Beginning, Section II

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Chapter 11

Posted on Monday, 24 January 2000

All Elizabeth wanted was talk to Jane but as she was walking towards her sister's room that evening, she realised that her newly acquired knowledge of Mr. Darcy's doings was of no consequence in comparison to the terrible thing that was to happen to Jane. She knocked on the door and as her sister asked her to come in, she went inside:

"Oh, Jane, how are you?"

"I am fine." Replied her sister.

"Jane, do not lie. I know you dread the idea of marrying Mr. Collins."

"Lizzy, what must be, must be." Replied her sister with her usual calmness but there was resignation in her voice.

"Jane, you cannot!"

"I'm afraid I must."

"No!"

"Lizzy, listen to me. I have thought about it. You know what our family situation is. You know that one of us must marry well. And Mr. Collins is the best we can get. He'll inherit Longbourn one day..."

"But before that happens, he'll make you unhappy and miserable!"

"I can be happy, Lizzy. Of that I am sure."

"Jane, listen to yourself! You were to marry for love. You were to be happy. Mr. Collins cannot make you happy."

"Maybe not, but I can learn to like my new life or at least accept it without regret,"

"Jane, I will not let you marry Mr. Collins. Jane, I will find a way to prevent this marriage. Just please do not accept him."

Jane was silent.

"Jane, if by Saturday I will not come up with a way, you will be free to accept his offer. Is it a deal?"

"Lizzy, you will come up with nothing but if that pleases you, let it be. I will make no promise till Saturday."

"Jane, please reconsider. He will be a nightmare to live with."

"Some things must be done." Smiled Jane. "But I've seen you were engrossed in conversation with Mr. Wickham."

Jane listened with astonishment and concern; she knew not how to believe that Mr. Darcy could be so unworthy of Mr. Fitzwilliam's regard; and yet, it was not in her nature to question the veracity of a young man of such amiable appearance as Wickham. The possibility of his having really endured such unkindness, was enough to interest all her tender feelings; and nothing therefore remained to be done, but to think well of them both, to defend the conduct of each, and throw into the account of accident or mistake, whatever could not be otherwise explained.

"They have both," said she, "been deceived, I dare say, in some way or other, of which we can form no idea. Interested people have perhaps misrepresented each to the other. It is, in short, impossible for us to conjecture the causes or circumstances which may have alienated them, without actual blame on either side."

"Very true, indeed; and now, my dear Jane, what have you got to say in behalf of the interested people who have probably been concerned in the business? Do clear them too, or we shall be obliged to think ill of somebody."

"Laugh as much as you choose, but you will not laugh me out of my opinion. My dearest Lizzy, do but consider in what a disgraceful light it places Mr. Darcy, to be treating his father's favourite in such a manner, one, whom his father had promised to provide for. It is impossible. No man of common humanity, no man who had any value for his character, could be capable of it. Can his most intimate friends be so excessively deceived in him? oh! no."

"I can much more easily believe Mr. Fitzwilliam's being imposed on, than that Mr. Wickham should invent such a history of himself as he gave me last night; names, facts, every thing mentioned without ceremony. If it be not so, let Mr. Darcy contradict it. Besides, there was truth in his looks."

"It is difficult indeed, it is distressing. One does not know what to think. But remember that Mr. Fitzwilliam is family so he may know.."

"I beg your pardon; one knows exactly what to think and maybe, Mr. Fitzwilliam is deceiving us all as well."

"But Mr. Darcy's sister! She is so nice and well-bred..." tried Jane.

"No, Jane. You will not convince me."

Lizzy stood up to leave. "Jane, remember till Saturday."

"Yes, Lizzy." Jane smiled faintly.

Days passed on and there was less and less time left.

Friday morning came and Elizabeth was walking the lane next to the little lake west of Longbourn. She has seen neither Charlotte nor any other neighbour for the last few days. Mr. Collins was paying attentions to Jane who accepted them calmly. Elizabeth could not bear watching it.

Suddenly as if he dropped from the sky, in front of her stood Mr. Darcy.

"Miss Bennet."

"Mr. Darcy."

"Miss Bennet, Miss Kitty told me I might find you here."

She smiled but there was no warmth in that smile.

"Miss Bennet, I came to tell you that I'm leaving tomorrow morning."

"I see."

"I came to say goodbye and..." he stopped, "I came..." he stopped again and turned back on her. She was surprised.

"Miss Bennet, " he began again, "in vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."

Elizabeth's astonishment was beyond expression. She stared, coloured, doubted, and was silent. This he considered sufficient encouragement, and the avowal of all that he felt and had long felt for her immediately followed. He spoke well, but there were feelings besides those of the heart to be detailed, and he was not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of pride. His sense of her inferiority of its being a degradation of the family obstacles which judgement had always opposed to inclination, were dwelt on with a warmth which seemed due to the consequence he was wounding, but was very unlikely to recommend his suit. In spite of her deeply-rooted dislike, she could not be insensible to the compliment of such a man's affection, and though her intentions did not vary for an instant, she was at first sorry for the pain he was to receive; till, roused to resentment by his subsequent language, she lost all compassion in anger. She tried, however, to compose herself to answer him with patience, when he should have done. He concluded with representing to her the strength of that attachment which, in spite of all his endeavours, he had found impossible to conquer; and with expressing his hope that it would now be rewarded by her acceptance of his hand. As he said this, she could easily see that he had no doubt of a favourable answer. He spoke of apprehension and anxiety, but his countenance expressed real security. Such a circumstance could only exasperate farther, and when he ceased, the colour rose into her cheeks, and she said,

"In such cases as this, it is, I believe..." she stopped. She's been praying to God that he would help her find a solution to Jane's problem and this was her solution. Jane wanted to marry Collins because, she thought she was securing her family's welfare. If she, Lizzy, married Mr. Darcy, a man with ten thousand pounds a year, Jane would be able to refuse Collins as the marriage would have no real consequence to the family. Only one daughter had to marry well and it fell upon Lizzy to do it. Darcy was hateful, arrogant and selfish. She would have to satisfy his carnal lusts but he wasn't at least sleazy and fat like Collins. She could learn to accept her fate.

"Mr. Darcy, I thank you and accept your offer." She said calmly but firmly causing him to smile toothily. She read my letter and forgave me - he thought. He was happy.

Chapter 12

Posted on Tuesday, 25 January 2000

"My dear Lizzy, where can you have been walking to?" was a question, which Elizabeth received from Jane as soon as she entered their room, and from all the others when they sat down to table.

She had only to say in reply, that she had wandered about, till she was beyond her own knowledge. She paled as she spoke; but neither that, nor any thing else, awakened a suspicion of the truth. The morning passed quietly, unmarked by any thing extraordinary. Finally Elizabeth was left alone with Jane.

"Jane, I have found a solution."

"A solution?"

"Yes, you may safely refuse Mr. Collins now. The future of our family is secured."

"Lizzy what do you mean?"

"I cannot tell you now. All will be known in the evening. Trust me." With that Elizabeth left her sister's room. She now had time to rethink what the consequences of her decision were. She would be unhappy in this marriage. She would have to pretend. It was revolting that she who always claimed that nothing but the deepest love would induce her into matrimony, was about to enter a loveless marriage. Finally she resolved that the fact that her family's happiness would be secured and most of all Jane would be saved from an imprudent match, would enable her to live with her burden.

Darcy was of a disposition in which happiness overflows in mirth. He returned to Netherfield smiling and happy. He told Elizabeth that he would call on her father later on to ask for his consent. On his arrival home, Darcy met Richard in the hall. It seemed Richard himself had just returned from somewhere but Darcy was too happy to notice.

"Darcy, I'm glad I see you, I'm just ret..."

"Richard, I have news, I must share with you..." interrupted him Darcy. "I will go and fetch Georgiana. I want you to learn first." With that he ran upstairs to call Georgiana to the library.

Having brought Georgiana to the parlour where Richard was waiting, he seated them on the chairs and said:

"Georgiana, Richard, you are the two closest people to me. Therefore I want you to know first. I went today to Longbourn to speak with Miss Elizabeth. I have asked her to marry me and she made me this honour and accepted my proposal." He smiled broadly.

There was horror in Georgiana's eyes. She got up and ran out of the room. Darcy stood in amazement and then glancing at Richard ran after her. He knocked on her door but there was no answer.

"Georgiana, please open." He asked.

"Go away." She replied

He pressed the knob but it didn't move.

"Georgiana, open the door."

His voice summoned Lady Susan:

"What is the matter, Darcy?"

"I don't know, I just told her that I am getting married and..."

"You are getting married! To whom? Not Anne surely!"

"No, of course not. To Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

"You mean she accepted you?"

"Yes. "

Susan looked at him suspiciously.

"What is it, Susan? Is it so strange? I may have not always loved her but I do now."

Susan wasn't convinced.

"I'll talk to Georgiana. Go and sit with Richard. I'll be with you soon."

When Darcy left, Georgiana opened the door to let Lady Susan in.

There was silence in the library. The two men were sitting opposite each other and looking into the wall.

"Darcy, I must say, you caught me by surprise." Ventured Richard finally.

"I know, it may be surprising but I truly love her."

"Does she love you?"

Darcy paused.

"I believe she does...in her own way."

"In her own way?"

"She was always a bit enigmatic to me."

"Enigmatic?"

"I am not oblivious to the fact that she behaved as if she disliked me, sometimes."

"Darcy, don't get me wrong but I thought she disliked you." Tried Richard.

"I wrote her a letter explaining some things and gave her time to rethink everything."

"I see."

"And I think she understood that I'm not as bad as it might have sometimes appeared. And above all, she would be stupid to refuse me."

"Darcy, can you really accept that she is marrying you for your money."

"I don't think she would be able. She is too wise for that."

Almost two hours had gone by since Georgiana's refuge and Darcy was growing impatient.

"Richard, as I'm leaving tomorrow. I must go and speak to Mr. Bennet now. Please excuse me from the ladies. I shall be back in the evening, I suppose." said Darcy getting up. Richard nodded.

Elizabeth was agitated and confused when she saw Darcy enter the yard. I suppose, I will have to get used to it. she shrugged. She anticipated what would be felt in the family when her situation became known.

Mr. Bennet withdrew to the library soon after lunch and Elizabeth observed Mr. Darcy go straight to that particular room. Her agitation on seeing it was extreme. She feared her father's opposition, that he was going to be made unhappy; and that it should be through her means - that she, his favourite child, should be distressing him by her choice, should be filling him with fears and regrets in disposing of her - was a wretched reflection, and she sat in misery, expecting her faith with calmness. It was done for the best. Deep in her heart, however, she hoped her father would oppose strongly and that she would not have to marry Darcy as Jane would not have to marry Collins. After all if her father objected to Darcy then, he would surely object to Collins.

Mr. Darcy appeared again, looking quite content. My fate is sealed then. she thought. He approached the table where she was sitting and said:

"Go to your father, he wants you in the library."

She was gone directly. Her father was walking about the room, looking grave and anxious.

"Lizzy," said he, "what are you doing? Are you out of your senses, to be accepting this man? Have not you always hated him?"

How earnestly did she then wish that her former opinions had been more reasonable, her expressions more moderate! It would have spared her from lying now.

"Or, in other words, you are determined to have him. He is rich, to be sure, and you may have fine clothes and fine carriages. But will they make you happy? Lizzy," said her father, "I have given him my consent. He is the kind of man, indeed, to whom I should never dare refuse any thing, which he condescended to ask. I now give it to you, if you are resolved on having him. But let me advise you to think better of it. I know your disposition, Lizzy. I know that you could be neither happy nor respectable, unless you truly esteemed your husband; unless you looked up to him as a superior. Your lively talents would place you in the greatest danger in an unequal marriage. You could scarcely escape discredit and misery. My child, let me not have the grief of seeing you unable to respect your partner in life. You know not what you are about."

"Papa, it is my decision. Mr. Darcy is the man of my choice. I made a promise and I will keep to it."

Her father kissed her in the forehead and smiled.

"I hope you know what you are doing."

She rose and left. It was some time later that Mr. Bennet realised, that his favourite daughter did not say she loved, cared for or admired her future husband.

Chapter 13

Posted on Saturday, 29 January 2000

When vital events took place in Fitzwilliam Darcy's life, his sister was crying on the shoulder of her cousin, Lady Susan Fitzwilliam.

"Susan, how can she have accepted him?" sobbed Georgiana, clutching to Lady Susan's arm.

"I don't know, Georgie. I don't know. But there must be some explanation. You remember her telling us, she harboured no good feelings towards him. Something must have changed since then."

"What if she deceived us all! What is she is even worse than Miss Bingley?! What if my brother is throwing himself into a loveless marriage?! What if..." she cried.

"Georgie, calm down. You can do nothing. It's his life and hers. It has nothing to do with you."

"He is my brother."

"True, he is also Lady Catherine's nephew and you wouldn't approve if Lady Catherine tried to direct his life, would you?"

"No, but it's different! I..."

"Georgiana, it's true that Lady Catherine and yourself may have different intentions or reasons for your interventions but either way it's Fitzwilliam's life and his decision. No one else's!"

"Susan, if you could talk to Elizabeth..." ventured Georgie.

"I'm not really sure..."

"Susan, you must. I will leave tomorrow but you...you must go and talk to her. Judge if she is marrying him for other reasons than l...for money."

"I will talk to her."

"Thank you. Susan, can you stay here with me, until I fall asleep?" Asked Georgiana.

"Of course, my dear."

By the time Georgiana had fallen asleep, the whole of Longbourn knew about Miss Elizabeth's betrothal.

Mr.s. Bennet's reaction, when Elizabeth told her about the upcoming event in private was more or less like:

"Good gracious! Lord bless me! only think! dear me! Mr. Darcy! Who would have thought it! And is it really true? Oh! my sweetest Lizzy! how rich and how great you will be! What pin money, what jewels, what carriages you will have! Jane's is nothing to it -- nothing at all. I am so pleased -- so happy. Such a charming man! -- so handsome! so tall! -- Oh, my dear Lizzy! pray apologise for my having disliked him so much before. I hope he will overlook it. Dear, dear Lizzy. A house in town! Every thing that is charming! Three daughters married! Ten thousand a year! Oh, Lord! What will become of me. I shall go distracted. My dearest child," she cried, "I can think of nothing else! Ten thousand a year, and very likely more! 'Tis as good as a Lord! And a special licence. You must and shall be married by a special licence. But my dearest love, tell me what dish Mr. Darcy is particularly fond of, that I may have it tomorrow."

"Mama, Mr. Darcy will not be coming tomorrow. His presence in London is necessary."

"Nonsense! You will keep him here. He has duties as your fiancé!"

"Mama, I cannot."

"Yes, you can, and I dare say you sleep with him and carry his child or he may rethink and..."

"Mother!!!" dried Lizzy.

"I know what I am talking about. It was only yesterday that Mr.s. Phillips has told me that one third of young brides is pregnant these days when they get married. I dare say it gives a whole new meaning to the word: "secure a man". La, Lizzy! I always knew you were to make a greatest career. Jane, may be beautiful but you always knew how to go about your business! Or is it that you are with child already?"

"Mother, I will not listen to it!" Elizabeth marched out of the room

Five minutes later, Mr.s. Bennet was in Lizzy's room:

"I'm so glad you will be connected to the royal family."

"Mama, Mr. Darcy has no..."

"I did not want to tell Lady Lucas, for I am crossed with her for Charlotte has secured Mr. Fitzwilliam. I wonder if she slept with him?"

"Mother!"

"Alright, alright! But now that you are marrying Mr. Darcy, I can tell you that the prefix "Fitz" before the name indicates that the family descends from a natural child of some king."

"Mother, I'm not marrying him for his ancestors!"

Completely ignoring her daughter's remark Mr.s. Bennet continue: "You know, you could be married on the same day as Jane and Mr. Collins!"

"Mother, Jane will not marry Mr. Collins."

"Yes, she will. Mr. Collins will propose to her tomorrow."

"Mother, if you agree to Jane's marriage, I will call off mine with Mr. Darcy."

"You cannot be serious, Lizzy."

"I am very serious. It's either my marriage or Jane's."

"Are you being that selfish? You deny your sister your own happiness? Don't you want to see her happily married?"

"That's precisely what I want. I want her happily married! It's your choice. Darcy's 10,000 a year or Mr. Collins."

"Well, if you put it this way." Mr.s. Bennet showed how unsatisfied, she was with such a turn of events. She walked out leaving Lizzy in peace, at least as much of peace as a sensible woman engaged to be married without love could have.

The next morning found the whole Netherfield family gathered at breakfast table. Darcy and Georgiana were to leave about noon.

There wasn't much talk at the table as no one felt really at ease. Finally Richard Fitzwilliam spoke:

"Yesterday, Darcy announced that he was getting married. I have therefore decided not to say anything about what I'm planning to say now." Everyone looked at him: "Miss Charlotte Lucas agreed to become my wife."

There was a moment of silence and Georgiana rose:

"Oh, cousin! I'm so happy for you. I'm sure you will be very happy together!"

Darcy's heart was being torn apart. His own sister did not approve of his bride. Why? They seemed such good friends?

Georgiana looked at her brother and smiled coldly.

My dearest Georgiana,

I have spoken to Elizabeth. She seemed very strange. She said that it's her life and that of Mr. Darcy's and that she was marrying him because such was her will and there was her heart. Our conversation was awkward. She was distant and rather cold, yet calm and very well mannered.

I truly don't know what to think. I don't think she loves him but there was no bad word of him that I heard from her. There must be some other reason for this marriage. I hope she has not done something foolish with your brother!

When I called, her cousin was leaving. He apparently became engaged to her younger sister - Mary. I don't want to talk bad of people but he looked toady and sleazy!

I have no clue about your brother's marriage! We must wait and see how it turns out.

Yours,
Susan

Lady Susan sealed the letter without adding that she had just seen Elizabeth talking to Mr. Wickham.

Chapter 14

"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here..." the words of the parson rang in Elizabeth's ears as she stood next to Mr. Darcy at the altar. There was no miracle that would prevent today's event. When she accepted Darcy's proposal, there was nothing but Jane's well-being on her mind but then, when the danger was gone, she began thinking that although she saved her sister from an unhappy marriage of convenience, she prepared an unhappy fate for herself. There was no love, no respect and no prospects for a happy future. Not after what she knew about the man standing next to her. Mr. Wickham was very descriptive in picturing Mr. Darcy's deeds. How the grand young master of Pemberley seduced a cousin to Mr. Wickham who came to visit just before the old Mr. Darcy's passing. How he deceived a young girl, innocent and pure. How he disgraced her and himself most all.

Elizabeth jerked as she heard the parson address her. Her lips trembled. The seconds seemed minutes but she finally uttered: "I do."

Her fate was sealed. Before God and people, she was Mr.s. Darcy, doomed for unhappy existence.

She lifted her heavy eyelids and tried to adjust her eyes to the surroundings. She didn't know where she was for a moment but then the memories came back. She was in London, in Mr. Darcy's Mansion, in her new home. No, she would not call this place home. It was not her home.

She moved gently. Now lying on her back, she closed her eyes but almost immediately jerked and opened them again. She felt dirty. The events of the last evening and night came back vividly. After the wedding, everyone waved the newly married Darcys off. Elizabeth could see Charlotte resting her head on her husbands arm as they drove away. How happy the new Mr.s. Fitzwilliam was. She and Richard married a month earlier and their marital bliss seemed to have been spreading around the whole village and neighbouring estates. Elizabeth's marital bliss was non-existent. At least Mr. Darcy left her quite quickly last night so she could rest and try not to think that she was married. That was however difficult to do. She remembered his quickened breath and sweat and her own pain... marital duties were everything her mother told her. She felt a cramp inside and tears came from her eyes. What have I done?!

It wasn't until noon that Elizabeth went downstairs. She hoped that Darcy would have by then go to his club (isn't it what all men do?), but just as she was on the last step, she saw him walking out of his study.

"I trust you have slept well, my dear." He said.

"I have a small headache." She replied.

He approached her and kissed her cheek and took her hand.

"I hope it will subside by the evening."

"Why so?"

"I had hoped to..."

"I do not feel like going anywhere." She interrupted him.

"I was hoping for a quite evening at home and that you would play something for me." He squeezed her hand.

"I am not certain if I will manage." She replied faintly.

"Would you like me to read you something?" enquired he.

"No, thank you, I'd rather sit by the fire."

He took her arm and led her to the drawing room.

"Elizabeth, I want you to..."

"Can it wait for some other time. My headache is growing stronger. I believe I shall retire to my room."

"Very well." Said he in a slightly offended voice and watched as she walked away.

She turned to him and said, "I shall have lunch in my room."

"As you wish." He bowed, the expression on his face told her he was feeling hurt.

Later that evening

Elizabeth handed a note to her maid.

"Give it to Mr. Darcy, please."

"Yes, ma'am."

Darcy froze as he read:

Sir,

I shall not be attending dinner. I feel quite unwell. Please do not visit me. I hope I shall be better soon.

E.D.

Three months later, Pemberley

Darcy and his wife sat in the drawing room. As the servants withdrew, Elizabeth bit her lip and said, "I believe you have by now realised that I don't love you."

Darcy did not reply.

"I have thought about it. I know I have been behaving very foolishly since we've been married. I know now, that my behaviour was improper for a wife. I have decided to marry you and I have no right to behave as if it never happened. I will be your wife, I will bear you children, just don't expect me to be happy."

"Madame, you have said quite enough. You need not be either. You don't need to do anything for me. It was my mistake in marrying you. I have been naive enough to think you could love me. I now know you cannot."

He stood up as walked out of the room.

Chapter 15

Earlier on

Georgiana couldn't accept her brother's decision. She has been deeply deceived by Miss Elizabeth Bennet. "That woman's cunningness is despicable." She used to repeat to Lady Susan in every letter she sent to her. "I should prefer Miss Bingley as a sister. At least Caroline doesn't hide, she is interested in my brother's money." Despaired Georgiana. On Lady Susan's advice, she decided not to calmly accept what was to be accepted. Lady Susan wrote:

Dear Cousin,

I was paying much attention to what was happening around here. The great gossip in Meryton is that Miss Bennet is making a most advantageous match. Your brother's arrival two days ago had just confirmed it not to mention the announcement in The Times which appeared today. Everyone is talking. I must admit that I have not heard it spoken that she is marrying him for money. But then no one would have said such a thing in my company.

Your brother seems very much in love with the lady. I am not certain as to her feelings. She is quiet and never seems to be very interested, yet her behaviour is very proper. I advise you my dear Georgiana to bear everything calmly and accept what is to come. Maybe we shouldn't expect the worst.

Now onto the happier news! Richard and Charlotte are inseparable. They walk together and laugh. She actually knows how to laugh and on closer acquaintance improves. I liked her from the start, you know it but I thought her rather average. Now, I slowly begin to comprehend why Richard is so taken with her. She is quiet, yet affectionate and very warm towards him. She takes care of him I would say.

We have attended an assembly last Saturday and Richard danced with no one but her. Her mother was in ecstasy over it but I bear her no ill. In her mind, it is a match beyond dreams, yet I can accept her knowing that Charlotte truly loves my dear Colonel. Mr.s. Bennet is, however, difficult to bear with. She is fussing around how great a match HER daughter is making and she rattles about "other rich men her other daughters will meet" once, Elizabeth marries your brother. I honestly cannot stand. Maybe it would be bearable if I was certain that Elizabeth Bennet respects and loves your brother.

I must finish now. I shall write to you if anything new happens. Take care of yourself and do not worry too much. Everything will turn out to be just fine. Trust me on it. WE may just be very wrong and Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam will be the happiest and most loving couple on Earth.

Yours, S.

Charlotte's wedding was a happy event. Everyone seemed to have been under the spell that the happy couple spread around them. Even Georgiana relaxed and smiled at the newly wedded couple. After the wedding Richard and his bride were expected to head for Bath for a few weeks to start their life together and they were supposed to come back just before the Darcy wedding. Elizabeth was standing next to her own fiancé as the Fitzwilliams drove off. He was very attentive to her during his stay in the neighbourhood. She was even inclined to begin thinking well of him when a letter arrived from Mr. Wickham. In it, he mockingly congratulated her on the engagement. He said, he understood her motives, after all Miss Bennet's marriage to Collins would be tragic. He said he admired her - Elizabeth's - love and devotion to her sister and hoped that Elizabeth would be able to forget the terrible deeds of her husband's. A propos, he wrote, I have met the poor give Darcy treated so badly but a day ago. She is a wreck of the person she was. That did it. Elizabeth who for a split of a second began to change her opinion of Darcy was once again set against him

Three weeks into her won marriage, Elizabeth could finally write to Jane and invite her to visit her. The three weeks seemed like hell to Elizabeth. She had to receive visits and return them, Smile and look happy while inside she was torn and spent most of the nights crying into her pillow. Although in public the Darcys seemed to be a perfect couple, in the privacy of their home, they were strangers.

One of the first visitors whom Elizabeth had to receive were Caroline Bingley and her sister Louisa Hurst. Both ladies called rather early and chatted happily and gaily. Elizabeth smiled and upheld the conversation but was glad when they left. The Bingleys were Darcy's old friends at least it seemed so because Darcy invited them to dine at the Darcy Mansion soon afterwards. When Jane finally arrived in the sixth week of Elizabeth's marriage, it was the happiest moment ever since Darcy had gained the right to visit Elizabeth's bedchamber. And it must be said he id not visit it quite often. Under many excuses Elizabeth kept the distance between them and statistically speaking the visits amounted to one a fortnight.

On the day of Jane's arrival, they were all to go to the Opera where they were to meet with the Bingleys. Mr. Bingley a young cheerful man of four and twenty was unattached and always made Elizabeth wonder how he could have befriended her own husband. She decided that it must have been the opposites in them as well as the fact that Bingley was most probably unaware of Darcy's deeds in the past. Charles Bingley seemed to have been overflown in mirth the moment he saw Jane and in one week's time it seemed that he and Jane got together very well. The Bingleys as well as Jane, traveled to Pemberley with the Darcys. Darcy himself was not really enjoying the idea of having both Bingley sisters at Pemberley especially with Elizabeth keeping him away. He would have felt it very acutely if either of the Bingley sisters realised that his marriage was a fiasco.

The Bingleys were to stay for about ten days and leave Pemberley two days after Jane's departure for Hertfordshire. Elizabeth sincerely hoped that Bingley would propose to Jane before her leaving but nothing of the sort had happened.

Being finally alone at Pemberley, Darcy hoped that he could do something to improve his relations with his wife. His another worry was that his sister was doing all in her power not to join them. She was at first staying with James and Susan, then seemed to be invited by the Matlocks to finally visit Charlotte and Richard on Charlotte special request as she put it in her latest letter.

Darcy wasn't sure where he made a mistake. At the beginning of their engagement all seemed to be fine. At least, it looked to him like that or maybe he was deceived... Elizabeth was a perfect hostess to his gusts and in public nothing would have suggested that they weren't happily married but as soon as the last guest left, she grew cold and distant. Almost never let him into her bedchamber. He was even considering entering there by force but refrained. He thought that maybe he had hurt her the first night but every time he brought up the subject and there were not many times her refused to talk. Finally, the evening, three months after the wedding, she spoke up and made him realise what he didn't want to admit. SHE MARRIED HIM FOR HIS MONEY!

It was just after dawn when Darcy woke up with a startle. He heard noises in the yard but when he reached the window all he could see was a carriage driving away. He rang for his valet who appeared half dressed about five minutes later.

'What was the commotion about?' demanded Darcy.

'Mr.s. Darcy ordered the carriage to be ready for 4 o'clock in the morning and told her maid to pack. They have just left, sir. Mr.s. Darcy left a letter for you, shall I get it for you now?'

'Oh... Yes...' muttered Darcy and dismissed Jeffries with his hand.

This was something Darcy would have never imagined happening. Elizabeth was gone and he didn't even know where to. Longbourn was a possibility. Or London. He truly didn't know.

There was a knock on the door. It was Jeffries with Elizabeth's missive.

Mr. Darcy,

I have found it best to leave Pemberley after the occurrences of the evening. We are not suited for each other. I know you find me inferior and believe that it is a degradation to your family to be allied to mine. I shall therefore relieve you of this burden then.

Your character was unfolded in the recital, which I received many months ago from Mr. Wickham. You have reduced him to his present state of poverty. You have withheld the advantages, which you must know to have been designed for him. You have deprived him of the best years of his life of that independence which was no less his due than his desert.

I do not know why you truly married me but I married you because I had to save my sister. I have done wrong and it is time to amend it. You may do what you want and I shall agree to everything.

Good bye, sir.

Elizabeth Bennet

Chapter 16

Eight months later

'Mr.s. Fitzwilliam.' announced the Gardiner butler. Elizabeth turned around to greet her friend. They had not seen each other for almost a year now.

'Good morning, Charlotte.'

'Good morning, Lizzy.' Replied the guest but there was little joy in her voice. Lizzy on the other hand was glad to see her old, childhood friend. She had not had many visits in the past few months and certainly not since her condition became visible.

'Please, sit down, Charlotte. We have not seen each other for such a long time.'

'Indeed, Lizzy. But you must see why that is.'

'I know, Charlotte. Please, tell me how Jane's wedding went.' Neither her father nor her mother wanted to see her and she was excluded from the wedding of her own very dear sister.

'It was very moving. They are really in love. And Fitzwilliam... Oh, I'm sorry, Lizzy. I shouldn't be...'

'Charlotte, don't be sorry. I made a mistake and I should sleep in the bed I've made.'

"Before you say anything more, I believe, you should read it. Richard and I are making some changes to Netherfield and well, we found this envelope. It's addressed to you.'

Lizzy took the thick envelope and recognised her husband's handwriting.

'Lizzy, I will admit that Richard didn't want to give you this letter because He knows and told me what's in it. I think that you've done Fitzwilliam a great injustice. He is a wonderful person and believe me I think you are made for each other. You have wounded him. Anyway, I convinced my husband that you should receive this letter.'

Elizabeth looked at her not knowing what to say.

'Well, I should be going, now. Take care, of yourself, Lizzy and God help you.'

Before Lizzy could say anything more, Charlotte was gone.

Lizzy opened the letter and began reading.

Madam,

I must apologise for all I have said in the course of the previous evenings. Indeed, for everything I said that in any way offended you. I respect you and admire and I would beg you to start our acquaintance afresh. Before you decide, you must hear one other thing. I know that you think I have done a great injury to Mr. Wickham. I can only refute it by laying before you the whole of his connection with my family. Of what he has particularly accused me, I am ignorant; but of the truth of what I shall relate, I can summon more than one witness of undoubted veracity. Mr. Wickham is the son of a very respectable man, who had for many years the management of all the Pemberley estates; and whose good conduct in the discharge of his trust naturally inclined my father to be of service to him; and on George Wickham, who was his god-son, his kindness was therefore liberally bestowed. My father supported him at school, and afterwards at Cambridge;-most important assistance, as his own father, always poor from the extravagance of his wife, would have been unable to give him a gentleman's education. My father was not only fond of this young man's society, whose manners were always engaging; he had also the highest opinion of him, and hoping the church would be his profession, intended to provide for him in it. As for myself, it is many, many years since I first began to think of him in a very different manner. The vicious propensities-the want of principle, which he was careful to guard from the knowledge of his best friend, could not escape the observation of a young man of nearly the same age with himself, and who had opportunities of seeing him in unguarded moments, which Mr. Darcy could not have. Here again I shall give you pain-to what degree you only can tell. But whatever may be the sentiments which Mr. Wickham has created, a suspicion of their nature shall not prevent me from unfolding his real character. It adds even another motive. My excellent father died about five years ago; and his attachment to Mr. Wickham was to the last so steady, that in his will he particularly recommended it to me to promote his advancement in the best manner that his profession might allow, and, if he took orders, desired that a valuable family living might be his as soon as it became vacant. There was also a legacy of one thousand pounds. His own father did not long survive mine, and within half a year from these events Mr. Wickham wrote to inform me that, having finally resolved against taking orders, he hoped I should not think it unreasonable for him to expect some more immediate pecuniary advantage, in lieu of the preferment by which he could not be benefited. He had some intention, he added, of studying the law, and I must be aware that the interest of one thousand pounds would be a very insufficient support therein. I rather wished than believed him to be sincere; but, at any rate, was perfectly ready to accede to his proposal. I knew that Mr. Wickham ought not to be a clergyman. The business was therefore soon settled. He resigned all claim to assistance in the church, were it possible that he could ever be in a situation to receive it, and accepted in return three thousand pounds. All connection between us seemed now dissolved. I thought too ill of him to invite him to Pemberley, or admit his society in town. In town, I believe, he chiefly lived, but his studying the law was a mere pretence, and being now free from all restraint, his life was a life of idleness and dissipation. For about three years I heard little of him; but on the decease of the incumbent of the living which had been designed for him, he applied to me again by letter for the presentation. His circumstances, he assured me, and I had no difficulty in believing it, were exceedingly bad. He had found the law a most unprofitable study, and was now absolutely resolved on being ordained, if I would present him to the living in question-of which he trusted there could be little doubt, as he was well assured that I had no other person to provide for, and I could not have forgotten my revered father's intentions. You will hardly blame me for refusing to comply with this entreaty, or for resisting every repetition of it. His resentment was in proportion to the distress of his circumstances-and he was doubtless as violent in his abuse of me to others, as in his reproaches to myself. After this period, every appearance of acquaintance was dropped. How he lived I know not. But last summer he was again most painfully obtruded on my notice. I must now mention a circumstance which I would wish to forget myself, and which no obligation less than the present should induce me to unfold to any human being. Having said thus much, I feel no doubt of your secrecy. My sister, who is more than ten years my junior, was left to the guardianship of my mother's nephew, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and myself. About a year ago, she was taken from school, and an establishment formed for her in London; and last summer she went with the lady who presided over it, to Ramsgate; and thither also went Mr. Wickham, undoubtedly by design; for there proved to have been a prior acquaintance between him and Mr.s. Younge, in whose character we were most unhappily deceived; and by her connivance and aid he so far recommended himself to Georgiana, whose affectionate heart retained a strong impression of his kindness to her as a child, that she was persuaded to believe herself in love, and to consent to an elopement. She was then but fifteen, which must be her excuse; and after stating her imprudence, I am happy to add that I owed the knowledge of it to herself. I joined them unexpectedly a day or two before the intended elopement; and then Georgiana, unable to support the idea of grieving and offending a brother whom she almost looked up to as a father, acknowledged the whole to me. You may imagine what I felt and how I acted. Regard for my sister's credit and feelings prevented any public exposure, but I wrote to Mr. Wickham, who left the place immediately, and Mr.s. Younge was of course removed from her charge. Mr. Wickham's chief object was unquestionably my sister's fortune, which is thirty thousand pounds; but I cannot help supposing that the hope of revenging himself on me was a strong inducement. His revenge would have been complete indeed.

This, madam, is a faithful narrative of every event in which we have been concerned together; and if you do not absolutely reject it as false, you will, I hope, acquit me henceforth of cruelty towards Mr. Wickham. I know not in what manner, under what form of falsehood, he has imposed on you; but his success is not, perhaps, to be wondered at. Ignorant as you previously were of every thing concerning either, detection could not be in your power, and suspicion certainly not in your inclination. For the truth of every thing here related, I can appeal more particularly to the testimony of Colonel Fitzwilliam, who from our near relationship and constant intimacy, and still more as one of the executors of my father's will, has been unavoidably acquainted with every particular of these transactions. If your abhorrence of me should make my assertions valueless, you cannot be prevented by the same cause from confiding in my cousin; and that there may be the possibility of consulting him.

Miss Bennet, I truly hope we can be friends.

Fitzwilliam Darcy

Before Lizzy could regain her senses, there was a knock on the door and the maid came in.

'Madam, you asked me to call you when he will be awake.'

Chapter 17

In this perturbed state of mind, with thoughts that could rest on nothing, she walked into her room; but it would not do; in half a minute the letter was unfolded again, and collecting herself as well as she could, she again began the mortifying perusal of all that related to Wickham, and commanded herself so far as to examine the meaning of every sentence. She took little Henry Bennet Darcy into her arms and read on. The account of his connection with the Pemberley family was exactly what he had related himself; and the kindness of the late Mr. Darcy, though she had not before known its extent, agreed equally well with his own words. So far each recital confirmed the other; but when she came to the will, the difference was great. What Wickham had said of the living was fresh in her memory, and as she recalled his very words, it was impossible not to feel that there was gross duplicity on one side or the other; and, for a few moments, she flattered herself that her wishes did not err. But when she read, and re-read with the closest attention, the particulars immediately following of Wickham's resigning all pretensions to the living, of his receiving, in lieu, so considerable a sum as three thousand pounds, again was she forced to hesitate. She put down the letter, weighed every circumstance with what she meant to be impartiality-deliberated on the probability of each statement-but with little success. On both sides it was only assertion. Henry smiled at her and she placed a kiss on his forehead. Again she read on. But every line proved more clearly that the affair, which she had believed it impossible that any contrivance could so represent as to render her husband's conduct in it less than infamous, was capable of a turn which must make him entirely blameless throughout the whole.

The extravagance and general profligacy, which he scrupled not to lay to Mr. Wickham's charge, exceedingly shocked her. The more so, as she could bring no proof of its injustice. She had never heard of him before his entrance into the --shire Militia, in which he had engaged at the persuasion of the young man, who, on meeting him accidentally in town, had there renewed a slight acquaintance. Of his former way of life, nothing had been known in Hertfordshire but what he told himself. As to his real character, had information been in her power, she had never felt a wish of enquiring. His countenance, voice, and manner had established him at once in the possession of every virtue. She tried to recollect some instance of goodness, some distinguished trait of integrity or benevolence, that might rescue him from the attacks of Darcy; or at least, by the predominance of virtue, atone for those casual errors, under which she would endeavour to class what Darcy had described as the idleness and vice of many years continuance. But no such recollection befriended her. She could see him instantly before her, in every charm of air and address; but she could remember no more substantial good than the general approbation of the neighbourhood, and the regard, which his social powers had gained him in the mess. After pausing on this point a considerable while, she once more continued to read. The story which followed, of his designs on Georgiana, received some confirmation from what gather from her talks with Georgiana a long time ago. Yes, it seemed so long ago. Georgiana and Pemberley and... Fitzwilliam. And at last she was referred for the truth of every particular to Colonel Fitzwilliam himself-from whom she had previously received the information of his near concern in all his cousin's affairs, and whose character she had no reason to question.

She perfectly remembered every thing that had passed in conversation between Wickham and herself in their first evening at Mr. Philips's. Many of his expressions were still fresh in her memory. She was now struck with the impropriety of such communications to a stranger, and wondered it had escaped her before. She saw the indelicacy of putting himself forward as he had done, and the inconsistency of his professions with his conduct. She remembered that he had boasted of having no fear of seeing Mr. Darcy-that Mr. Darcy might leave the country, but that he should stand his ground; yet he had avoided the Netherfield.

She grew absolutely ashamed of herself. Of neither Darcy nor Wickham could she think, without feeling that she had been blind, partial, prejudiced, absurd.

"How despicably have I acted!" she sobbed cradling little Henry in her arms. "I, who have prided myself on my discernment!-I, who have valued myself on my abilities! Who have often disdained the generous candour of my sister, and gratified my vanity, in useless or blameable distrust.-How humiliating is this discovery!-Yet, how just a humiliation!-Had I been in love, I could not have been more wretchedly blind. But vanity, not love, has been my folly. I should have been better woman and kinder one just, as your father needed. Pleased with the preference of one, and offended by the neglect of the other, on the very beginning of our acquaintance, I have courted prepossession and ignorance, and driven reason away, where either were concerned. Till this moment, I never knew myself. What am I to do now?"

During the months Elizabeth spent in the house of her Aunt Gardiner, she had not heard from her wedded husband. He never wrote. He never called. Nor have any of their acquaintances. Her parents did not want to see her at Longbourn especially after they had learned that she was with child. If it hadn't been for her aunt, Lizzy would have been homeless. She did not know that it was with her father's consultations that Mr.s. Gardiner invited her to stay at Gracechurch Street. Mr. Bennet could not accept his daughter's decision but did not want to leave her in need either. Maybe in some time he would be able to see her again and tell her how much he loved her. As for Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bennet did not see him until his eldest daughter's marriage to Mr. Bingley, a pleasant young man, apparently a close friend to Darcy. But even at the wedding, Mr. Bennet had no chance of speaking to his son-in-law. Fitzwilliam Darcy was sober and looked rather ill on the day. He departed very quickly and Mr. Bennet received little news about him other that what Mr. Bingley chose to tell. Darcy had been said to stay at Pemberley where he suffered from some sort of illness which doctors diagnosed as exhaustion and apathy. It was after the letter stating it all which Mr. Bennet received from Mr. Bingley that he decided a his visit an Pemberley would be the right thing to do. After all Mr. Darcy was his son-in-law and he now needed a fatherly advice.

With such a notion in mind, did Mr. Bennet set of for Pemberley.

Chapter 18

Mr. Bennet as he drove along, watched for the first appearance of Pemberley Woods with some perturbation; and when at length he turned in at the lodge, his spirits were in a high flutter.

The park was very large, and contained great variety of ground. He entered it in one of its lowest points, and drove for some time through a beautiful wood, stretching over a wide extent.

Mr. Bennet's mind was distressed, but he saw and admired every remarkable spot and point of view. He gradually ascended for half a mile, and then found himself at the top of a considerable eminence, where the wood ceased, and the eye was instantly caught by Pemberley House, situated on the opposite side of a valley, into which the road, with some abruptness, wound. It was a large, handsome, stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills;-and in front, a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal, nor falsely adorned. He had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. He was admiring what he saw and at that moment he thought that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something! Yet his own daughter rejected the opportunity. In name she was still a mistress of this place but it was in name only. And nothing seemed to be able to change that situation.

The carriage descended the hill, crossed the bridge, and drove to the door; and, while examining the nearer aspect of the house, all his apprehensions of meeting its owner returned.

As the carriage pulled in front of the door, Mr. Bennet turned to look at the prospect. The hill, crowned with wood, from which he had descended, receiving increased abruptness from the distance, was a beautiful object. Every disposition of the ground was good; and he looked on the whole scene-the river, the trees scattered on its banks, and the winding of the valley, as far as he could trace it-with delight. "And my good and wise Lizzy have rejected it all." - he said to himself and in that very moment the door opened and a footman walked out of it.

"I am here to talk with Mr. Darcy." Said Mr. Bennet and gave the man his card.

"I am sorry, sir. Mr. Darcy is not in." replied the footman.

"I very well know, Mr. Darcy is in. My name is Edward Bennet and I'm his father-in-law. So will you please inform Mr. Darcy of my coming." The footmen looked at him for a few seconds and although he knew what all household knew that Mr.s. Darcy nee Bennet was not living with her husband he decided it would be wise to at least inform the master of the house that his father-in-law was here. Hertfordshire was a long way from here.

"Very well, sir. I will see if Mr. Darcy has returned. Will you please wit a moment."

Mr. Bennet nodded and watched the footman walk up the stairs. Five minutes later, he was back:

"I am sorry, sir but Mr. Darcy is not available..."

"I will not have it. I will speak to Mr. Darcy and I will do it now." Cried Mr. Bennet and began walking towards the stairs.

"But, sir, you cannot!" began the man.

"I can and I will. Mr. Darcy may be the owner of Pemberley and half of England but he is my son-in-law and I will have a word with him whether he likes it or not." With that he stood on top of the stairs. "Now, which room he is in?"

The footman was positively shocked by Mr. Bennet's outburst and he pointed the door at the end of the corridor.

Mr. Bennet marched towards the door and flung them open.

Elizabeth cradled little Henry to sleep but the more she felt the warmth coming from his little body the more tears came down her cheeks. "He looks so much like his father." She thought "A father he doesn't know and a father who doesn't know of his existence. My poor little Henry what have I done to you? Why have I acted so foolishly? Why was I so prejudiced? I've hurt him and there is no hope for reconciliation."

On hearing the steps in the corridor, Fitzwilliam Darcy turned to look towards the door and just as he did so, the door opened and there stood Mr. Bennet.

"Good day, Mr. Darcy."

"Mr. Bennet?!" Darcy got up from his chair. He was wearing a robe and it seemed he had not shaven in at least three days.

"I have come to talk to you." Said Mr. Bennet.

"I don't think we have anything to talk about."

"On the contrary. I have heard you were ill and..."

"I assure you I am well..."

"You don't look well. In fact you look rotten. You are my son-in-law and..."

"Mr. Bennet, please do not feel yourself obliged to come and worry about me. The only thing that we had in common was love for... for my wife. But that is all gone by... gone just as she is..."

"I don't believe you." Mr. Bennet closed the door behind him. "I think you still love her. You love her despite all she had done to you. I was very much against all her actions but she is strong-headed and wouldn't listen." Darcy was silent.

"Many thing had happened and I think we should talk." Darcy looked even unsure. "Come, son, we must talk about many things." Mr. Bennet took Darcy's arm and seated him in the chair and proceeded in telling him everything he knew about Elizabeth and her feelings. There was only one thing he missed out on purpose. He didn't tell Darcy that Elizabeth gave him a son. It was all too soon for that.

Many hours later, Mr. Bennet obtained a promise that Darcy would come with him to the South.

Chapter 19

The next morning Mr. Bennet sat in the breakfast room at Pemberley waiting for the master of the house and his son-in-law at the same time to come downstairs. It was almost 9 now and the footman had told Mr. Bennet that Mr. Darcy has not left his room yet. The footman was very attentive to Mr. Bennet, served him with tea and enquired whether Mr. Bennet has slept well. To tell the truth the footman was already very impressed with Mr. Bennet. It was the first time in his life that he saw someone who could influence Mr. Darcy. Mr.s. Darcy influenced the master as well but Mr.s. Darcy was not popular among the servants of the house for having left the master who in general opinion was good and generous and never did anything to insult or misbehave to any servant or tenant.

As Mr. Darcy was not coming downstairs, Mr. Bennet decided to have his breakfast after all Darcy had a difficult night. He must have been rethinking all that was said the previous evening between them and he had most likely fallen asleep at dawn. Having decided that it must have been so, Mr. Bennet ate his breakfast and told the footman he would go and sit in the library.

"When Mr. Darcy comes down, please tell him that I went to read something." Said Mr. Bennet.

"Very well, sir. I will inform Mr. Darcy directly." When Mr. Bennet disappeared behind the library door the footman sighed and shook his head. What a pity Mr.s. Darcy did not take after her father.

Hours went by and Mr. Bennet has lost track of time. He found Darcy's library very good and when he finally chose a book he wanted to read, the footman came in announcing that lunch was served.

"Is Mr. Darcy anywhere to be found?" asked Mr. Bennet.

"Mr. Darcy came downstairs about an hour ago and I gave him your message, sir. He said he had some pressing business in the village and that he would be back for tea."

"Thank you." Mr. Bennet said trying to hide his disappointment. After all Darcy could have come in and say good morning. It wasn't right. Maybe Darcy had second thoughts about going to the South. Maybe after all he decided that reconciliation with Elizabeth was impossible. Maybe I should have told him he had a son. It would definitely make him go and see him. Mr. Bennet shook his head and walked to the terrace where his lunch was waiting for him.

Meanwhile Elizabeth was sitting in her room at the Gardiner's house and thought about her sorry lot. She has misjudged the only man who was worth her. Nay, she wasn't worth him. He was good and generous and he would have loved her till the end of their days. She would have a wonderful life with him at her side. She would have a home, a husband and children, their children. Well, his child she had. Yet what joy it would be to have this child TOGETHER. To be able to wake up by her husband's side, kiss him good morning and then walk with him to see how their children, not just one child were doing.

Little Henry steered in his bed but didn't wake up. He was so sweet and innocent, yet he would have to pay dearly for his mother's stupidity. Maybe I should write Darcy a letter... she thought.

She sat at her writing desk, took a sheet of paper and began:

My Dear, - no that was hypocritical, he would think even worse of me.

Mr. Darcy... - too formal.

My Husband - too sentimental.

Fitzwilliam, - yes that was good:

Fitzwilliam,

please be certain that this letter contains no... what? No begging - but I will beg. No remorse - but I have them. No tearful promises - but I am tearful and I will beg tearfully.

Fitzwilliam,

you may believe me of not... - he will not believe me anyway.

Fitzwilliam,

I write to beg you to agree to meet me as soon as possible in London. I am staying at my Aunt's house in Gracechurch Street.

I know you may not want to see me. Yet I will not be stopped. I must talk to you this one time and after that you may choose what you want to do, whether you want to forget me or not.

Just this one time. Please.

Elizabeth.

She sealed the envelope and went downstairs to post the letter.

It was almost 5 p.m. at Pemberley and Mr. Darcy has not returned. Mr. Bennet was truly worried. Has Darcy change his mind and decided to avoid his father-in-law?

It was not until dinner that Mr. Darcy returned home. Mr. Bennet was waiting for him in the little parlour next to the hall.

As soon as Darcy entered the house, Mr. Bennet walked out to greet him.

"Son, I was worried..."

"I had some business in the village." Said Darcy without looking Mr. Bennet in the eye.

"Is something the matter?"

"No. Why?"

"You seem rather bothered. Have you changed your mind?" asked Mr. Bennet.

"I don't want to discuss it."

"But you will. Why are you avoiding me?"

"I'm not avoiding you, Mr. Bennet."

"What is it then?"

"I have thought about many things last night and I am not sure I want to see your daughter."

"You must..."

"I must nothing. She has left me, leaving me in no doubt as to the state of her sentiments and I doubt her truly changing them now."

"You think her being mercenary?'

"She was once."

"So you believe that people are not allowed to make mistakes?" Said Mr. Bennet.

"Mistakes? I wouldn't call it a mistake. She married me for my money of that I am perfectly aware..."

"But has she used any of your money. You have made a generous settlement on her upon your marriage but she took not a single penny off it."

That Darcy could not deny. Indeed Elizabeth never took a penny from her pin money.

"If she were mercenary she would have pleased you and used your money but she didn't. She left you - that is true but was never interested in your money."

There was silence.

"Son, you must see her. Just this one time. You must talk and then... then you will see."

Darcy nodded. Just this one time. Why not?

Chapter 20 Posted On: Saturday, 26 October 2002, at 3:18 p.m.

When Mr.s. Reynolds was handed a letter to the master of the house - Mr. Darcy, he was already halfway to London with his father-in-law. The two men travelled in silence, both contemplating the events of the past few days and anxiously anticipating what was to happen in London. Mr. Bennet had not seen his grandson either and the thought of meeting little Henry made him content, yet he was fully aware that the father of the child was oblivious to the fact of his existence, Henry's, not Mr. Bennet's.

Darcy on his side was wondering how the meeting with his wife would go. He had not seen her for so many months now and for most of them he was unable to push her out of mind. She was always there, lurking on the outskirts of his consciousness, smiling at him and then suddenly becoming cold and distant.

The Saturday morning came and there was still no answer to the letter Elizabeth sent her husband. Maybe he didn't want to talk to her. Maybe he was still furious. Maybe he, after all stopped loving her and chose to live his life and have nothing to with her.

Little Henry was still sleeping peacefully in his cradle. Suddenly there was a soft knock on the door and she went to open it. It was the maid who brought the morning post. Elizabeth's attention was at once directed to a thin letter. She turned it only to see the Darcy seal on it. Frantically, she tore it and read:

Madam,

If would want to see me, please name time and place. I am currently at my house in London.

F. Darcy

She couldn't believe it. He was actually agreeing to meeting him. She ran to her desk and scribbled:

Sir,

If it suits you may we meet today and noon in Vauxhall Gardens.

E. Darcy

She used her married name on purpose.

Upon reading the missive from his wife, Darcy had mixed feelings. He was hoping she would not want to meet him yet deep inside he was glad she wanted to see him.

He looked at his father-in-law.

"She said yes." Stated Mr. Bennet.

"Yes, she did. Maybe despite what you are saying she decided it was better to have money than not to have it and bear with a distasteful husband."

"Son, give her some credit. Meet her. Learn about her. See who she really is and then make decisions. I want neither of you to be unhappy."

Darcy looked at him but the expression on his face did not say whether he agreed or disagreed with his father-in-law.

A man and a woman were sitting in Vauxhall Gardens. The woman was animated, talking. Her dark hair curly, her face far from classical beauty, however in her eyes there was the very essence of life. A sparkle shone in these brown eyes and it was a sparkle of joy. If one wanted to describe her, one should say, she was a freedom lover. There were green fields, coloured with flowers of all seasons in her deep brown eyes and a warm wind blew the high grass there and a girl was running across the fields and those were the girl's eyes.

Looking at her, one could say she was an ordinary English girl, no English Rose, no beauty but a simple girl with unforgettable eyes.

The man was looking at the woman sitting opposite to him. There was a try of understanding in his eyes but he was not convinced. It seemed that whatever she would say, and no matter how hard he would try, everything would be too improbable for him to believe in. Admiringly, he marvelled at her want to make him understand.

Darcy just couldn't believe what she has just said. She had never read his letter. She married him to save her sister. She admitted she didn't love him at the time of their marriage.

He didn't know what to think and what to feel. But now at least she understood who Wickham was. In spite of everything he loved her. She fell silent and did not utter one word since she finished her account of what happened. If he but looked into her eyes, he would have known, there was more, she wanted to say.

"Quite frankly Elizabeth, I don't know what to think. You've told me you did not love me and yet you want to make amends. You've left me and now so many months later... I honestly don't know..." He turn his back on her but did not walk away.

"Fitzwilliam,... William... please let me... let me make it up for you. Let me show..."

"Elizabeth, how am I to know that you are not doing it all just to play or just because you want something from me."

"I want something from you. I want you. Let me know you..."

"Or maybe you want my money."

"If it were about money, I would have used it anyway. I am your legal wife."

Darcy kept silent.

"William, let us start afresh. William, no promises, no vows. We will meet each other. We will get to know each other and then we will decide what is best for us... for everybody."

Darcy looked her in the eyes for the first time this afternoon and for a brief moment he thought he saw love there but he dismissed such notion and said:

"Very well. I agree."

She smiled at him. She told him the complete truth. Well, it was almost complete. She did not tell him about Henry.

On the way to her carriage, they've set that they would meet everyday, at noon and go for a walk alone. And so it was, everyday. At first they met somewhere in Town, then Darcy would come and take her from the Gardiners and they would drive off, sometimes outside London for a picnic, sometimes to this or that park in London.

Mr. Bennet did not disclose his presence in Town to Elizabeth but having spoken with Darcy after he returned from his meeting with Elizabeth, Mr. Bennet was sure the couple would make up and he could postpone meeting his grandson till then.

It was almost three months now since Darcy and Elizabeth began their strange courtship where both parties courted and denied the same fact. The first meetings were awkward but with time the awkwardness had disappeared and they began looking forward to their next meeting. They've got to know each other and discovered the security that the presence of the other gave them. At the beginning Darcy thought that she was trying to deceive him but soon he came to a conclusion that she could not conceal her true feelings for such a long time and gave up such thoughts.

It was one sunny afternoon and they were enjoying the picnic just outside London when suddenly Darcy leaned over an brushed his lips against hers. She blushed and after a moment of hesitation touch his lips with hers. Their kiss was slow and longing. It was the first time they have kissed since... neither of them wanted to remember since when. The longing won over the slowness and their kiss deepened.

When they finally broke away from each other Darcy spoke first:

"Elizabeth, I love you. I have always loved you. I..."

"I love you, too. I cannot tell how or since when but I love you and I cannot go on without you..."

"Elizabeth promise me that you will always, always tell me anything that bothers you. Promise to tell me truth an nothing but the truth."

"William, I... I cannot promise" the smile faded away from his face, "I cannot promise you that before I do something. Please come with me."

Surprised by her reaction, he followed her to the carriage.

"Elizabeth, what happened?"

"You will see."

The journey back to London was a silent one. When they have finally reached Gracechurch Street, Lizzy asked Darcy to come inside with her.

She led him upstairs. She asked him to wait outside one room for a moment and having entered it asked the maid to leave. She picked up Henry and called for Darcy to come in.

The door opened. There was an strange expression on Darcy's face which Elizabeth could not see though.

"Mr. Darcy meet your son Henry Bennet Darcy. Master Darcy, this is your father."

There was silence in the room.

"William, I can now promise that I will always tell you the absolute truth and nothing but the truth." Said Elizabeth.

Darcy did not speak up. It was the worst and longest 60 seconds of Elizabeth's life before Darcy walked to them and hugged them both.

"Elizabeth, I love you and I hate you. But I don't want to part with you... you or my son. I've waited for this moment for such a long time."

"You mean... you mean you are not mad at me for not telling you about Henry,"

He was silent and looked at her slightly sheepishly.

"What does it mean?" she asked.

"It means..."

"Oh dear, you knew! You knew about Henry! And you let me not tell you. How did you know?" cried Elizabeth.

"I'm slightly ashamed but... well, one day I came slightly earlier for our meeting and I saw a nanny with a baby carriage leaving this house and you kissing the baby goodbye. I had my footman learn whose child it was and was told it was yours and how old he was and what his name was. I've added the things together and figured all out. Then I've asked your father..."

"My father? What does he have to do with it?"

"He made me come to London to talk to you."

"I cannot believe it!" exclaimed she. "Men!"

They both laughed.

Epiloguefontt

Mr. and Mrs. Darcy decided that it was best for them and everybody else if they tried to be husband and wife. They've took little Henry and on their way to Pemberley, they've visited Longbourn.

They appearance together caused great uproar in this noble estate but the lady's parents decided that it was good to have their daughter restored to the family and an addition of a grandson.

It took much harder to convince the Fitzwilliams and well as Georgiana but when all the family accepted the invitation to Pemberley for the Christmas festivities that year and saw how happy with each other Mr. and Mrs. Darcy were, they've decided to forget the past.

And so they've lived happily ever after.

THE END