Pride and Prejudice; On Tandems!

By Anna J.K.

Jump to new as of January 20, 2001
Jump to new as of January 28, 2001

Part One.

Posted on Sunday, 10 December 2000

Everyone knows that a man who builds up his own Supermarket chain must be in want of a wife. This fact is so fixed into the minds of all the mothers of eligible daughters that such a man is the property of one or other of their daughters, preferably their favourite daughter.

Mr. Charles Bingley was such a man, Mrs. Bennet was such a mother and her eldest daughter Jane; she had the miss fortune to have five, had attracted Mr. Bingley. Jane was Mrs. Bennet's favourite daughter and so she was happy and her husband, the long suffering Mr. Bennet was having a quiet life.

The door of 'Bennet's Gentleman's Outfitters' opened and in came Mr. Bingley and his even richer, more desirable friend Mr. Darcy.

Mr. Bingley was handsome, intelligent, charming, attractive, with blond wavy hair and blue eyes. He was perfect, almost too perfect!

Mr. Darcy was tall, dark and brooding, he was the most proud disagreeable, arrogant, rude, spoilt and generally despised man in the town and not even his huge fortune or his six bedroom house in 20 acres of land could save him from Mrs. Bennet's angry or her second daughter's Elizabeth.

Elizabeth could of born with him if he had not been so rude to her. She had been attempting to mend the puncture on her bike when he had gone past. He had not only splashed her with his own bike but he had refused to help when Bingley had tried to persuade him to and had force Bingley to leave. He had said, "That, bike and it's rider are terrible but not handsome to tempt me!" and of course that had completely alienated Elizabeth and her family when she had told them of it with great spirit for she had a lively playful deposition and was really a bit of a shrew!

Mr. Darcy's punishment for his actions was that he had become attracted to Elizabeth and his pride was being mortified.

'Ah, Miss. Bennet.' Mr. Bingley said addressing the angel behind the counter. This was Jane and you could almost see the Halo sparkling over her golden hair. 'I have come to be measured for my vests.'

'Your...your vests...I don't think...forgive me I can not possibly measure you for your vests, Mr. Bingley. Excuse me.' Jane cried, going a rather attractive beetroot colour and rushing out the back of the shop. Mr. Bennet came out and began to measure Mr. Bingley for his vests and Elizabeth came out to serve Mr. Darcy.

'I think you wanted your Long Johns, Mr. Darcy. The extra long ones was it?' She said, simply and unembarrassed.

It was Darcy's turn to go beetroot and utter out an unintelligible reply, which actually went along the lines of, 'Yes, I have because...Oh God, she beautiful, I wish her eyes didn't bewitch me like they do...because I'm so tall! Oh why she so attractive and she certainly can't serve me my Long Johns!'

'What was that Mr. Darcy? Did I hear you say you wouldn't be served by me?' She said archly.

'Um...what... Yes, I won't be served by you!'

'Well, you will have to because my father is rather busy.' She said, icily, frost developing on the counter.

She climbed up the step ladder (in a regency dress, remember!) and got the bow of the top self. she then climbed down and handed him the box.

'Good day Mr. Darcy. We shall send the bill on to you.'

'Thank you. Come on Bingley! ' He said politely and then seeing Bingley chatting up Jane, got cross and stormed out. Bingley followed quickly and as Darcy disappeared off on his bike his wheel kicked up some gravel and one piece hit the new plate glass window.

Mr. Bennet sighed and called out, 'I shall send the bill with your Long Johns Mr. Darcy!'

Part Two.

Posted on Tuesday, 12 December 2000

A couple of days after this event the Miss. Bennets were going to a T dance at the Pink Whale Dance hall and nightclub, yes in regency times!

Unfortunately for Elizabeth not only was the hated Mr. Darcy to be there but their cousin Mr. Collins who would inherit the gentleman's out fitters when Mr. Bennet died had returned from a three week break at a "How to improve your sliminess and bootlicking qualities" Conference.

He had come into the shop the day before, having been allowed the afternoon from working in De Bourghs Superior Wig Shop up the high street, in the posh bit of the town, where he was under the control of his noble employer, Catherine De Bourgh, generally know as 'The Lady', though no one knew why for she was no lady and secretly she was Mr. Darcy's Aunt and ask Elizabeth for the first two dances. Elizabeth had groaned but her mother insisted and now she was preparing to have her dress torn, her feet trodden on and to be embarrassed in front of everyone, including that hateful man, Mr. Darcy.

She was right and though Jane had a nice time did there were not many of the Bennet sisters who did as Mr. Wickham and his Milkmen friends were not invited. Jane was invited to the Cinema with Bingley in a few days time and Elizabeth was also invited and Mr. Collins as her date.

'No! NOOO! I am cursed with that man all the evening! How shall I bare it Charlotte?' Elizabeth asked her friend Charlotte Lucas.

'You shall do very well, try to avoid actually sitting next to him!'

'Charlotte! That is impossible, for Jane and Bingley will be in the back row and I shall have to sit by him. I wish you were to be there!'

'Oh, no You must bare this on your own. I shall be bust at home and I have had quite enough of Mr. Collins as I was working on that conference he went to!' *Charlotte, then realised that Elizabeth would never have him and started her plan to get him herself!*

'True, very well I shall bare it as best as I can!'

Part Three.

Posted on Wednesday, 20 December 2000

Elizabeth didn't really care what she looked liked when she got ready to go to the Cinema. It was only Mr. Collins and they were only going to see King Cong, the original which Elizabeth had seen 43 times before. When Elizabeth did come down, she still looked very nice and Mr. Collins began his praise at once. Jane and Bingley were going on Mr. Bingley's motorbike and Elizabeth was forced to sit behind Mr. Collins on his Tandem.

They reached the Cinema and went in. Jane and Bingley went to the back, Mr. Collins said that was highly wrong but Jane actually lied and said she was going to measure Mr. Bingley for his vests.

Elizabeth smiled and only wished she could come up with a way of getting rid of Mr. Collins. He sat there the whole time, rustling sweet papers and stuffing his face and tell her what happened next and making comments all the way through. When they got out Mr. Bingley suggested they go for Fish and Chips but Jane said that they had had fish that day and "...we couldn't possibly have fish twice in one day."

They decided to go to Fred's Cafe for a frothy coffee and as they arrived, Elizabeth thought she saw Mr. Darcy talking to a very handsome young girl of about 16. She was furious, not because she was jealous (No! Of course she isn't !!!!) but because he seemed to be nice to her.

They went into the cafe and as Mr. Collins came back with his Coffee, Elizabeth stuck her foot out and he split the Coffee all over him. He yelled and complained to the Manager that the floor was too rough. The Manager, a certain Mr. Gardiner told Mr. Collins to go home as did Lizzy who sweetly told him that he had better not be late tomorrow or Lady Catherine would be very angry.

Mr. Collins thought this was a good idea and after finishing her Coffee and thanking the Manager she set off home, leaving Jane and Mr. Bingley alone.

She had to walk now as she turned the corner she met Mr. Darcy just getting on his motorbike.

'Mr. Darcy!' She cried, hoping he wouldn't notice the fact she was wet and muddy.

'Miss. Bennet! Where have you come from?' He said, not really noticing the mud.

'I was at the cafe with Jane and Mr. Bingley. I was with Mr. Collins but he had to go home and I have to walk now.

'I'm sorry for that. May I give you a lift home?' Darcy said, not really thinking, the words Jane and Bingley had got stuck in his mind.

'Well, if I ride side saddle, I sure I can managed it. Thank you.' She said, surprised but not displeased.

She climbed on and holding very tight to him they sped off towards Elizabeth's home. They found Mrs. Bennet up and she annoyed Darcy so much that when he left he slammed the front door and broke the glass panel in it.

'We shall send to bill with your socks this time Mr. Darcy!' Chorused the whole family, except Elizabeth, as he sped.

She had seen a side of him she had never seen before and she like him that way.

Part Four.

Posted on Wednesday, 10 January 2001

Elizabeth was alone in the shop when the bell rang and in came, sorry in squelched Mr. Collins.

'Mr. Collins!' Elizabeth said, horrified.

'My dear Miss. Bennet. My Elizabeth, if I may presume to call you that. I have something to say.'

Elizabeth had a horrible feeling she knew what it was and she tried to escape. No use, she was trapped by Mr. Collins. He had blocked the end of the counter and now he was walking towards her. She had option but the back away and yet he still kept coming. He had practically pinned her up against the wall and she could feel his hot unpleasant breathe on her skin. 'Your modesty is only another of you charming features. You are universally charming but before I am run a with by my feelings; here Elizabeth burst into hysterical laughter, then recovered when she realised how close Mr. Collins was. 'I must give you my reasons for marrying, firstly, it is the wish of my noble employer, secondly I love and adore you and I think the right thing for every man to marry and thirdly I wish to make lots of young Olive branches with you!' Elizabeth; despite her sturdy constitution, would have collapsed in a faint if the shop door had not tinkled and in came Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Darcy. Mr. Collins squelched over to Charlotte and throwing himself at her feet beg that she should make him the happiest man alive. Charlotte nodded and he grabbed her in his arms and kissed her passionately. Elizabeth did faint now and Darcy; being the watchful and careful man he was saw her about to fall and scooped her up in his arms. He carried her through to the back of the shop and upstairs to where the Bennet's lived. He placed her in a chair and roused her by gently shaking her. She looked up and saw him.

'Mr. Darcy!'

'You fainted Miss. Bennet.'

'I did? Oh, I'm sorry. It was just a shock, hearing Charlotte say that and then.... well Mr. Collins actually kissing her!' Elizabeth said, sitting up and looking at

Mr. Darcy.

'I can understand that. Now, are you quite well?' He said, concerned.

'Yes, oh yes. I shall be very well now. I shall remove Mr. Collins and Charlotte in a moment and then shut the shop up.' She said, gravely.

'Very well, I shall leave for today. I have to see someone about some business.' He said.

'Really? Does that have to do with the very pretty young lady I saw you talking to the night before last?' Elizabeth said, sounding interested

'Yes, I am going to but her a Harley Davidson for her Birthday.' 'Your fiancé I suppose, Miss. Bingley?'

'No, my sister, she's 17 this birthday, besides I'm not engaged to Miss. Bingley. She knows nothing of books.' He said gravely.

'She's the Librarian!' She cried

'I know, but she thinks Jane Dickens wrote Pride and Prejudice, she doesn't even know what Shakespeare's first name is!' He cried.

'Very well, I believe you that she is not your fiancé, but I'm sure about your sister.' She said gravely.

'Well, I do have a sister, ask Mr. Bingley and anyway,' He said and looked at her expressively

'There is only one women I could ever ask to marry me. Good Day Miss. Bennet' He said gravely and bowing he turned and left the room.

Part Five.

Posted on Thursday, 11 January 2001

It was summer time, Jane was miserable for Mr. Bingley had been forced to go away on business to London for a few weeks, Lydia was positively bouncing round the house as she was going to Brighton with the wife of milkmen for the Milkman's Annual conference and Elizabeth was escaping with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner to Derbyshire on a motor biking holiday. Mrs. Bennet was being annoying as ever and

Mr. Bennet had to restock the shop.

The Gardiners arrived, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner in a motorbike and side cart and the little Gardiner children followed on varying sizes of bikes.

'Aunt! I am so glad to see you! I have so much to tell you.' Elizabeth said that evening and then retold all the events of the last few months.

Mrs. Gardiner had a strong supposition that Elizabeth was rather keen on Darcy and when they reached the area in which he lived a few days later she said,

'Would you like to see Pemberley, Lizzy?'

'Oh, well I would. I hear the grounds are very fine, though the house is only a 1930's detached with five bedrooms, but I should feel like an invader.' Elizabeth said, blushing.

'It is only five mile to Pemberley from here and we could go tomorrow. I'm sure the family are way for the summer.' Mrs. Gardiner said, noticing the blush.

'I shall ask the maid.' Mr. Gardiner said as dinner arrived.

'Hannah, are the family at Pemberley here for the summer?' Mr. Gardiner said.

'No, Sir. They are all away I believe. It has very fine grounds and it is only five miles away.' Hannah said.

'There, it is only five miles Lizzy. Shall we go?' Mrs. Gardiner said.

'Oh, yes please!' Elizabeth cried happily, forgetting she was showing too much.

Mrs. Gardiner looked at Mr. Gardiner, he looked back, they knew all now.

Mr. Darcy had got the Harley Davidson and was now on his way back to Pemberley, he arrived at Pemberley, hot dirty and tired, he pulled the hamlet off and unzipped the leather jacket and proceed to walk round from the garages. He was crossing the huge front lawn next to lake when he saw three people approaching, one ahead of the others. It was a young women, no correction, his young woman! It was Elizabeth, his Elizabeth (or rather she will be very soon, well soon in JA time!)

He approached and on looking up she saw him. She gasped, she stopped and nearly fainted (not again! Always when he is there!). He was absolutely gorgeous and lovely and...and...well he was in a black leather. (Who wouldn't faint!)

'Mr. Darcy...! I.... Oh my!' That was all she could manage, she fainted away into his arms. He looked at her, slightly bewildered (I love bewilder Darcy!) and turn to face Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner who had just arrived. 'Mr. Darcy, I presume?' (Sorry! Need for mad Bertha Rochester laughter here, ahahahahahheheheeh!) Mr. Gardiner said. 'Yes, are you her uncle?' Darcy said, kneeling down and laying Elizabeth on the ground.

'Yes, Mr. Gardiner, and my wife sir.'

'Good day, you are most welcome. Mrs. Gardiner, do you think you could me revive her?'

'Yes of course Mr. Darcy!' Mrs. Gardiner cried, who was quite impressed at him herself despite being happily married and having four children. They revived her and took her into the house, she was given some water and she was she began to look a lot better, partly because Mr. Darcy was now no longer in black leather, they were invited to diner the next day where Elizabeth would meet Mr. Darcy's sister and they returned home. Elizabeth did not sleep well that night, thoughts of Mr. Darcy kept her awake and he had similar problems sleeping. The next night Elizabeth was very careful about her dress and she hardened herself so she wouldn't faint by drinking a small glass of Sherry. They arrived at Pemberley and were shown into the Drawing room, the walls of which were covered in drawing by Mr. Darcy and his sister from their childhood until the present day. Miss. Bingley was sitting in orange splendour, Mr. Bingley was looking really miserable and Mr. Darcy's sister was the young women Elizabeth had seen Darcy talking to. Everyone rose and they all began talking, after diner Georgiana showed off her new bike and Elizabeth was allowed to have a go. Miss. Bingley was not allowed to have a go as she had crashed it last time she had had a go. Everyone was impressed and the evening ended well. Darcy had decided to propose to Elizabeth the next day and Elizabeth had decided that she was really in love with him after all.

Fate has a horrible habit of putting large and sometime insurmountable objects in the path of true love so that it runs rather like a British train, not at all or very, very slowly with only one train every two hours. (Turning into Dickens here!) Well, fate had decided to particularly mean to our star crossed lovers (Shakespeare now!) that day Darcy went to propose and probably be accepted and Elizabeth received two e mails from Jane, one said Lydia had eloped with Wickham in his ice cream van, with 'Teddy bears' Picknick.' playing. The second said that Lydia and Wickham had not gone to Gretna Green (I wouldn't either!) and were supposed to be in London. Elizabeth did not faint, she became very distressed, tears started to fall down her face and wished she was dead. Her uncle and aunt where out and she didn't know what to do. She tried to stand, but her legs would not support her and so she sat down in complete misery. The door opened and in came Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth jumped, startled at his entrance and tried to wipe away her tears. 'Miss. Bennet, what is the matter?' He said, horrified to see her so pale and upset.

Part Six.

Posted on Saturday, 20 January 2001

Elizabeth looked at Mr. Darcy and said,

'Mr. Darcy I have just had two E mails from Jane and...my sister, Lydia has run off. She has thrown herself into the power of...of Mr. Wickham! She has run off with a milkman!

'Good God!

Are you quite well? Please sit down, you look terribly pale!' He said, even more horrified and shocked, helping to a seat.

'Yes, I shall be well. Thank you.'

'Are you sure? Shall I get you a glass of wine?' 'No, I must get Uncle. I must tell him!' She said, attempting to rise.

'You are not well enough. Let me go or a servant.' He said, putting his hand on her arm.

'Yes, yes please do.'

He sent a servant on his bike, after Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and then returned.

'May I ask, are they quite sure they have not gone to Scotland?'

'Oh yes, they were traced as far as London but not beyond. They must be there.'

'And what has been done to find them?'

'My father has gone to London, the Milkman's Boad of Control has been contacted, Mr. Wickham will certainly lose his job. 'Oh, where is my uncle! Jane was very insistent upon us returning home.'

'I think I here them now, I shall leave you now. I have stayed to long. Good Day Miss. Bennet.'

'Good Day Mr. Darcy.'

He left the room with a long, grave and serious look at the women he loved. The door shut and Elizabeth quite calmly said,

'I shall never see him again.'

'Why should that matter Lizzy you inconstant creature!' Her head said to her.

'It matters because I love him and I can not bear to know he is there and thinking ill of me. I love him so well and yet my love can never come true. At the very moment when all love must be impossible, I love him.' Her heart replied.

'Oh, you are a ridiculous creature!' agreed . both. The Gardiners arrived back and they all set of for Longbourn as quickly as they could. The next day they reached the house and found the house in chaos. Mary was quoting Fordice's Sermons, Kitty was being blamed for everything, Jane was tired and pale and Mrs. Bennet was shut up in her room. Elizabeth wished she was a million miles away and she couldn't get Mr. Darcy out of her head.

Mr. Gardiner was to go London the next day and his wife would follow him with the children soon enough. Elizabeth longed to talk to her Aunt but she didn't have the courage and Mrs. Gardiner; who also wanted to talk to her niece on the subject of Mr. Darcy didn't venture it for fear of upsetting her. Mrs. Gardiner followed her husband a few days later and Elizabeth was left to struggle with her feelings. On the day Mrs. Gardiner left a certain person and his new wife came in the door, ( yes you guessed it! I'm so predictable aren't I!) 'Mr. Collins , Charlotte!' Elizabeth cried horrified to see them, well him anyway.

'My dear cousin. We have come to offer our condolences and beg for your congratulations. My dear Charlotte and I are to be blessed with a young Olive branch.' Mr. Collins oozed.

Elizabeth stared at them both,

'Well, um.. congratulations. Charlotte you will be a very good mother. Oh, and thank you Mr. Collins, but as my father is not here and my mother is unwell, I think perhaps you had better return to Mrs. De Bourgh.' Elizabeth said, trying to smile. 'Yes, you are right my dear cousin. Your thoughtfulness does you credit.' Mr. Collins said and squelched out the shop with Charlotte.

Elizabeth shock her head and went to check the e-mails. Two e-mails from Mr. Gardiner, one said that Mr. Bennet was coming the next day and another, sent that morning. He had found Lydia and Wickham in a Milkman's Hosterial and if Mr. Bennet complied with the finale terms they would be married at the 'Full cream Registry office' in a few days.

Elizabeth ran upstairs and informed everyone. Mrs. Bennet began her usual hysterics, Jane beamed and Kitty began a uncontrollable fit of coughing. Elizabeth would have been very happy if it had not been for a certain gentleman who looked rather nice in leather.

That gentleman in leather had just returned from an unexpected trip to London was thinking about the love of his life, if only he could see her again, Yes, he must seen her soon and perhaps he could take Bingley with him. Bingley had been hopelessly moping around for weeks like a love sick puppy and it was driving Darcy mad. It was obvious that Bingley was in need of Miss. Bingley's attention and so Darcy decided to go to Longbourn a few weeks after Lydia's wedding. Lydia's wedding was as cheap and unpleasant as possible and she and her new husband arrived to stay with the Bennets before they set off for the north, the north pole in fact, where Mr. Wickham had been miraculously promotion to head of 'Extremely Northern Milk distribution.' Lydia drove them all; except the hysterical Mrs. Bennet, completely mad.' Elizabeth was nearly forced to slap Wickham very hard several times and Mr. Bennet disappeared into his study for a whole week. Finally they went and the Bennets were left in peace, well peace until everyone found out that Mr. Bingley and his friend had returned, Jane become very quite and Elizabeth started to suffer from a loss of sleep again.

Part Six, The Final Part

Posted on Thursday, 25 January 2001

The shop bell tinkled and in came Mr. Bingley, he was alone and he was beaming. Most of the family were in the shop at the time and as soon as they saw him they all vanished upstairs, apart from a Elizabeth who had promised not to leave Jane. 'Good day, Miss. Elizabeth. Miss. Bennet.' He said, not looking at Elizabeth at all.

'Mr. Bingley.' Jane said, blushing and looking down at the counter. Elizabeth was silent and carried on tidying the boxes. 'Miss. Bennet. Where should I being? I must beg your forgiveness. I am heartily sorry for any trouble and pain I caused you. You have every right to sue me, ruin me and my business, Netherfield Supermarkets and Shoppings malls.' He said, dramatically.

'Mr. Bingley there is no need! I have no intention of suing you or ruining you. I...' Jane cried, startled at first and embarrassed.

Elizabeth turned and looked at Jane and Bingley. Then she quietly walked out of the shop and went upstairs. The unacknowledged lovers looked at each other. Jane walked to the end of the counter and came out. They stood looking at each other. Half an hour latter Elizabeth came downstairs again and found Jane and Mr. Bingley happily seated on the floor laughing and talking. They looked up and though they both blushed and hurriedly got up they stayed smiling. Elizabeth raised one of her dark, exquisitely shaped eyebrows and gravely said,

'Well, am I to congratulate you?'

'You are indeed Miss. Bennet! I hope you will not mind me as you brother in law. I shall give you a discount card at many of my shops of course and if you are ever indeed of a bicycle, I will only be too happy to oblige. Mr. Bingley said happily and shook Elizabeth's hand so violently she thought it should fall off!

'You are very good! Thank you there is no need. Remember I have a bicycle.

Jane! My dearest sister, you shall be the happiest woman alive!' Elizabeth smiled and then caught her sister in her arms. The tears flowed and then the rest of the family joined them with the Gin and Tonic; Lydia and Wickham had managed to drain the house of all white sparkling wine, so they had to have that instead!

The day after the happy engagement the shop was quite and only Elizabeth was in the shop. It was surprising quite and she was learning against the counter quietly thinking of a certain man with the entails F. D. She was so lost in thought that she didn't here the sound of a powerful motor bike engine outside the shop, the shop door burst open and rustle and quick foot steps of a women.

'Excuse me, young woman! I demand to be answered.' The sharp, haughty voice called, a fist came down hard on the counter. Elizabeth nearly jumped out of her skin and stared hard at the woman. It was Mrs. De Bourgh, generally referred to as 'The Lady'. (Not the women's magazine or the British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, often referred to as "The Iron Lady." Mrs. Be Bourgh was more like 'The Iron Curtain' But never mind.)

'Mrs. De Bourgh! I did not here you come in. How can I help you?' Elizabeth said recovering slightly, though still overcome by Lady Catherine's hat which looked more like something you might shoot for dinner than a fashion accessory. 'I command you to tell me if you are engaged to my nephew, Mr. Darcy and if you are I insist upon you breaking off you engagement with him at once. He is engaged to my daughter and with her situation he shall be compelled to marry her!' She demanded.

'Well, if he is engaged to her then he can hardly be engaged to me you old bat!' Elizabeth cried, incensed at what had been said. 'How dare you! You nobody! My daughter needs him, she must have a husband!' Mrs. De Bourgh screamed.

'How dare I ! I dare because I have manners in the first place! Why does your daughter need a husband?' Elizabeth screamed back.

Mrs. De Borough was silent and went very red. She had never before been handbagged back and she was really very unwilling to relieve her daughter's terrible secret. 'I see you have pretty sort of back room Miss. Bennet. I shall be glad to take a look at it.' and she marched into the said room. Elizabeth followed her and Lady Catherine gravely began, 'My daughter is with child (!!!!!!??????), it seems she has been having an affair with out gamekeeper for years. (Sorry of author of 'Lady Chaterley's Lover' and thanks! ) 'Mrs. De Bourgh, this is the Nineteenth Century, it's all right to have things like that! (Not!!!!!!)

'Miss. Bennet, I can see you are a woman who could easily win over men! Now tell me if you are engaged or not?'

Mrs. De Bourgh demanded.

'Yes! Yes, I am engaged to your nephew!' Elizabeth cried rashly, she was determined not to say no to this woman. Mrs. De Bourgh went very pale and scathingly said,

'I shall know what to do!' and stormed out the shop. Elizabeth beamed and then realised what she had said. 'Oh, oh dear. Oh, I... oh what have I done.' She mumbled. The next day a rather pale and tired Mr. Darcy came into the shop. He looked at the pale and tired Elizabeth and she return his glaze. She came out from the counter and looked at him. 'Papa, I'm going for I walk. I may be sometime.' (Sorry to that member of Captain Scot's team who said that and thanks!) She called out and slowly walked out the shop.

Mr. Darcy followed and they walked a little way down the street, slightly apart. She turned down a small alley and stopped a little way along.

'Mr. Darcy. I'm sorry. I suppose you know what I told you're aunt yesterday.' She said quietly.

'Yes, yes I do and I'm not sorry. You really showed the old bat something and I'm happy you said that!' He said, smiling.

'Are you? Why is that Mr. Darcy?' Elizabeth said, not looking at him.

'It's because I love you, I have always loved you and I always will. What you said yesterday must have been meant; unless I have entirely misjudged you and I know I haven't. You would only ever say something like that if you meant it. I think you love me.' He said quietly. 'I do, I do love you. I never thought it possible but I do. I learnt to love you and I know that it was you that helped my sister and not my uncle. Lydia let that slip so we must be grateful for something she did.' Elizabeth said, very gravely

'I never meant for you to know about that.' He said.

'I know. However, I do know of it and that is that.

What are we going to do Mr. Darcy? I suppose we have to marry now don't we?'

'I'm afraid so, but let's run away to Spain and get married there! I have my motor bike and spare helmet.' He smiled. 'I shall have to ride side saddle. I have no clothes, nothing. My mother would never forgive me!' She cried widely. 'Excellent! I'll take to the shops, we can get some clothes for you there, I'll even buy you some leathers!' He cried excitedly.

'Not until we are married Mr. Darcy!' She said, laughing and blushing

'You will marry me and come with now then?' He cried, beaming. 'This madness! Yes, Yes, I will!' She cried, half laughing half crying.

'Come then!' He grabbed her hand and they run back to the shop. They put on the helmets, got on the bike, Elizabeth grabbed hold of Darcy's waist very tightly and they zoomed off into the sun set.

As they drove off there was the sound of breaking glass and a chorus of,

'We shall send the bill with you vest Mr. Darcy!' This was followed by some rather distant hysterical laughter (NO not the escaped Bertha Rochester!) from the motor bike as it disappeared over the brow the hill and way from Longbourn near Meryton and 'Bennet's Gentleman's Outfitters' for ever.

Finish.

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