| An Earlier Understanding Section III |
| PART VII "Miss Bennet�Elizabeth�" She blushed at his use of her Christian name. "Elizabeth, I have been walking the grove for some time in the hope of meeting you alone. I have something very particular to speak to you about." She looked up and met his intense gaze. "Yes Mr. Darcy?" He took her hand. "Please call me Fitzwilliam." "Yes... Fitzwilliam�" she breathed as he took her into his arms. "Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. From almost the earliest moments of our acquaintance I have come to feel for you a passionate admiration and regard which I can no longer control. I need you Elizabeth� I beg you to relieve my suffering and consent to be my wife." He pressed her close to him, her head leaning against his broad chest. His fingers sought her curls, and he pulled the pins out of her hair to let them flow loose. She looked up at him, passion burning in her eyes. "Oh Fitzwilliam! I adore you as well. You are the only man in the world who I could ever be prevailed on to marry! I�" He stopped her speech with an ardent kiss. She kissed him back with equal force, heightening his desire even further. He ran his fingers through her long hair, pulling away from her as she tilted her head back to expose her throat. He leaned in and planted soft kisses down her neck. She sighed with pleasure, increasing his ardor. His lips found hers again, exploring her mouth with growing passion, his hands pressing her closer while caressing her back. He found the clasps of her dress and began to undo them. She whispered to him. "My love, would we not do better to go to your chamber?" Much as he hated to break his embrace, he acknowledged her point, and picked her up in his arms and carried her into the house. Fortunately it was very early and no one had risen yet, so they escaped to his room without detection. Once there he threw off his jacket and began undoing his cravat as Lizzy sat timidly on the bed. Successfully having loosened his shirt, he reached for her, pulling her close again and going back to work on those clasps. She threw her arms around his neck and gave him a passionate kiss, running her fingers through his dark hair. "Oh Fitzwilliam! I long to be yours! Please take me!" He did not need to be told twice. He finally loosened the dress and pushed it down her shoulders, eyeing her hungrily yet lovingly. She shivered as she observed the passionate look in his face. He approached her again, kissing her shoulder, feeling her breath against his neck and she held him. "Oh Elizabeth� oh my love, how long I have desired this moment!" "And I too, my dear Fitzwilliam�I long for you so!" He picked her up and gently placed her on the bed. He smiled; at last she would be his! At last� THUD. Darcy groaned as he realized that he had rolled onto the floor. He rubbed his head and sighed; again he had been dreaming of Elizabeth; he smiled at the memory of their passionate caresses. How long until I can make this dream a reality? Oh Elizabeth, to waken every morning with you by my side! With another sigh, he stood up and picked his disheveled bedding up from the floor. How unfortunate that I did this to my sheets all alone, he thought with a little, mischievous grin. As it was already past dawn, Darcy decided he would dress and take an early morning walk to clear his mind. Elizabeth also rose early at Longbourn that day, as she had told Georgiana that she would join her for breakfast. She primped with slightly more care, for it is not everyday that a lady meets so many handsome gentlemen in the same house! she laughed to herself. Actually� I suppose it has been everyday! In truth, she and Jane had met with Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, and Colonel Fitzwilliam everyday since Colonel Fitzwilliam's arrival eight days before. In only a few days it would be Christmas, and the entire Bennet family had been invited to spend it at Netherfield. Elizabeth anticipated it greatly, for many reasons. Mr. Darcy's attentions towards her had been growing daily, and she could not deny that she hoped he might approach her very soon. He had taken to kissing her hand each time they parted, helping to ease the ache in her heart temporarily. She smiled as she thought of the feel of her hand in his, of lips on her fingers�sighing, she tied up her bonnet, informed Jane of her departure, and was on her merry way. Darcy was not terribly surprised to see Elizabeth coming up the path from Longbourn so early in the morning. He knew that she often rose early to enjoy the outdoors before people cluttered it up, and he had overheard Georgiana asking her to breakfast the day before. Thinking that a nice stroll with Miss Bennet would be a perfect way to start the day, he called out to her. "Miss Bennet! How delightful to see you this morning. I hope you slept well." "Thank you Mr. Darcy, I did. And yourself?" He blushed in remembrance of his dreams. "I was�awoken early by an�interesting dream, but otherwise I rested very well, thank you." "That must have been a very interesting dream to cause you to wake. Will you tell me about it? I enjoy trying to interpret dreams," she said with an innocent smile. Darcy was now blushing quite furiously, trying to think of a way to avoid telling Elizabeth that he had in fact dreamed about her in a rather improper position. "Em� well, I don't really remember it anymore. I only recall that it woke me." "That is unfortunate, but I am sure we can find another topic of conversation." She smiled at him warmly. He gave her a look of adoration that she could not mistake. "Miss Bennet, I hope I am not being too forward when I say that you look exceptionally well this morning. You are always beautiful, but today you are simply� stunning." It was now her turn to blush furiously. "Mr. Darcy," she replied with a nervous laugh, "you are all politeness, I am sure. There is nothing different about me today than any other day." "I beg to differ Miss Bennet. Each day you are different from the last, for you grow more beautiful with each passing one." By this time they had reached the house, and, as was his habit, Darcy did not have the courage to follow his compliments. Instead, he kissed her hand tenderly, escorted her into the breakfast room where Georgiana was waiting, and excused himself. Needless to say, this left Elizabeth thoroughly confused. She had heard him profess to Colonel Fitzwilliam his intention of making her "spoken for", but since then he had made no serious advances besides the small hints such as this morning. Trying to forget the pangs in her heart, she turned her thoughts to her conversation with Georgiana. Darcy, meanwhile, was busy banging his head against the library wall. I cannot BELIEVE I did not take that opportunity to propose. The timing would have been perfect! The weather is beautiful, I made the perfect entrance to it with my compliments on her beauty�what an idiot I am! Why did God not grant me the easy manners of Richard or Charles? He ran a hand through his hair in frustration as Fitzwilliam entered the room. "Good morning Darcy! Was that Miss Elizabeth Bennet's delightful laughter I just heard?" "Yes it is Fitzwilliam. Georgiana invited her to breakfast. She just walked here from Longbourn." "Oh?" asked Fitzwilliam with a raised eyebrow. "Have you seen her yet?" "Yes, I met with her on the path and escorted her in. She looks especially lovely today." He slammed his fist against the wall. "Dammit Richard, I had a golden opportunity to tell her my feelings and I failed miserably!" He related the conversation that took place during their walk, and Fitzwilliam had to grimace when Darcy told him of the outcome. "How could I have let it pass me by? It was perfect, absolutely perfect!" The colonel patted his shoulder. "There, there Darce. I am quite sure that Miss Bennet will forgive you and still accept you when you find another perfect time to propose." Darcy looked up with a pained expression. "Actually Fitz, I believe that was part of the reason for my cowardice. I am so unsure of what she feels for me. I do not know if my suit will be looked upon with favor. I� sometimes I think she even fancies you, and the thought is more than I can bear! What if I was to ask, and then she said to me, 'No thank you, but if your cousin wishes to ask the same thing, I am quite at his leisure!'? I do believe I would die!" He threw himself into a chair and buried his head in his hands. Colonel Fitzwilliam could not keep from laughing heartily. "Darcy, I believe you must be one of the stupidest men who have ever lived. Miss Bennet feels no more than friendship for me. Yes, she is quite friendly to me; but all the while she is looking over my shoulder at my silent and handsome cousin, who is too busy brooding over the jealousy he feels over my easy manners to notice that Miss Bennet is in fact so deeply in love with him that I might as well be one of her sisters for as much as she feels about me." Darcy looked as his cousin with a look of pure hope on his face. "Do you really think so Richard? Do you really believe that she loves me?" "Darcy, I think you are the only one who does not believe it. When both of you are out of the room, the rest of us place wagers on how long it will take for each of you to realize that the one is, in fact, passionately in love with the other. It's becoming rather maddening, really!" "Do not tease me cousin, I beg you. Elizabeth is everything to me, I cannot bear to hear jokes." "Cousin, I am in earnest. She loves you; I observed it within moments of meeting her. You are made for each other. Please, just propose and get it over with. Then you may stare at each other all you like without trying, unsuccessfully I might add, to hide your feelings." Darcy jumped to his feet and embraced his cousin. "Thank you Richard! You have made me a very happy man. I will not lose another instant! I shall propose to her this very moment!" Fitzwilliam grabbed his arm. "Uh, Darce, you may want to wait until a slightly more appropriate time than breakfast with your sister. Perhaps later this morning you can invite her to take a turn or something. I am all for you hurrying, but this is a bit much." "Right, right, you are perfectly right. I shall contain myself a bit longer. Thank you Fitzwilliam, you have been a great help!" With that, Darcy ran up to his room to make sure he looked as dashingly handsome as he possibly could when he proposed to his beloved. Fitzwilliam, meanwhile, decided that he would take a nice ride around the park. He was about half a mile away from the house when he heard a loud crash coming from the road below him. Urging his horse to go faster, he went to investigate. When he arrived at the scene, he found a large carriage on its side. The horses were trying desperately to free themselves, the driver was lying on the ground, apparently unconscious, and a young lady with fiery red hair and a green cloak was struggling to get out of the passenger compartment. Fitzwilliam dismounted and ran over to help her. "Oof! Thank you sir, I am most obliged. I thought I would have been stuck there. How is my driver?" "He appears to be unconscious madam," he replied, trying to keep his composure in the face of the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. "May I be of assistance?" She rushed over to where the driver was standing. "Oh dear, I think he will need a doctor. Do you know where we can get one?" "Madam, I am staying not a mile up this road at a place called Netherfield Park. We can take him there and you will both be well attended to, I am sure." He went to cut the horses free. "Um� do you ride?" "Yes, of course." "Astride?" She laughed. "Much to my mother's chagrin, I try to avoid riding any other way as often as possible!" He smiled and handed her the reins. "There you are. You ride this one and I'll take mine. Now let us find someway to carry your driver." The young lady took off her cloak and handed it to him. "Why do we not tie this to each horse and lay him in it between us?" "But madam, you will be cold, and I'm sure this is very expensive. Certainly we can find something else�" "Oh pish posh," she interrupted. "There is no time for that. I will not freeze to death in under a mile's ride. Now come along, help me with this." Together they managed to tie the cloak between the horses and place the driver in it. They rode up to Netherfield as quickly as they could considering their cargo. As they got nearer, the colonel called out for help. "Darcy! Bingley! Come here quickly!" The gentlemen, Jane, and Elizabeth ran out to see what the commotion was about. Darcy saw the young lady and immediately cried out. "Katty? Is that you?" "Fitzie!" she replied with a smile. "What a surprise!" "Can we save the chatting for later? Right now we have an injured man and a cold lady in need of attention," interrupted Fitzwilliam. "Yes, of course, at once!" cried Bingley, summoning his servants to help carry the man upstairs and get a blanket for "Katty". As soon as the doctor had been sent for and everyone settled again, the colonel spoke. "Now, Darcy, I believe is the time for introductions." "Oh yes," said Darcy, slightly embarrassed. "This is Miss Kathleen Sinclair. Miss Sinclair's family lives on the estate neighboring Pemberley, and we have been friends since childhood. Miss Sinclair, this is my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam; my friend and proprietor of this house, Mr. Charles Bingley; his fianc�e, Miss Jane Bennet; and Miss Elizabeth Bennet, my�very dear friend." His hesitation did not go unnoticed by Miss Sinclair, who also saw the look of extreme discomfort on Miss Elizabeth's face from the moment Mr. Darcy had called her by her childhood nickname. "Tell me Miss Sinclair, what are you doing in this part of the country by yourself?" "Well, I had been in London, but I decided to surprise my family by returning to Derbyshire for Christmas. It seemed a brilliant idea at the time, but I suppose it has not turned out so well!" "Miss Sinclair, may I inquire about what exactly you called my friend when you arrived?" asked Bingley curiously. She laughed. "I do believe I called him Fitzie� you see, when we were very young, both our names were far too complicated to say. So he called me Katty and I called him Fitzie." Darcy coughed. "Yes� we have long since progressed to more formal appellations, but I fear that in my surprise at seeing her, I said the first thing that popped into my mind." The poor man looked terribly embarrassed, sneaking glances at Elizabeth every few seconds. She was uncharacteristically silent and also looked very uncomfortable. She forced a smile. "Well, you must be very intimate friends, having known each other so long." Miss Sinclair smiled sympathetically. Don't worry Miss Elizabeth, I am not after your Mr. Darcy� about his adorable cousin, however, I cannot make the same assertion� "Yes, I suppose we are. He is like a brother to me." Darcy and Elizabeth visibly relaxed at this declaration, and Miss Sinclair was quite happy to put aside any doubt as to her intentions towards her old friend. Colonel Fitzwilliam's face seemed to brighten considerably as well. Bingley immediately invited her to stay with them for the night, and if she insisted on going to Derbyshire or London, Darcy offered his own coach to take her. She agreed to spend the night, but decided to postpone making any further decisions until she had been able to recover her things and speak to her driver. Servants were sent to get her trunks from the fallen carriage. Just as they were arriving, Georgiana came downstairs. Her eyes widened at the sight of their new visitor. "Katty, is that you?!" she asked excitedly. "Yes Georgie, it certainly is! Come here young lady!" Georgiana embraced her tightly. "What are you doing in Hertfordshire? I thought you were spending Christmas in town." Miss Sinclair recounted her story, but brushed off Georgiana's concern over her well-being. "Oh, you know me Georgiana. I'm far too sturdy to let a few scratches put me out of commission. I could use a bit of freshening up, however, and perhaps a nap before dinner. Would you all mind terribly?" They all assured her it was no trouble at all, and a maid was called to draw her bath. She excused herself, and was the topic of conversation until she returned. "I say, Darcy, why have I never met this neighbor of yours?" asked Fitzwilliam. "I have been to Pemberley many times and have never seen her." "She studied in France for a good deal of her youth, and so was always abroad at the times of year when your family would come into Derbyshire. You've met her father, I'm sure." "Yes, I do recall meeting a Sinclair�Thomas is it?" "Right. She has an elder brother as well, Edmund. Very nice family, quite well off also. I would say that I'm surprised that they are both unmarried, but their personalities explain it. He is a very practical sort of chap, economical and not fond of displays of wealth. He detests the season for those reasons, and is rarely in town. Katty� er, Miss Sinclair is a very fiery, independent sort, not about to allow a man to tame her. She was engaged to a Mr. Willoughby at one point, but when she discovered that his character was not what she thought it was, she promptly kicked him out of her home and never spoke to him again. That was about a year ago, I believe." Colonel Fitzwilliam was very grateful for this tidbit of information. Beautiful, independent, wealthy, AND unengaged? It is too good to be true! Now that she knew that Miss Sinclair was not a threat for Mr. Darcy's affections, Elizabeth felt quite disposed to liking her. They seemed to have matching personalities and spirits, and she was eager to speak to her more. Darcy had relaxed since Miss Sinclair had said exactly what he had hoped she would say. They had always been good friends, but the friendship had never been tainted by stronger feelings on either side, and he was glad for it. He noticed that Elizabeth had been tense before, but now seemed much happier. He found himself hoping that she had been jealous of Miss Sinclair. At length Miss Sinclair rejoined them, looking stunning in a silk green gown that contrasted her bright red hair and complimented her bright green eyes. Although the fabric was fine, the dress was very simple in design, and though flattering, was unpretentious. Elizabeth decided she liked her better by the minute, as did Colonel Fitzwilliam. "Mr. Bingley, I have a favor to ask of you. I have spoken to the doctor, and he said my driver will not be able to leave his bed for several days. I have written to my brother in London asking him to come and get me, but I fear that by the time he gets this and can prepare and travel here, it will be Christmas Eve. May I impose on your hospitality until then?" "Miss Sinclair, I would not hear of your brother traveling here only to leave again! Please, I must insist that both of you join us for Christmas. Then you may travel as you wish." She protested, but after much insistence she agreed to change the letter to an invitation, and it was sent as an express to London that very afternoon. Dinner was a pleasant affair, and afterwards the ladies went to the drawing room as the gentleman adjourned to the library for brandy. "Darcy, your friend is an absolute angel. In spirit she reminds me very much of your lady, and she is so beautiful! I am very angry with you for not introducing us before." Darcy laughed. "Well Fitzwilliam, you are now introduced, and if I know Katty� er, Miss Sinclair, I believe she has taken a fancy to you as well. Bingley, what do you say to arranging the seating tomorrow night to place Fitzwilliam a bit nearer Miss Sinclair?" he winked. "Capital idea Darcy! Would you rather be across from her or next to her Colonel?" teased Bingley. Fitzwilliam calmly sipped his brandy. "Across please, so I may admire her fine eyes more," he replied with a pointed look at Darcy. Upon rejoining the ladies, Bingley and Darcy quickly entered and took their seats so that Fitzwilliam had to sit next to Miss Sinclair on a sofa. She blushed becomingly as she greeted him. "Colonel Fitzwilliam! Miss Elizabeth was just telling me that you are son of the Earl of Matlock." He shot Lizzy a grateful look that she acknowledged with a wink. "I believe I have met your brother and his wife in town. Edward, is it not? They were very amiable." "Yes, my family is a friendly sort. My brother was very fortunate in his choice of wife. She is a wonderful lady." They continued chatting and laughing well into the evening, until Elizabeth stood and said regretfully that she and Jane should get home. Everyone expressed their disappointment, but the carriage was sent for. Miss Sinclair chose to stay inside, and Colonel Fitzwilliam stayed with her, as did Georgiana. Mr. Bingley offered Jane his arm and they walked to the carriage together. Darcy did the same for Elizabeth, then placed his other hand over the one linked to his arm. She looked up at him, blushing, then cast down her eyes again. He merely gazed at her, breathing in her scent and engraving her face in his memory. Before helping her into the carriage, and when Jane and Bingley were not paying attention, Darcy took both her hands in his own and kissed them. "Goodnight Miss Bennet. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow." She smiled demurely. "And I you Mr. Darcy, as always." She bit her lip, fearing she had been too forward; he beamed. "I hope you shall always be happy to see me," he replied, his eyes aglow. "Obviously I cannot promise anything, Mr. Darcy," she teased, "but I can say that it has been some time since I have not been happy to see you." She blushed again at how forward she felt. "It makes me very happy to hear you say so, Miss Bennet. I treasure your good opinion." If she could have met his eyes at that moment, she would have seen the look of utter and complete adoration in them. However, she could not, and, feeling too nervous to continue, he wished her a good night and helped her into the carriage. She looked back at him for as long as she could, until finally he was out of sight. Sitting back, she sighed. "Lizzy, is there something you would like to tell me?" Jane teased. "Oh Jane! Do you think Mr. Darcy cares for me? Sometimes I do, and just when I think he will say something of substance, he stops talking altogether. I don't understand him at all!" "Dear Lizzy, be patient. Charles� Mr. Bingley, I mean, said to me that he knows Mr. Darcy is very much in love with you, and he is sure that he will make an offer of his hand very soon." Lizzy smiled, but only looked out the carriage window into the darkness. As Darcy and Bingley returned, Miss Sinclair and Georgiana were declaring their intention to retire for the evening. The gentlemen bowed, and the ladies curtseyed and hurried upstairs, whispering conspiratorially. Colonel Fitzwilliam leaned back on the sofa and sighed. "Darcy, do you think it too soon for me to say that I am in love?" Darcy patted his cousin's shoulder sympathetically. "There, there Fitzwilliam. She will be here for several more days; you will have plenty of time to test your assertion." He ran out of the room, barely missing being hit by the cushion propelling through the air in his direction. Meanwhile, upstairs� "Dear Georgie, do tell me� is your cousin engaged?" "No, he is not. And in fact, I think he is quite enamored with you." "I certainly hope so, or I would be at an unfair disadvantage!" They giggled. "Do be serious Katty! Do you like my cousin?" Miss Sinclair shrugged. "So far, I find him to be quite amiable, and certainly very handsome. I like him very well indeed." She blushed. "But do not even think of playing matchmaker Georgie! We are adults, and can sort out our love lives ourselves, if in fact it comes to that." Georgiana gave her best angelic look. "Not to worry Katty. I will leave you to your own devices." Fortunately, Miss Sinclair did not notice that Georgiana's fingers crossed behind her back. They retired, Georgiana scheming of how to get her good friend and her cousin together. The next day� The sound of a carriage interrupted breakfast at Netherfield the next morning. A servant entered, announcing the arrival of Mr. Edmund Sinclair. Miss Sinclair rose to greet her brother. "Edmund! I did not expect to see you so soon!" They embraced. "When I read your letter I had to hurry here to see my old friends! Darcy, Miss Georgiana, how do you do?" The greeted him happily and introduced him to Bingley and Fitzwilliam. Bingley immediately invited him to join them for breakfast, and was accepted. "Thank you, sir for your offer of hospitality. In truth, when I learned that Kathleen had left for Derbyshire I was very put out, for she was to spend Christmas with me!" he laughed. "It will be nice to spend it with many friends instead." They all enjoyed the company of their new guest very much, though Miss Sinclair and Colonel Fitzwilliam were perhaps a bit less attentive to the proceedings than the others. Bingley explained that he and Darcy usually called on his fianc�e's home in the mornings, but that they were all welcome to join them. The others declined, so the two gentlemen mounted their horses and began riding to Longbourn. "Well Darcy, when do you plan to propose to Miss Elizabeth?" Bingley asked suddenly. Darcy was startled by his friend's directness. "Whatever made you say that Bingley?" he stammered. "Darce� you may think that Jane and I observe nothing, but in fact we notice quite a bit. And we certainly noticed your attentions to her last night. I say, hurry up and go to it, for you do not know just how happy you will be until she accepts. Then the whole world seems to be smiling on you, and you feel that you must smile back!" "You mean I will become like you, a grinning fool?" Darcy teased. "In that case I shall strive never to be so happy, if only to prevent being so ridiculous!" Bingley tried to hit him, but only managed to punch into the air as Darcy laughed at him. Growing serious again, however, he added, "Do not worry my friend, I will do it when the moment is right. It will happen. My attorney has already written up the settlement, and the jewels are in London awaiting my orders. I am only waiting to be sure." "Sure of what Darcy? Miss Elizabeth loves you more than anything in the world, you can be certain of that!" Darcy did not reply, but only smiled pensively. The reached Longbourn and had their usual pleasant visit. After Wickham's disgrace, most of Meryton had become acquainted with at least a partial rendition of what had actually occurred between Wickham and Darcy, excepting the Ramsgate incident, and eyes had turned kindly on Mr. Darcy for the first time. He, in turn, had become much more pleasant in society, and was now becoming quite a favorite. He was pleased that mothers had not been forcing their daughters on him as he had expected, but he did not realize that it was because most people thought that he and Elizabeth would soon have an understanding. The Bennets had especially changed their behavior towards him, and Mr. Bennet thought him to be a most amusing sort of gentleman, and was glad for his intelligent conversation at brandy. Today the gentlemen's visit included an invitation for the entire family to dine at Netherfield with their new guests. Mrs. Bennet declined on behalf of her poor nerves, and Mary claimed that such diversions held no interest for her, but Kitty and Mr. Bennet elected to join Elizabeth and Jane. As they were on their way out, the met with Charlotte Lucas, who had come to visit Elizabeth. Mr. Bingley immediately invited her as well, for he knew she was a young lady of sense and gentility and well-liked by his beloved Jane and her sister. Charlotte at first demurred, not wanting to impose, but Mr. Bingley insisted that she get in the carriage, and he sent a servant to Lucas Lodge to inform them. Charlotte was most impressed by this hospitality. "Jane, this is too much. Mr. Bingley does not owe me any such kindness." Jane smiled. "I believe he greatly enjoys having company at Christmas. He has already invited two guests whom he does not even know to stay at Netherfield, and my entire family!" She explained about the unexpected arrivals, and at last they arrived at Netherfield. Bingley dismounted and helped the ladies out of carriage with the aid of Darcy. With a sudden huge smile, Bingley turned to Jane. "My dear, what would you think if I gave a ball for New Year?" he said with enthusiasm. "We could invite all of Meryton again, and of course the Sinclairs could stay, and�" He rattled on and on, and by the time they arrived in the drawing room he was quite set on the plan. After making all the proper introductions, he rushed off to speak to his housekeeper about preparations. As expected, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Miss Sinclair, and Georgiana were engrossed in conversation, and Mr. Sinclair sat near them, adding to the discussion from time to time. Kitty sat near Georgiana, as she enjoyed the company of young ladies near her own age. Soon she was an enthusiastic participant in their new discussion about the clothes they could all wear to the ball. Darcy and Elizabeth immediately sat together, and were joined by Mr. Bennet and Charlotte. The latter found the only available seat to be next to Mr. Sinclair, and so in between two conversations. She grew tired of hearing about books, and he grew tired of hearing about ball gowns, so he initiated his own conversation with Charlotte. Much to his surprise, he found they had quite matching dispositions and tempers, and she found herself enjoying their chat just as much. Bingley returned and took his place next to Jane, announcing that the ball would be on New Year's Day, and all were invited to stay through then. The Sinclairs were especially encouraged, and accepted the invitation, much to everyone's satisfaction. Several days later� At last it was Christmas, and the Bennets were to arrive at Netherfield at any moment. Darcy paced nervously in his room, the newly arrived jewels sitting on his bed. He had decided that today he would propose to Elizabeth, speak to her father, and make the announcement. It was perfect. There was fresh snow on the ground, creating a perfect atmosphere. He would take her out to the garden and hand her his gift. She would open it and find the jewels inside. He would drop to his knees and express all of the feelings that had long been in his heart. He would beg her to be his wife. And then� well, he did not let himself linger on what her response would be. He was too fearful that if he let himself imagine it, she might say no and he would lose his nerve. No, it must be done, and today! he resolved. At the sound of the carriage wheels that announced the arrival of the Bennets, he ran down the stairs, determined to be there to greet Elizabeth as she entered the house. Bingley was already there welcoming his guests and showing them into the drawing room. Before Elizabeth could even enter the house, Darcy claimed her attention. He held one arm behind his back and offered her the other. "Miss Bennet, before we go in, may I claim a turn in the garden with you?" PART VIII (Conclusion) "Miss Bennet, before we go in, may I claim a turn in the garden with you?" Darcy asked nervously. "Of course Mr. Darcy. I love the snow." Her smile was so bright that he nearly lost his composure. He offered her his arm and, placing his hand on hers, led her around to the garden. At last he stopped underneath an archway in the garden and turned to her. Clearing his throat, he spoke. "Miss Bennet, we have known each other for some months now." He paused, as if to ask her confirmation. "Yes we have sir," she replied with confusion. "Em, yes, well� and in that time we have become good friends I think." "I hope so, yes." She appeared slightly disappointed at this comment, which confused him slightly. He hoped that she was disappointed at being called only a friend. "I am glad." Pause. "However, I no longer wish us to be friends." Now she was really confused. Wonderful Darcy, make her think that you want nothing more to do with her. Excellent way with words you have. He pulled the package from behind his back. "This is for you." She took the package timidly, and unwrapped it slowly. She looked at him strangely when she realized that it was a jewelry box. "Open it," he urged. She lifted the lid of the box and gasped at its contents. Inside were a bracelet, necklace, earrings, and a ring, all gold and diamonds. She looked up at him with wide eyes. "What is this?" she asked. He took one of her hands and kissed it tenderly. "Miss Bennet� Elizabeth, these jewels were left to me by my mother to be given to my future wife." She gasped. "I was hoping that you would do me the honor of wearing them." She looked back and forth from the jewels, to him, back at the jewels, back at him. Her silence made him nervous, so he spoke more. "Elizabeth, I can barely remember a time when I have not loved you. My life was an empty shell before meeting you, and it is only in your company that I feel truly whole. I beg you to relieve my suffering and consent to be my wife," he cried with such emotion that he startled himself. His eyes were shining with tears, and when she met his gaze she saw that he truly was suffering; suffering from fear that she would not accept him. She smiled lovingly at him. "Mr. Darcy, the honor of wearing these is all mine. I accept your proposal gratefully and wholeheartedly. I�"she paused, blushing, "I love you too, so very much." His happiness at this reply was such as he had never felt before, and he expressed himself on the occasion as sensibly and as warmly as a man violently in love can be supposed to do. He very improperly pulled her to him, embracing her as if he expected her to disappear as so many of his dream Elizabeths had. This one, however, was real; and she returned his embrace as tightly. At last pulling away slightly, he gazed down at her and put his fingers under her chin, forcing her to look at him. Rather than being "missish" and demurely looking away, she met his stare equally. He leaned down and softly kissed her lips. Unfortunately for him, he had not realized that, instead of satisfying the urgent need he had felt for her lips, his action had only increased that need. As she did not pull back, but rather, returned his first kiss, he leaned down again with increased ardor. She held him tightly and again kissed him with equal passion. At last he realized that if he did not stop it would become more difficult, and his trousers would betray their actions quite embarrassingly. With a few tender pecks, he ended their passionate embrace with her face in his hands. "Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth, how long I have waited for that moment. I adore you, love you more than life itself!" He dropped to his knees and clutched her skirt. She leaned down, kissing and stroking his hair. Finally, she stepped slightly away and extended her hand to help him up. "Come Mr. Darcy, we should probably go in the house before we are missed." "Elizabeth� please call me Fitzwilliam." "Alright," she smiled. "Come Fitzwilliam, let us go in the house." Again he misjudged his ability to control himself; the very sound of her voice saying his name drove him into another frenzy, and he pulled her into a second long, passionate kiss. If she had intended to resist, the intention was completely forgotten as soon as their lips touched. After several moments they again parted. He gave her one more loving look, then took her hand and walked beside her into the house. Georgiana saw them first, having decided to go out and find them. She took one look at them and broke into joyous hysterics. "Oh Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth! I am so happy!" she cried, and ran to embrace them. Darcy looked at her in amazement. "How did you know?" he asked curiously. "I could just tell by the looks on your faces� and the fact that you are holding hands and Lizzy is holding mother's jewelry box," replied the sly Georgiana. Elizabeth laughed. "I believe your sister is cleverer than you give her credit for, Mr. Darcy," she teased. "Fitzwilliam," he corrected. "Fitzwilliam," she repeated softly, a rosy blush coloring her cheeks. Her hand shifted to his arm before they entered the drawing room, and Darcy immediately sought out Mr. Bennet for a private audience. After a few moments closeted together in the library, the gentlemen returned. "May I have everyone's attention please?" Mr. Bennet addressed the company. All eyes turned to him. "I am very pleased to announce the engagement of my daughter Elizabeth to Mr. Darcy." Exclamations of joy and congratulations broke from the group, with the most delight coming from Bingley and Jane. "Oh Lizzy," Jane said softly as she hugged her sister tightly, "you shall be as happy as I, I am sure." Elizabeth acknowledged that she would, although in her mind she was certain that she would be even happier. Darcy could not help smiling widely the entire evening, confirming Bingley's prediction, and his own that he would become a "grinning fool". The theory was put forth that his teeth had never been bared for so long a time in his life. One week later, Netherfield, New Year Ball� Darcy could not believe his good fortune. For several days he feared that all had been a dream from which he would soon awaken. It took several more passionate kisses from Elizabeth to convince him that their engagement was indeed a reality. It had been decided that they were to have a double wedding with Jane and Bingley in February, but to the couple it seemed an eternity away. They were, however, determined to enjoy their courtship as much as they could in the presence of her vulgar relations and their effusions of joy. Tonight was to be their first opportunity to dance together as a couple, and he wanted to claim her hand for every dance; knowing this to be improper, however, he arranged for Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mr. Bennet, and Bingley to stand up with her for the ones he could not have. She was amused but flattered by his jealousy, and in return insisted that he only stand up with herself, her sisters, and Georgiana; he, of course, readily consented. At last the evening arrived for the ball, and Darcy made an effort to be as handsome as he could for Elizabeth, who was planning on doing the same for him. He was not truly prepared for the sight he saw when he helped her out of her carriage. She wore a silk gown of deep burgundy, covered with a cloak of the same shade. Rosebuds and ribbons were intertwined in her hair. She was absolutely breathtaking, and it was all he could do not to carry her away to Gretna Green at that moment. She smiled dazzlingly at him, weakening his composure even further, but he somehow managed to pull himself together and escort her into the ballroom. Netherfield looked wonderful for the occasion, even better than in November. In Darcy's mind, everything was perfect; in fact, everything had seemed perfect since Elizabeth had accepted his proposal. Much as they felt like it, however, Darcy and Elizabeth were not the only couple in the world. In fact, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Sinclair had been paying a great deal of attention to each other. Miss Sinclair was the heiress of a large fortune comparable to Georgiana's, and so did not need to worry about marrying for wealth. Being the younger son of an earl and related to the families of DeBourgh and Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam had excellent connections. Speculation had already begun about their domestic bliss, as Meryton had become wedding-crazed in the past few weeks. Kathleen was not the only Sinclair who seemed to be enjoying the company of a particular friend. To the surprise of many, Edmund Sinclair had been spending a good deal of time in the company of Charlotte Lucas, and had even been to call on her at Lucas Lodge. The evening was a magical one. Charlotte Lucas had never been romantic, but she felt that she had finally met someone she could admire and respect, and perhaps even love. Edmund claimed her hand for several dances, and she happily accepted him. Colonel Fitzwilliam gave an equal amount of attention to Miss Sinclair; overall, both Sinclairs were by now quite happy that their carriage had turned over, for their driver was recovered and they were able to spend the holiday season with old and new friends. Even Georgiana seemed to come out of her shell, and Mary danced two dances. Bingley's second ball at Netherfield was declared a tremendous success. February 23rd, Longbourn Elizabeth and Jane could not sleep the night before their wedding. Their mother had given them an idea of what to expect on their wedding night, but fortunately their aunt talked to them afterwards to give them much better hopes of what they were to discover. Jane was nervous, as she and Bingley had only shared the briefest, chastest of kisses. Elizabeth was also slightly nervous, but more excited at the prospect of what would happen when Darcy did not have to stop himself at passionate kisses. For as long as they could not sleep, the sisters talked of everything they could think of; they spoke of their hopes and dreams of marriage, of their family, their future homes, in short, of everything but that which was most on their minds. At last sleep found them, in enough time to allow them to be wide awake when it was time to prepare for the wedding. The ladies were acknowledged by all to look more beautiful than ever, and when they reached the church their future husbands' jaws dropped in awe of their brides. Darcy tried thousands of distractions to keep from imagining what the night would have in store, and often found himself looking at Caroline Bingley repeatedly to cool his passions. At last he calmed himself and turned his attention to the ceremony. In what seemed like an amazingly short time, Elizabeth was declared to be his wife. He slowly turned to look at her tenderly, scarcely believing that she was his at last. The wedding breakfast passed at an insanely slow pace for Darcy's liking, but finally they were able to get in their carriage and go to London, where they were to spend the wedding night. After a few tearful goodbyes, Elizabeth settled back and looked at her new husband with delight. He kissed her hand. "Well Mrs. Darcy? Are you happy?" She laughed. "Mrs. Darcy� I fear I am not yet used to that appellation. Mmm� Mrs. Darcy." She smiled warmly at him. "Yes, I am unimaginably happy." "Actually my dear, I think I can quite imagine how happy you are." He touched her cheek and kissed her. She did not allow him to pull back, but ran her fingers through his curls and pulled him close again. His other arm went around her back as he pressed himself against her. Only the carriage running over a bump interrupted them. "Mrs. Darcy," he said laughingly, "I do not think the carriage is the appropriate place for this!" "Why, Mr. Darcy, I am shocked. I wanted merely to kiss my darling husband." "Yes my love, but your darling husband is having a very difficult time merely kissing you." His eyes burned with desire, and he wished most fervently that the carriage would hurry up and reach London. At last they arrived at his- no, their- townhouse. He realized that he would have to introduce her to the staff and show her around the house, then have dinner, adding another few hours to their day. He sighed his dismay as they exited the carriage, but bore it as cheerfully as he could. The housekeeper managed to get everything done surprising quickly, and finally hurrying Darcy upstairs, she said to him with a wink, "Now you have a lovely night Mr. Darcy. Your wife is a wonderful lady." He thanked her and showed Elizabeth to her chamber. "Shall I come to you in half an hour?" he asked nervously. She nodded her ascent and pushed him out to his own chamber. At the appointed time he softly rapped on her door. Elizabeth softly called to him to come in; she was brushing her hair. Darcy merely took in the sight at first, then moved towards her. He took the brush from her hand and took over the job of brushing her hair. She closed her eyes as a small grin appeared on her lips. Her husband eventually put the brush down and sat beside her on the settee. He took both her hands in his and kissed them over and over. "My dear, dear Elizabeth. Oh my love!" He kissed her lips, her face, her neck. She held him close, kissing him back whenever she could. Not able to hold back anymore, he took Elizabeth in his arms and carried her to their bed� EPILOGUE After several taxing months at Netherfield, the Bingleys moved to an estate not twenty miles from Pemberley, allowing Jane and Elizabeth to be near each other always. Mary had become Mrs. Collins and gone into Kent just after the ball, but was forced to return to Hertfordshire for a time with her husband after Lady Catherine learned of her nephew's engagement to Mary's sister. After their solemn promises to Lady Catherine that they looked on the match as she did, she allowed them to return. Soon after his cousin's wedding, Colonel Fitzwilliam proposed to and was accepted by Kathleen Sinclair. Her brother continued his acquaintance with Charlotte Lucas for several months before asking her to be his wife. Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy agreed that while all of these couples were very well suited for each other, they alone could claim the title of happiest couple in all the world. THE END |
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