for a warmer wrap." She left him no time to reply, but turned quickly and walked back the way they had come.

Darcy looked at Bingley for a moment, then turned to follow, his words floating back in the night air. "Please allow me to escort you. I would not want to see you take a misstep in the dark."

"What have I done?" whispered Bingley.

"Elizabeth probably thought we wanted to be alone." Jane said. "Do not be concerned. If she has gone back inside then Mr. Darcy can say nothing to upset her." However, she still wondered what had transpired between those two on the path from Netherfield earlier in the evening.

Bingley reluctantly agreed, although had he known what was happening on the gravel path beside the house at that moment he would not have been as compliant.

Elizabeth stopped suddenly after rounding the corner of the house. Darcy narrowly avoided colliding with her.

"I beg your pardon, Miss Bennet." he said quickly.

Elizabeth was gazing past him. "They cannot see us, now. Good."

"I beg your pardon?" Darcy repeated, unsure he'd heard her correctly.

She turned her eyes on his. "Forgive me for my presumption, but I felt I must explain my earlier remark to you."

"I would appreciate that, yes." Darcy's gaze never wavered.

"Not here, though." she continued. "Jane and Charles may appear any moment."

Elizabeth led him across the grass at an angle away from the house. Darcy followed silently, looking back over his shoulder to ensure that Bingley didn't see them.

Under a spreading walnut tree was a bench. The moonlight wasn't as strong here, filtered as it was through the branches. As Elizabeth turned to face him, Darcy was struck by the sight of her bathed in the diffused light. She looked almost ethereal. He had to shake his head to attend to the words she was saying.

"I do not understand why you would take such trouble upon yourself, sir. My sister is nothing to you."

"She is your sister." Darcy replied in a hushed voice. "You felt distress at what had befallen her. That was reason enough." Elizabeth looked away. "May I ask...... how did you come by this knowledge? How did you discover my involvement?"

"Lydia mentioned it first." Elizabeth smiled sadly when she looked up once more. "She told us about you standing up with Wickham. Then I had to know everything and wrote my aunt, begging for the whole story."

"I am sorry if my association with the event causes you discomfort. Please believe me that I told no-one outside those who were necessarily part of the endeavour." His eyes stared intently into hers, attempting to see beyond and into her thoughts. "Miss Bennet, I - "

Elizabeth suddenly raised a hand to her lips and looked beyond him. In a very quiet whisper she said, "If we stay very still they may not see us."

Darcy looked behind him to determine who 'they' were, although he had a fairly good suspicion. Strolling on the lawn, not very far away, were Bingley and Jane Bennet. Their attention was occupied with one another, but Darcy could see they were headed in the direction of himself and Elizabeth. He turned back to his companion and lifted his eyebrows in query.

Elizabeth smiled and indicated for him to follow. They slipped deeper into the shadows of the tree just as the other couple ducked their heads under the branches to approach the bench.

For several minutes Darcy and Elizabeth stood, uncomfortable with the unintentional roles of eavesdroppers. They had no desire to hear Jane and Bingley's conversation, the conversation of lovers, but had little choice. Were they to attempt a return to the house, they would be seen. As each minute passed it became more embarrassing.

Darcy met Elizabeth's eyes in the dark shadows of their hiding place. Even in this light he could see the sparkle in their depths. He was startled when he felt her hand on his. Elizabeth raised her other hand to her lips, motioning him to be quiet. Then she took his hand and began pulling him back, further into the shadows. Darcy smiled, but offered no resistance.

Their steps were quiet on the mossy grass, and fortunately the lawn was well tended. There were no branches laying about to be stepped on. Heaven help us should anyone discover us out here! Darcy thought.

Eventually Elizabeth led him out through a hedge and onto a small path. Straightening up, Darcy looked about. On one side was the hedgerow through which they had just passed. On the other was the stone wall which bordered the garden.

Elizabeth belatedly realized that she was still holding Darcy's hand. Self-consciously she let it go, and ran her own hands over her hair to tidy the loose strands.

"We can follow the hedge back to the other end of the garden and rejoin Jane and Mr. Bingley." she said when she finally found her voice. She was still feeling unsettled by Darcy's close proximity and the tender scene they had just witnessed under the tree.

Darcy nodded silently and offered his arm to the lady. In spite of the bright moonlight it remained quite dark along the narrow path as the hedge cast a long shadow before them.

As they walked, he allowed himself to enjoy the feel of her arm on his, and imagined their silence to be that of a comfortable reassurance in one another's company. That he certainly felt this way there was no doubt. He tried to discern Elizabeth's features in the dim light, to determine what her feelings were. It was of no use, however, for her face was turned away from him and he did not wish to be caught observing her so intently. Letting out a soft sigh, he returned his attention to the path ahead.

The hedge soon came to an abrupt end and they emerged onto the lawn which spread along the south side of Longbourn house. Elizabeth indicated that they should return to Jane and Bingley by way of the gravel path next to the building. This would allow the other couple plenty of time to see them approaching.

"Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth felt more composed now that they were in the open again. "No-one else in my family knows the true nature of what you did for Lydia. Please allow me to thank you on behalf of all of them."

Darcy stopped to look at her. "I did not offer to help your uncle in order to receive thanks, neither from you nor your family. I felt it was my duty to do what I could, for I should have stopped Wickham long ago, before that unfortunate incident occurred." He gazed into her eyes, fancying he could see more than just the gratitude she'd expressed written in their depths.

"That is not fair to yourself, to claim such responsibility for Mr. Wickham's actions. I, certainly, do not blame you." Elizabeth's eyes twinkled for just a moment as she said softly, "After all, you are a man without fault, as I recall hearing one young lady say long ago."

Darcy smiled. "As I recall, there were two young ladies attributing that quality to myself. One, however, was inclined to think it in jest, and she was not in error." He cleared his throat slightly. "Miss Bennet, there have been many things said between us, much of it not altogether pleasurable. I am most heartily ashamed of my conduct toward you over the last year. Would it be possible for you to allow me to apologize and perhaps....... begin our acquaintance anew?"

Elizabeth's smile formed slowly. "It would, sir. And I would ask the same of you, if I may."

"But you have nothing for which to apologize!" Darcy objected. Seeing the determined look on her countenance, he acquiesced. Stepping back from her, Darcy bowed low and said in a sombre voice, "Miss Bennet, please forgive my unpardonable behaviour."

"What have you done now, Darcy?" came Bingley's voice from over his shoulder. "Excuse me, Miss Elizabeth." he now said to the lady as he drew his friend aside.

Jane took her sister's arm and propelled her back to the house.

"Jane!" Elizabeth cried, attempting to extricate herself from her sister's grip. "What are you doing?"

"Oh, Lizzie. I'm so sorry to have left you alone with Mr. Darcy. I know how much you dislike him."

"You know nothing of the kind." Elizabeth grumbled.

But Jane did not hear her. "Whatever he has said or done, please, please do not allow your quick tongue to exacerbate the situation!"

"Jane, stop pulling me!" Elizabeth finally managed to pry Jane's fingers from her arm. She came to a halt and frowned at her sister. "Mr. Darcy has done nothing to offend me!"

Jane stared at her. "He hasn't?" She looked puzzled as Elizabeth shook her head. "Then may I ask why he was apologizing to you?"

Elizabeth was silent a moment, then looked away. "No, you may not. Jane, it is between Mr. Darcy and myself, and the business of no other."

Jane watched Elizabeth fidget with the loose end of her wrap. "Very well, Lizzie. I'm sorry if you think I am prying. I am merely concerned.... for both of you."

Elizabeth's expression softened. "I know, Jane," she said as she placed a hand over her sister's. "Will you believe me when I say there is no cause for your concern?"

"I must, if you tell me it is so."

"It is, Jane. Come, let us go inside."

Elizabeth set off briskly for the front doors.

"It's all my fault. I kept trying to prevent this from happening, but somehow I never got it quite right. I'm sorry, Darcy. I should have tried harder. I shouldn't have placed you in such an awkward position. I should have told you not to come to Longbourn."

Darcy watched as his friend paced the lawn in front of him. It would have been quite amusing if Bingley hadn't looked so seriously downtrodden. "Are you finished, Bingley?"

The other man looked up. His shoulders slumped and his whole appearance was woebegone. "Is the situation salvageable? What did you say to her? Do you think she'll forgive you?"

"Bingley," Darcy began in a guarded tone. "What transpired between myself and Miss Elizabeth is strictly that; between us. I will tell you this much, however. There is no reason for you to exert yourself any further with your endeavours to keep us apart." There. I've said it. Now it should be clear to him that his interference is unwanted by both Miss Elizabeth and myself.

"I understand." Bingley nodded his head. I understand perfectly. She doesn't want any more to do with you. "I'm sorry." He motioned for Darcy to follow him to the front of the house. "I think it is time that we were off for Netherfield. Jane has gone to ask her father to have the carriage readied."

"Very well. We shall make our goodbyes, then."

Mrs. Bennet was sorry to hear of their imminent departure when her daughter informed her. She fussed over Bingley, managing to extract a promise to stay the next evening for dinner as well. Mr. Darcy she could have done quite well without, but where Bingley went, it seemed his friend did likewise.

The carriage arrived, and the gentlemen were seen to the door. While everyone else appeared busy with Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth took advantage of the opportunity to speak quietly with Darcy.

"I would like to assure you, sir, that you are most heartily forgiven." she whispered as she handed him his hat. "Please accept my own apologies for past conduct quite unbecoming of a lady." She gave him a shy smile.

Darcy returned the smile. "As I said earlier," he said just as quietly, "you have nothing for which to apologize. Perhaps when next we meet, we may properly introduce ourselves."

"Coming, Darcy?" Bingley called.

Darcy gave a small bow to the ladies and followed his friend to the waiting carriage. He had much to think about on the trip home.

"Oh, Lizzie." Mrs. Bennet called her daughter into the sitting room. "You have been so helpful in keeping that horrid Mr. Darcy out of the way, do you think you can devise some way of entertaining him today? I know that he will accompany Mr. Bingley again. I can't imagine why he comes every day. Lord knows, there's no-one here who wishes to see him!"

"I have some things to pick up at the shops in Meryton, Mama. I hardly think Mr. Darcy would want to accompany me there." Elizabeth watched with some amusement as her mother struggled to find some other solution to her dilemma.

"Can it not wait, Lizzie? Must you go today? Oh, what am I to do with the man!" She wrung her hands together in distress. "Oh, they will be here any minute, I'm sure! Lizzie, you must stay and distract him else I dare say he will be in Bingley's way all afternoon!"

Elizabeth suppressed a grin. "Very well, Mama. Perhaps he would be interested in a book from Papa's library. He could very well sit out under the walnut and read there."

"An excellent idea, my dear. Oh, yes, that will do nicely." Mrs. Bennet bustled about the room clucking to herself. "He will be in nobody's way there, and you can take your own book out as well, to make sure he stays put. That way it will not be necessary for you to carry on any conversation with the man. A fine suggestion, Lizzie."

When the gentlemen arrived Mrs Bennet was easily able to garner Darcy's interest in her husband's library.

"Lizzie can show you the way, sir. I'm sure you will be able to find something suitable on the shelves." She shooed the couple from the room, turning back to her eldest daughter and Mr. Bingley. "It is another fine day, sir. I declare I do not recall such a splendid autumn in many a year!"

"Really?" said Bingley absently, his mind still puzzling over Elizabeth's apparent willingness to accompany Darcy to the library. He looked to Jane, wondering what she thought of it all.

"It's true. The last several years have seen a rather cold season, and early winter." Jane replied, not entirely sure if he was looking for confirmation of her mother's opinion.

In the library, however, the weather was not the topic of conversation.

"This is not so grand a library as some, perhaps. I recall that Pemberley's is quite twenty times the size!" Elizabeth gazed at the gentleman with a sparkle in her eye.

"Twenty times? Your memory does you credit Miss Bennet. You would not be far wrong." Darcy ran a finger along the spines of one row, glancing over the titles. "But it is the product of many generations' work, and I must confess to being inordinately proud of its contents."

"A library of Pemberley's magnitude is indeed something of which to be proud! One could not fault you for that."

Darcy quickly glanced at her. He smiled in amusement. "As modest a collection as this is in comparison, it is nonetheless filled with some of the finest samples of literature I've seen." He pulled a volume from the shelf and read the title. "Your father is the chief procurer I take it?"

"Yes," Elizabeth confirmed as she pulled another book down for herself. "Although I have added several over the years. Is that particular one to your taste?" She tilted her head at the book in his hand.

"No," Darcy said, slipping it back into place. "I have something else in mind." He spent a few more minutes scanning the shelves before he pulled another book down with a soft "Ah!" Turning to Elizabeth he said, "I believe your mother mentioned a particularly pleasant place to read was.....?"

"Follow me, sir." Elizabeth smiled mysteriously as she passed him on the way out of the room.

Across the lawn they walked, ducking under the low-hanging branches of the walnut tree until they stopped before the bench. Elizabeth sat herself down and faced Darcy. He stood, looking slightly uncomfortable.

"Is this not to your liking?" Elizabeth asked innocently.

With the events of the previous evening uppermost in his thoughts, Darcy struggled to compose an answer. The last people to occupy this bench, to his knowledge, was a pair of young lovers, and they had been quite pleasurably occupied. The colour rose in his face as he looked upon Elizabeth and recalled how she had appeared in the moonlight as they had stood beneath this very tree. He glanced down at the book in his hand. He had purposely chosen a collection of sonnets in the hope of being allowed to read one or two to Elizabeth. Now, all thoughts of reading were cast aside in favour of discovering the lady's true feelings.

"Miss Bennet." he began, but his voice failed him.

"Is there something wrong?" she asked, hesitation creeping in for the first time.

"No." Darcy caught himself before he began pacing. He stepped forward to stand before Elizabeth, but as he gazed down upon her face he was reminded of that long ago day at Hunsford Parsonage when he had faced a seated Elizabeth Bennet and had made a complete fool of himself. Taking a deep breath, he sat down beside her and laid the book on the bench between them. When he brought his eyes up to meet hers, Darcy inexplicably felt a surge of confidence flow through him.

Elizabeth sat with her book open upon her lap, though her eyes were fixed on the man beside her. The expression on his face was one she had seen numerous times, although in the past she had not often recognized it for what it was. Far from being the cold, impenetrable facade of their early acquaintance, Elizabeth now saw a softness around his mouth, and a depth of feeling in his eyes that caused her heart to flutter in anticipation. She hoped that her own expression was as inviting.

"Miss Bennet." he said again, then more softly, "Elizabeth." Darcy nearly reached for her hand but recollected their location and let his own fall back to rest on the bench. "I do not wish to cause you any distress, so please stop me should I say anything you find offensive." He paused, waiting for an objection. Elizabeth was silent and he felt encouraged to go on. "Over the last several months I have examined my behaviour toward yourself. Your reproofs at Hunsford were well-founded and I have since attempted to correct those faults, hopefully with some success."

"Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth interrupted. "I thought we had agreed that all of that was in the past and that all was forgiven. If you insist on discussing these events then I shall be forced to remind you of my own ill-treatment of you during the course of our earlier acquaintance and beg your forgiveness once more."

Darcy smiled. "In that case, Miss Bennet, I shall only add that the affections and wishes I expressed, rather poorly at the time, are unchanged. You are a delightful, wonderful young woman who has captured my heart entirely. Would you do me the very great of honour of consenting to be my wife? I do not expect you to answer immediately. I merely ask that you take some time to consider it. Whichever answer you choose to give me this time I will respect and accept as final."

Elizabeth had observed his expression change from gravely serious to nervously apprehensive. The stark contrast between this proposal and the one he had made the previous spring was not lost on her. She was also painfully aware of the contrast in her own opinion of him. She considered her words carefully as she formulated her reply. Darcy sat quietly observing her, his eyes betraying his increasing anxiety.

"Mr. Darcy," she said quietly.

"Ah! There you are!" Two faces turned toward Bingley as he approached. Jane was directly behind him. The smile on Bingley's face disappeared as he saw the expressions of the couple on the bench. Oh, what have I intruded upon here? It looks suspiciously as if..... Oh no! His embarrassment was acute, increasing even more with Jane's next words.

"We thought you might enjoy some company." she said as Darcy rose to offer her his place on the bench. Smiling at him, she sat next to her sister. "It is too fine a day to be staying indoors. What's this?" Jane picked up the book that Darcy had left on the seat. A glance at the title brought a rush of colour to her face. She looked up at Elizabeth to see her sister watching her most anxiously. Oh, Lizzie, I wish I knew whether you want us to stay or to go. Are you trying to avoid Mr. Darcy's attentions or encourage them?

"We had only just sat down, ourselves." Elizabeth stole a glance in the direction of the gentlemen. "There is another bench next to the house. Perhaps that might be brought here so that we may all sit down?"

Darcy and Bingley exchanged glances. Bowing to the ladies, they set off to find the aforementioned bench. When they were far enough away Jane turned to Elizabeth.

"I'm so sorry, Lizzie. Won't you please tell me if you would rather Charles and I stay, or leave you two alone?"

Elizabeth bit her lower lip. "Oh, Jane. You came at the most awkward moment. Would you mind terribly if I asked you to take Mr. Bingley somewhere else?"

Jane smiled at her. "Lizzie, why didn't you tell me that you had changed your opinion of Mr. Darcy? Charles and I thought you disliked him. We were trying to save both of you from being hurt." She laughed gently as Elizabeth blushed a deep scarlet. "Do not worry. Now that I know your real feelings on the matter...... Lizzie, you don't think he -?" She stopped abruptly upon noting the return of the gentlemen with the bench. "Charles, I was about to suggest to Lizzie that we might care for some refreshments out here under the tree. Would you accompany me to the kitchen? We need not trouble Mrs. Hill to bring it out to us, then."

Bingley gave his fiancée a grateful smile. "Certainly, Jane. I would be delighted to go with you." He shot a meaningful look at Darcy as Jane started across the lawn.

"We shan't be more than fifteen minutes," Jane called to Elizabeth.

Darcy stood silently after they had left. Elizabeth's eyes slowly rose to meet his and she invited him to sit beside her.

"Mr. Darcy," she said when he was once again seated. "I believe I was about to give you an answer when we were interrupted."

Darcy shifted uncomfortably. He had asked her to take time to think about his offer. Her willingness to give him an answer right away did not instill him with confidence in a favourable reply. However, he had assured her that whatever her decision, he would honour it and not trouble her again. He had meant what he'd said. Drawing in a breath, he told her, "Very well, Miss Bennet."

Part 3

Posted on Tuesday, 18 May 1999

"Oh dear."

"I beg your pardon?" Darcy asked in surprise.

Elizabeth inclined her head in the direction of the lawn. "Here comes my father."

Darcy rolled his eyes at the approach of this latest intruder. The fates are conspiring against me! What torture to have to wait for an answer I fear will not be what I wish.

"Ah, my dear Lizzie. And Mr. Darcy, too! Good day to you, sir." Mr. Bennet took a seat on the second bench and heaved a sigh. "Oh! You have been reading out here? What a delightful idea! Lizzie, would you mind retrieving my book for me from my desk? I'd like to join you if I may."

Elizabeth's eyes had grown wide at her father's request. She was beginning to think she would never be able to give Mr. Darcy her answer. Rising from the bench, she started back to the house to find her father's book, when she suddenly decided she could wait no longer. Stopping, she turned back to face the gentleman. "Yes," she stated firmly, meeting his gaze.

"Yes?" Darcy repeated hesitantly.

"Yes." she said again, and with a bright smile she continued on her way.

Darcy sat in stunned silence for several seconds. It took several more for him to regain awareness of his surroundings. Mr. Bennet was staring at him quizzically. Darcy realized suddenly that he was being presented with a perfect opportunity to ask him for Elizabeth's hand. Swallowing nervously, he faced the older man.

"Mr. Bennet."

"Yes?" the other man replied easily.

Darcy swallowed again. He had not had time to prepare himself for this step. "Sir, would you be.... I mean... I hope you are not adverse to the idea... that is.. I have asked, and had the very great fortune of being accepted by your daughter, for her hand in marriage. Would you further honour me by giving your consent for us to marry?"

Mr. Bennet stared at him in silence for some time. As Darcy grew more restless under his scrutiny, Elizabeth's father grew more amused. "And which of my daughters did you say you wish to marry?"

"Elizabeth, of course." Darcy wondered how the man could think it might be any of the others.

"Of course." Mr. Bennet nodded his head slowly. "And you say you have already asked her and received a favourable reply?"

"Oh, yes," Darcy replied eagerly. "You heard it yourself, sir."

"I heard it myself?" Mr. Bennet repeated slowly. He recalled Elizabeth's last comments as she had left them at his request. His eyes opened wide in astonishment as he realized what he had walked in on. "Oh my dear man, I am sorry." he said in embarrassment.

Darcy's back stiffened and he stared in horror. "Are you refusing your permission? May I ask why, sir? I assure you that I love your daughter and she will be well provided for! She will lack for nothing."

Mr. Bennet was shaking his head impatiently, serving to increase Darcy's distress. "No, no. That was not what I meant. I was apologizing for my ill timing, is all. If I had known what I would be interrupting.... But you do not want to hear my apologies.." He noticed the agitation in his companion's manner. "Elizabeth is my dearest daughter, and I would not give my consent to just any man who would ask for her hand. Elizabeth is also a good judge of character, and usually I agree with her assessments, with one or two exceptions." Darcy's apprehension grew as Mr. Bennet's speech lengthened. "In this instance, if Lizzie has, as you say, agreed to your offer, I can see no reason why I should object. Please be mindful that my consent is contingent on Elizabeth's acceptance."

Darcy willingly agreed to this condition, steadfastly refusing to consider the possibility that he may have mistaken Elizabeth's meaning.

"I think I should have a word with my daughter." Mr Bennet said, getting to his feet. "Somehow I don't think you would find pleasure in my delaying it." He nodded at Darcy and then at Jane and Bingley as he passed them on their approach with a tray of refreshments.

"Where is Lizzie?" Jane enquired of Darcy. Bingley's eyes followed Mr. Bennet's progress.

"She went inside to get a book for your father." Darcy said absently.

Jane looked at him with sympathy. It seemed that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy were not destined to further their friendship this day. "Then she will not be long. Would you care for some lemonade, Mr. Darcy? Or some tea, perhaps?"

Darcy turned a vacant gaze on the tray. "She may be awhile. Your father wished to speak with her."

Bingley raised an eyebrow in Jane's direction. "Tea or lemonade, Darcy?"

"Tea, please." Darcy finally said, then with a forced smile, "It seems that not much reading will be done out here today."

Jane laughed lightly.

Mrs. Bennet was concerned. She could not seem to find fault with any part of the dinner on the table, yet there was Mr. Darcy, aimlessly pushing the food about his plate. Not that his opinion was of particular interest to her, but she had always prided herself on the good table that she kept. If a man of his stature, no matter what she thought of him personally, had found something to criticize, she would be quite dismayed.

She looked at the others sitting around the table. Everyone else was happily eating and chattering away. Well, Lizzie isn't as cheerful as usual, but she is seated next to Mr. Darcy and she just spent most of the afternoon having to entertain the man. Perhaps they did not get on very well today. Lizzie may have let her careless tongue get the better of her. Mrs. Bennet nodded to herself in satisfaction. Mr. Darcy may choose to stay home tomorrow when Mr. Bingley comes to visit!

Darcy glanced briefly to his left. He'd had no opportunity to speak privately with Elizabeth since her earlier conversation with her father. She appeared as unsettled as he felt as she half-heartedly picked at her dinner. A glance to his right revealed that Mr. Bennet, at least, had not allowed the recent unexpected turn of events to affect his appetite.

Conversation at the table had turned to the upcoming celebration of Bingley and Jane's engagement, which was now but two days away. It would not be much of an announcement, since Mrs. Bennet had already made sure that Meryton's residents were well aware of her daughter's good fortune, but more a party where there would be music and dancing and a chance for the mother of the bride to crow a little more.

When dinner was finally over and the gentlemen retreated to the library, Elizabeth fidgeted in her impatience with the incessant chatter of her mother as the ladies sat in the drawing room. Finally, unable to stand any more of it, she got up and left the room. Pausing in the hallway, she debated about going upstairs, then decided to take advantage of the relative quiet in the front entry and seated herself at the window.

The clouds that had gathered late in the afternoon now yielded a light drizzle, and the droplets on the window caught the light from the hallway. Elizabeth smiled at the sparkling reflections arrayed on the glass. Another image caused her heart to leap as her eyes met the reflected ones in the window.

Darcy slowly walked toward her and stopped at the foot of the window seat. He gazed out at the rain. "No moonlit stroll tonight I see."

Elizabeth laughed softly. "No. Won't you sit down, sir?" She shifted to make room for him on the seat.

Darcy complied. As his face turned toward her his breath caught at the dazzling smile she gave him.

"You wasted no time in approaching my father." she said softly.

"Was I in error?" he asked, a sudden dread overcoming him.

Elizabeth shook her head. "I was merely surprised when he followed me inside and asked to speak with me." She met Darcy's gaze and smiled once more. "I assured him of my acceptance of your offer. Did you realize that he was not in the least surprised?"

"He wasn't?"

"No. He had recently received a letter from Mr. Collins intimating that you had some interest in me, although he'd attributed that to Jane's recent engagement to Mr. Bingley and the inclination of some to draw a match between his friend and her sister." Elizabeth coloured as she recalled her own embarrassment when her father had read the letter to her. "However, your recent visits here aroused his suspicions, and he has been observing us over the last few days."

Darcy started at this piece of information. He had not realized that his feelings had been so transparent.

"Do not be alarmed," Elizabeth reassured him when she saw his unease. "He saw nothing to cause him any distress. On the contrary, my father wondered what took you so long! I told him you were constantly being interrupted by Mr. Bingley."

Darcy chuckled. "And then your father, himself."

"Yes," Elizabeth said. "He was mortified when he understood what had happened."

They were quiet for some time, looking out at the rain and at each other. Then the sound of laughter from the drawing room reminded them of their surroundings.

"I believe it is time we returned to the others." Darcy said in a quiet voice as they both rose from their seats.

Elizabeth nodded, then looked up into his eyes. "We are now formally engaged, sir. Would you like to kiss me?" She tilted her head up at a slight angle.

Darcy was delighted, yet surprised, at her question. He leaned toward her and gently touched his lips to hers. It was a brief kiss, but one that left them both feeling lightheaded. Darcy stepped away from her. He dared not kiss her again, lest he forget himself in the pleasure it afforded.

Recollecting himself, Darcy glanced over his shoulder to ensure that no-one had witnessed them. With a contented smile, he reached for Elizabeth's hand and they made their way back to the drawing room.

***

The Assembly Rooms at Meryton were more inviting than Darcy remembered from the previous year. Of course, that may have had something to do with the lady on the opposite side of the room, whose gaze he now held.

Bingley and Jane Bennet were the centre of attention for many well-wishers, most of whom had already expressed their congratulations over the last week whenever the young couple had ventured into the town.

Darcy had rejoiced in the relative anonymity of the last two days. Jane had suggested that the formal announcement be made tonight when Elizabeth had informed her of her happy situation. Their father had no objections, and seemed to believe that he would derive far more pleasure in surprising his wife with the news, thereby preventing her from broadcasting it about in advance. Darcy had agreed, although he was now having second thoughts as to the concealment of their status as he noted the numerous young men eyeing his fiancée with interest as the musicians began to play.

He quickly crossed the room as one gentleman moved to approach Elizabeth. He arrived by her side in time to hear her reply to an application for her hand.

"Thank you, sir, but I am already engaged for the next few dances." She gave Darcy a warm smile. "Ah, there you are Mr. Darcy."

The other gentleman bowed and moved away as Darcy took her hand and led her onto the floor.

"The next few dances?" he said in a low voice when they reached their places. "Am I not to have every dance with you tonight, my dear?"

Elizabeth blushed. "Why, Mr. Darcy, I must dance at least once with my sister's fiancé. And I should think that Jane may wish to dance at least once with her sister's fiancé as well!"

There was a hint of a smile at the corners of Darcy's mouth as he replied. "As long as I am not required to share you with anyone else, Elizabeth."

She laughed lightly and they moved down the room through the steps of the dance.

The time passed too quickly for Elizabeth, as she and Darcy danced time and again, smiling, talking and occasionally laughing, until at last they retreated to the refreshment table for a glass of punch. Now that they had rejoined the ranks of the observers they would be approached by others seeking conversation.

As the couple enjoyed their drinks in a quiet corner, the sudden sound of a high-pitched shriek caught the attention of most of the room's occupants. Elizabeth's eyes darted around the room.

"I believe my mother has been apprised of the good news." she said drily to Darcy.

He glanced around the room as well. "I believe you to be correct, Elizabeth. I think we may expect your father to make an announcement very soon."

The words were barely out of his mouth when Mr. and Mrs. Bennet came through the hall entrance, the lady bustling over to them with a smile that threatened to split her face.

"Oh, no." Darcy muttered, wishing there was some way to escape this woman's zeal.

Mr. Bennet had gained the attention of the musicians as their reel came to a close. In the ensuing silence of the instruments the many faces in the room turned in the direction of the gentleman who stood in front of them.

"Well now." Mr. Bennet began. "I am pleased to see so many of our friends and relations with us to celebrate the engagement of my daughter, Jane, to Mr. Charles Bingley. I think you must know how happy both my wife and I are to see that our dear girl will be so well settled." He smiled in the direction of the happy couple as a subdued laughter rippled through the room. "There is one more piece of news that I would like to announce this evening." He waited until he had the attention of the room once more. "My daughter Elizabeth has also recently become engaged to Mr. Darcy."

The sudden silence lasted only as long as it took for the information to register. A murmuring of voices began to build and heads swivelled to glance at the subjects of the unexpected announcement. Mrs. Bennet was the first to reach them, as she had barely slowed her advance, but as she appeared in front of her daughter, she was overcome by a sudden attack of speechlessness in the presence of the gentleman at her side.

"Mama?" Elizabeth drew her mother close to her. "Mama, are you unwell?"

Her mother shook her head, her gaze never leaving her clasped hands. Elizabeth glanced at Darcy. There was a smile on her face and an amused sparkle in her eye.

Others were now coming forward to offer their congratulations. Elizabeth and her fiancé were the objects of much attention for a good portion of the rest of the evening. When it finally came time to depart, Mrs. Bennet had worked up enough courage to stand next to Darcy, fielding impertinent questions from Lady Lucas.

Darcy, himself, was weary of the attention. He would much rather have been allowed to spend a comparatively quiet evening at Longbourn in the company of his fiancée. To his chagrin, they would not even be permitted the privelege of a proper goodbye, parting as they did in the street outside the Assembly Rooms where the carriages were waiting to take them to their respective homes.

The trip back to Netherfield was serene after the earlier boisterous atmosphere. Both Bingley and Darcy were pleased to silently entertain thoughts of their future happiness.

Conclusion

The fire crackled in the grate, the light from the flames casting flickering shadows across the length of the room.

Darcy gazed lovingly at his wife's form laying beside him, her head resting on his chest. He pushed the hair away to see her face, peaceful and relaxed in sleep. She stirred slightly and snuggled herself closer to him. Closing his eyes, Darcy smiled contentedly as his arms tightened around her warm body.

She was Mrs. Darcy now. It had seemed like an impossible dream at one point, and one that Bingley had certainly tried his best to thwart, albeit with the best of intentions. Darcy shook his head gently at the memory of those frustrating days after he had returned to Netherfield.

"Fitzwilliam?" mumbled Elizabeth.

"I'm here." he said softly, placing his lips against her forehead.

"Mmm."

Settling back into the pillows, Pemberley's master and mistress drifted into a satisfied and untroubled sleep.

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