Posted On: Saturday, 24 August 2002, at 5:57 a.m.

Chapter 1

Elisabeth Bennet was sitting in front of her mirror. Her maid was doing her hair, and she helped, putting away some stubborn hair locks.

Rushing in, came Lydia. She complained to Elisabeth about some dress and Kitty, for Kitty had said it was very ugly indeed and of course Lydia thought it was not at all. Soon she departed, only coming back giggling over Mr. Collins (a cousin who was staying in their house temporarily), who she had stumbled on in the hall, dressed only in her undergarments.

A while after that the whole Bennet-party set off to Netherfield. A soon they had come in, Bingley rushed towards them. He greeted Jane and took her with him, also friendly asking Lizzy if she would want to join them. Politely Lizzy declined.

"You are very kind Sir, but I think I will join my other sisters."

"Very well, Miss Bennet," Bingley replied with a smile, and left with Jane.

Lizzy however did not return to her other sisters, but went to the first room. Immediately she saw Charlotte Lucas, her best friend, standing alone somewhere. She rushed over.

"Charlotte! How are you?"

"Elisabeth!" said a surprised Charlotte, who had not seen Lizzy coming, while they kissed cheeks.

"Have you met that Wickham fellow already, Charlotte? Yesterday I saw him in town again, and talked a little. I must say, that just as the former times, I found him quite boring, and not at all an agreeable talking person." Said Lizzy after she and Charlotte had made polite remarks, such as 'How have you been' or 'fine weather it is today, is it not?'

"Well, I must say I haven't been introduced. Though I believe I know who it is." said Charlotte. "He actually looks like a nice man. Why do you already dislike so soon? Maybe you misunderstood him. I mean, you haven't known him for more than, well, five days?"

"Yes, of course you may think me wrong, but I have talked to him a few times. All he could manage to talk about was his misery. Actually," Elisabeth declared with some small guild sounding throughout her voice, "I've hardly listened at the man. All I managed to hear was how terrible his life was, and something about Mr. Darcy."

"Mr. Darcy!?" Charlotte cried out in surprise. "What does he has to do with Wickham's misery?"

"That, I do not know. What I do know is..." What Lizzy did knew, Charlotte would never know. For now, Mr. Collins intruded. Lizzy made the introductions, then to be taken away for a dance.

The dance, who had first seemed to be a nice distraction, turned out to be a form of torture for Lizzy. This not only because Mr. Collins was making a foul from himself by going the wrong way in the dance once, but to because Mr. Darcy was walking 'round the room, looking at Elisabeth with the looks of which a hawk would surely be jealous at. Lizzy being as she was, that's far from being stupid, she noticed this. It made her feel a little uncomfortable. Why does he stares?, she thought. Is something about me bothering him? Can't you look in a other direction? I don't like this! However, she suddenly realised that that last wasn't completely true. Of course she would not like every man looking at her like that, but Mr. Darcy was not every man... Lizzy, said she to herself, you have to admit that he is quite handsome. Tall, dark hair, dark eyes, excellent bod... NO, don't dwell on this! That is surely not for an young lady to think about! But just look at th... NO! Focus Lizzy, you're dancing, watch the dance, listen to the music......

Mr. Darcy on the other and was a good observer. He saw Miss Elisabeth had noticed his stares. Why, she is blushing! He thought. But was this a good sign? He knew she could have no low opinion of him. At the Meryton Assembly, where he had assaulted her so very vulnerably, he instantly after had gone to her. He had made his apologies. He wasn't crazy, though it was obviously she had thought him to be so. It had taken some time to convince her of the true nature of his apologies. In the end she finally forgave. So after he had asked her for a dance, conversing politely.

So this blushing... he came to the conclusion he did not know exactly what it was to mean. After all he was no woman!

The dance ended. Elisabeth was being led back to Charlotte by Mr. Collins. He made a slight bow, and then left them to peace.

Chapter 2

Charlotte and Elisabeth discussed the topic Wickham for some time, after Mr. Collins had left them. Lizzy had her friend soon convinced of Wickhams bad character, and eagerness to make everyone pity him. To her, this surely were not examples of a good gentleman.

But still, no matter how hard she tried, she could not keep her mind with the conversation. She thought of Mr. Darcy. Had he intentionally been looking at her? But why? Was he ridiculing her? Of course, that must have been it, for she was after all dancing with Mr. Collins! The man that couldn't remember the dance, so went the wrong way! But then, it hadn't been a look of self-diversion in his eyes. It had been more something like an intense gaze... no, think of this later, she said to herself, for she saw Charlotte obviously thought she found her boring. Quick, she turned back to the conversation. But it didn't last. Her gaze went from Charlotte... slowly over the crowd in the room...THERE! There he was, standing, talking and occasionally laughing. She did not know how long she stared at him, unable to look at Charlotte again. She probably found her very vexing.

But Lizzy was wrong. Charlotte Lucas was everything, but vexed. In fact she was highly amused. It was not a sight much to be seen: The Lizzy in front of her was speechless, and obviously mad of love staring at Mr. Darcy. Though, Charlotte thought, she probably had not even realised it yet.

And she was right. Lizzy was only staring, not thinking at all. However, at one point she had to break her gaze. Mr. Bingley came over to her, and asked for a dance. Afterwards they talked a bit, then he left her for Jane. Elisabeth could not blame him. They are so obviously in love! She thought. Nothing gave her more pleasure.

Though, she thought. A few minutes after this she discovered that there was something that gave her much more pleasure. Mr. Darcy came over, and claimed for the next two dances. It was just like a fairytale, Lizzy thought. Each time when he took her hand, she felt a little shock going trough her. This was wonderful! She never, ever wanted to stop dancing. However, of course the end came. Mr. Darcy after greeted the best that he could, without showing his feelings to much. He was being rewarded with the sight of sparkling eyes, along with a dazzling smile and a greeting back. She then however turned around en went to find her father. The search wasn't long. She soon bumped into him.

"Lizzy!" He said, obviously glad to see her. "Come with me quick, my girl, for I have been searching for you. Your mother has expressed the wish to leave, so to me was the job to gather up the troops!"

She smiled at this. He father turned and quickly she followed him. They took there leave from the host, and went outside,

When they just passed the front doors, Lizzy glanced back. At the door, was Mr. Darcy, talking to the Lucasses, who were also taking there leave.

A feeling of sadness and hurt took over Lizzy. He did not wave, or even said goodbye. She however did not noticed she was still looking back, while her feet where moving. She didn't remember there was a large stone staircase down towards the lane. She didn't expect the sudden fall she made. Nor the sudden emptiness that came after it.

"...very ill...long bed rest...see to that...Bennet...trust on you?"

Lizzy slowly awakened. She tried to open her eyes, but found out she couldn't. So then she tried to move her head. Immediately a sharp pain floated throughout her head.

"Ouch...." she whispered. The others in the room (whoever they are, Lizzy thought), heard her.

"Lizzy!" This was a happy cry-out from her right. It was obviously Jane's.

"Jane...pain...tired...where I?" was all she managed to get out.

"Miss Bennet, I'm doctor Jones. Listen to me. Try not to talk or move. It will make your condition only worse!" This warning came from her left. However, she did not wanted to listen to the advice.

"Jane...where am I? Have I been sleeping long?" Elisabeth whispered to her right.

Jane answered in her own soft voice. "Lizzy, I'm so glad you're awake! You now are at Netherfield. As we were just leaving you fell from the steps by the front door! Mr. Darcy and Papa, who were the closest gentleman around, immediately took care of you. It was also Mr. Darcy who let someone fetch the doctor. You have had a terrible fall, Lizzy! Papa is very anxious about you, so I shall shortly after this all send him an express. And that fall was about one-and-a-half days ago."

"Oh," was al Lizzy could think of. She still had a terrible headache. It was like someone had hit her a thousand times with a hammer on her head. She let out a sigh.

"Miss Bennet," spoke the doctor again after a short silence, "we shall leave you now. Try to get some sleep, it will surely do you good. Your sister will regularly check in on you."

"Indeed I will, Lizzy. And if you awake, and need anything, I will be in my room, that is next to yours. Just call me. I think I will not be going down."

With that, they left. However, not much came from Lizzy 'rest'. 'Cause soon after they had departed, the door opened again. Elisabeth, who knew this could not be Jane or the doctor, pretended to be asleep. It were hard footsteps she heard. This surely was not a women, calling in on her. The man, whoever it was, let out a sigh. Then he spoke. Elisabeth was shocked. What was he doing in her bedroom? Of course she was sick, but had he therefore the right to just come bumping in? Surely not. However, she still pretended to be asleep, and listened.

"Aaahh... Elisabeth..." said Mr. Darcy, obviously sad. Probably because she was sick. "Could you not please awake, Dearest? I've waited for so long..." Lizzy still pretended to be sleeping. Her hard had made a jump when he had called her Dearest. Wanting to hear more, she remained silent.

"If only you wouldn't be asleep for so long already. Could you please awake? I know you are very tired, but you have almost slept two days already!" At this Lizzy felt questions coming up. Did Jane nor the doctor tell anyone that she was already awake? No, Jane had said she would be in her room and most likely not go downstairs. The doctor probably forgot to tell the rest about the good news, or thought Jane would do so.

Darcy let out a deep sigh. He did not know what had come over him a few moments ago, but for he had known it, he had found himself in front of Elisabeth's bedroom door, hoping that she was alone and awake. He had no luck, or so he thought.

"Could you not please say something?" he pleaded. He was getting quite desperate now. But he suddenly saw that this was hopeless. It was a deed of a hopeless in love man, to come to his beloved one while she was in a coma, and then trying to get her out of it by asking her so.

Elisabeth though was getting more touched by the moment. He had called her Dearest, wanted her to be awake and wanted her to speak to him! This was sure to be a dream! It felt to much to be true. She was just making her mind up about whether letting Mr. Darcy know she was awake or not, when she heard him get up. The sound of the door opening and closing was the last she heard from the man, which she now realised, she was desperately in love with!

Chapter 3

Elisabeth was getting stronger by the week, With Jane by her side she was quickly recovering. It had now been two-and-a-half weeks ago since the accident, and Lizzy felt so strong and active, that she could not any longer stay in bed, though the doctor still told her to do so. Jane assisted her, when she walked some steps around the room, for the first time in ages, or so it seemed. Lizzy was a fighter, and so within days she could manage to walk by herself without trembling or falling. Today, she was for the first time going downstairs. She had wanted to go before, but Jane had told her she better could not do so, afraid that her sister might exhaust herself to much.

Elisabeth was ready for breakfast, and so left her room. She stumbled upon Mr. Bingley as she reached the staircase.

"Miss Bennet!" He cried in surprise, "How are you! You have been in my house for three weeks, and I have not seen you more than two times. You look much better now, if I may say."

"Thank u Sir. I indeed also feel much better. Though I sometimes still am a little dizzy."

"Then let's take no risks. May I help you down the stairs?" He said with a smile, while offering her his arm. Thankfully she took it.

"Thank you Sir."

He took her with him towards the dining room.

"I am sorry Miss Bennet," He said as they reached the door, "Here I must leave you. I've been told by the housekeeper there's some important business awaiting me in the library. I shall join you at breakfast as soon as possible."

So Lizzy opened the door and expected a quiet breakfast by herself. She however was wrong. For there was already someone there.

"Miss Bennet" said a surprised Mr. Darcy as soon as she came in. "Good morning. Are you feeling better yet?"

"Good morning Mr. Darcy. Yes thank you, I'm much better for sure." Elisabeth replied as she elegantly sank in a chair. "Though I must say I haven't found my appetite back. How am I ever going to eat something of this!?"

"It's quite simple, Miss Bennet, You take a spoon and put something on your plate. Then you eat." Darcy said in a teasing tone.

Immediately Elisabeth also got in a teasing mood. "Why Sir, you are laughing at me," she said, trying to sound offended. "That is not very gentleman-like Sir, if I may say so."

Darcy grinned at her words. He tried to think of some dazzling answer. He realised he had been looking at his plate, so he turned his gaze at Elisabeth. Instantly his mind collapsed. The only thing he could see, was her beauty. Though she was sick, she still looked stunning. It took his breath away. She had to be his, no matter what! He was about to reply something to her, when he heard Bingley approaching the room. Quickly he said to Elisabeth:

"Miss Bennet, would you do me the favour of joining me for a walk after breakfast?"

Elisabeth didn't knew what to say. Then she to heard Bingley. "Yes, of course, I should be happy to." she managed to reply, before Bingley bumped into the room.

At breakfast, Elisabeth didn't spoke much. Not long after Bingley, his sisters and Jane had come down. They talked to each other (especially Jane and Mr. Bingley). Elisabeth, observing this, was asking herself why he had not proposed to Jane yet. Maybe because he had found it unsuitable to propose while she had been sick. For Elisabeth had heard that Jane, the dear, had been quite upset, when she had been so very ill. Yes, that must have been the reason. So now she was so much better, it could not take long anymore...

When the breakfast ended, and everybody went there own way, Darcy gave Elisabeth a significant look. She had not forgotten there appointment.

"I just have to fetch my bonnet. Wait for me under the large tree near the fountain." She whispered to Mr. Darcy, as she passed him. He nodded at her, and then walked towards the doors. Elisabeth quickly went upstairs to fetch her bonnet. She didn't wanted to keep him waiting there for to long. When she was ready she hurried downstairs. She however, was stopped by Caroline Bingley.

"Miss Bennet!" she cried, "You have just been very ill. And then already to be storming around the house already! Should you not take it easier?" This were friendly words, though Miss Bingley brought them special, so that they sounded as a accusation.

Elisabeth though did not have the patience for Miss Bingley right now. She hastily said something to her, like "Thank U Miss Bingley, but I'm quite fine," and walked on. Soon she was outside. Quick she walked towards the fountain. On her way, she saw Jane and Mr. Bingley, together on a bench. He had probably just proposed, for what they were doing was not to be done without being engaged. She giggled to herself. This was to good to be true! She was very happy for Jane. She walked on. Soon she reached the tree, Mr. Darcy was sitting on one of the benches under it. He watched her approaching.

"Please sit down Miss Bennet," He said as soon as she was close enough. When he had asked her for a walk, he had forgotten she was ill. Now she indeed was quite flushed, and gave him a thankful look.

"Yes, thank you, for I have not quite regained my whole strengths."

For a moment they were both silent. Both didn't know what to say. Darcy had asked Elisabeth to join him for a good reason, but now it was the time, he did not know how to say or do what he wanted to do so badly. He though rejoined his strengths fast.

"Miss Bennet," He began. Next to him Elisabeth looked at him with full attention. I have to continue now, he said to himself.

"Miss Bennet, I just cannot remain silent. I must tell you how I mostly admire and love you. Ever since I knew it, I have been most eager to share it with you, hoping that you will console in being my wife."

Elisabeth was stunned. Did he just now proposed? Yes he did! Her hart was dancing. Her head went light. She felt she was floating away... like a feather...

"Elisabeth! Elisabeth! ELISABETH!"

"Wh..what?" Elisabeth looked up. She saw she was lying on the bench they had been sitting on. Mr. Darcy sat on his knees on the grass next to her.

"Good God, Elisabeth, are you well? Shall I fetch for the doctor?"

"No, No, don't Mr. Darcy. I am feeling better already. Uhm... what happened?"

"Well..." She saw Mr. Darcy was uncomfortable. What happened again?

Mr. Darcy indeed was a little uncomfortable. She didn't remembered he proposed! This was a nightmare. This meant that the proposal was not of a great value of her! She doesn't loves him! He felt like crying.

Elisabeth pained her braines. She knew something of great importance had happened. But of course!!! THE PROPOSAL!

"Mr. Darcy, I'm sorry I didn't remembered it before. I know again now though. So I will give you my answer."

He held his breath. This was it! He was going to hear his fate now!

"YES!" Elisabeth cried out. She wanted to continue, say how much she loved him, but couldn't.

Mr. Darcy found it enough. Her eyes said enough. They shined and shattered at him. In them was to read, that Elisabeth, HIS Elisabeth, loved him dearly. And never he would let her go. He bent over and embraced her. She was his!!!

The End