Beginning, Part Two, Section IV, Next Section

Chapter 17

Posted on December 4, 2009

Elizabeth was pleased the next day to receive letters from Jane, Emily and Georgiana. She took them outside to the terrace and sat down to read them; she was intrigued as to why Georgiana's appeared so thick but decided that she had been neglecting her Hertfordshire friends and opened Jane's letter first. It was much as Elizabeth had expected it to be and she was just thinking how nice it was to hear of home when she stumbled across the next passage-

Mr Bingley has not yet returned from town. Mama is quite beside herself currently at the thought of his disappearing for so long again and has been rather vocal in her lamentations. Aunt Philips has attempted to comfort her by pointing out that none of the staff have left, nor has the house been shut up; mama, however, seems determined to despair. Of particular distress is the thought that he has remained in town with the Darcy's, particularly Miss Darcy. She remembers what Miss Bingley said about a match between her brother and her friend and is quite convinced that Miss Darcy has "captured" him. I personally do not share her beliefs and have attempted to tell her so but it is of little use, I fear. She will remain this way, no doubt, until Mr Bingley returns.

Elizabeth could have strangled Mr Bennet right then and there. He may have been her father's friend, but she was ashamed of him for sporting with his wife for the sake of his own enjoyment, and at the expense of his daughter's feelings. Stupid man!

Wanting to write back to Jane as soon as possible and assure her of Mr Bingley's intention to return, Elizabeth hurried to read through Emily's letter (full of news of her sister and nephew but nothing that required a reply as urgent as Jane's) and then turned to Georgiana's. She broke the seal and opened the envelope, surprised to find four letters inside. She pulled them out and looked at them; the first was addressed to her in Georgiana's hand, the second to her father in Mr Darcy's hand and the third...to her in Mr Darcy's hand.

Elizabeth was so glad that she had found a moment alone to open her letters else she was sure her blush would have given her away. What could it mean? She looked at the final letter and found that it blank and she was even more confused. Deciding that she needed more privacy she gathered up all her papers and hurried upstairs to her room.

Taking a moment to compose herself Elizabeth decided to start with Georgiana's letter, no matter how much she may have wished to jump to Mr Darcy's.

Dear Elizabeth,

I am happy to report that it worked! I took your advice and gave William a good talking to and not only did he listen to me, he has actually amended his behaviour. He has been eating more and working less and has only sat with Richard during the night once in the past week. Fate has conspired against us however, as Richard has recently taken a turn for the worse; William is now more worried that ever but at least he is taking better care of himself.

My aunt has also taken the time to visit her son; the first time she saw him was so awful for her but she has since come to realise that her son is alive, and that she must be thankful for that (she told me this herself- I have not become so wise overnight!). My uncle and cousin seem to be coping better as well, though we are still far from being a happy party. Mr Bingley has visited us on a few occasions and has also succeeded in raising William's spirits, though his own are somewhat affected by some problems with his business that will delay his return to Hertfordshire even longer.

How are you and your father? I hope your journey to Dorset was uneventful and that you arrived safely. Are your friends all as you remember them? I suppose you must have been busy becoming reacquainted this week- five years is such a very long time to be apart! But how exciting for them to have been on the continent for so long; I long to see more of Europe, though of course that is not possible at the moment. Hopefully when I am older!

Well, I suppose that is all of my news. We're very quiet here as you can imagine; I long to hear from you soon Elizabeth! You must tell me all about your friends and their adventures. William says hello.

Yours,

Georgiana Darcy.

Saddened by the news that Colonel Fitzwilliam was not any better, Elizabeth laid aside Georgiana's letter and looked at the one from Mr Darcy. His sister had given no indication as to why he may be writing to Elizabeth, and indeed did not seem to be aware of it at all. After pondering what it all meant for a moment more Elizabeth reached for the letter, deciding that there was only one way to find out, not at all sure what to expect.

Dear Miss Casterton,

Firstly, I wish to thank you for your advice to my sister. I must admit that I was somewhat taken aback by her sudden assertiveness (and cannot say that I entirely approve of your encouraging such insubordination) by have since recognised the truth of her arguments, as well as the distress I was inadvertently causing her with my behaviour. You will be happy to hear that I have amended my ways.

My desire to thank you was not my only reason for writing to you. My last moments with you in Hertfordshire have greatly occupied my thoughts these past few weeks and I want you to know that I meant every word I said to you then. I am not a man usually prone to such impetuosity, such recklessness, but I cannot regret following my heart on this occasion. You cannot know how the thought of you has comforted me during my darker hours here.

I do not doubt that your father will have shared with you the details of my cousin's condition. He has a fever now and the doctor fears infection; we are in need of your prayers more than ever.

I hope you will forgive me if I have offended you by writing to you in such a manner; I simply could not remain silent when there is so much I have to say.

Yours,

Fitzwilliam Darcy

Elizabeth tingled and broke out in goose bumps as she reached the end of the letter, greatly affected by his honesty and his sentiments. When he spoke of his cousin his unhappiness was obvious and Elizabeth was filled with the need to be there for him as he had been there for her so often in the past. Realising there was still more to read, she took up the letter once more.

The note included with the other letters is for your father. The decision to tell him about this letter I leave to you. If you do decide that you wish him to know, I have attached the note explaining that it was I who wrote first to you and asking for his permission to continue a correspondence. Were I in his place I would most likely call me out for such presumption, but I respect your father too much to deceive him.

Goodness! Elizabeth starred at the letter in her hand, trying to make sense of her feelings. She instinctively felt how much it must have taken for him to overcome his sense of propriety and write to her. That his feelings for her were so strong was a compliment she felt keenly and she was overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude that this man should love her; she felt that she did not deserve him and yet knew that she would never give him up.

Turning to the note he had written to her father, Elizabeth knew she had to decide whether to share the truth with him. She smiled at the irony of Mr Darcy acting so honourably whilst doing something distinctly dishonourable and could not help but be pleased with his evident respect and esteem for her father (who in her opinion was more than deserving). There was no question as to whether or not she would reply to his letter; after what he had confessed it would have been heartless and cruel to disregard his feelings. But what to tell her father?

Elizabeth was so preoccupied with her dilemma that she did not hear the knock at her door. She visibly jumped in her seat when Maria stepped into the room and spoke to her.

"Oh!" Maria exclaimed on seeing her reaction, smiling. "Forgive me Lizzy, I did not mean to startle you."

"It is my fault," Elizabeth assured her, attempting to discreetly tuck her letter away. "I was lost in thought."

"Not bad news I hope?" Maria asked, indicating the letters as she came forward. She took a seat nearby as Elizabeth replied,

"Somewhat," Elizabeth admitted. "Mr Bennet is being his usual self and distressing his wife and daughter, and Colonel Fitzwilliam has suffered a setback."

"And how are Miss Darcy and Mr Darcy?" Maria asked carefully. "This must be very hard for them."

"Yes," Elizabeth agreed with a sigh, thinking of Mr Darcy's letter. "Georgiana was somewhat worried that her brother was not taking care of himself when they first reached town but he has since taken note of her concern and acted accordingly. And it seems as though the rest of their family have finally overcome their initial shock and are helping see to the Colonel's care rather than simply leaving it all to Mr Darcy."

Maria wondered whether Elizabeth was aware of how she sounded and smiled at the happy thought that she had found a gentleman to love. Maria knew of her husband and stepson's hopes with regards to Elizabeth but had always secretly thought that Alex was confusing affection with love. He had built their relationship up in his mind during their time apart, forgetting that he and Elizabeth had been like brother and sister before he left and that a lot could change in five years. He would realise soon enough that Elizabeth was not the one for him; and her husband would have to be content with their choice.

Returning to the subject at hand, Maria smiled sympathetically and said, "I hope that Colonel Fitzwilliam recovers; he seemed a lovely gentleman when I met him. Are he and his cousin at all alike?"

"No," Elizabeth replied with a light laugh. "Not at all; though Mr Darcy has become more inclined to tease on closer acquaintance. Colonel Fitzwilliam though is much more jovial than his cousin. He reminds me of Mr Bingley in some respects."

"Mr Bingley?" Maria inquired.

"The current tenant at Netherfield," Elizabeth explained. "He took the lease last year and has been a delightful neighbour. He and Jane Bennet are...my father and I expect an announcement very soon," she confided with a happy smile.

"Oh, how wonderful," Maria replied. "Jane is such a lovely girl; I can well imagine the sort of man to have won her heart."

"They are perfectly suited to one another," Elizabeth agreed. "I wish them all the happiness in the world."

Maria nodded her agreement, silently wondering how to broach the subject she needed to discuss with Elizabeth. Fortunately Elizabeth gave her the opening she needed when she asked,

"Did father seem well to you this morning at breakfast? I thought he was a little subdued. And he has since gone into hiding."

"He is in the library," Maria replied with a smile. "I would hardly say that constitutes hiding."

"We have been here less than two weeks," Elizabeth reminded her. "And have been apart from you for five years; going off alone to read a book most decidedly constitutes hiding in this instance."

Maria bowed to Elizabeth's superior knowledge of her father and admitted, "Lewis and I spoke to him last night of returning to town with us; I believe it raised some unpleasant memories."

"Ah," Elizabeth breathed. "Now I understand. What did he say?"

"He was reluctant, naturally," Maria replied before adding, "but did not seem wholly opposed to the scheme. He was more worried about you than himself, I daresay."

"Me?" Elizabeth repeated, surprised. She shook her head and admitted, "I am more worried about him."

"I suspected that would be the case," Maria replied sagely. "You are both too concerned with the other to put yourselves first."

"Is that such a bad thing?" Elizabeth argued a tad defensively. Few people understood the relationship between her and her father and she did not like to hear it questioned.

"No, not at all," Maria assured her gently, pressing her hand for a moment. "But it does make it hard to discern what either of you really wants."

"And what do you think he really wants?" Elizabeth questioned.

"I think he wants you to be happy," Maria replied. "And will do what is necessary to ensure that you are. At the same time, however, I believe he is happy as he is and does not...relish the thought of returning to town."

"And what do you think I really want?" Elizabeth asked with a slight smile, impressed that Maria had so easily understood her father's conflicting desires.

"I think that you want him to be happy," Maria began, "and to spare him any more hurt. That being said, I think you are also tired of hiding and want to show people that you have nothing to be ashamed of."

"And I suspect there is also another reason why you should wish to travel to town," Maria added quietly after a moment's silence, looking at the pile of letters and then back to the now blushing Elizabeth.

"Is it that obvious?" Elizabeth murmured, wondering if everyone knew.

"To us who know you well, I daresay it is," Maria admitted before smiling tenderly and adding, "if only because of the novelty of seeing you in love."

"I would dearly love to see him again," Elizabeth agreed shyly. "And Georgiana as well," she added quickly.

"Of course," Maria agreed knowingly, smiling as Elizabeth blushed even redder. She sobered though to ask, "Are you quite certain? About going to town; people will be unkind and you will no doubt hear things that will upset you. Are you sure you are ready to face them?"

"As long as you and Uncle Lewis are there to help, I am sure father and I can do it," Elizabeth replied resolutely. She became thoughtful for a moment before admitting, "I realise also that it is something that I need to do; I can hardly ask that he not feel ashamed of me when I act as though I am ashamed of myself."

Maria did not have to ask who "he" was and was proud of Elizabeth's determination and maturity.

"I need to speak to father about this," Elizabeth went on. "I won't do anything without his blessing and approval."

Realising that she was speaking of more than just going to town, Elizabeth asked for a moment to finish reading her letters. Maria was happy to leave her be and went to join the rest of her family. Gathering up the note from Darcy and the letter addressed to her father, Elizabeth hurried downstairs to the library before she could lose her nerve.

Her father was not wholly surprised by her appearance, but her subsequent actions were somewhat bemusing. She closed the door firmly behind her and walked to where he sat, then took the chair opposite his, fiddled around for a few moments before abruptly standing again and agitatedly pacing in front of the hearth.

Lord Casterton watched all this with confusion before eventually asking, "Whatever is the matter?"

"Mr Darcy has written to me," Elizabeth blurted out suddenly, flushing red as soon as she had done so.

Her father's face hardened for a moment. "Has he indeed," he stated evenly, rising from his chair. His eyes flicked to the letters in her hand. "Is that it there?"

"N-no," Elizabeth stuttered. "These are for you. One is in reply to the last letter you sent him; the other he sent to me to give to you if I decided to tell you about his letter."

Her father held out his hand and Elizabeth handed him the letters. She was somewhat unnerved by his reaction, worried that he would be angry with Mr Darcy and forbid her from speaking to him. What if he were to forbid her from seeing him? Elizabeth had no experience when it came to suitors and could not know how her father would act, he having had no reason in the past to exercise this aspect of his fatherly authority. She waited for him to read his letters, working herself into a fine state in the process.

Lord Casterton opened and skimmed through the first missive, setting aside the news of Colonel Fitzwilliam and the Matlock family for another time. The letter concluded and he was about to cast it aside when he noticed there was a lengthy postscript.

My lord, I know of no other way to say this so I shall simply be honest. I have written to your daughter. It was wrong, I know it was wrong of me to do so but I have done it anyway. My reasons for having done so are numerous, the most pressing of which being the fact that I love your daughter. I fully intend, when I next see you again, to ask for your permission to marry her, and when I see Miss Casterton again, to earn the honour of her hand. Not that writing to her will help further my suit with you in anyway; I simply wish you to know that I am not toying with your daughter and am serious in my intentions towards her. She means more to me than I ever thought possible.

My respect for you both left me conflicted as to how to go about this; I did not wish to go over her head by writing to you first for your permission to correspond with her, but then neither did I wish to disrespect you as her father by concealing the truth. In the end I decided to include this note to you explaining what I had done whilst also attaching a note to the letter I sent to your daughter, explaining that it was for you and that it was her choice whether or not to give it to you. I am uncomfortable at having deceived your daughter in such a manner and hope that she will forgive me. As I hope that you will forgive me for acting in such a way. As Georgiana's guardian I would not look kindly upon a gentleman who had done such a thing and I am not entirely sure why I expect you to treat me any differently. All I can say is that I love your daughter my lord and would never do anything to hurt her.

F.Darcy.

Lord Casterton took a moment to digest this and then opened the other note; it was much the same as the postscript and he looked between the two, lost in thought. Elizabeth eventually pulled him back to his situation when she tentatively ventured,

"Papa? Won't you say something?"

"What would you have me say?" He replied heavily. He shook his head and sighed. "I'm disappointed in you Elizabeth."

"Why?" Elizabeth cried. "I do not understand. I told you the truth."

"About this," Lord Casterton waved Darcy's note. "But I have no doubt that you have been keeping things from me. You made me believe that nothing was settled when it came to Mr Darcy, and yet it is evident that you have already made a decision regarding him. What has happened that you have not told me about?"

"I..." Elizabeth stammered, reluctant to confess the whole truth about their last encounter in Hertfordshire. "Nothing happened, not really."

"Elizabeth," her father intoned sternly. "I want the truth."

"He told me he loves me," Elizabeth finally admitted, conceding defeat. If it meant she would be allowed to write back to Mr Darcy, it would be worth any embarrassment. "And that he intends to return and win my hand. And then he...he kissed me," she added in a small voice, flushing at the memory and avoiding looking at her father.

"It appears as though I need to have words with Mr Darcy when next I see him," Lord Casterton muttered to himself; he wasn't angry, at least not really.

"Oh father, please don't," Elizabeth argued. "It wasn't very improper and I liked...um...that is to say, I did not discourage him."

Lord Casterton did not think he had ever seen his daughter looking so embarrassed and wondered if it were possible for her to go any redder.

"So, you love him as well then," he surmised once his amusement had subsided.

"I do," Elizabeth breathed. "You of all people know that I have not always loved him, but I do now, so very dearly. He is truly the best man I have ever known."

"Albeit with a cavalier attitude towards the rules of propriety," her father reminded her, waving the letter to illustrate his point.

Elizabeth bit her lip and waited, sensing that her father's initial disapproval was giving way.

"I wish you had confided in me Elizabeth," he sighed after a long moment. "Though I suppose my days as your confidant are numbered."

"No," Elizabeth protested, hurrying to him. "You will always be my confidant. Do you think I could cast you aside so easily?" She asked, shaking her head. "I love you papa and I always will. I love you both."

Her father nodded, unable to speak past the lump in his throat. He drew her into his arms to spare his pride and blinked rapidly to clear away the tears. "I hope you know that I will demand a ridiculously long engagement," he tried to joke.

Elizabeth chuckled and reminded him, "He has yet to propose father; I daresay we have a while yet before we have to speak of weddings and engagements."

"I would not be so sure," Lord Casterton sighed, thinking of what Darcy had said in his letter. His days as the number one man in his daughter's life were numbered and he knew it.

"I suppose this means that you want to go to town with the others," he pointed out after a moment, trying to keep his reluctance hidden.

"Only if you wish it also," Elizabeth replied, leaning back so that she could see his face. "I would not have you do anything that would make you unhappy."

"But what would make you happy, Lizzy?" Her father challenged in reply. "Forget about me for the moment; what do you want to do?"

"I..." Elizabeth hesitated for a moment before admitting. "I would like to go to town and see Mr Darcy."

"I thought as much," Lord Casterton replied, nodding his head in resignation. "Then to town we shall go."

"Thank you papa," Elizabeth whispered, laying her cheek against his chest. "I promise I won't let anything happen to you."

Lord Casterton chuckled to himself. "I believe I am the one who is supposed to make that promise my dear."

"We'll take care of each other," Elizabeth agreed. "Like always."

"Yes," her father breathed, thinking that the responsibility would soon belong to another. The thought recalled to him Darcy's letter and the request that had been made. "Do you wish to reply to Darcy's letter?"

Elizabeth's head popped up as she quickly replied, "Could I?"

"Yes," her father granted his permission with a sigh. "Though there is no need for subterfuge; bring your letters to me when they are done and I will send them along with my own."

Something in his tone made Elizabeth ask, "Are you going to, well, tell him off?"

"I daresay I could never "tell off" a man like Darcy," her father replied wryly before admitting, "but I do mean to give him a piece of my mind. It is none of your concern," he added sternly when she looked about to protest.

Elizabeth closed her mouth and nodded dutifully, deciding to be happy with his decision to allow her to reply to Mr Darcy's letter.

"I got a letter from Jane today," she remembered suddenly, surprising her father with the abrupt change of subject. "Mr Bennet, it seems, has neglected to share Mr Bingley's plans with his family, despite the gentleman writing to him weeks ago. Mrs Bennet is beside herself and Jane appears quite exasperated."

"Things must be bad if Jane seems annoyed," her father noted worriedly. "Are you going to write and reassure her?"

"Yes," Elizabeth assured him before adding, "and I wish you could write to Mr Bennet and tell him off too! Honestly, I do not understand him; he thinks of nothing but his own amusement."

"He can be annoyingly perverse, when the mood takes him," Lord Casterton agreed with resignation born of years of friendship.

"Well I am going to write to Jane and tell her the truth which will undoubtedly spoil his fun and bring the wrath of his wife down upon him," Elizabeth replied with a wicked smile. "And it will serve him right."

Lord Casterton laughed just as the door to the library opened and the Duke entered.

"Ah, here you are!" He came forward and looked between the pair with a smile. "You've managed to cheer the old goat up I see Lizzy; well done."

"Old goat!" Lord Casterton choked on a laugh, amused and appalled at this description of himself.

"On that note," Elizabeth managed, trying desperately not to laugh. "I shall take my leave."

She hurried from the room and the two men smiled as they heard her giggles echoing in the hall. Lord Casterton turned to his friend and asked, "Was that for her benefit, or mine?"

"Both, I imagine," Lewis replied succinctly. "Maria told me she had seen Elizabeth head this way; I think I can guess the topic of your conversation."

"We did speak about going to town," Lord Casterton affirmed before adding, "though that was not all."

"Oh?"

"Yes," Lord Casterton breathed; he smiled a tad hesitantly as he admitted, "we spoke also of Mr Darcy."

Lewis nodded to the letters his friend was holding, "You have heard from him again I see; how is his cousin?"

"Not well, I'm afraid. But that was not why we were speaking of him," Lord Casterton went on.

"I suppose Lizzy heard from his sister too," Lewis guessed before his friend could speak.

"Lewis!" Lord Casterton chuckled, exasperated at his friend's lack of perception. He really wasn't taking the hint. "Just shut up for a moment and let me speak; Elizabeth and I were speaking of Darcy because it is very likely when we travel to town that the two of them will come to an understanding."

"I thought you said nothing was settled between them!" Lewis protested.

"Apparently Elizabeth feels more for him than I was aware," Lord Casterton admitted. "And Darcy has made his intentions very clear."

Lewis harrumphed and turned away, not at all pleased with this turn of events. "I was looking forward to having her as a daughter in law," he complained after a moment. "Now I will have to tolerate some silly little chit without an ounce of sense."

Lord Casterton chuckled and pointed out, "I wouldn't let your son hear you insulting his intelligence like that. I have no doubt he has enough sense to find himself a good wife."

"Yes, I suppose you're right," Lewis granted with a sigh. He smiled slightly as he pointed out, "Maria will never let me hear the end of this."

They shared a laugh before Lord Casterton asked with concern, "Does Alex care very much for her? I know he values her highly as a friend, but I do not wish to see him hurt."

"To be perfectly honest," Lewis admitted with a slight frown. "I am not entirely sure how he feels about her. I know he is aware of my wishes, but beyond that...I'm afraid I do not really know. I hope for his sake that his feelings do go beyond that of friendship," he concluded with a troubled frown.

"As do I," Lord Casterton agreed. "For all our sakes. Elizabeth would hate to hurt him in anyway, as would I."

Lewis nodded thoughtfully, accepting his friend's words. He needed to sit down and have a talk with his son to avoid what could be a very painful and awkward situation. Pushing the thought aside for the moment, he turned back to his friend and noted,

"So, I suspect this means you will be joining us in town. I daresay I can let you in on my plans if that is the case."

"What plans?" Lord Casterton asked, intrigued.

"For Maria's birthday," Lewis replied, looking pleased with himself. "We shall be having a dinner on the day but I am going to host a ball in her honour as well."

"Aww, you old romantic," Lord Casterton teased. "I'm sure she'll be delighted. I assume she doesn't know?"

"Not yet, though I will have to tell her soon so she can have a gown made for herself and have some things made Sophia so that she doesn't regret not being able to attend too much. I am sure Elizabeth will enjoy shopping with them," he added, making his friend chuckle.

"Oh, no doubt! She denies it but I know she enjoys new dresses as much as any girl. And of course it pleases me to do it."

"There is something special about treating the loved ones in your life," Lewis agreed, smiling. "If only for the pride of seeing them put the rest of the company to shame."

"We have become sentimental in our old age," Lord Casterton noted, knowing that his own smile probably matched the tender one of his friend's face.

They were joined then by the three ladies in question and Lewis looked to his friend and replied, "Ah, but who could blame us?"

With a noise of frustration Elizabeth screwed up the sheet of paper and added it the ever growing pile beside her on the bench. She had promptly written and sent her replies to Jane and Emily's letters, and Georgiana's reply sat waiting to be sent as well; the final and arguably most important letter, however, still remained to be written and the pile of discarded attempts beside her was evidence of her lack of success. Realising that she only had one sheet left, Elizabeth sighed and took up her pen once more, telling herself that this time round she would get it right.

Dear Mr Darcy,

I believe this is the most difficult letter I have ever attempted to write. This is at least the fifth draft and, since I have presently exhausted my supply of paper, shall have to be the last. I hereby apologise for any subsequent incoherency, of which I am sure there will be plenty. I can barely order my thoughts but am conscious of having kept you waiting long enough.

Let me say first how saddened I was to hear that your cousin has not improved. You have all my prayers, for as long as you need them, whatever they are worth. I can only hope, with all my heart, that he will be well.

I was pleased to hear, however, that you have been taking better care of yourself. I refuse to apologise for encouraging such insubordination, as you call it, when it has led to such success. I believe you were the one to originally suggest that your sister would benefit from her friendship with me; you reap what you sow, my dear sir.

I suppose I should tell you that my father is aware of your original letter and I write this reply with his permission. I feel that I should warn you, however, that his generosity only extends so far; namely to me, but not to you. Beyond a mild reprimand for not being entirely honest with him, he let me go unscathed; I am afraid that you are to bear the brunt of his ire when he writes to you, and when we next see one another. I did ask him not to be too harsh with you and I hope you will not take offence; he is very protective of me, as you undoubtedly already know.

I hope that your cousin has improved by the time this letter reaches you; I hope also that you remember to take care of yourself. I should not like to hear of your becoming ill as well.

We shall be in town at the end of next month with the Fraiser's. I look forward to seeing you then, but until then I look forward to your reply.

With love,

Elizabeth.

Was it too bold? Elizabeth read over what she had written, trying to decide whether she had been too forward, whether her adieu was too much. She blushed and bit her lip as she tried to decide whether with regards would have been better than with love, realising as she did so that however bold it may have been, his writing to her in the first place was bolder still. He had taken the first step, been the first to reach out; was it not her turn to show him that the gesture was appreciated, that her feelings were equal to his?

Folding the letter and placing it in its envelope before she could change her mind, Elizabeth tucked it away in the pocket of her morning dress and scooped up her earlier attempts, dropping them into the fire, thankful that the weather was dreary and wet and there was actually a fire to throw them into. Heaven forbid that someone should stumble across them!

Smiling secretly to herself, Elizabeth turned at the sound of the door opening. She greeted her friend warmly.

"I shall resist the urge to say I told you so, no matter how surely I am tempted," she teased, eyeing Alex's wet hair. He had been determined to go for a ride and had ignored her warnings that it was sure to rain.

"You are too kind," Alex retorted, walking over to join her. "I have just seen my father; he tells me he has recruited you and your father to help with Maria's surprise."

"Yes," Elizabeth replied with a happy smile. "It sounds like a lovely idea. And I cannot say that I have any objections to my particular assignment."

"And what assignment would that be?" Alex asked, leaning against the mantle and looking down at her upturned face. He was playing with fire but was willing to take the risk simply to be close to her; he would be the only one hurt if he got burnt, after all.

"Supervising the dress-shopping, of course," Elizabeth informed him impertinently. Her mind was on the prospect of seeing Mr Darcy, or possibly dancing with him, and her happiness made brought out her lively nature even more than usual. "Having to spend so much time at the modiste's will of course be a sacrifice, but it is one I will happily make on Maria's behalf. It is the least I can do."

"Of course," Alex sarcastically replied, rolling his eyes. "And I suppose the prospect of a new wardrobe has nothing to do with it."

"I don't know what you mean," Elizabeth innocently denied. "And are you saying that there is something wrong with my current wardrobe?" She demanded with mock-indignation, her hands on her hips.

"I am saying nothing of the sort," Alex quietly replied, thinking she looked as beautiful as ever. "You look perfectly charming, as always."

"Well," Elizabeth breathed, pretending to be mollified. "Good." Dropping the pretence, she laughed lightly and pointed out, "If I were really offended though, such flattery would not be enough to mollify me."

"I sincerely doubt," Alex replied wryly, "that you are foolish enough to take offence at my opinion of your wardrobe. And I know," he added intently, "that I am not foolish enough to find anything wanting in your appearance. Few could."

"Thank you," Elizabeth replied, somewhat unconsciously overlooking the implication of his latter statement and focusing on the former. "It is good to know that you do not think me a fool!"

Alex smiled weakly at her joke, berating himself for being such an idiot as the sting of her evasion gradually wore off. He knew in his mind that it was a lost cause, but still his heart persisted in making a fool out of him. He was thankful that she still seemed blissfully unaware of his feelings; the last thing he wanted was to make her uncomfortable and risk ruining their friendship. It was all he would ever have, after all. He was drawn from his musings by Elizabeth's gentle enquiry.

"Are you alright Alex? You've seemed preoccupied lately. Is something troubling you?"

Alex opened his mouth to reply but was distracted by his father's entrance; Alex noticed his father's glance between Elizabeth and himself and took a step back, increasing the distance between them. His father looked at him, and though his expression was neutral Alex felt the silent questioning and turned away. He smiled lightly at Elizabeth and assured her,

"Nothing that you need worry about." In a bid to avoid further questions he turned to his father and asked, "Did you need me father?"

"Yes," Lewis replied, nodding. "There is some estate business we need to discuss. Would you mind if I stole him from you Elizabeth?"

"Not at all," Elizabeth easily replied. "And he is hardly mine to steal," she pointed out, missing Alex's slight wince as his father quirked his brow and replied,

"Quite so." He cleared his throat and suggested, "I believe Sophia is in the music room practicing if you wished to join her."

"I believe I shall do just that," Elizabeth agreed. She departed with a smile, leaving father and son alone.

"Alexander..." Lewis began slowly. His son cut him off, sounding resigned,

"Please, father, I know. I know that she loves another, I know that I am fool, and I know that I should attempt to overcome this...this thing."

"Are you in love with her?" Lewis asked forthrightly, needing to know so that he could help his son.

"I," Alex hesitated, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "That is not an easy question to answer," he said eventually. "I feel as though I do love her, but I am not sure that I love her as I ought. As a man should love his wife. It matters little now though," he pointed out with a sad smile. "I am too late."

"Son," Lewis breathed, coming forward to stand in front of Alex. "If you really loved her, you wouldn't let her go so easily. I know you are a good man," he added when his son looked about to protest, "and that you would wish to do the right thing. But trust me; some things are more important than sticking to your principles. I should know! I fought for Maria when every instinct was telling me that I should do the honourable thing and accept that she was promised to another; my heart, though, had other ideas and wouldn't let me walk away. If you truly loved Elizabeth as she and you deserved, you wouldn't be able to let her go; not without a fight."

Alex nodded, letting his father's words sink in. Perhaps he was right; he had been disappointed when he discovered Elizabeth loved another, but had accepted the situation with a sense of resignation; with a feeling that he had missed an opportunity, rather than with a feeling of heartbreak. He could not think of anyone dearer to him than Elizabeth (besides his family) but knew that his feelings weren't what they should be; his affection, whilst sincere, was familiar and comfortable. He had an example of how he should have felt whenever he looked at Elizabeth; he knew that his feelings for her could not match her feelings for Darcy and wondered whether they ever could. Perhaps his father was right; they both deserved more and, if Elizabeth had already found it, maybe he had a chance to as well.

Realising his father was waiting for some sort of response, Alex managed a smile as he admitted,

"I believe you are probably right, father. As usual."

"That's my boy," Lewis replied, smiling at his son's long suffering tone and patting him on the shoulder. "I've told you once and I'll tell you again; listen to your old papa, I'll see you right."

"May I remind you, papa," Alex retorted dryly, "that you were as keen for me to marry Elizabeth as I was; if not more."

"Yes, well," Lewis cleared his throat and smiled. "Shall we go to my study; those papers won't see to themselves."

"Whatever you say father," Alex replied with a grin. He laughed when his father cuffed him on the arm and followed him from the room.

Chapter 18

Posted on December 11, 2009

Dear Miss Casterton,

I begin with a request; do I have your permission to call you Elizabeth? I confess I have long since thought of you as such but am wary of presuming too much, having done so in the past and felt the sting of your indignation. Whilst admittedly at a safe distance to avoid such a physical reprimand this time around, I have no doubt that your words could easily inflict similar damage should there be occasion for it. So I humbly beseech you to grant me this small request and not be angry with me for breaking yet another rule of propriety. I do not know what has happened to me.

I was vastly relieved to receive your letter; I know you are incapable of cruelty and would not have kept me waiting needlessly, but I confess I had begun to worry that I had made something of a blunder. I am grateful that that was not the case and shall cherish each and every one of your letters, as I cherish the thought of you. I am no poet or playwright; I cannot find the right words to express to you all that I think and feel. Please know though that the very thought of you sustains me; you are with me day and night and I dream of the day when we can be together and I can share with you what is in my heart.

Your father's letter was both better and worse than I expected; he was so good as to soften the blow by leaving his reprimand until last, but I confess I still felt it keenly. I fear I have disappointed him, which troubles me, but I cannot bring myself to regret my actions when this has been the outcome. As long as I still have your good opinion I shall be content, though I will of course endeavour to regain his in time; it would not do for us to be at odds.

I am immensely relieved to report that Richard is faring a little better today. I confess that at one point it did seem as though the worse were about to happen when his condition deteriorated even further, but his fever broke early in the morning a few days ago and the doctor is much more optimistic now that the worst of it seems to be behind us. My relief I can barely describe to you though I am sure that you can imagine it well enough. I thank God for sparing Richard's life, and pray that it is His will that Richard recover. To lose him now would be unthinkable.

It was my intention that this letter be devoid of the melancholy from which I suffer but it seems as though I have failed in my endeavour to not burden you with my troubles. I apologise for that and hope that you do not find me too mournful a correspondent.

I hope that this letter finds you well.

Fitzwilliam Darcy

P.S. Bingley informs me that he plans to return to Hertfordshire in three days; if his impatience is anything to go by, I would expect some happy news from Longbourn soon.

Dear William,

I have taken the initiative and dispensed with formality and you have my wholehearted permission to call me by my given name. I would not object if you were to call me Lizzy either, it entirely up to you. Fitzwilliam seemed a little too formal to me, Fitz far too informal (though entirely tempting); William was the happy medium and so William you shall be.

I shall tell you here and now, William, that I do not find you a mournful correspondent at all and that you do not "burden" me by sharing your troubles. I too cherish your letters and the knowledge that you feel that you can share these things with me. And after all you have done for me in the past, it is the least I can do for you; I wish to help you William, so tell me everything and anything you wish, safe in the knowledge that my feelings for you will not be affected by some (more than understandable) sadness on your part. And in return for confiding in me, I promise I will console you as best I can and fill my letters with as much joy and impertinence as I can manage, until you are sick of them!

I realised the other day, whilst engaged in a fierce battle with the duke over the chessboard, that you and I have yet to have a game. He is a formidable opponent, better even than my father, and I was happy to concede defeat; I held my own for a good while though, my father was very proud! I should like for us to play, if we ever have the chance. I do so enjoy a good game and my father tells me that you are a worthy opponent. I shall keep practicing with Uncle Lewis so that you do not best me too easily!

It is her grace's birthday in September and Uncle Lewis is planning a ball in her honour. I believe he intends to host it two weeks after we all reach town and has enlisted our help in planning the evening as he wishes it to be a surprise for his wife. Have you ever met Maria? She is wonderful. The story of her and Lewis's courtship is very romantic; she was promised to another when they met, an arranged match, but they fell in love regardless. She refused to marry her intended and her father took her back to Greece, angry that she had disobeyed him and caused a scandal. Lewis left Alex with my father and me and went after her; they returned two months later, happily married. Her father was never happy with what had happened (despite his daughter now being a duchess) and refused to travel to England; he died five years ago, prompting the Fraiser's trip to Greece to see Maria's mother and siblings. But I digress.

Thank you for your note about Mr Bingley; I confess I was wondering how much longer he would be in town. I am not sure my father told you, but I was irritated to discover that Mr Bennet had not related the contents of Mr Bingley's letter to his family and they subsequently were unaware of his intention to return. Jane made me aware of her father's neglect in her last letter and I promptly replied, sharing with her Mr Bingley's plans. Hopefully Mr Bennet has not caused any lasting damage; if he has, I shall be very displeased with him, as I am sure will your friend if he is at all capable of such a feeling. I cannot imagine him as anything but good-humoured. I do look forward to an announcement from Jane; they deserve happiness after such a tumultuous year.

Your sister's letters continue to delight me. It is so nice for me to have a new friend outside of the circle I have become so used to. She tells me much about her lessons and her music but I confess I find it most interesting when she speaks of her home. You, my reticent William, are never effusive in your praise; Georgiana by contrast is happy to regale me with tales of the beauties of Derbyshire and Pemberley, so much so that I grow quite eager to see it all for myself. And is your park really ten miles round? What a treasure you have in your possession, if it is so.

Goodness, I have twittered on somewhat, haven't I? I shall leave off here before I begin to bore you. I am so happy to hear that your cousin has rallied, may he soon be fully healthy again.

I have no need of a poet or playwright William, not when I have you.

With love,

Elizabeth

My dearest Lizzy,

I can barely write for happiness! Tis too much, by far too much! I do not deserve it. Oh! Why is not everybody as happy as I am? He loves me Lizzy, he loves me! He told me he loved me all the time. We are to be married! Oh Lizzy, to know I shall be giving such pleasure to all my dear family! How shall I bear so much happiness? And could you believe things would end in this happy way?

But I must calm down so that I may tell you everything. Mr Bingley returned from town not three days after I received your last letter, so fortunately I was not as surprised by his coming as I would have been had you not written. He called on father and then came and sat with us as before and we spoke of his business in town and poor Mr Darcy's cousin who, Mr Bingley tells me, is recovering slowly. He came again the next day and, as always, was a most agreeable addition to our evening party; he even listened to Mama without complaint. He stayed for supper with us and before he went away, an engagement was formed for his coming next morning to shoot with father. He and father spent this morning together, as had been agreed on, and father confessed afterwards that he had enjoyed Mr Bingley's company.

I am embarrassed to admit that it was largely a result of my mother's invention that Mr Bingley and I were left alone this evening after dinner. She called Lydia and Kitty upstairs with her and poor Mary, who had a letter to write, unknowingly aided Mama in her scheme by excusing herself beforehand. I was too embarrassed to look at Mr Bingley at first but when he sat down beside me and took my hand, I could not keep my eyes averted any longer. I looked at him and he began to speak, telling me that he loved me, that he had always loved me and would I do him the honour of becoming his wife? Lizzy, I can barely describe to you how I felt in that moment, though I remember struggling to catch my breath, so overwhelmed was I with happiness. I accepted his proposal and just as he was pressing a kiss to my hand, Mary entered the room. My poor sister, she was absolutely mortified; fortunately my betrothed (how wonderful that sounds!) went directly to father and I was able to share the news with Mary.

There is little need for me to share with you the reaction of my mother as I am sure you can well imagine her delight. My father seemed similarly pleased and welcomed Mr Bingley as a future son-in-law. He stayed perhaps an hour longer before eventually taking his leave. Now I am in my chamber, writing this letter to you by the dying light of my candle and I shall send it first thing in the morning before he comes again. I should go to bed and try to sleep, though how I shall accomplish that remains to be seen. Before I go, I must ask you; please say that you will be a bridesmaid. You are my dearest friend and my wedding day would not be complete without you beside me.

Your affectionate friend,

Jane

Darcy,

I did it, I finally did it. I asked and was accepted; my angel and I shall be married. You'll stand up with me at my wedding, won't you friend? Christ, I can hardly believe it! Jane is going to be my wife!

Charles

Dear Jane,

My dear, dear, dear friend; I am so happy for you. I do not pretend to be as happy as you are, indeed I doubt that to be possible, but my joy at your news was unparalleled. Indeed, I cannot think of a time when I have been happier. Jane, I congratulate you. You will be a very happy woman and no one deserves it more than you. I have great pleasure in thinking you will be so happily settled. I have not a doubt of your doing very well together. Your tempers are by no means unlike. You are each of you so complying, that nothing will ever be resolved on; so easy, that every servant will cheat you; and so generous, that you will always exceed your income.

I tease you my dear but know that I am sincere. And know also that I would be honoured to be beside you at your wedding; if I am one day lucky enough, I hope you shall do me the same honour at my wedding. But have you decided on a date? I am sure Mr Bingley would be happy to marry you tomorrow, little thought that gentlemen give to dresses and trousseau's; and your mother no doubt wishes to plan the wedding of the decade, the finest wedding Meryton has ever seen, I'm sure. Do promise me that you will pick a date that you are happy with, and that your wedding will be the perfect day as you envision it; you only get to do it once, after all!

My father and the duke and duchess extend their congratulations also; when I first read your letter my exclamations of joy brought them all into the room and there were many smiles and wishes for your happiness. We are all to town at the end of next month; will you be going to London to shop for your trousseau? I do hope so that we may see each other soon. I long to congratulate you in person, and to see how such happiness becomes you. I am sure you are more beautiful than ever.

Please extend my congratulations to your Mr Bingley and tell him I compliment him for having the sense to fall in love with you.

Your friend,

Lizzy

Charles,

I daresay your handwriting in that last note was the worst that I have ever seen it; I easily forgive you, however, as it is not every day that a man becomes engaged to the woman he loves. I congratulate you my friend; Miss Bennet is a lovely lady and will make you a wonderful wife. Indeed, I am not quite sure you deserve her but I am sure you shall be very happy together. I would be honoured to stand up with you at your wedding and am humbled by the request, given my past interference. I apologise again for that and am glad of this happy outcome.

I can think of few who deserve such happiness Charles; this news lightens my heart. Let me know when you decide a date, and if you plan to travel to town again before the wedding.

Darcy

Dear Elizabeth,

If your friend is as faithful a correspondent as mine, you will undoubtedly have received the good news. I feel as though I should congratulate you as well as them; I know how close you and Miss Bennet are and how much her happiness means to you. That you have long anticipated this outcome I am well aware and I am sure you are pleased with this happy conclusion. I am delighted for my friend and look forward to the happy day. Charles has asked me to stand up with him at the wedding and I have heartily agreed; has Miss Bennet made the same request of you? I hope, one day, to have my friend stand up with me also, though Richard will undoubtedly argue that the honour should be his; can I have two best men, do you think?

Speaking of Richard, I have wonderful news. He regained consciousness yesterday and was able to speak to me. It was not the first time he has awoken but this was the first time he was completely lucid and able to hold a conversation. He recognised me straight away and was vastly relieved to be at home. I had sent for my aunt and she came in time to speak to him for a few minutes also before he once again lost consciousness. We are all so happy that he is finally coming back to us; it has been a very good week indeed.

William

Dear William,

Jane did indeed write to me at the first opportunity; the very night of her betrothal in fact. I must admit I am impressed with your friend; he did not waste any time after his return from town, did he? Were you similarly surprised? We could have taken bets on how long it would take him to propose, as scandalous a notion as that is! Jane has asked me to be a bridesmaid and I have naturally agreed to her request; it pleases me to think of us standing beside our respective friend's as they commit their lives to one another.

The news about your cousin is wonderful, I am so happy for you William, and your family. You must all be so relieved! I can well imagine how you are feeling at this moment and hope that you have no cause to worry from now on; I am certain that Colonel Fitzwilliam will soon be fully recovered. He does not strike me as a man to allow something like this to defeat him.

We, my father and I, the duke and duchess and Alex that is, attended an assembly the evening before last and I was reminded of the last time I had attended such an occasion. That night at the Meryton assembly seems so long ago now; indeed, it was long ago, over a year. And it has been eight months since the ball at Netherfield, where I had last the pleasure of dancing with you. Well, I daresay it would have been a pleasure had I not been determined to ruin it with my ill-founded accusations. We shall have to dance again soon, William, so as to erase the memory of that night. And though I was ill-tempered and angry that evening I do remember that you are a very fine dancer and I would welcome the opportunity to stand up with you again. And I warn you now that I shall not accept any excuses- I know you do not enjoy the pastime as much as your friend, but I insist you satisfy me in this regard. I promise to be charming and not tread on your toes.

I can barely believe we have been here for six weeks already, although one strong indicator of the passing time is this feeling that I have, the steadily worsening sense of missing you, my darling William. I feel that I have borne our prior separations admirably well but this time I find that I have little taste for it. I confess that it was the thought of being parted from you that had me running after you at Netherfield that day; and you wonder at your own recklessness on that occasion. Sometimes I wonder at my behaviour, the selfishness of my feelings; have I not been separated from Alex and his family for five years? Should I not be rejoicing at being once more in their company, instead of wishing myself elsewhere? I do not mean to say that I am miserable here, I love the Fraiser's dearly and have had a wonderful time with them; the fact remains however that if I had had my choice, we would all have travelled to town weeks ago. I fear I have become very silly; it is entirely your fault. I have not yet resorted to counting down the days, but I know that it is a close run thing.

With love,

Elizabeth

My dearest Elizabeth,

I readily confess to counting down the days until I see you again. There are times as well, when I lay awake at night thinking of you, that the hours pass by so slowly that it feels as though the clock has stopped entirely. I long to see you again my love, to see your smile and hear your laugh, to have you touch my heart as only you can. Your letters I am well on my way to committing to memory and I keep them with me at all times, a constant reminder of what I have to look forward to. I am beginning to worry my sister again, I know I am; I cannot sleep for thoughts of you and my distraction I fear is obvious to everyone. If you have become silly my love do not fear, for you shall have me for company.

It seems remarkable to me as well that it has been over a year since our first meeting. I cannot yet look back on that time with total equanimity but it is with almost perfect clarity that I remember the first time I laid eyes on you. You were smiling, your eyes dancing with laughter and that pesky tendril of hair which always escapes its confines and which has tormented me for all these long months was resting on the smooth skin of your shoulders. How beautiful you were! You will doubt me, I know you will doubt me but I speak the truth; you overwhelmed me. I was perturbed by reaction, never having experienced the like; you know what the outcome was. I went out of my way to hide my admiration, insulting you in the process. What an ass I was. I admit there have been a number of occasions since then that you have similarly affected me, but fortunately I have learnt to master my reactions; for the most part at least. I daresay my resolve will be tested when next we see one another.

Richard has continued to improve. He is understandably weakened and cannot remain awake for long but he has been able to speak to all of his family. Georgie was so happy to see him awake that she was quite overcome; Richard teasing away her tears was a sight to behold. Having spent so long fearing the worst, to see him as he is now; the relief is indescribable. His fortitude is truly admirable; you were right when you said he was not a man to be beaten by what has happened. I confess I had been worried about how to tell him about his arm when he eventually awoke, but he remembered the days following his injury and the field surgeon's decision. He also remembered how Captain Prescott stayed with him and asked that he be sent for; his sense of duty appears undiminished. The doctor believes that once we have built up his strength some more Richard will be able to leave his bed, only so far as the nearest settee of course but still, it is something. I welcome the coming weeks.

We shall see each other soon, my love.

William

Dear William,

Please forgive me for taking such a long time to reply. I feel as though I have not a moment to myself all week. Knowing that the Fraiser's are soon leaving once more, the whole neighbourhood seemed to invite them to dinner or for tea or to evening parties one after the other and, as their guests, my father and I were of course invited also. It has been something of a whirlwind, so much so that going to town and all the accompanying excitement is going to seem tame in comparison, I'm sure!

I was very happy to hear of your cousin's improvement. In her last letter to me your sister was very eloquent about her feelings and the relief you all shared; I am happy for you all. I should like to see the Colonel again if he is capable of and willing to entertain any company; hearing so much about him and his recovery has left me feeling concerned about his welfare. I would understand though if he did not feel up to it and am sure I can rely on you to give him my best.

I believe this will be the last letter either of us will have the chance to send before I am in town; to think that the next time we speak shall actually be in person. Maria's birthday dinner is set for a week after we arrive and the ball for ten days after that; I expect your family's invitation to the latter will be sent out soon. You and your sister will be included in the invitation, courtesy of my father who suggested it without my encouragement- I daresay you have regained his good opinion. I do hope you will be able to attend, but will understand if you do not feel able to, given your cousin's condition. With that in mind, I propose something decidedly shocking. I have made some inquiries of his grace and have discovered that his townhouse is across the square from your uncle's, with a small park separating them. Would you agree to meet me there the morning after our arrival? We shall be in town on Tuesday next and I shall walk to the park before breakfast. I know that you will undoubtedly call upon us at the Fraiser's, but I cannot help wishing to be reunited with you in relative privacy. Are you awfully shocked? I am wrong to propose such a thing? I feel that I am- young ladies do not arrange clandestine meetings with gentlemen in secluded parks- but I shall be there regardless. I hope that you are too.

Elizabeth

Chapter 19

Wednesday morning dawned bright and clear. Darcy stood at the window of his chamber at his uncle's house, watching the city gradually stir to life. He could not have gotten more than four hours sleep, late to bed and unable to rest knowing what the next day would bring. He had tried to keep an eye open for the arrival of carriages across the square but had been kept occupied by his uncle and the rest of his family. Now that Richard was able to remain awake, thoughts had turned to his future. His career in the army was necessarily over and his father was anxious to do what he could to help his son. Darcy and the earl had sat up late into the night, the former happy to listen and offer his advice as the latter discussed the possibility of purchasing an estate for Richard.

Glancing at the clock and realising that he had been staring out the window longer than he'd thought, Darcy tightened his robe and pulled the cord to ring for his man, awaiting his arrival. He bathed and shaved before dressing, paying particularly close attention to his attire and the closeness of his shave, wanting everything to be just right. If his man thought it at all strange he didn't show it and had his master turned out and ready in very good time.

The clock was just striking as Darcy left his chambers and headed for the stairs. His aunt and uncle kept to London time and would not be up for hours yet; his sister would most likely be up soon but would not miss him quite yet. Knowing he was free for the moment Darcy quickened his pace, flying down the stairs with a light step, his eagerness to be on his way almost bubbling to the surface. He had just reached the landing and was anticipating the sight of his beloved Elizabeth when a voice called to him from the hallway above. He turned and saw one of the footmen descending quickly after him.

"Excuse Mr Darcy, but Colonel Fitzwilliam has awoken and asked me to see if you were awake and ask you to come to his chambers so that he may speak to you."

Darcy looked between the waiting servant and the front door and back again, weighing his options. His commitments pulled at him from one side, and his desire to see Elizabeth pulled at him from the other. Perhaps he could run and see Elizabeth and then come back...?

"Sir?" The servant prompted, clearly not understanding Darcy's hesitation.

With a heavy sigh, Darcy turned from the door. "Thank you, I will go to him directly."

Telling himself it was the right thing to do, Darcy trudged up the stairs. With a glance over his shoulder he prayed that Elizabeth would understand.

With a smile at a passing maid, Elizabeth quietly made her way down the hall, skipping down the steps, jumping the final two, and greeting the Fraiser's butler with a happy smile.

"Good morning Warner, isn't it a lovely day?"

"It certain seems to be, Miss Casterton," Warner agreed kindly.

"I have decided to take a quick walk before breakfast," Elizabeth informed him, lest anyone ask after her. "I shall not be gone long."

"Should I send for a footman to accompany you?" Warner asked, already knowing the answer.

"No thank you; I daresay I can manage to cross the street by myself!" Elizabeth replied with a laugh.

With a nod Warner stood aside, holding the door open for her. About to step outside, Elizabeth turned on hearing her name called. Fredrick bounded down the steps and ran over to her.

"Are you going out Lizzy?" He asked breathlessly. "Will you take me with you? Please? I promise I'll be good."

"I'm just going to the park opposite Fred," Elizabeth replied, trying to put him off without being too obvious. "Nothing very exciting."

"I don't mind," Fred replied easily. "I should like to stretch my legs though; the journey here was awfully long!"

"It certainly was," Elizabeth agreed, giving up. She had never been able to deny Fred anything, not when he was so lovely with his requests. "Come on then," she relented, smiling when her little companion cheered and hopped down the front steps.

"Please inform someone that his lordship is with me," Elizabeth told a smiling Warner.

"Yes miss, right away."

With a final parting smile at the kindly man Elizabeth stepped outside, joining Fred on the pavement where he was waiting for her to cross the road. She offered him her arm and he happily took it and the pair strolled across the road and into the park. Elizabeth hoped Mr Darcy wouldn't mind the presence of her young friend, though his being there would undoubtedly affect the enthusiasm of their reunion. Given her own feelings and the...ardent nature of her thoughts, Elizabeth decided that the sobering presence of Fred might actually be a good thing, lest she and William get carried away. In the next moment she was wishing Fred away as she remembered her and William's last encounter, the feel of his arms around her, his lips against hers...feeling her face flush and a warm tingling sensation spread over her from head to toe she forced such thoughts aside and turned her attention to her companion.

She and Fred wandered around the park together, both happy to be outdoors again. They stopped at a small pond to watch the ducks, Fred narrowly avoiding an unscheduled bath as he got a little too close to the edge and almost lost his footing. Sitting down on one of the benches, Elizabeth realised how much time had passed and began to wonder what was keeping William. It would be time for breakfast soon and she and Fred would have to return to the house before they were missed. Glancing around for any sign of him, Elizabeth slowly realised that he wasn't coming. Though she expressed doubts in her last letter, she had not considered, as the time drew closer, that he wouldn't come. She struggled to understand what it meant. Had his cousin taken a turn for the worse? Had her letter gone astray? Had his family prevented him from coming? Had he decided not to come, too appalled at how forward she had been?

"Lizzy?"

Fred's voice interrupted her troubled thoughts and she turned to look down at the boy beside her.

"Yes Fred?"

"Are you alright; you look unhappy."

"Do I?" Elizabeth replied with a forced laugh. "Oh dear! Well, I am very happy though perhaps a little hungry; shall we head back and see if breakfast is ready?"

Fred leapt up off the bench, pulling Elizabeth up with him. "Let's race!" He suggested, breaking into a run. "Come on Lizzy!"

Shaking her head, Elizabeth paused for one last look at the house across the street before chasing off after Fred.

The hours slowly passed by with Elizabeth fighting a losing battle against her disappointment. She could not believe he hadn't come; she had looked forward to seeing him for weeks and yet, finally given the opportunity, he had not taken it and left her alone. Why?!

Sat with Maria in one of the front parlours, Elizabeth took out her frustration on her embroidery. Her violent gestures did not go unnoticed and Maria watched her with growing consternation, wondering what on earth had her in such an unhappy mood. The situation reached a head when Elizabeth, during a particularly ill-tempered stab at the material, inadvertently stabbed herself and, after yelping in pain, loudly cursed.

"Dammit!"

"Elizabeth!" Maria chastised in response, frowning slightly as she reminded her young friend. "I do not tolerate such language in my home, not even from my husband."

"Forgive me your grace," Elizabeth replied, chastened. "I forgot myself."

She sucked on her hand where she had stabbed it with the needle, looking sheepishly at her host as she did so.

"What on earth has you so put out?" Maria asked, laying her own embroidery aside so as to focus entirely on Elizabeth as she replied,

"I am fine."

"That poor handkerchief that you were determinedly savaging would beg to differ," Maria pointed out sagely. "As, I would imagine, would your hand. What is troubling you?" She asked again.

Elizabeth tried to think of what to say, how much she could confide when she heard voices in the hallway. It was an unusual time for someone to be calling and she felt her heart give a little leap at the thought that it might finally be him. Straining her ears she was able to discern his unmistakable tones and quickly set about tidying away her sowing and patting at her hair, hoping that she looked at least remotely presentable. Maria watched all this was a puzzled expression, an expression which changed into amused understanding when Warner knocked and announced "a Mr Darcy to see you, your grace."

Maria and Elizabeth rose to greet the gentleman, curtseying gracefully (surprisingly so in the latter's case given her overall lack of composure). Mr Darcy bowed first to her grace and then to Elizabeth, his eyes locking onto hers as soon as he straightened. Elizabeth blushed slightly and Darcy eagerly devoured the becoming picture she presented. He realised he was staring when her grace lightly cleared her throat and narrowly avoided the embarrassment of flushing like an errant school boy.

"You are very welcome, Mr Darcy," Maria greeted him warmly, smiling inwardly at Elizabeth's unwavering study of the gentleman. "May I ask how your cousin is? And your aunt and uncle?"

"Thank you, your grace," Darcy replied with a bow, remembering his manners. "My cousin is much recovered; my aunt and uncle send their regards. I believe my aunt intends to call in the next few days."

"If she would prefer to remain at home with her son, I should not mind calling upon her," Maria suggested kindly. "It is not very far to travel, after all."

"That is very kind of you, your grace," Darcy replied with a slight bow. "I shall tell my aunt of your suggestion so that she may decide."

There was a brief silence and Maria took pity on the young couple who could not take their eyes off one another,

"If you wait here a moment Mr Darcy, I shall go and fetch my husband and Lord Casterton. You and Mr Darcy will be fine alone for a few minutes, won't you Lizzy?"

"Yes, your grace," Elizabeth replied with a grateful look. Maria nodded slightly and, with a smile at Mr Darcy, quietly left the pair to themselves.

Darcy watched Maria go and the moment the door closed behind her he was before Elizabeth, hurriedly apologising.

"Please forgive me Elizabeth! Richard wished to speak to me and then Georgie needed me and then my aunt and uncle arose and I had to sit down to breakfast with them; I tried to get away but I didn't have a chance to. I'm so sorry that I..."

Elizabeth had forgotten all about her earlier disappointment as soon as he had walked into the room and did not wish to hear him apologise any longer for something that could not be helped. There was in fact only one thing she wished for at that moment and she leant up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips against his, effectively silencing him. She kissed him for the briefest moment before smiling shyly and whispering,

"Hello William."

"Elizabeth..." Darcy breathed in reply.

His hands came up to cup her face as he lowered his lips to hers, kissing her with all the pent up longing of the last two months. He felt the tentative touch of her fingers on his cheek, the hand she lay against his chest and moved one of his hands down her back, gently drawing her closer to him, their bodies moulding together as their lips stroked and caressed one another's. Reluctantly pulling away after several long moments, Darcy rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes, savouring each and every sensation of having her in his arms. Eventually the need to look upon her once more took over and he opened his eyes, pressing feather light kisses to her brow and around to her temple, delighting in her soft sighs.

"William," she breathed, her eyes fluttering open as he drew back so as to see her better. "I have missed you so much."

Darcy couldn't help himself; he kissed her again before pulling himself away and admitting, "I have missed you too, my love. I never wish to be parted from you again."

Elizabeth looked at him wide-eyed, wondering, not daring to hope that he meant what he had just said. Darcy understood her look and cursed their lack of privacy; he needed more time than was afforded to him now to say all that needed to be said.

"Soon, my love," he whispered against her lips. "When we can truly be alone."

"Tomorrow morning?" Elizabeth suggested breathlessly, her eyes shining when he nodded.

"Tomorrow." He agreed. "And this time nothing shall keep me away; I have something very particular to ask you."

Elizabeth's smile lit up her entire face and she spontaneously kissed him again, her arms wrapped around his neck. Darcy chuckled against her lips before kissing her back, knowing it was only the impending arrival of the duke and Lord Casterton that was stopping him from declaring himself right then and there.

As if on cue, they both heard the sound of approaching footsteps and voices and quickly separated, Elizabeth resuming her seat and Darcy quickly taking the one across from her. When Elizabeth silently gestured to his hair he hastily ran a hand through his tussled locks, just in time for the duke, duchess and Lord Casterton to enter. Clearing his throat, Darcy stood to greet them.

"Darcy!" Lord Casterton proclaimed, coming forward with his hand outstretched. "This is a pleasant surprise. I had not thought to see you for a few days yet."

"My uncle asked that I extend his greetings to his grace," Darcy replied a tad nervously as he shook Lord Casterton's hand with a nod to Lewis, "in lieu of his being able to come himself. And I confess myself eager to see you again, my lord."

"Hmmm," Lord Casterton looked knowingly at his daughter before replying, "Well, it is good to see you sir. You are known to everyone here, I take it?"

"We have met once or twice," Lewis confirmed, looking over the man who had stolen Elizabeth away from his son. When Darcy bowed he relented and returned the greeting. "How is Matlock? And his son? Robert is it?"

"Richard," Darcy corrected. "And he is doing very well; if he continues to recover as well as he has been, he shall soon be out of bed. My uncle is naturally very pleased at this news."

"Yes, I imagine he is," Lewis agreed. He led Maria to her seat and gestured for everyone else to sit down as he walked to stand by the fire place. "Do give him, and Lady Matlock, our best."

"I will your grace, thank you," Darcy replied, trying not to sound quite as unsettled as he felt.

His encounter with Elizabeth still had his senses tingling and he was also greatly aware that he was in the company of a very influential and powerful man. It was a strange sensation for him to feel socially inferior to someone, and yet he felt himself very much a mere "mister" at that moment. Unfortunately for him the feeling was compounded a moment later when they were joined by another gentleman, whom he presumed to be the eponymous "Alex".

"Ah, there you are," Lewis greeted his son. "I do not believe you two have ever been introduced. Son, this is Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, Derbyshire. Mr Darcy, this is my son, Lord Fraiser."

"My lord," Darcy intoned respectfully, bowing to the younger man.

Alex returned the gesture, studying their guest. He appeared older than himself, though only by a few years, and had a stern demeanour. This surprised him, knowing what he did of Lizzy; he thought that she would have favoured a more agreeable man. He did own that Mr Darcy was a handsome fellow and could not fault her in that regard, though he was vain enough to think that Mr Darcy didn't have too much on him in that area. And he was at least as tall as the other man, if not more so.

"How is Miss Darcy?"

Elizabeth's question drew the attention of both men and Darcy resumed his seat as Alex walked to join his father, sharing a look before turning to hear the reply.

"She is very well. She expressed a wish to call on you the day of your arrival, but I persuaded her to wait a little longer," Darcy confided with a smile.

"I should love to see her again," Elizabeth replied, "though I admit I am glad she did not come right away. I daresay I was in no state to have visitors when we first arrived."

"The journey was tiring," Darcy surmised.

"And long," Lord Casterton added. "I daresay when you live within such an easy distance of town it is easy to forget what it is like to have to travel so far. Not that I need to tell you that," he joked.

"The journey from Derbyshire can be somewhat trying," Darcy admitted. "Although I have done it so many times that I am used to it now."

"I believe the same can be said of us," Alex piped up. "And I'm sure you'll get used to the long journeys with time as well, Lizzy."

There were several differing reactions to this statement. Elizabeth blushed and looked at her lap, knowing that Alex meant to imply she would be journeying to and from Derbyshire in the future. Darcy frowned slightly and wondered what Alex was implying, surely not that she would be journeying often between town and the home of Fraiser family? The duke glared at his son, annoyed that he had said something so tactless, whilst his wife regarded her step son with a disappointed air. Lord Casterton simply sat, watching and waiting. Needless to say, Alex felt himself appropriately chastised and was ashamed of his thoughtlessness. He attempted to rescue the situation.

"After all," he added as though there hadn't been a pause of several minutes. "Weren't you just telling me the other day that your friend is to marry Mr Bingley who hails from the north? If you wish to see her you shall have to get used to longer journeys."

All gathered saw through the ruse but it was a good effort and they were all well-mannered enough to accept the opening that had been provided. Lord Casterton offered his congratulations to Darcy on the engagement of his friend and Elizabeth forced herself to speak through her sudden bout of shyness.

"Jane wrote to say that she shall be in town the week after next. She will be staying with the Gardiners whilst she shops for her trousseau."

"Yes," Darcy replied. "Charles wrote to me also; he is coming to town as well."

"We shall have to invite them to the..." Lewis abruptly stopped himself from blurting out his secret in front of Maria and said instead, "to the opera with us one evening."

"That would be lovely, thank you," Elizabeth replied, smiling happily at Lewis as Darcy sat quietly contemplating the thought of Bingley keeping company with a duke. He smiled at the thought of what Miss Bingley would have to say.

"Something amuses you Darcy?" Lord Casterton noted, putting the younger man on the spot.

"I was just anticipating the thought of seeing my friend again," Darcy lied quickly, relieved when he was not pressed.

"You should accompany us as well sir," Lewis decreed albeit in a friendly manner. "And your sister, if it pleases you. Any friend of Michael's is a friend of mine."

"I would be honoured, your grace, thank you," Darcy replied, truly pleased with the invitation.

Darcy felt that he could like the duke very easily and was relieved to find that he did not seem inclined to snub him because of the lack of cordiality between himself and Darcy's uncle. He knew that his uncle objected to his grace's easy ways, most particularly his lack of "discernment" when it came to the company he kept. His grace's easy acceptance of Bingley and Miss Bennet was exactly the kind of thing the earl would have objected to and Darcy struggled to quell a growing sense of unease as he thought about how the earl would react when he once again raised the subject of the Casterton's. The last time he had tried, it had ended in an argument.

The gathered company continued to speak of general things until Darcy realised the time and reluctantly took his leave. He shook hands with the duke, who reiterated his invitation to join them at the opera at some point and his wishes for Richard's speedy recovery, and bowed to her grace. Lord Casterton decided to see him out; he silently shook his head when Elizabeth made as if to rise, wishing to speak to Darcy privately. Darcy saw this and her subsequent disappointment and gave her a reassuring smile and firmly pressed her hand as he took his leave.

"Good day, Miss Casterton."

"Good day, Mr Darcy," Elizabeth replied shyly, realising that the next time she saw him would be in the morning; the likely outcome of that proposed meeting made her feel suddenly overwhelmed and it was with difficultly that she kept her composure. "Do say hello to Georgiana for me."

"I will," Darcy assured her. He bowed to the rest of the room one final time and then followed Lord Casterton out into the hall.

"Are you in a rush to get home?" Lord Casterton asked him once they were alone. When Darcy shook his head he suggested, "Then why do we not step into the library and have a quick talk. There are some things we need to discuss."

Darcy knew that it was not so much a question as a directive and nodded his ascent, silently following Lord Casterton as he led the way to the library. It was not until they were both seated that Lord Casterton sat forward, his elbows on his knees, and addressed him,

"I will tell you now, Darcy, that my leniency with regards to the letters you and my daughter have exchanged should not be seen by you as an excuse to totally disregard propriety and act however you see fit towards my daughter."

"My lord," Darcy began, seeking to defend himself.

Lord Casterton held up his hand to prevent interruption. "I have not finished. Her grace is unaware of the situation that exists between you and Elizabeth and so left you alone together quite unknowingly; that will not be happening again," he warned sternly. "I shall be speaking to both Lewis and Maria, and Alex as well; my daughter will be chaperoned properly at all times. I have probably offended your pride by telling you this, indeed I can see that I have by your forbidding expression," he noted with a slight smile, "but I should much rather offend you than risk any censure of Elizabeth. This trip to town is going to be hard enough already without adding any fuel to the flames; I will not give anyone a reason to criticise her, and if that means watching you both like a hawk, then so be it."

"My lord," Darcy replied in a strained tone. "Surely you must know that I would never do anything to hurt Elizabeth! And I am no young pup who needs to be reminded how to behave around the ladies; I have been my own master for many years my lord and resent the implication that you do not trust me to have your daughter's best interests at heart."

"Resent it all you like Darcy," Lord Casterton retorted, unmoved, "the fact remains that I remember what it is to be young and in love. You forget as well that I know my daughter, sir, and my decision is as much a guard against any lapses in her own behaviour as it is in yours."

There was silence following the pronouncement as Darcy struggled to calm his indignation and Lord Casterton watched the young man's struggle. Taking pity on him, Lord Casterton sighed and quietly pointed out,

"I do not mean to suggest that you would do anything to hurt Elizabeth; I have seen evidence enough already to know that that is not the case. I think we both know, however, that Elizabeth has to be ten times more careful than any other young lady because nobody is going to give her the benefit of the doubt. You're a well known gentleman Darcy; if you become connected with us, the gossip will start. How did she catch him? What did she do? How far did the apple fall from the tree? Do you see, Darcy, what I am up against?"

"We," Darcy replied, looking at Lord Casterton and sounding defiant. "What we are up against. I am not going anywhere my lord, we are in this together."

"Do you have something to tell me?" Lord Casterton asked, wondering if Maria had left them alone long enough for an understanding to have been reached.

Darcy shook his head before admitted, "But I do have something to ask you; two things actually." He took a deep breath and solemnly asked, "Do I have your permission to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage?"

"You do," Lord Casterton affirmed. "As I believe I told you in my reply to your first letter; I would have demanded you ask her after writing to her anyway so it is fortunate that it was already your intention."

Darcy smiled slightly and confessed, "I simply wished to hear you say so in person."

"What was the second question?" Lord Casterton prompted.

"Your daughter and I have arranged to meet tomorrow before breakfast in the park outside," Darcy admitted openly. "Do I have your permission to do so, so that I may make my addresses to her?"

"Would it matter whether I granted you permission or not?" Lord Casterton countered seriously, watching Darcy carefully.

"It would not prevent my meeting with your daughter," Darcy conceded after a long moment before adding, "but I would not be happy knowing I was acting against your wishes."

"But Elizabeth's happiness is more important to you than my own?" Lord Casterton surmised.

"Yes, my lord," Darcy agreed, inwardly holding his breath.

Lord Casterton nodded and smiled, "As it should be." He laughed when Darcy released all his breath in a rush. "Do not worry so much Darcy; if I weren't totally convinced you were than man for her, I would never have given you my permission."

"Thank you, my lord," Darcy replied. He held out his hand to Lord Casterton, "I shall do everything I can to repay your faith in me."

"Make Elizabeth happy," Lord Casterton told him, "and you shall have done just that."

The two men shook hands and took a minute to let the import of the moment sink in. Lord Casterton was the first to recover and smiled broadly as he admitted,

"You have no idea how difficult it has been for me to keep the knowledge of your intentions to myself! I felt though that I should not spoil the moment for Elizabeth by making her aware of it before time."

"Thank you," Darcy replied gratefully. "I confess I have also had similar trouble. Every time my sister hinted at wishing for a sister herself my resolve was tested. She will be delighted."

"What of the rest of your family?" Lord Casterton asked quietly. "Are you prepared for their reaction?"

"I am," Darcy affirmed resolutely. "My aunt, Lady Catherine, will be furious, that is inevitable and it is also very likely that my uncle will not...look kindly on the match. Richard and Georgiana will support me though, and no-one shall dissuade me from following my heart, you have my word on that my lord. And I shall not allow anyone to abuse Elizabeth or yourself, family or no. I will have nothing to do with them if so."

"Make sure you are certain before taking such a step Darcy," Lord Casterton cautioned. "I cannot fault your desire to protect Elizabeth, but as a man who has led an isolated life, trust me when I say that you need to think carefully before breaking ties with your family."

"I will," Darcy assured him quietly.

He knew though that given a choice between Elizabeth and Lord and Lady Matlock there would be no competition. If loving Elizabeth had taught him anything, it was that a person's worth had nothing to do with their wealth or situation and his aunt and uncle needed to realise that. He knew that the coming weeks would be enlightening and anyone who objected to Elizabeth were not worth knowing; his true friends would support him and it was time to see who they were.

"Well," Lord Casterton said, rising. "I suppose I should let you get back to your family. They will probably be missing you by now."

"Yes," Darcy agreed absently. Lord Casterton led him back to the front hall and he accepted his things from the butler. "I shall see you tomorrow, my lord."

"Indeed you shall," Lord Casterton replied with a smile, though his eyes with glistening slightly. "Good luck."

"Thank you," Darcy responded intently. He could think of nothing else to say and so simply touched his hat and departed.

Heaving a heavy sigh Lord Casterton watched him go, knowing that the next time he saw Darcy would mean the beginning of the end for his and Elizabeth's life together. He noticed Warner standing silently beside him and quietly asked,

"Do you have any daughter's Warner?"

"Yes, my lord," Warner replied. "One."

"Is she married?"

"Not yet, my lord," Warner admitted, wondering where this was going.

"I'd try and put it off for as long as possible if I were you," Lord Casterton advised the surprised servant. "This feeling is particularly bittersweet."

With that he turned and walked back into the house, leaving a confused servant in his wake.

On his return to his uncle's house, Darcy was met by the butler who informed him that his lordship was waiting in his study. Realising that it was now or never, Darcy squared his shoulders and prepared to broach the subject of the Casterton's once again with his uncle. As he walked he remembered the last time he had done so, in this very house, two days before he and Georgiana had left for Hertfordshire with Bingley.

Darcy sighed and shifted uncomfortably in his chair as his uncle once again asked him why he was so set on returning to Hertfordshire with his friend. Deciding that the time had come to be totally honest, Darcy steeled himself and replied,

"So be it," Darcy retorted angrily, turning on his heel and slamming the door behind him.

Since his return to London, the subject of the Casterton's had not been raised between him and his uncle. Richard's condition naturally took precedence and neither Darcy nor his uncle was inclined to bring up their argument at such a time. Darcy in fact suspected that his uncle, after so many weeks, had probably forgotten about the conversation, or at least hoped that perhaps Darcy himself had abandoned the idea, given his failure to mention the Casterton's since his return. In truth it was his desire to keep the peace, to not further burden his aunt and uncle and maintain family harmony at such a trying time that had led to Darcy keeping his own confidence, but he knew it was time to finally speak out. He was not optimistic about the likely outcome of this conversation and was glad that Richard was well enough that Darcy felt able to remove himself and his sister from the Matlock townhouse without having to worry.

"Ah, Fitzwilliam, there you are," his uncle greeted him when he entered his study. "You were gone a long while."

"Yes," Darcy agreed. "I spoke with Lord Casterton for some time after greeting the duke and duchess."

His uncle stiffened and looked sharply at his nephew; laying aside the letter he had been reading he slowly rose and waited for further explanation.

"He and his daughter are in residence with the Fraiser family. Lord Casterton and his grace have been friends since university," Darcy provided.

"Did you know that they would be there when I asked you to call on the Fraiser's in my stead?" His uncle asked with a hint of accusation.

"I did," Darcy affirmed.

"You might have told me," his uncle retorted, making Darcy smile darkly.

"You could not have kept me away," he pointed out evenly. "My wishes are unchanged and nothing you say will affect my decision."

"You are determined to disgrace yourself then?" His uncle challenged. "You would throw away everything for the sake of that...girl."

Darcy shook his head and sadly replied, "You have not even met her, uncle, and yet you insult her so easily. And as far as I am concerned I am gaining everything by marrying Elizabeth; I love her and I know she will make me happy. That should be enough for you, my lord, though I know it is not."

"Love is all well and good now, Darcy," his uncle pointed out. "Whilst you are respectable and respected. Marriage to this girl though will deprive you of those things and you will find soon enough that love quickly turns to resentment. You will regret this decision before long Fitzwilliam, mark my words."

"I will not," Darcy stubbornly argued. "And you have no control over me. I have heeded your advice before now out of respect for you as my mother's sister; you should not mistake my willingness to accept guidance in the past as weakness on my part. I know how to act and in this manner I will follow my heart and remember the words of my parents."

"Your parents!" His lordship repeated. "Your parents would be ashamed of you and any connection to such a disgraceful family."

"My parents wished for me to be happy," Darcy retorted fervently. "They wished for me to marry for love. It is you who taught me to disregard their wishes and accept your own, you who desired a match based on money and social standing. But I am your pawn no longer, uncle, and I refuse to bend to your will. I intend to marry Elizabeth and spend my life happy with her by my side."

"You disappoint me, Fitzwilliam," Lord Fitzwilliam intoned darkly.

"I am sorry for that," Darcy replied honestly, "but as I said, I shall not be moved." He sighed heavily and continued. "I realise it is best that I return to my townhouse and shall be taking Georgiana with me; is up to you whether or not we see each other again, but I warn you now I will not tolerate any discourtesy towards my future wife."

He waited in the hope that his uncle would relent, sighing when his lordship simply sat down again and picked up the letter he had discarded. Unwilling to simply give up totally, Darcy put aside his pride for the moment and quietly stated,

"I did not want it to come to this uncle. If you would just consent to meet Miss Casterton and her father I am sure you will see that they are worthy people and not at all deserving of the fate they have been made to suffer. I think you would like them, if you just gave them a chance."

His uncle remained resolutely silent and Darcy, angered at having his olive branch so cruelly rejected, turned on his heel and left his uncle's study. Enquiring after his sister, he mounted the stairs two at a time and headed in the direction of Richard's chambers. He entered to find his sister and his cousin sat together, Georgiana reading from a book. Both looked up upon his arrival and each noted his forbidding expression with surprise.

"Are you well, brother?" Georgiana asked, laying the book aside. "Did your visit to the Fraiser's not go well?"

She of course knew of the Casterton's presence across the square but had decided it was up to her brother when to share this intelligence with the rest of the family.

"My visit went very well," Darcy assured her, trying to sound calm when he was still agitated after his interview with his uncle. "I am afraid, however, that our uncle and I have had a slight disagreement. We shall have to remove back to our townhouse," he admitted before adding, "unless of course you wish to remain here. I shall have to leave, though, no matter."

"Of course I will come with you," Georgiana assured him. "But why do we have to leave? What did you and uncle quarrel about?"

Darcy looked at his sister for a moment; realisation dawned and her shoulder's drooped, "Oh. He did not approve?"

"He did not," Darcy confirmed solemnly. He had shared his concerns with his sister, not wishing her to feel caught in the middle when the time came. He had been touched by her steadfast commitment to himself and Elizabeth.

Richard suddenly spoke up, looking between the siblings, "Would someone please tell me what on earth you are speaking of? What is it that my father disapproved of? And what on earth could be so serious as to merit your immediate removal? Darce?"

"Georgie," Darcy breathed, "could you please give us a moment? I will come and find you again as soon as we are done."

"Of course," Georgiana agreed easily. She pressed a kiss to her brother's cheek and smiled reassuringly. "I am happy for you."

"Thank you," Darcy replied, watching her go before taking the seat she had vacated. He looked to his cousin and asked, "Are you comfortable Richard? Can I fetch you anything?"

"Oh dear, is this going to be a long story?" Richard joked, trying to lighten the mood.

"There is much I have to acquaint you with," Darcy admitted, sitting forward.

"Very well," Richard swung his legs to the floor and scooted to the opposite end of the couch, propping his legs back up again. He saw his cousin watching his movements carefully and smiled. "Don't worry about me Darcy, I'll be fine."

"I do not believe I could be quite so strong were I in your place," Darcy replied, knowing he spoke the truth.

Richard shrugged and looked at the empty sleeve of his shirt, tied in a knot so as to keep it out of the way. "I am alive, aren't I? Which is more than I can say for those poor bastards still out there. I won't lie, I am going to miss my old life, but I am grateful to be here."

"It is good to have you here," Darcy replied. Richard nodded and then said,

"So, what is this all about?"

"Do you remember Miss Casterton?" Darcy began.

"I do," Richard replied easily. He looked sharply at his cousin, "Wait; you and my father are fighting over her?"

"He does not approve," Darcy agreed.

"No, I imagine not," Richard replied dryly. "You want to court her?"

"I want to marry her," Darcy revealed, smiling at the thought. "I intend to ask her tomorrow."

Richard whistled and grinned, "I knew there was something going on between the two of you in Kent! You couldn't keep your eyes off her."

"Yes, well," Darcy cleared his throat; seeing his cousin still grinning he allowed himself a smile. "She is very beautiful."

Richard laughed. "She seemed a lovely young woman; you are a lucky man Darcy."

"I know," Darcy agreed. "Thank you."

Richard nodded. "I am happy for you William; and my father is a fool for trying to stand in the way of your happiness."

"I must confess," Darcy looked at his cousin with surprise. "I did not expect your approval to be given so readily."

"Do you love her?" Richard asked forthrightly.

"I do," Darcy affirmed, "very much so."

"Then that is all that matters," Richard proclaimed. When his cousin continued to look at him, clearly awaiting further explanation, he sighed and admitted, "I daresay I would not have been so quick to give my blessing a few months ago. But I have changed my outlook somewhat. What does it matter if her mother was a disgrace? If it does not matter to you, I have no business to complain. And as long as you love one another, well, that's all there is to it really, isn't it?"

"Thank you Richard, that means a lot," Darcy replied, humbled.

The two men were silent for a moment until Richard swung his legs to the floor and attempted to stand.

"What are you doing?" Darcy asked, moving to help him.

"I am going to try and talk some sense into my father," Richard replied gruffly, breathing deeply against the pain. "And if that fails, I am coming with you and Georgie. You don't mind an extra houseguest, do you?"

"Richard, you don't need to..."

"Don't tell me what I need to do," Richard interrupted him sternly. "I know what you've done Darcy. You may be unfailing modest, but your sister certainly isn't when it comes to you. She told me about how you worked yourself into the ground when my father and brother fell to pieces, about how you spent night after night with me, watching my back."

"I did what was needed, nothing more," Darcy tried to argue.

"You may think that cousin but my family is in your debt, and this is how my father chooses to repay you?! I am ashamed of him."

"Well, I can see you are as determined as ever," Darcy noted with a sigh. "Try not to hurt yourself in the process though please, certainly not on my account."

"I'll try. Now, help me down the stairs," Richard instructed. "And don't tell my mother."

"That man is the most...!"

Darcy and Georgiana exchanged glances as Richard huffed angrily and shifted in his seat opposite them. He had attempted to speak to his father, to make him see reason even if it meant simply meeting the Casterton's but had been soundly rebuffed. Consequently, true to his word, he was on his way to the Darcy's townhouse to stay for the foreseeable future.

"I regret having to leave mother," Richard admitted after a moment.

"Does she agree with uncle?" Georgiana asked quietly.

"I am not certain," Richard replied thoughtfully. "If she does, well...but if she doesn't, she would be a powerful ally for you Darcy. Not that you'll need many," he added with a smile, "with the duke and duchess on your side. That must have been a bitter pill for my father to swallow!"

"He did seem somewhat taken back," Darcy admitted, smiling slightly when Richard laughed.

"So, tomorrow morning is it?" Richard asked after a moment. He smiled when Darcy nodded. "Have you planned what you are going to say yet?"

"If I had," Darcy retorted, "I would not tell you. And I would not have you think me ungrateful Richard," he went on, trying not to smile, "but if you could respectfully mind your own business with regards to this, I would greatly appreciate it."

Richard held up his hands and replied, "Well, I daresay you've managed to get this far by yourself, but if you fall at the final hurdle I will never let you hear the end of it."

"Duly noted Richard, thank you," Darcy replied dryly.

Chapter 20

Posted on December 18. 2009

Alex rose early the next morning, hoping to catch Elizabeth before she left for her walk; his brother had told him of their walk together yesterday morning and Alex guessed that she probably intended to walk out again today. He was anxious to speak to her, to apologise. Following Darcy's departure she had excused herself, disappearing until it was time for dinner, and even then appearing subdued and preoccupied, preferring to sit close to her father and talk quietly with him rather than engage with the rest of the company as was her usual want. Both father and daughter had retired early and, though Alex and his father and Maria were too polite to speculate aloud about the reasons, all suspected it had something to do with Mr Darcy's visit.

Leaving his room and walking down the hall to hers, Alex knocked on the door of Elizabeth's room and waited to be admitted. It was as he expected; Elizabeth was up and dressed, already wearing her spencer and gloves. She looked surprised to see him and not entirely pleased; her usual ability to hide what she was thinking seemed to have abandoned her this morning and Alex wondered what it was that had her so affected.

"Good morning Alex," she greeted him, turning away and fiddling with her gloves.

"Good morning," Alex replied, stepping closer. "I hope I'm not intruding."

"I was just about to go for a walk in the park," Elizabeth told him and he noted she had avoided the question.

"Yes," he agreed. "Fred told me about your walking together yesterday; it was good of you to take him."

Elizabeth shrugged. "It was no trouble, I enjoy his company."

"You do not appear to be enjoying my company at the moment Liz," Alex stated, unable to ignore her obvious discomfort any longer.

"It is not you!" Elizabeth hastened to assure him. "I am simply anxious to be gone."

"You are so desperate to walk?" Alex queried, smiling. Perceiving Elizabeth's slightly guilty look he suddenly understood. "Unless of course you are not going to the park to simply walk."

"I have my father's permission," Elizabeth defended herself, not appreciating his tone.

"I am sure you do," Alex replied easily. He looked at Elizabeth for a long moment before stepping aside, "Well, do not let me keep you. I shall expect a detailed account later on though, I warn you. It is the price you must pay for keeping secrets."

"I am sorry for not confiding in you," Elizabeth replied. "But I...the knowledge was mine to cherish and I did not wish to share it. I daresay you will understand one day," she concluded with a smile.

"I hope so," Alex sighed. On impulse he leant down and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I am happy for you Elizabeth. And if he can make you happy, then he deserves you."

"He does," Elizabeth whispered. "I love him so much," she confided, eyes shining.

"Well don't just stand there," Alex teased. "Go and tell him that."

Elizabeth laughed lightly and went to leave the room; she stopped and turned back to Alex when he called to her.

"If you're not back within the hour, I'm coming after you," he warned good-naturedly, smiling when Elizabeth blushed prettily.

"Mr Darcy is a gentleman, Alex," Elizabeth scolded him.

"He's not the one I'm worried about," Alex quipped; he chuckled when Elizabeth glared at him and swept out of the room. "One hour, Liz!" He called after her.

Standing alone in the now empty room, Alex sighed and shoved his hands in his pockets. He tried to picture Elizabeth married, and married to someone other than him. If the way her entire being lit up at the thought of her Mr Darcy was anything to go by she would be very happy; it was still a struggle reconciling himself to the thought that his friend Miss Elizabeth Casterton would soon be no more. Realising that there was undoubtedly another suffering too, worse indeed than him, Alex left Elizabeth's room and went instead to her father's. He knocked and was not surprised to find Lord Casterton up, stood looking out the window.

"Good morning Alex," the elder gentleman greeted him with an attempt at a smile.

"Good morning, my lord," Alex replied. He shut the door behind him and admitted, "I thought that perhaps you could use some company."

"Ah," Lord Casterton breathed. "You have spoken to Elizabeth."

"I have," Alex agreed. "I had intended to apologise to her for my thoughtless tease yesterday but she seemed a tad...preoccupied."

"She has gone then?" Lord Casterton asked, taking a seat and gesturing for Alex to do the same.

"She has," Alex confirmed. "She told me you have already given your blessing."

"Oh yes, months ago," Lord Casterton replied absently. "This moment seemed so far off then, though."

"It is a little strange to think of Elizabeth married," Alex confessed, "though I am very happy for her. Mr Darcy seems a good man."

"I can hardly think of anyone better," Lord Casterton replied, nodding. "And certainly no-one better for her. They are perfectly suited to one another."

"You may look forward to plenty of grandchildren then," Alex joked daringly; he was not surprised when Lord Casterton glared at him but wanted to shake the elder man out of his melancholy and make him see the bright side.

"It is my daughter you are speaking of," Lord Casterton reminded Alex darkly.

"Yes, and she is marrying a man she loves, and who loves her in return. They shall have quite a brood together, I'm sure of it. Shall you like being a grandpapa, do you think?"

A slow smile dawned across Lord Casterton's face as he contemplated the possibility and admitted, "I should like it very much."

"Their son will be quite a catch," Alex mused, sitting back in his chair. "Heir of Pemberley and the next Baron Courtney; hopefully, anyway."

"Oh don't worry," Lord Casterton assured him with a laugh. "I intend to live as long as physically possible, and at least until I can hold my grandson in my arms. After that, I can die happy."

"I shall hold you to that, my lord," Alex replied. "And I shall pray that Elizabeth's first child is not a boy, simply to keep you around for as long as possible."

"I'm touched that you care so much," Lord Casterton quipped, smiling.

"You are Elizabeth's father, and my father's best friend; it would be difficult for me not to care. And I suppose I do quite like you as well, occasionally."

Lord Casterton laughed at Alex's teasing, grateful for the company. It kept his mind off what was likely occurring in the park.

Elizabeth entered the small park, glancing around for any sight of William. There were four entrances to the park, one at each of the compass points, with the Fraiser's house on the western side and the Fitzwilliam's on the eastern. As she approached the centre of the park she looked to her left and noticed a horse tied at the gate; when it tossed its head and pawed the floor, Elizabeth smiled with recognition.

Darcy had taken a seat to await her arrival and had allowed himself the luxury of watching as she approached, admiring how she looked in the early morning sun. Standing, he had walked to meet her and quietly spoke her name to draw her attention.

"Elizabeth."

"Oh," Elizabeth spun around and smiled. "You surprised me!"

"Forgive me," Darcy replied with a grin, taking her hand and bestowing a kiss to the back of it.

"You have not been waiting long?" Elizabeth worried, hoping she had not given him cause to doubt her.

"A few minutes only," Darcy assured her, stroking his thumb across the back of her hand as he kept it in his. "And the fault was mine; I was here very early."

"Could you not sleep?" Elizabeth asked, taking a step closer.

Darcy shook his head. "Could you?"

"No," Elizabeth admitted, smiling tenderly. "I have never spent a longer night tossing and turning."

"Nor I," Darcy agreed before lovingly adding, "Though I daresay we shall never have to repeat the experience."

"We won't?" Elizabeth queried, her breath catching when he reached up and stroked her cheek.

Darcy shook his head, his eyes tracing the path of his fingertips over her smooth skin.

"Why?"

"Because," Darcy replied quietly, "our sleeplessness was no doubt due to the anticipation of asking, in my case, and answering, in your case, a certain question that, in the event of a favourable answer, shall never have to be asked again."

"Oh," Elizabeth breathed. "You make a good point."

"Thank you," Darcy replied, his lazy grin making Elizabeth feel weak at the knees.

"Of course," she attempted to tease as she pointed out, "your reasoning is based upon a rather significant presumption."

"You could say that," Darcy granted, letting loose her hand so as to wind his arm around her waist, drawing her closer.

"You disagree?" Elizabeth challenged, determined not to let him see how affected she was.

"I do not presume, Elizabeth; I hope," he replied softly. "With my heart and soul, and every inch of my being."

Unable to resist, he bent and pressed a feather light kiss to the side of her neck, feeling her shiver at the contact. Inhaling the scent that was uniquely hers, he quietly confessed, "I almost lost hope after our argument in Kent, but when I saw you again all of my old dreams and desires returned to me, stronger than ever before." He drew back so as to look into her eyes. "There was so much I hoped for in my heart but my mind was convinced that I could not have a chance. That I did not deserve your forgiveness, that I was a fool to hope for...that this moment would never come..." he shook his head and tried to swallow past the sudden lump in his throat, embarrassed at making such a fool of himself.

Elizabeth took his face between her hands, stroking his cheeks. "Tell me of your hopes," she implored, "so that I may be the judge of whether or not they are foolish." Seeing his reluctance she leant up and kissed him. "Please?"

"I hoped to become a better man," Darcy began, encouraged by her words and actions. "So that I could one day deserve you. I hoped for forgiveness and the chance to show you I had changed. I hoped to make you love me as I love you, to earn your respect and trust. I hoped that one day this moment would come and that I would finally hear you speak the words I have dreamt of. And I hoped that we would be married and would live together at Pemberley with our children and you would allow me to devote myself to your happiness."

"You are no fool, my love," Elizabeth whispered as he tenderly wiped away her tears which had escaped during his confession. "You already have my forgiveness, my trust, my respect and my love. And surely you know by now that all you need do is ask, William, and everything else you hope for shall be yours."

William pressed his lips against hers and Elizabeth allowed her eyes to slip shut as she responded to his kiss; she felt him draw away and opened her eyes to see him take a step back and then watched through her tears as he dropped to one knee before her. It was so terribly clichéd and prior to this moment she would have laughed at such a saccharine gesture; now that she was in the moment, however, nothing could have been more perfect. Their positions, the way he looked up at her, his handsome face with its loving and tender expression, the hint of nervousness in his eyes, the warmth of his hands as they held hers; it was all exactly as she'd never imagined it but totally and utterly perfect. And that was before she heard what he had to say.

"Elizabeth," Darcy breathed. "I cannot make speeches. Know though that I love you, and that I will always love you, until my dying day. Please say that you will do me the honour of becoming my wife?"

"I will," Elizabeth replied with a joyous smile.

The happiness which this reply produced was such as Darcy 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; namely, by quickly rising to his feet and drawing her into his arms. It was several moments before they felt themselves able to separate and, as they did so, Elizabeth was struck by how well the expression of heartfelt delight, diffused over his face, became him and made a vow then and there to encourage such feelings at every opportunity.

She laughed when he tried to thank her for her acceptance.

"Oh! Do not thank me; I am being entirely selfish. I am hopelessly aware that my happiness depends on you and so marrying you is as much for my benefit as it is for yours. More so, undoubtedly," she added wryly, "as all the advantages of the match are clearly on my side; or so people will say."

"Since when have you cared for what "people" think?" Darcy challenged. "And let me tell you now, Elizabeth, that this is the last time I wish to hear you dismissing your own value in such a way."

"Engaged for less than a quarter of an hour and already you are issuing orders!" Elizabeth exclaimed, pretending to pull away. "I think I may have made a mistake."

Darcy held her fast and effectively kissed away her protests.

"You, sir, do not play fair," Elizabeth admonished him when they separated, somewhat irritated by her breathless tone.

"It is a double edged sword, my love, never fear," Darcy quipped as he tried to compose himself. He smiled upon seeing Elizabeth's pleased expression before sobering to explain. "I do not mean to order you about, but I love you, Elizabeth, and I do not like to hear anyone misrepresenting your worth, even if that someone is you."

"I fear you may be biased as to the extent of my worth, Mr Darcy," Elizabeth teased.

"I daresay that is my prerogative," Darcy replied. "As your soon to be husband."

"Not so soon, sir!" Elizabeth laughed, pulling out of his arms unexpectedly and moving out of arms reach. "At least not until you answer some of my questions."

"Indeed," Darcy replied with an arched brow. "What sort of questions?"

"Oh, nothing too taxing," Elizabeth teased, her spirits rising to playfulness as the happiness of her situation began to sink in. "Though I should like you to account for having ever fallen in love with me. How could you begin? I can comprehend your going on charmingly, when you had once made a beginning; but what could set you off in the first place?"

Darcy smiled at her question and replied honestly.

"I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun."

"My beauty you had early withstood," Elizabeth teased in reply. "And as for my manners--my behaviour to you was at least always bordering on the uncivil, and I never spoke to you without rather wishing to give you pain than not. Now be sincere; did you admire me for my impertinence?"

"For the liveliness of your mind, I did," Darcy replied with a smile.

Elizabeth laughed, "You may as well call it impertinence at once. It was very little less."

"In truth," Darcy admitted, "You roused and interested me because you were so unlike other women I had met. After years in town I was sick of civility, of deference, of officious attention. I was disgusted with women who were always so assiduously courting me and thinking of nothing but my pocket book. But then I met you, my dearest loveliest Elizabeth, and you were everything that they were not and, as I said, I was in the middle before I knew I had begun."

"Well, that sounds reasonable enough," Elizabeth granted, sounding playful but her tender smile demonstrated how touched she was by his words. "Though I must say you seem determined to paint me in the most advantageous light possible. I suppose though that my good qualities are now under your protection, and you are free to exaggerate them as much as you wish."

"And I shall do so with impunity, my dear, you have my word," Darcy teased in reply, pleased with Elizabeth's laugh.

They were silent a moment before Elizabeth asked, "What time do you suppose it is?"

"We cannot have been here more than thirty minutes," Darcy replied. "When are you expected back?"

"Within the hour," Elizabeth admitted. "Alex said he would come after me if I wasn't back by then."

"I see," Darcy breathed. Elizabeth noticed the slight hardening of his expression and hastened to reassure him,

"Alex and I are simply friends; he is more like a brother to me than anything else. You need not have any worries on the account of him."

"Do I look worried?" Darcy asked, sounding surprised.

"You do not look pleased," Elizabeth admitted quietly; she was puzzled when Darcy laughed.

"Tis the green monster, I fear," he explained with a smile. "I daresay I will envy any man close to you that is not myself."

"Do you plan then to keep my shut away under lock and key?"

"Not at all," Darcy assured her. "Though I cannot promise I will not keep you chained to my side."

"I cannot say at present that I would object to that arrangement," Elizabeth replied shyly, pleased when he bent to press a quick kiss to her lips in response.

"You should not allow me such liberties," he murmured against her lips, debating whether or not he should kiss her again.

"I know," Elizabeth replied tremulously. "But I cannot deny myself."

"Nor I," Darcy admitted, capturing her lips for another lingering kiss before reluctantly pulling away. "I shall have to learn to control myself though," he admitted as he straightened. "Else your father will have my hide."

"He told me of your conversation," Elizabeth replied. "He was not too hard on you?"

"Not at all," Darcy assured her. He led her to the bench he had long ago vacated and they settled down beside one another. "He spoke to me as I would speak to any suitor of Georgiana's," he went on. "And I daresay I deserved it after the liberties I had taken with you."

"I allowed you such liberties," Elizabeth reminded him as she placed her hand over his; he entwined their fingers as she added, "I am undoubtedly just as much to blame."

"Thank you for defending me, my love," Darcy replied with a gentle smile. "But you are a lady and quite innocent compared to myself. I should know better."

"William, I..." Elizabeth sighed and looked down at their joined hands as she shyly admitted, "I am not as innocent as you believe."

She felt him stiffen beside her and his voice was tight as he replied, "What do you mean?"

"When my mother was alive, I...I saw things," she admitted, forcing herself to look at him. "Things that should have been confined to the privacy of her rooms, preferably the ones she shared we my father," she added bitterly.

Darcy wrapped his arm about her and drew her closer into his side, tucking his head against his shoulder and simply holding her for a moment.

"We have never spoken of her before," he noted quietly, feeling her nod.

"I do not like to," Elizabeth replied. "Though there are some things I undoubtedly need to share with you. I cannot bear the thought of you thinking less of me though."

"I won't," Darcy assured her. "You have my word. You need not speak of it now though," he added, kissing the top of her head. "Only when you are ready."

"Thank you," Elizabeth replied; she was still a little nervous at the thought of confiding in him but knew that one day she would have to tell him all.

"I have a confession to make," he said after a moment; he smiled when Elizabeth sat up and looked at him expectantly. "It is nothing too dreadful, only that when I first wrote to you I also wrote to your father to ask him his permission."

"Yes, I know," Elizabeth replied, thinking he was being obvious. "In the note you gave me."

"No, not there," Darcy admitted. "In my letter to him. The thought of taking such a liberty without making him aware of it did not sit well with me, but then neither did the thought of superseding your right to choose what to do. In the end I decided to write to him in addition to attaching the note; I was quite certain you see that you would give him the note so no harm would be done by my confession to him in the letter I had written. Does that make sense?"

"It makes perfect sense," Elizabeth assured him. "And thank you," she added with a quick kiss.

"You're welcome," Darcy replied, stealing a kiss himself before asking. "What for?"

Elizabeth laughed lightly, "For showing my father such respect. It pleases me greatly to see how highly you value him, and he you." She smiled sadly as she admitted, "The thought of leaving him pains me but at least this way I know that he will always be welcome at Pemberley."

"Always," Darcy avowed. "I would never do anything to make you unhappy Elizabeth and I know how much your father means to you; he will always be welcome at our home, I promise."

"Thank you," Elizabeth whispered. "You are too good to me," she added, almost to herself. "I love you so much."

It was the first time she had said those words to him and his reaction was again what was expected from a man such as himself in his current situation; once again he wrapped her in his arms and kissed her, though this time he completely loosened his restraint and let himself experience the freedom of kissing Elizabeth with all the passion he felt for her. He teased her lips with his own, enjoying the feel and taste of them, not so new as to feel strange but then neither so familiar that the novelty did not still excite him. One of his hands found its way into the hair at the nape of her neck as the other pressed against the small of her back, keeping her body flush against his. Her slight moan of pleasure as his hand slid up her waist sent a bolt of excitement through him and he realised, somehow, that they had to stop lest he become completely carried away.

Elizabeth's breathing was completely shattered and she kept her hands on his shoulders to steady herself as he carefully pulled himself away. She thought that his earlier expression of happiness had become him, but the heated look he currently bestowed on her made her feel warm from head to toe. Drawing back, she pressed her fingers to her cheeks, feeling the heat there. Hearing William chuckle, she shot him a look.

"I must look a state," she lamented, trying to ignore the hungry gleam in his eyes.

"You look wonderfully dishevelled," Darcy replied with a roguish grin, admiring her flushed face, red lips and sparkling eyes.

"That is, I suppose, your way of saying that I look exactly as I should," Elizabeth wryly noted. "Thoroughly ravished."

Her tone sounded to Darcy almost irritated and he was immediately contrite. "Forgive me; I should not have let myself...I forgot myself, I'm sorry."

"There is no need to apologise my love," Elizabeth assured him before smiling and adding, "though I hope you are prepared to face my father's wrath; he will know what we have been doing the moment he sees me."

"Perhaps we can repair some of the damage," Darcy suggested hopefully, glancing at her hair. He smiled bashfully when Elizabeth laughed.

Reaching up to remove her bonnet, Elizabeth handed it to him along with several hair pins; she proceeded to make quick work of repinning her hair, though her progress was somewhat impeded by the intent way Darcy studied each of her movements.

"I do wish you wouldn't watch me like that," she teased eventually, "it is most disconcerting."

"I cannot help it," Darcy replied honestly, almost without thought. "You are beautiful, especially with your hair down."

"Thank you," Elizabeth quietly replied, smiling shyly. Her task accomplished she replaced her bonnet and asked, "There, better?"

"Much," Darcy assured her, inwardly thinking that he really did prefer her hair down and unencumbered. "How long is your hair when it is loose?" He asked curiously.

"It reaches to the small of my back," Elizabeth replied, somewhat surprised at the question, more so by the speculative look in his eye. "Why do you ask?"

"Will you promise not to cut it before we are married?" Darcy asked. "I should like to see it down. Please?"

"Alright," Elizabeth granted, blushing; she could not be sure what he was thinking but suspected the truth would make her blush even more so.

"Thank you," Darcy replied with a kiss to her hand. He sighed and admitted, "I think it is time we returned."

Elizabeth nodded and stood; she caught sight of Toby waiting patiently at the gate and nodded in his direction, "Why is he here?"

"I returned to my townhouse yesterday and so had to ride here to meet you," Darcy replied, tucking her hand into his arm.

"You are not staying with your aunt and uncle any longer?" Elizabeth asked, surprised. She saw his hesitation as they walked to where Toby was waiting before he eventually admitted,

"I am not; my uncle and I quarreled and I thought it best to leave."

Elizabeth pulled her hand away. "Over me?" She asked quietly and Darcy could sense her withdrawal.

He quickly reclaimed her hand and drew her closer, feeling her resist at first before she gave in.

"Yes," Darcy admitted, "over you. He refused to accept my decision to propose to you and so I left. Georgiana and Richard accompanied me."

"Richard?" Elizabeth repeated. "Surely he was not well enough to travel!"

"He was very determined," Darcy replied with a shrug, "And did not seem any worse for wear. He wished to support me, to support us and did not want to remain in his father's house."

"Oh," Elizabeth breathed, touched by the gesture. Her mind returned quickly though to the problem at hand. "But what about your uncle? What will happen?"

"I expect he will come round eventually," Darcy replied easily. "And if he does not, well..."

"Well what?" Elizabeth pressed. "Surely you will reconcile."

"If he accepts you, yes," Darcy granted. "But if he does not, I have no desire to see or speak to him. Please, Elizabeth, do not trouble yourself over this," he added, seeing her distress.

Elizabeth pulled away as she exclaimed, "How can I not be troubled? He is your family William! How can I ask you to..."

"You did not ask me," Darcy pointed out firmly. "You have never asked anything of me Elizabeth, expect that I be a good man and I love you all the more for it. Do you not see?" He gave her a little shake to emphasise his point as he admitted, "I can barely describe how I feel knowing that I have finally earned your love Elizabeth, and I will not listen to anyone who dares to insult you, even if that person is a member of my family. "

"William," Elizabeth sighed, still troubled by the thought of causing a breach within his family. "Surely you realise that your uncle is only the beginning? There will be many others who question you and say insulting things about me; will you disown them all?"

"If necessary," Darcy replied firmly. "And do not tell me that you are not worth the sacrifice because I won't listen to you," he added stubbornly in his most formidable tone.

"Do not tell me what to do!" Elizabeth snapped back, her temper flaring. "And do not presume that you know how to handle this situation better than I! You are only now learning to live with it; it has been my life for the past twenty years."

There was a heavy silence as each tried to control their temper; remorse soon swept over them and several timid glances were exchanged before Darcy opened his arms and Elizabeth willingly fell into them.

"I'm sorry," they apologised almost simultaneously; Elizabeth giggled into his coat as Darcy smiled and laid his cheek against the top of her head.

"Please understand Elizabeth," he tried to explain softly. "I am honoured by your acceptance of my suit my love, and it is with a great sense of good fortune that I envision you as my wife; I will be proud to call you mine Elizabeth, to introduce you as Mrs Darcy. It is incomprehensible to my feelings that anyone should find you lacking in any way."

"So your pride is hurt because your uncle is questioning your choice," Elizabeth surmised.

"Elizabeth," Darcy sighed, exasperated. He tried a different tack. "Answer me this; how do you feel when you hear your father insulted by those who have never met him?"

"Angry," Elizabeth replied succinctly. "And hurt."

"Then am I not allowed to feel the same when someone insults you?" Darcy asked fairly. He tilted his head to catch her eye. "Well?"

"I suppose so," Elizabeth mumbled.

"Why do you doubt me?" Darcy asked quietly, hurt.

"I do not doubt you," Elizabeth cried, cupping his cheek in her hand. "I love you. I doubt myself; I do not know what has come over me," she admitted meekly, "but the thought of everything you are sacrificing on my behalf makes me doubt my worth. I am just me, how can I compare to,"

"To wealth? To material possessions? To the approval of sycophants and fools?" Darcy provided. "Yes, indeed, how can you possibly compare," he concluded sarcastically. "Elizabeth, I love you for God's sake! Nothing means more to me than you; I used to care about such things and it made me miserable. My life was empty and meaningless, cold and devoid of affection and love since the death of my father; you have changed all that and that is worth more to me than all the money in the world."

"Forgive me," Elizabeth whispered as Darcy breathed heavily and endeavoured for composure. "I did not mean to upset you."

"I know," Darcy sighed. "But do you see?"

"I do," Elizabeth assured him, managing a smile. "I cannot promise that such doubts will not continue to intrude but when they next do so I shall simply remind myself of your words."

"And if that fails," Darcy added, stroking her cheek. "I shall always be on hand to reassure you. Truly, Elizabeth, this should be a happy time," he pointed out, smiling broadly. "We are to be married!"

"So we are," Elizabeth teased. "I cannot wait to tell father, and Emily and Jane."

"You see," Darcy whispered. "What does it matter what others think as long as our true friends and those who love us share in our happiness?"

"You are right," Elizabeth agreed, squaring her shoulders. "I have never cared before and refuse to do so now."

"That's more like it," Darcy complimented with a chuckle. "Now, we really must be getting back."

He untied Toby's reins and held them with one hand, offering his free arm to Elizabeth. Sharing one last kiss, they ambled back through the park, ready for the next stage of their journey together.