Jump to new as of June 22, 2004
Chapter 1
Darcy opened his eyes. This was it. This was the day that he married the one woman in the world whom he loved the most, the only woman besides Georgiana whom he truly cared for. He found his pocket watch. "5:45am" he thought to himself. "Only 4 hours and 15 minutes until he and his Elizabeth would be getting married and by making their vows, proclaiming their deep love for each other.
He hadn't had very much sleep, he was sure that something would go wrong, but when at last he did sleep his mind thought of only one thing.
It had been a long time since he had started loving Elizabeth it was over a year ago. Although he would not admit it to her, it would probably date to the day that he met her in the grounds at Netherfield after she had ventured all the way to see her sister. In his eyes, she became kind, by showing how much she cared for her sister, active and very determined.
After further conversation, he found himself desperately seeking her witty and sarcastic opinions and even found he enjoyed being teased.
When he seriously began to take in how much it was he couldn't help adoring her and noticed that Bingley had similar feelings to Miss Bennet he now regretted the cause of action he had taken. Much as her loved her, he had to leave. For him or Bingley to form attachments to either of the Bennet girls was out of the question. Beautiful and alluring in their own ways, as they both were, their connections were utterly inappropriate for both men. Also their family never truly behaved with propriety and always one of the Bennets seemed to make a fool of themselves.
So off he went, resolved to ignore her and forget her but the harder he tried, the more she was innermost in his thoughts.
When he acknowledged at Rosings that he could not be happy until she was at his side, He proposed and was in total shock to say the least that she refused him. He was equally shocked by the grounds that she refused him on. The letter he wrote was given and he went to London in the foulest mood possible blaming no one but himself.
In Derbyshire, he was so thankful that he had been given a chance to prove that his manners were not all as bad as she had made out and that he had endeavoured to mend her reproofs. That Elizabeth was shy and very quiet was obvious at Pemberley but he knew that she had forgiven him. He knew the moment that she had assisted Georgiana out of that dreadful comment made by Miss Bingley that they were on their way to becoming better aquatinted.
The truth was acknowledged universally by him that it was Wickham was the key to most his problems. It was the second time that he had prevented Darcy becoming closer to Elizabeth, the first being the malicious lies that had been circulated by that gentleman to prevent her from liking Darcy in the first place, this time it was the eloping with another girl, Elizabeth's sister, Lydia Bennet. When he happened upon Miss Elizabeth in Lambton Inn he had wanted desperately to hold her close to him and promise all would be fine. Every single tear that she shed was hurting him another blow with each one. She was so upset and vulnerable only a great deal of care forced him to restrain.
He now felt certain as he took his last look at her that they wouldn't meet again. He as I'm sure you know set out and forced Wickham to marry Lydia. Though he felt slightly guilty about not telling people of Wickham's past behaviour, nothing was as important to him as helping his true love and restoring the peace in her mind.
As Darcy recollected these events, he felt nothing but sorrow as all though the year they still didn't become closer companions. Now even he had to pinch himself to realise that Elizabeth had finally accepted him and was in total love with him, equal to the love he felt for her. That Bingley and the eldest Miss Bennet were to be married as well made him even happier because no couple excepting the Darcys were to be as happy as Bingley was to be with Jane.
Chapter 2
Elizabeth was also awake; she had been awake many hours and had also been thinking of her relationship with her soon to be husband. She so happy and wanted so much to express how happy she had been over the past few weeks of their engagement and she knew that over the next day or two, her happiness was to increase more and forever. She smiled over the conversations that she had had with her beloved over the past month or so. A child-like giggle came out her mouth when she recalled their first kiss.
It had been a chilly, winter day and as was usual, Darcy had rode out to Longbourn with Bingley. They entered the parlour where they were accustomed to meeting with their beloved future spouses. Darcy kissed Lizzy affectionately on the hand and they decided to go for a walk.
The air was chilly and Elizabeth was delighted when he held her arm and she could feel the warmth of his body. He broke the silence.
"I hope you had a good nights rest, my love"
"Yes, indeed thank you ... Did you?" she added eager to keep conversation flowing.
"I must confess that I ... I have been feeling for a long ... I wished to ask ... I would understand if you did not consent but ... Although we must display a degree of ... Propriety, I do not think it totally inappropriate if you let me ... kiss you."
Elizabeth almost laughed when he had finished she had been very worried that something serious had occurred and for a while had hoped that he would ask her that very question.
"...Of course I understand if you don't wish to..." he was continuing
"Mr. Darcy?" she interrupted "I do wish ... I mean I should very much like we did ... I have felt th..."
At this point his raised his second finger to her mouth and symbolised that she should stop talking and that was understood immediately. He cupped her delicate face in his hands and they looked into each other's eyes. They leant in towards each other and for the first time, their lips touched. She was overpowered. He was kissing her in a way that she had never been kissed before. He recognised her expression of happiness and kissed her again but more passionately than the last. He would always remember this day. Noting her satisfied countenance, he released her but they continued to look at each other. She said, seriously and with pure feeling, "I love you, Mr. Darcy"
He looked even deeper into her eyes and saw the truth reflected in her gaze and replied, "I love you too my Elizabeth."
They continued walking and he added, "I do wish though Elizabeth that you would call me by my name, FitzWilliam and I don't object if you add any sentiment before addressing me."
She smiled an irresistible smile and said in a sweet voice "That is fine my lovely, handsome, gallant and brave FitzWilliam."
She spoke in jest but they both knew that she was in earnest.
Chapter 3
The relations and acquaintances of the couples promised in marriage were all of different opinions about the marriage. Most of Elizabeth's family and friends really rejoiced in such a union. Some rejoiced more because it meant a huge fortune for their friend. Some were simply glad to marry off another daughter. Elizabeth's father, Mr. Bennet was not looking forward to the marriage as much as he intended to show.
Elizabeth was his favourite child. She had always been his "Little Lizzy" she was by far the most intelligent of her sisters and was by no means idol and frivolous as the likes of Lydia and Kitty. She had a cheerful disposition and always managed to laugh things off her. During the weeks leading up to her marriage, Elizabeth had noticed a change in her father. He was trying to be glad and happy and fooling everyone except the one person he was trying to conceal it from.
She resolved to talk to her father about the matter and to convince him of her wish for him to be happy.
"Papa?" she questioned to his turned back while he was seated in his library one evening when Darcy and Bingley were expecting visitors at Netherfield.
"Come in Lizzy." He said without turning. "I knew you would be here to see me soon." Elizabeth walked in shut the door and sat down in front of her father who was seated at his desk.
"Why father? Why are you not happy? It pains me to know you are not happy." She spoke anxiously, in haste to get to her point.
He didn't answer at first and then said calmly, "I guessed it would be you, Lizzy who realised my state of mind."
"But why father I do not see why you should be upset."
"Well my dear I also guessed that you would understand the cause of my grief seeing as you are the cleverest of my daughters. You surprise me."
"I do have a clue as to what ails you father but was not sure how to say it."
"Pray, enlighten me."
"Well papa I believe it is because you are losing your two most sensible daughters, myself and Jane."
"Well as usual you are right Lizzy but I am not so upset over the loss of Jane. It is you who I truly lose. Jane is no more than three miles away but you, my dear are hundreds of miles away."
Elizabeth knew that she was his favourite daughter but he had to let go off her at some point.
"Papa, you are going to be always welcome at Pemberley and I have Mr. Da...FitzWilliam's word on that."
"I know my dear you must ignore your father I have to get rid of you at some point and I much prefer Darcy to your cousin, Mr. Collins." She smiled. "You are not my Little Lizzy anymore."
With that she kissed him on the cheek. As she was leaving the room she said, "I'm sorry Papa."
He knew as well as her that she had nothing to apologise for and it was very obvious that she and Mr. Darcy cared a great deal for each other and he knew deep down that he had lost his daughter to this man and to the violence of love. But he was pleased that it was Darcy because he was aware of their love and he couldn't bear to see his little Lizzy marry without love like her parents had done.
Chapter 4
Miss Bingley was in a very bad mood. She re-read that part of the letter she had just received from her brother Charles:
...Caroline, Mr. Darcy has instructed me to tell you that he is engaged to be married to Miss Elizabeth Bennet.He and I hope to have a joint wedding and we both wish for you to be present.
Darcy is most happy. Indeed, I have not seen him so for a while. Miss Bennet with her lively conversation, Cheerful disposition and Fine eyes keep him quite content...
She had heard quite enough of Miss Bennet for one afternoon. To say she was outraged would be an understatement. She had always hoped for a union between Darcy and herself, indeed she had almost assumed that it would take place. Had she been given a few more months, he would have been hers.
Caroline was desperately trying to think of an excuse not to go but could not and in any case, if she went to Hertfordshire a few weeks before the wedding she perhaps could persuade Darcy of what a terrible mistake he was making.
So in four days, she was off to Netherfield, with her sister and her inebriated husband, Mr. Hurst. The carriage journey marked nothing interesting indeed, Caroline did not know why she was going. There was nothing of importance to do except save Darcy and she knew that that would not be difficult because he had probably just been ill when he proposed and was now stuck in an uncommonly difficult situation with this ill-bred scavenger.
Bingley and Darcy were both present to greet his guests and expressed hopes that their journey was good with no faults or delays. After the pleasantries had been done, they sat down to a brief dinner and all the newly arrived guests begged to leave because of fatigue. They were informed that Jane and Elizabeth were coming to Luncheon the next morning, with their sister, Mary whom wished to see the library. Bingley's sisters expressed their happiness at that but neither was being sincere in the slightest.
Darcy was looking forward to Elizabeth's visit as Jane and Bingley were likely so be engaged in preparing the apartments it meant that he and Elizabeth could be alone ( the Bingley sisters and Mr. Hurst would likely be still tired in the morning) and he wished to give Elizabeth a present that he had bought for her to show his complete love and undivided affection.
Chapter 5
The Bennet sisters were prompt on their arrival the following morning and arrived at ten thirty. As Darcy had predicted, the long journey from Scarborough prevented the guests from joining the Bennets.
Mary went scurrying along to the library almost as quickly as Bingley and Jane set off to arrange rooms. Darcy and Lizzy went into the drawing room.
"Will you sing for me, Lizzy?" It was the first time he had called her "Lizzy" and she liked it so much she took a while in answering. She went to Bingley's pianoforte (Grand, but not anything to Georgiana's!) and began singing a song of love. Darcy stood behind her and surprised her when he placed his arms ever so gently on her shoulders. She was struggling to sing with him so close and felt soothed when he smoothed her shoulders in time with the music. She finished her song but continued playing.
"You have an excellent sense of rhythm, FitzWilliam. Perhaps you should have been a musician."
A reply was not necessary. A reply in words anyway. As she played, he brought his left arm down her arm, very gently and placed it on her moving hand. He was totally controlling where her hand went and with that and the stroking of the shoulder, she stopped playing, unable to continue.
She stood up, he was still holding her un-gloved hands and they sat together, legs touching. He suddenly remembered something and reached into his jacket pocket.
"Here is a present I am planning on giving my wife before our wedding day," he said as he took out a little velvet box. He continued "Do you think she will appreciate it?"
Elizabeth opened the box and was stunned. It was a necklace with a gold chain and a clasp of rubies. The pendant was a heart-shaped diamond and reflected the sunlight passing through the window. He saw her expression and gently turned the heart diamond around. She saw engraved: E.B & F.D she was so touched.
Caroline woke up and checked the time. It was quarter to eleven. It was time to go and persuade Darcy of the huge mistake he was making. The maid helped her dress and she decided to wear the latest, most fashionable dress that she had purchased in order to impress him. It was long and elegant and became her tall, slender figure very well. She refused breakfast and walked down the staircase. Caroline could hear voices speaking quietly, almost in a whisper coming from the drawing room. Being the sneaky person that she was she took a peak.
Caroline was looking through the door and almost gasped there was Darcy, with Miss Eliza Bennet and he was fastening a heart pendant around her intolerable neck. They were at a side angle to Miss Bingley and would have been able to see her had they looked but they were much so employed staring into each other's eyes and smiling. Caroline heard:
"Thank-You it is beautiful,"
"Just like the angel wearing it."
"I love you." They both said in unison.
Had Caroline been shocked by this exchange so far, she would be in a frenzy compared with what happened next. Elizabeth raised her hand which had been resting conveniently on his knee and put it to the side of his face. She stroked it lovingly and then kissed him upon the lips. Darcy was not affronted by this gesture, quite the contrary. Caroline was amazed not only were they kissing in a way she had rarely seen, but it was she, Miss Eliza Bennet who had initiated the very said kiss.
Caroline walked away and then when at a good distance ran to her room. She almost burst into tears at what had happened. It was obvious that Darcy and his fiancée were not going to be separated and also obvious that she had lost a perspective husband.
Chapter 6
Elizabeth dressed herself plainly and brushed through her hair. She checked the note again.
Dearest Elizabeth,Elizabeth smiled at the note that had come this morning. "All my love is for you," she read again. She let out a silent sigh and set off, tiptoeing through the hall and down the stairs. The servants were starting to get up and prepare for the day that everyone had been waiting for. It was a minute to six and Elizabeth waited on the bench.I apologise if this note is not very legible I am writing this note late tonight, without light.
Please meet me at six o'clock in the morning tomorrow by the bench at your home.
Don't worry, my dear everything is fine I just want to speak with you. I will only detain you for a mere 10 minutes. I would not wish to intrude upon your preparations.
All my love is for you,
FitzWilliam
Miss Bingley was a very devious person. She could not let the man she had spent years to secure get away to this talentless girl. Being the sneaky person she was, she had it all worked out. A week before the wedding, copying Darcy's hand (Which fortunately, she had spent a lot of time observing) she wrote "All my love is for you, FitzWilliam."
She smirked to herself. How silly and childish! To prevent the obvious notice with the slight difference in hand she had said that she, or he was writing by night and it was very dark.
The sly miss Bingley knew that Miss Bennet would not resist an invitation to meet with her beloved. Even if it was the day of their marriage. So Miss Bingley left Netherfield at the ungodly hour of five in the morning. She recalled as walking towards Longbourn that she had once made fun of Miss Bennet for walking the very same difference. However, Caroline felt that this cause was far more important than a trifling cold.
She approached the bench where she could see the very same Miss Bennet seated with her back to her and humming away to herself. Then, without a moments thought, she took the material she was carrying, rolled it into a sausage shape and quickly brought it round Miss Bennet's Mouth. Caroline had quite the advantage of strength and height and managed to keep Miss Bennet seated and to tie both the mouth gag and her wrists together without fault and to keep the shocked Miss Bennet from becoming free.
It was so early in the morning and so far away from the house, that no one knew as Elizabeth was being dragged away and into a cart that that was driven by her kidnappers servant.
Elizabeth was unaware who it was that had taken her away and the whole journey was spent by her, screaming and demanding her freedom but the cries were muffled by her gag and none but the occupants of the cart could here and they were not intending on releasing her.
The journey seemed to take an age but in truth it was no more than quarter of an hours drive away. Elizabeth felt the carriage stop and the man who had been driving it opened the back and carried a fighting and reluctant Elizabeth into a... well nothing more than a shed with no windows and no source of light. As she was thrown into this wooden hut she heard the voice of her rival.
"Yes Fosset, take me directly to Netherfield and we can be sure to dispose of the key on the way."
"NO!" cried Elizabeth. "Miss Bingley, what on earth are you up to? Why are you so determined to ruin everyone's happiness?"
"Its is you Miss Eliza who has ruined everything but not for long. Darcy will think you have changed your mind and in due course will marry me instead."
With this, Miss Bingley left and Elizabeth after shouting and wailing several more times to no avail, collapsed against a wall and broke down in tears.
Chapter 7
The clock struck seven. For an hour, servants had been busy preparing all the necessary food stuffs for the wedding which was to take place in Longbourn chapel at ten that day. The guests and usual household of Longbourn were just awakening. Thankfully Mrs. Bennet had yet to wake otherwise, all would be up.
Miss Bennet awoke with a flutter of eyelids. She instantly smiled. Not only because today she was to be married to the most amiable of men but also because her sister was also to be married to a man of equal kindness. Jane had seen how happy Lizzy had been since she was engaged to Mr. Darcy and nothing in the world satisfied her more than seeing her dearest sister happy.
There was not a shadow of doubt in her mind that Lizzy would be awake, being the early-riser that she was so Jane slowly, avoiding making a creak crept to Elizabeth's room.
Jane was shocked when there was no reply. Perhaps Lizzy was asleep? She doubted it but ventured inside.
"Lizzy?" she queried as she entered the room. Anxiety and shock came over her face when Lizzy wasn't there. Nobody had risen, Jane was quite positive at that. Her eyes cast down at Lizzy's dresser.
"I will only detain you for a mere 10 minutes..." she read. That would mean that Lizzy should have been back over an hour ago. Jane made no delay in carrying the note to her father.
"Papa?" she said in an urgent tone as she knocked on his door, "It is I, Jane. Sorry for intruding but I have something of an urgent nature to tell you , relating to Lizzy.
When her father had heard Jane speak that something was urgent he was sure it would be something to do with the food preparations or similar yet when he realised it was relating to Lizzy he burst out of his chamber. He was already fully clothed, his silvery hair was all combed and he was dressed in his wedding suit.
Jane calmly explained to him that she could not find Lizzy and that she had discovered a letter addressed to Lizzy and that she should have been back over an hour ago.
"Jane, I believe that this letter was not written by Mr. Darcy." Jane was aghast.
"But papa, who else could it have been and why does it seem so strange that Mr. Darcy should wish to see Elizabeth?"
"It is not usual to see the bride on the day of the wedding, before that marriage actually is taking place."
"If it is so, surely Lizzy knows that but why would she have ventured out to meet him?" Jane questioned. Her father said that he did not know and added:
"Well we must send an express to Netherfield at once to establish whether it was Darcy who was to meet her."
Jane wrote the note, addressed it to Mr. Darcy and instead of sending it, Mr. Bennet took it himself deciding to see if anything had been seen of his daughter on the way.
Miss Bennet was left with the office of informing the household of what had occurred. Mrs. Bennet was, as usual when things didn't go her way taken ill with hysterics. Jane tried to explain to them that her father would endeavour to right everything. Mr. Gardiner said that he would follow his brother-in-law on horse back and see if he could be of assistance. He instructed the Bennets to stick to plan and to continue in their dressing and cooking for the day's festivities.
Chapter 8
Miss Bingley had returned to Netherfield in time at half past six and managed to sneak to her apartments unseen. The rest of Netherfield was waking and arising by seven and they were breakfasting at the early time of half seven.
"I have long been looking forward to today." Commented Miss Darcy.
"As have I." added colonel FitzWilliam "But it seems Darcy and Bingley are having doubts!" he jested. Everyone looked at the gentlemen in question who, by the by were hardly eating a thing and refusing to talk, and laughed. Those two tried to joke but they were both very nervous.
At that moment, the servant burst through the door followed quickly by Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner. The latter having caught up with the former. Their expressions did not look at all happy as the servant announced them to Mr. Bingley and Mr. Bennet wasted no time in saying directly to Darcy: " Mr. Darcy, there is a pressing matter on which we need to discuss in private If Mr. Bingley would permit us to use his library." He added to Bingley reply in the affirmative and muttered something of his hoping it was nothing serious which it obviously was.
As Darcy went with the gentlemen, the table was silent. No one knew what was happening. No one that is, save Miss Bingley.
As soon as they were in the library, Mr. Gardiner came to the point.
"It appears, Mr. Darcy that Elizabeth has gone missing." The shock to which this declaration received was evident. He proceeded, "There was a note which we found in Elizabeth's room."
Darcy snatched the note and read it. It was apparent when he had read the signature because he took in a breath and said. "I did not write this letter." He said it very simply as if there was no chance for further debate over the matter.
"I did not believe that you did, Mr. Darcy." Replied his soon to be father-in-law. Darcy tried to ignore the fact that it might not be so.
They all discussed it and came to an agreement that someone must have written this letter in an attempt to induce Lizzy outside and then taken her or left her there.
Darcy did not believe that his fiancée would simply wonder off on her wedding day even if somebody had done or said something to her and he concluded that she must have been taken away.
The men decided to commence looking for Miss Bennet directly because she could not have gone that far. In the meantime it was decided that the wedding should continue with or without Elizabeth and that no-one needed to be informed of the lack of knowledge of her where-about. Bingley and Jane were to marry that day and that was final.
An express was sent to Jane at Longbourn telling her that Bingley and herself would marry as arranged at ten o'clock and that her father and Mr. Gardiner would ensure that they were present but in the two hours before that, they were to begin, with Mr. Darcy to look for Lizzy.
Jane was disconcerted with the idea that she was to be married without her sister and in the knowledge that Elizabeth was not safe but didn't question her father's judgement and the family continued in the day's business.
Bingley and the guests at Netherfield were informed that something dreadful had happened, although not related to the particulars but were told that it seemed unlikely that Darcy and Elizabeth were to be married that day but that Bingley would still be marrying Jane. Everyone was shocked but hoped for the best and that the problem could be solved in less than two hours.
Chapter 9
After she had resolved that crying was to no avail, Elizabeth set about looking at her surroundings. She was slightly relieved that Miss Bingley had been kind enough to provide her with a little food and water.
"What a caring person Miss Bingley is." Thought Elizabeth sarcastically.
Elizabeth could not believe how gullible she had been. "How naïve I have been. Why would FitzWilliam wish to see me at six in the morning?" she reflected. "Oh, I am so irrational at times."
She looked at her watch. It was half past eight. She really realised that Miss Bingley could be right. It would seem to everyone that Elizabeth had been scared and had decided to run away from her wedding and that Mr. Darcy would forget about her and marry somebody else. She broke into tears again. She had tried every possible way of getting out of there and it was useless. There was no way that she could get out from the inside. It was the middle of a forest and by no means in the route of passing carriages.
What was happening at Longbourn this very minute? Would her family have realised she was not there? She dreaded to think what her darling FitzWilliam must think. She had been astonished that he had wanted to marry her after everything that had transpired and all her hurtful words to him but this, this would really take it. He would never want to see her again if she managed to get out. If she managed to get out.
Lizzy winced as she thought that. There was enough supplies for five days at the very most and there was very little chance of anyone finding her. She decided it best to try and save her energy for when a passing carriage or rider may come by and she could yell.
She began to think but nothing came to her head besides her fiancé. It was his portrait that she pictured, hanging on the wall. The very wall that she had hoped to be mistress of by the end of today. She knew that that was where she fell in love with him and that was where everything finally made sense in her life.
Why had Miss Bingley did this? it was obvious to anyone, indeed it was obvious to Elizabeth a year ago that Mr. Darcy held no other opinion of her than that she was the sister of one of his closest friends. Why, Darcy had paid much more attention to herself than to Caroline. With this thought, Lizzy laughed. She knew now why that was. But the thought that she may never see her FitzWilliam again, that no one would find her and set her free. That she would die, locked in a room with nothing and that her whole family may never find her and realise that she had not ran away and that she was kidnapped by the evil Miss Bingley.
Elizabeth looked around. "Come-on, Eliza," she said to no-one but herself. "You are supposed to be intelligent. What should you do?"
She espied a stone sitting innocently in the corner of her box-room. "If I am to die, I will make it apparent who inflicted this on me."
She took the stone and wrote on the largest wall:
It was Caroline Bingley. She did it to me. I will always love you F.D.
Lizzy.
She felt it was acceptable although slightly dramatic and should explain everything even if she did live. It was nine-thirty and she had given up the hope that she would be married today.
Would Bingley and Jane still marry today? She hoped that they would. After all, they had waited long enough. They should have married a year ago because they had loved each other a year ago. Much as she loved Darcy now she knew that it had only been about 5 months ago in Pemberley when she had stopped denying it to herself.
Those months which she had waited for him. After Lydia finally got married she thought he would never come back. When he at length did come back he went away almost directly with out having said more than 10 syllables to her. Those 10 days, when Jane was so happy and when she was so lonely were the hardest days. She cried herself to sleep most nights thinking that Darcy had changed his mind and decided to stay in London. No-one had noticed how depressed she had been. Then, when he finally came back she was over the moon. When he had declared that he was still in love with her, she was, she had never been so happy. The weeks of their engagement had past away and all had gone well. Both Elizabeth and Darcy were eager to start their life together. And now this?
"Why does everything go wrong for me?" Elizabeth asked herself. "Perhaps we were too happy, everything was so perfect."
As the time approached ten Elizabeth was contemplating her past, present and future.
Chapter 10
Darcy was doing the same as he rode though Meryton. It was half an hour until he was supposed to be marrying the love of his life and she was no where to be seen. He didn't think she had run away. They had both been the happiest they had ever been.
"What if I never see her again?" he was thinking "What if she is lost forever?" Darcy was riding through the village alongside Mr. Bennet. They had been knocking on doors and asking people in the street if they had seen Miss Bennet but nobody had. She had been taken in the opposite direction.
"Elizabeth, where are you?" he cried out loud. Mr. Bennet could see the worry in Darcy's face and attempted to comfort him.
"Do not worry yourself. Lizzy is sensible and she will find her way out of what ever predicament she has got herself into. If you do not marry today. You will tomorrow or the next day."
Darcy endeavoured to smile and look reassured but whilst his Elizabeth was unsafe, he was in fear.
Ultimately, they had finished searching through Meryton. Mr. Gardiner had take the other route out of Longbourn along the winding roads that eventually led to the forest which Lizzy was in but he couldn't see her. They all went back to Longbourn in the worst of moods and equally worried that she had been taken out of Hertfordshire.
They went into the church, where all the guests were waiting. Darcy took his place as Bingley's best man and they all waited for the entrance of the brides.
The guests who had been expecting a double wedding were shocked when only Jane walked down the aisle. Miss Bingley was not and attempted to repress a smirk as Georgiana was seated next to her. The latter was trying to catch Darcy's attention. "Where was Lizzy?" she asked herself. "She wouldn't have had doubts she and FitzWilliam are in complete love with each other."
Darcy was half hoping that as the priest was reading the vows and Bingley and Jane were staring lovingly into each other's eyes that his fiancée would walk down the aisle, stand next to him and say; "Sorry I am late, please continue." In her usual cheeky way. But he expected that that was unlikely to happen.
Some of the guests, like the Lucases thought that perhaps once Jane was married to Mr. Bingley that Mr. Bennet would collect Eliza from the vestry and she would marry Darcy. However when Jane Bingley and Charles Bingley led the way out of the church, followed by Darcy and the Bennets this idea seemed ambiguous. The special guests then followed the happy couple into Longbourn where a splendid breakfast was laid out. Before anyone commenced with the dining, Mr. Bennet asked for the attention of the party.
First he explained how glad he was at the nuptials of his eldest daughter and invited Bingley into his family. This was followed by a little applause.
"You may be wondering, what has happened to my other daughter, Elizabeth and to own the truth, nobody knows." Here was an appropriate gasp and commencement of whispering. Mr. Bennet continued "If you do have information of her where about please tell myself or Mr. Darcy as we are conducting the search." He added a final good wish to the married couple and everyone started eating and discussing what could have happened to the now eldest Miss Bennet.
As Darcy walked around the room he felt people's pity on him. That was what his least favourite thing was and he hated being the object of pity. He went to Mr. Bennet's Library and sent a letter to a few acquaintances in different areas of the country, asking them if they could keep their watch for her.
He realised that he could do very little except sit and wait. He did not want to announce to the world what had happened. He covered his face with his hands and began to cry. He had never done so excepting the other time when he had lost Elizabeth.
A slight knock on the door forced him to wipe his eyes and try to pretend that he had not been crying. It was his sister. Miss Darcy entered the room saying; "Mr. Bennet said that you were in here."
She asked if he had been crying and he did not try to deny it. Instead he stood up and embraced her. They had both felt the loss of Elizabeth and they tried to solace each other.
Chapter 11
It had been a week since the wedding of the Bingleys. They couple were settling down together at Netherfield. The Darcys had been staying at Longbourn. Miss Bingley and the Hursts had left for town. Colonel FitzWilliam had gone to try and manage a search for Darcy's fiancée across the border.
No one was looking in Hertfordshire. Elizabeth was no more than eleven miles from Longbourn and yet was still unfound.. Miss Bennet had spent the last day without any food. She had no communication from the outside world. She was forcing herself to breathe in order to hear a passing carriage or rider. Whenever she thought she heard someone, she banged on the walls of the wooden hut with her shoe. But it was usually the animals running around.
She was losing energy fast. She was well aware that if she did not receive help within the next day or two that she would lose all consciousness. Every now and then she would have a dizzy spell and would collapse and wake up an hour or so later.
What was everyone doing now? Surly they would have noticed she was missing by now? They couldn't just leave her there to perish. Could they? Mrs. Bennet would have one less daughter to marry. She shuddered as she thought that. Even her mother couldn't be that foolish. Could she? Darcy had woken up early as usual that morning. He had waited for any expresses to come for him in the hope that his Elizabeth would be retrieved. None awaited him. He was losing hope fast. She could not live by herself, clever as she was without any food, shelter or friends or a week. Not even his love could do that. He needed to get out of this house and away from Mrs. Bennets ceaseless moaning.
He had his horse saddled and rode off, not knowing where. He thought perhaps he was headed down one of the roads which Mr. Gardiner had searched a week ago. He rode further and further into the near-by woods, desperately seeking quiet reflection. He rode around for a bit and then jumped of his horse and lay against a tree he was trying to consider what to do when he heard a huge banging noise.
"So much for peace and quiet."
Elizabeth had been in a trance when she heard approaching noises. She could hear a horse coming closer to her and she started frantically banging on the wall as if her life depended on it. Well it did this could be her last ever chance.
Darcy looked around. He could hear the noise but could not determine from where it was coming. He stood up.
"Hello? Where are you?" He was asking in a scared way.
Elizabeth thought that the rider had left but then she heard a voice speaking. It was a mans and she could faintly hear echoes of "Where are you?"
She was feeling as if she was going to collapse and said with the only energy she had left breathing very heavily; "Help me, I'm in the wooden shed, HELP ME." She could feel the floor spinning as she shouted the last words.
He heard her voice. It was his beloved. "ELIZABETH" he shouted in joy as he ran towards the old hut from where he had heard her cries.
"FitzWilliam I need help ... I'm going to die ... help..." with this, a thud on the ground announced that she had fallen and even after several entreaties from her fiancé it was clear she was unconscious.
He had two choices. He could either quickly get help from the nearest village and find a key or he could break the door down himself. He decided on the latter partly because he could not remember the way back and partly because he didn't want to leave Elizabeth.
The only way he could imagine breaking such a huge door down, was to get a heavy object of some sort or, to cut the wood.. He didn't have any object with which to cut so he attempted to find a tree trunk or large piece of wood.
There was a little bench, made out of wood, big enough to sit two people nearby. It was quite firmly wedged in the ground but with a little pulling he managed to free it. It was very heavy. He was strong but it was causing even him to strain. The only thing that forced him to carry on was the thought of Elizabeth slowly dying behind the door.
He strove on resolute to succeed and got back to the hut. He only prayed that she was not in the way of the door. He brought the bench a metre back from the door and with all the energy he could muster crashed it right into the door. Almost nothing happened. A slight dent was all that occurred. He did it again, and again repeating, tiring him out, constantly banging into the thinking of his beloved until after much deliberation the dent became a hole and he could see Elizabeth lying, unconscious on the floor. The hole was getting bigger with every hit, and eventually the whole was big enough for him to get through, pick up Elizabeth and slide her back through the hole. Just before he went through, he looked around. It was apparent that she had been sick and very ill. The room smelt of disgusting odours and he read what she had written on the wall. Nothing but pure concern for Elizabeth's health prevented him from marching over to Bingleys town house and personally attacking Caroline.
Chapter 12
Longbourn was approaching. After a large amount of effort on his part, Darcy had put Elizabeth on his horse, then jumped upon the horse and placed her sideways over his body, holding the rein with one hand and Lizzy upright with the other.
He had ridden as fast as he possibly could in such a situation. Elizabeth was still breathing. That was a first relief. He had found her entirely by chance but only just in time. As he neared the gate of Longbourn he started shouting for assistance.
A servant approached him but Darcy simply sent the servant to get Mr. Bennet directly, wasting no time. The servant ran off and moments later, Mr. Bennet came outside, quickly followed by Mrs. Bennet, Bingley, Jane, Kitty and Lady Lucas. They felt a mixture of emotions. Firstly they were happy that Lizzy had been retrieved and appeared breathing. They were worried about her pale face and several cuts and bruises over her face. They were also slightly shocked as to the manner in which she lay over Mr. Darcy.
Bingley and Mr. Bennet took Miss Bennet from Darcy's arms and with the assistance of a servant carried her into an upstairs room. Darcy was exhausted he almost tumbled of the horse in an attempt to dismount and started off after Elizabeth's route. The new Mrs. Bingley stopped him.
"Mr. Darcy, I believe Lizzy is safe now. You need to get some rest."
He would have protested but was too weak and Jane led him into the drawing room where Georgiana was seated with Mary.
"Brother?" she stood up to greet him "What has happened? Why is everyone in a panic? Has Elizabeth been found? Is she well?
"Stop the questions Georgiana." Miss Darcy waited for it was clear that he was going to continue. "Elizabeth has been found. They are in a panic because she is very ill and has been cut and bruised and is now unconscious."
"Oh ... well at least she has been located. Who found her? How can we ever thank them enough we are totally..."
"It was I." Interrupted Darcy. "It was I who found her."
Mrs. Bennet and her companion had entered the room to hear this last statement.
"Well done, Mr. Darcy!" she said "I was quite worried about my Lizzy but it seems all will turn out well."
"That is quite unlikely ma'am." Darcy said in a tone rising to anger with every word the old woman croaked. "Your daughter is in a critical condition. I doubt she has eaten for days, she is very weak and she has bruises everywhere. If she had not been found within this hour I believe she would have died."
Everyone was silenced by this speech and embarrassed by Mrs. Bennet's lively tones at such a precarious time. Jane Bingley brought up the courage to speak,
"Where was it you found Lizzy, Mr. Darcy? I was not aware that you were trying to look for her again today.
Darcy was glad that the crow had been silenced and said; "I was not intentionally looking for Miss Bennet. I was out for a ride and went into a forest some nine or ten miles away. I heard a banging noise..." it was apparent that this was not easy for her brother so Georgiana took his hand.
"... I heard Elizabeth crying and yelling for help ... screaming that she was about to die ... I heard her collapse. I broke into the little hut where the sounds were coming from and managed to get her out ... She was still breathing ... Inside the shed it was very hot and sickly and I wondered how she had managed to remain alive. She had written a note on the wall ... it said ... it said..."
"What did it say brother? It will make you feel better to get it out of your system."
"I'm not sure that it is appropriate for the whole room to hear."
"I will gladly step outside if you believe I should not hear it Mr. Darcy" Lady Lucas ventured. "I had better be taking my leave anyway." With that she left the room ready to gossip to Mrs. Long about those "Artful Bennets." As she left Bingley and Mr. Bennet came down and said that they had sent for the doctor. They were updated on the story so far and all waited to hear what it was Elizabeth had written when she had thought she was to die.
"The note said, "It was Caroline Bingley. She did this to me ... I ... I ... I will always love you F.D."" After saying this, Darcy left a completely shocked room in comfort for his own. He needed to think.
Of all the assembled, Charles Bingley was in utter outrage. His own sister? Surly there must be a mistake.
"Could, could there be a mistake?" he asked the room. Some replied in the affirmative but all knew that it was very unlikely that Lizzy would fabricate such a remark.
Nobody spoke for some time, all completely shocked and equally amazed. Elizabeth, who was in some way dear to every person present had suffered so much.
Each person in the room was not quite sure what to think. They were so glad obviously that Elizabeth had been found but in such a condition. She had been in so much anguish and pain. She had suffered terribly and yet she was still breathing. Elizabeth had and always would be a fighter, a determined and spirited young woman but, for how much longer? She was weak and everyone feared that this time, nothing could save her.
They were interrupted from their solitude when the door to the drawing room opened. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Miss Darcy, Mr. and Mrs. Bingley, Mary and Kitty all looked up to see the good doctor, Dr Knowles. Sensing that he had entered the room at a bad time he said, "Excuse my interference but I believe that you called for my assistance, Mr. Bennet. It sounded urgent so I came directly to you.
Mr. Bennet stood up and escorted Dr Knowles to the room that Elizabeth was in. Jane and Georgiana followed them at a convenient distance up the passageway and the stairs. Dr Knowles was let into Elizabeth's room and they all saw her bruised, cut, sickly and pale face. Georgiana privately reflected that the colour reminded her of Miss de Bourgh. She was lying on the bed, breathing very little and sweating. Dr Knowles was left to assess her condition and the others waited outside for what seemed like an age.
Chapter 13
Darcy had retreated to his room and had stormed into the room and virtually collapsed on top of his bed. "Why am I not satisfied? She is safer now than before yet I remain unhappier than before." He knew why. It was because it was he who had discovered his fiancées location. He who had seen the disgrace that she had had to put up with. He, who was supposed to have been protecting her, had let her come to this. None of her family, Mr. Bennet or Jane had seen what he had seen and now he was suffering with the knowledge of her suffering.
"I will always love you, F.D." He said over and over in his mind. "And I will love you always my dearest." He burst out in uncommon tears once again.
After what had seemed like 6 hours to Mr. Bennet and with no less than twenty thoughts as to barging into to the examination, Dr Knowles left her room. He had a grave look on his ageing face. Jane and Miss Darcy took in a sharp breath and waited as patiently as possible for his diagnoses.
"I am afraid, that there is very little hope for Miss Bennet, Mr. Bennet. She is at the moment in a deep coma, which a life-threatening thing in itself is being accompanied by deadly fevers of some sort." He stopped and waited for them to take in this information.
"Now be completely honest Dr Knowles. What would Lizzy and ourselves have to do to attempt at her recovery?" questioned a shocked Mr. Bennet.
"Well before she can recover from her illness, she must be out of her coma. However, I must add that very few people recover from comas after more than two weeks of being in one and should she wake up after say, two weeks although very few do, she would have an almost impossible expectation of survival."
They couldn't believe their ears. If Elizabeth did not wake up within two weeks she was dead. Slowly, the Dr started to walk down the stairs and recommend to them, "I would advise that someone sit with Miss Bennet at all times and please, do not fail to alert me as soon as some change has occurred but I shall call again tomorrow. Good day Mr. Bennet." Waiting for no reply, Dr Knowles marched out of the house and continued on his way.
The rest of the party were soon informed as to the situation and all
agreed that a rota should be set up and every person would be required to sit with Elizabeth on their own for 3 hours at a time. This was excluding the two gentlemen Darcy and Bingley.
Bingley had judged it best that he and Jane should stay with the Bennets for the time being. Propriety ruled out the option of Darcy or Bingley actually sitting alone with Elizabeth so Bingley thought that perhaps he and Darcy could visit Miss Bennet when others were all ready looking after her.
Darcy himself had not been told of this plan and in fact nobody had seen him. Just as everyone was sitting down to dinner Miss Darcy was about to go and fetch her brother when he suddenly entered the room.
Everyone almost gasped as they looked at his face. He was very pale, white as milk excepting for two red rings around his dark eyes where tears had been escaping from them. His black and wavy hair was looking untidy and disorderly and nobody knew precisely what to say to him. Mrs. Bennet was about to venture a comment and even opened her mouth but her husband silenced her by saying, "Come and sit Mr. Darcy!" he defiantly had over compensated Darcy attempted a smile and sat himself between his sister and Mrs. Gardiner. The whole party was at a loss of conversation. It was probably the first time that Mrs. Bennet had been in a room and there was no conversation.
Bingley decided to attempt at discussion and thought perhaps mentioning something in relation for the hope of Miss Bennet's recovery would suffice. "Darcy," he addressed him "We have devised a rota of sorts to care for Miss Bennet. Her family have all decided to give 3 hours at a time to sit with her and all decided that you or I could visit her at anytime. In the presence of family."
Georgiana was well aware that her brother did not like the sound of this plan, meaning that he would not be able to sit alone with Elizabeth but the others were oblivious to this as he was very good at concealing his emotions.
Darcy timidly asked about the doctor's assessment of his fiancée. Nobody seemed willing to be the one who informed him of Elizabeth's condition and the lack of hope. But Mr. Bennet was courageous and expressed his hope for her swift healing but the tense atmosphere proved to Darcy that the general belief was contrary to what Mr. Bennet had just said.
The dinner continued in a very silent way, very little was said and when they all retired from the dining room and into the drawing room, Mrs. Gardiner who had been very observant of her niece's fiancé said, "I believe that it is my turn to sit with Lizzy. Mr. Darcy, would you care to accompany me?" Darcy readily agreed happy that somebody had interpreted his wishes.
Chapter 14
She lay peacefully sleeping; her hair had been spread about the pillow which she was lying on. Her face had lost a little of its paleness but her eyelids covered the eyes that were once so fresh and lively. Her breathing was not steady and she only took heavy breaths far and few between. As soon as he saw her there, he knew he couldn't cope with it. He knew that he was going to break down in tears. The thought of all her pains and all the efforts that had finally brought them together made him feel the tears leak before they even had.
Mrs. Gardiner let him go without a word as he fled from the room. She too was finding it difficult to keep on a brave face. Elizabeth was the dearest girl and so important to everyone who knew her.
From that day, Mr. Darcy never entered the room she was resting in. It was a strange decision even he admitted to himself, but he felt that unless he could be with her, be with her alone he couldn't stay with her. Every morning he would open the door to her room and check in on her, briefly acknowledging the person with her and feeling very envious of them and then he left. He spent all his days by himself. He either rode through the countryside or hid in his room. He needed to spill out his emotions and tears, every time he did so, he felt better but he couldn't do it in the presence of others.
Her condition had not improved after ten days. The little hope that the occupants of Longbourn did have was gone. She still lay blissfully asleep unaware of the world around her. The whole house was in despair, dreading the day that she might take her last breath.
Darcy woke up that morning and thought of Miss Bingley. Nothing had been done with respects to her and that lady was still ignorant to the fact that Miss Bennet had been discovered. He got up and dressed then went to see Elizabeth as customary. He walked in, out of pure spontaneity (for he normally just looked in) and saw that Elizabeth was alone. He didn't know who it was that was supposed to be caring for her but he didn't care.
He instinctively rushed to her, went on his knees and took her hand in his. He was sure he felt a sudden grip on his hand but cast it aside, thinking he was imagining it. So absorbed was he with Elizabeth that he didn't notice Mr. Bennet re-enter the room, with a glass of water in his hand.
She had felt a squeeze on her wrist. She could also feel a heavy weight resting against her. As she cautiously opened her eyes, she could tell that it was Darcy's head upon her shoulder, gently sobbing. Enjoying the nearness of him and still very tired though for what reason she didn't know, she closed her eyes once more. She was about to hold him closer when she felt his lips on hers kissing her very tenderly, as if she would break should he press too hard.
Elizabeth was very exhausted yet she kissed him back, just as lightly his surprise was evident. He stopped kissing and asked as though he expected a reply in the negative, "Elizabeth? My dear? Are you truly awake?"
"Yes, Fitzwilliam, I believe I am." She answered weakly. He looked at her and started crying of happiness. She wiped away his tears with her hand and kissed him on the cheek. Mr. Bennet discreetly left the room, unnoticed.
After several more entreaties that she was really awake and several more positive replies to that question, Darcy explained what had happened to her, to Elizabeth. She could remember from the point that she had heard a rider in the distance.
"It was I, I who heard your crying. You collapsed soon after it came apparent that it was you in the shed and I broke in to the shed. I carried you to Longbourn and the doctor visited you."
"How long ago was that?" she questioned innocently
"Ten days ago."
"What did the doctor say?"
"He ... he ... well he said that he though you would ... you would..."
"Die?" she asked
"Yes he thought you would. Oh, Elizabeth how much you have suffered. That shed Elizabeth. It was awful. I felt so responsible... I still do."
"It was no fault of yours." She said "There are none." She honestly added.
They sat for some time together without saying anything else. Finally she said to him, "Fitzwilliam, did you think that I had had doubts?"
"No." he answered firmly "No I didn't. I think that you should get some rest now my dear."
"Of course and you had better inform my family that I intend to live on for quite some time."
He smiled and left the room too happy to think.
Chapter 15
"Darcy, I don't believe I have seen such a large smile on your face since ... well since ever!" Bingley said as Mr. Darcy entered breakfast that morning with a smile matching that description. "She's awake!" he said as calmly as he could which wasn't particularly calm. Everyone looked stunned and looked him for more explanation. "Elizabeth, she is awake. I have spoken to her."
A smile broke out on everyone's face and Mrs. Bennet, her humour found after this event, squealed in delight. Mr. Bennet who already knew this fact said to Darcy, "I am surprised Mr. Darcy that she woke when you went to see her. Rather like "Sleeping beauty" wouldn't you agree Mr. Darcy? She woke when kissed by the prince of her dreams!"
The table laughed at Mr. Bennet's reference and Darcy laughed as well for, though it was apparent Elizabeth's father had seen he couldn't care. Nothing was going to ruin this happy day.
All of her family and her future family went up to see her. She was sitting awake in her bed, when a knock on the door announced Jane's presence. "Come in Jane."
Jane entered the room, followed by Bingley, Kitty, Mary, Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Gardiner, Mr. Gardiner, Georgiana and her heart lit up when Darcy came in also.
"I am surprised that you can all fit in here!" she joked. "Jane, Mr. Bingley, how was your wedding?"
Jane assured her that it was very pleasant except for the loss of their dearest sister.
"You had all best sit down, there are plenty of chairs." Elizabeth was weak but she had lost none of her humour or lively impertinence. As everyone was finding a seat, Elizabeth added with a knowing look at her fiancé, "This is lovely to be in the company of those I love most."
They had all found seats except for Darcy who being the last into the room was the furthest away from the chairs in the room.
"Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth questioned, "Are you not going to sit down?"
"Unfortunately, there are no more seats, albeit I would much prefer to stand."
"Certainly not, no fiancé of mine will be left standing. There is plenty of room by here." With that she signalled to the side of her bed.
Darcy was not quite sure what to do. Of course he wanted to sit there with her but what would her family think? Considering none of them had an objection he followed her request. He sat beside her and she took his hand into hers.
"Have you decided on a new date for your wedding Mr. Darcy?" asked Mrs. Bennet. Others in the room thought this comment was slightly offensive taking into account that Miss Bennet had only just woken but both Darcy and Elizabeth were very keen to finally get married. "No not yet, Mrs. Bennet but it will be as soon as Elizabeth is feeling well enough." He stated resolutely. Elizabeth smiled her agreement and the party started discussing the various happenings of the neighbourhood since Miss Bennet had disappeared.
Nobody knew how to approach the subject of Miss Bingley to Elizabeth. Charles Bingley had told the others recently that he had no intention of ever speaking with his sister again and had sent her a letter confirming it the day beforehand. Miss Bennet, sensing their concern said quietly, "Where is Miss Bingley?"
She looked round, hoping for a reply from her family but Darcy said, "She is in London and does not know that we have found you."
"I feel the need to apologise for my sister since she will not be doing so herself as I have written to her telling her to stay out of both Hertfordshire and Derbyshire and should she see you..."
"She won't be, otherwise she will have me to deal with," Interrupted Darcy. The room was silent after this proclamation. "I will never forgive her." He added to back up his promise. Aware of his discomfort, Elizabeth put one of her arms around him and kissed him on the forehead.
"How long before you feel well enough to get married, Lizzy?" Asked her father
"I feel well enough to get married today."
"Lizzy, how can you be so tiresome? We need to arrange it all again, you have lost a lot of weight, and I doubt that you will fit into your dress!" Patronized Mrs. Bennet.
"Mama," said Jane softly "You say it as if it was Lizzy's fault."
"Well Eliza..."
She was silenced by Mr. Darcy saying that he and Elizabeth didn't want a large party just a simple ceremony with all their family present.
Mrs. Bennet couldn't argue with that.
Chapter 16
The date was set for the 22nd of December, 3 weeks after the day they were supposed to be married and 4 days after Elizabeth had awoken. All of Longbourn were adamant that it was far too soon after Elizabeth had woken. But both of the betrothed said that they would not wait more than that amount of time. With the assistance of Darcy, Elizabeth had got up and went outside just a day after reaching consciousness. Anyone with a brain could see how much they were passionately in love with each other, but this experience had caused an even greater understanding between them.
Thankfully for Elizabeth, no letters came prior to the wedding day asking for a meeting. Both she and Darcy were at the church at the correct time and both fully prepared for the commitment to each other.
"...Will you, Fitzwilliam George Darcy take thee, Elizabeth Anne Bennet to be your lawful wedded wife?"
He answered, his eyes never once leaving hers with complete sincerity and a firm voice, "I will."
"And will you, Elizabeth Anne Bennet take thee Fitzwilliam George Darcy..."
"I will."
"I now pronounce you man and wife."
The whole church burst into applause. Jane, Georgiana and Mrs. Bennet were close to tears, clapping and very excited. Mr. Bennet was content. His Lizzy was to be exceedingly happy. The marriage was, to the advantage of both.
Mr. and Mrs. Darcy were eager to get away from Hertfordshire and had a long journey ahead of them to Pemberley. They left after a brief send-off and set off at half past ten for the road to Derbyshire.
"Well, Mrs. Darcy." Her husband said as they had settled into the carriage with a smile on his face. "Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Do you like being called that? I like calling you that!"
"There is nothing more I want in my life." She stated empathetically
"You are mine now Elizabeth, forever."
Teasing his possessiveness she added, "And you are mine!"
"But of course!"
"It's been so long waiting husband and now we are finally married!"
"It has seemed like 10 years waiting!"
"How long before we get to Derbyshire, Fitzwilliam? I long to see Pemberley covered in snow!"
"You shall my dear in about ten hours!"
"I am not usually fond of long journeys, but I think with the company on this one, I shall manage!" Elizabeth teased.
She rested her head on his shoulder and they both simply thought about their future together.
"Elizabeth," Darcy interrupted the silence. "You did not tell me what had happened on the day you disappeared. You did not tell anyone."
"I .... I didn't feel the need to disclose it."
"Please will you tell me, I wish for our marriage to be built on trust and for us not to have any secrets from each other?"
"So do I..."
"What is the problem then my love?"
"Well it's just that you have been blaming yourself and I thought that if you knew what had happened you may feel even more guilty than you say you do and I just didn't want that, because it isn't your fault."
"I understand."
"I will tell you if you truly wish to know but I would prefer not to give a narrative and would rather it if you just asked me questions."
"How were you taken?"
"I was seated on the bench and then a stranger came from behind and pulled me away and loaded me into a cart of some sorts."
"But how did you know it was Miss Bingley, Elizabeth?"
"I didn't until I heard her voice when we got to the shed."
The conversation continued until Darcy was upset, but satisfied he had got the particulars and when he saw her quickly brush a tear from her face he said apologetically, "I am sorry for making you relive it but you will feel better after telling somebody."
"I would have only felt better after telling you."
Shortly after three in the afternoon, the new Mrs. Darcy fell asleep on her husbands shoulder. He looked at her from above and thanked God that she was living and that she was his.
Chapter 17
After seven months of marriage, Elizabeth Darcy had something to confess to her husband. She walked into his library slowly, and feeling faint and he stopped what he was doing to speak to her. Putting down his newspaper he gestured for her to come to him. She placed herself on his knees. Laughing at his wife's spontaneity he kissed her on her shoulders which were level with his lips.
"Are you quite well?" he asked after observing her pale countenance
"I am not quite sure. I have been feeling unwell for a few weeks."
"Elizabeth, why did you not say something? Is it serious?"
"I don't know."
As she said this she slightly swooned and passed out on his shoulder. He instantly picked her up in his arms and commenced in carrying her up to their room. She woke during this excursion and said "Fitzwilliam, there is no need to rush, I am perfectly well."
Seventeen year old Georgiana Darcy saw this happening and urgently asked her brother what the problem was.
"Georgiana, please fetch Mrs. Reynolds for me." There was no need for this as Mrs. Reynolds had heard the commotion and come to investigate for herself. "Mrs. Reynolds please send for Dr Jacobs." When she didn't move, he added in a fiercer voice, "Now."
He had laid her down on the bed and was fussing about her being comfortable. "Stop it husband." She said almost dizzily, "There is nothing the matter with me."
"Elizabeth don't be unreasonable. It is not normal to collapse for no reason." She began to object but he silenced her by putting his fingers to her mouth.
She giggled. "I remember you doing that before Fitzwilliam!"
"As do I yet in your condition I don't believe we should do what we did then!"
It was a good thing they didn't for the doctor came in that very moment. Darcy stepped outside to allow the doctor good space to examine the patient. He paced around the hallway waiting for some news on his beloved. He hoped it wasn't serious, he had endured her near-death before and it wasn't something he wanted to do again. The doctor came out with a smile on is face.
"Doctor, what is the matter is it serious? Is my wife fine?"
"She is." Was all the reply he received.
Annoyed with the lack of communication on the doctor's part, Darcy burst into the room. Elizabeth was seated up, although looking paler than usual gave him a smile.
"Mrs. Darcy," he half mocked "Elizabeth, what did he say? Are you going to be well?"
"I am ... Fitzwilliam, my love I am with child!"
"What? A ... a ... a child?" he couldn't believe it "Oh Elizabeth! That is such wonderful news!" He gave her a loving but delicate cuddle and they laughed together, happy at the prospect of the addition to the family.
Elizabeth, having never been in this condition before, didn't know what to expect and Darcy having never been or known many people in this condition did not either. Elizabeth found herself lying in bed later than she would normally approve of but was so exhausted even after just 5 months of carrying their baby.
"Fitzwilliam?" she asked him, slightly out of breath after simply walking around the house with him one day 5 months into her pregnancy. "By any chance were you a large baby?" she asked sarcastically.
"Elizabeth I told you that you shouldn't be doing all this walking in your present condition."
"That isn't what I asked." She murmured.
"Come, it cannot be that heavy."
"I should like to see you try and carry it for a full nine months." She huffed.
"You know that doing all this walking is not advantageous to our child. It is making you more and more tired."
"I just dislike being kept inside, like I am a prisoner and have done wrong."
"Its what the doctor suggested."
"I couldn't care about the doctor. He obviously hasn't carried a child."
With this she attempted to walk off in a huff but Darcy was faster than her even when she wasn't with child so it was all a bit pointless.
"I am sorry, my dear. If there is anything I can do I..."
She gave him a look that said "You have done plenty."
She walked off again but this time he didn't hesitate to leave her go herself. She was always having mood swings which the doctor had said was perfectly normal.
That night as he climbed into bed beside her, she said immediately, "I'm sorry." He kissed her and said, "I know." They left it at that. They were embracing when she suddenly said, "Ouch, stop it will you?" he asked her what he had done and she replied, "Not you, the baby. It takes delight in kicking me."
He placed his hand on her growing stomach and felt his child dancing around. They both smiled and she said, "Our child will be a fine dancer!"
"You keep saying "Our child," or "the baby" do you not think we should give it a name?!"
"We don't know if it is a boy or girl. Which would you prefer?"
"I honestly do not mind. I should love a little girl to dote on and buy dolls and little dresses for but I would equally like a son to teach how to be an excellent landlord and master."
She smiled at his impartial comment and said, "With such an excellent father, no child could be anything but excellent."
Chapter 18
In a week's time, it would be Christmas and also the anniversary of their marriage. The Bennets, Gardiners and Bingleys were coming to Pemberley for the first time since the marriage and to see the Darcy's for the first time in a year. None of them save Jane and Bingley had been informed of Elizabeth's impending condition.
Darcy was hardly looking forward to the two weeks that Mrs. Bennet would be in his home but was determined to play the grateful son in law and act kindly.
Elizabeth had had all the preparations made weeks beforehand and they had agreed that on the both Christmas day and on their anniversary they should have two enormous feasts and parties with dancing, singing and other family festivities.
The Darcy's were trying to make the most of the time they had left together when, about a week before the guests were due to arrive, on the 8th of December, Elizabeth said to Darcy as they were enjoying a non-rare lye in, "I was just thinking my love and remembered what..."
"What happened a year ago to this day?" he offered, completely mirroring her thoughts.
"You saved my life."
"And you, Mrs. Darcy saved mine."
"How?"
"Had you died, I could never have lived."
"Really?"
"I don't think that I could have coped."
"But you saved me so how could I have saved you?"
"Just the fact that you were still living, which was your deed saved me."
They spent the day completely together and on their own. Georgiana had left for a brief ten day trip to London. (Ten days being the usual length that a Darcy stayed in London!) They attempted to walk the grounds but this was getting a harder task for Mrs. Darcy so they simply sat in a sitting area, both inclined on a sofa, him reading to her and every now and then swapping over. When they had had enough they simply chatted about everything as they always did for not only were they both violently in love, they were also the best of friends.
"The house is so peaceful at present; it won't be for much longer." Elizabeth commented regretfully
"Indeed. But it might be pleasant to see people we have not seen for a while."
"You are right yet I look forward to seeing some more than others." Darcy knew to whom she was referring.
Just then, a servant entered, not in the least surprised at seeing the mistress lying over her husband, (the staff were used to the affection shown between the master and his wife) and handed her a letter.
"Why it is from Longbourn." Elizabeth exclaimed. She read:
5th DecemberDearest Lizzy,
My child, it has been an age since I last wrote to you and I rejoice that I have been given the opportunity to do so before it may be too late.
Your mother has decided it best that we come a week early to visit you as she has had it from Mrs. Long that there will be extensive snowstorms on the 10th until the 15th, when we were meant to be arriving.
I explained to her that this would not be welcome yet she was adamant and well Lizzy, you know your mother. She said that it would be a lovely surprise to you and your husband yet I disagreed so wrote to you secretly so you are aware of what is happening.
We plan to arrive at nine in the morning on the 9th of this month and I hope to see you well then my dear.
Deeply apologetically for any inconvenience,
Your Father, T. Bennet
They could not believe it, Mrs. Bennet and her family were to arrive the next morning, with no more than 16 hours notice. Lizzy instantly jumped (well as close as she could get to jumping) to her feet and began to rush off, ordering cooks, maids, and others with directions as to what was to be done. By the time Darcy had caught up with her, she had already arranged for the bedrooms to be made up and was about to speak to the cook with regards to the meals for the next day.
"Elizabeth, slow down. There are only to be 4 guests and we can accommodate them easily. They will not mind if they do not have the full grandeur as we have had very little time to prepare."
They continued getting ready at a slightly slower pace, Elizabeth finally finished inspecting the rooms at the late time of midnight and after half an hour, was found fast asleep in bed by her husband who had been completing the last bit of business before Christmas. He kissed her cheek and her abdomen goodnight and went to sleep, dreading the arrival of Mrs. Bennet and her nerves.
Chapter 19
Darcy woke the next morning to the sound of a rattling chaise on the rode. He checked the time, it was quarter past nine. He directly got out of bed, careful not to wake his sleeping wife and looked out of the balcony. Seeing the approaching carriage, not five minutes away from the house itself, carrying all the remaining Bennets he hurriedly called his for his valet and rushed to his dressing room.
He managed to reach the door of the house in order to greet the Bennets because Mrs. Bennet, on approaching the house had been so taken with the grandeur that she had insisted they stop so she could take in its beauty.
"Oh, my dear Mr. Bennet, how on earth is my Lizzy managing this huge house, what a fine wife she must be."
Mr. Bennet decided that it was best to not comment that that was the first time she had ever called Elizabeth "her Lizzy" partly because he too was wondering how on earth she was coping.
Mr. Darcy was there to greet them at the door. Mrs. Bennet couldn't contain her raptures. "Oh Mr. Darcy, what a fine, grand house you have here. What a splendid location..."
"Thank you Mrs. Bennet and I must welcome you all to Pemberley. Sir, Madam, my sisters, Mary and Kitty I hope that you find everything to your liking here at Pemberley. Allow me to show you to the drawing room."
He took them through the door and into the hallway. The whole family almost passed out at what they were seeing and this was only the hallway. They all took a seat in a drawing room. They began on such subjects such as the journey, the weather, gossip of Hertfordshire and Darcy began to wonder if they were ever going to ask him where his wife was.
"Do you know when Mr. and Mrs. Bingley are coming to Pemberley?" Darcy questioned his new in-laws.
"I believe, Mr. Darcy that they are coming on the 14th as planned," answered Mr. Bennet slightly sardonically.
Mrs. Bennet suddenly remembered that her daughter lived here too and asked Mr. Darcy, "Why, where is my daughter?"
Mr. Darcy answered that she was in her sitting room. "Would you mind terribly, sir if I went to see her? It's been so long since I have seen my dearest girl."
"Of course, I will have someone take you up to her." He directed to a nearby servant. "Oh and Mrs. Bennet..." it was too late. He was about to speak of his wife's pregnancy but she had left with Mary and Kitty in tow.
"Perhaps I should warn you, sir." He addressed to Mr. Bennet, the only person remaining in the room a dew minutes after his wife's departure, "Your daughter is with child."
Mr. Bennet didn't say anything for a moment and was about to when an appropriate "Oh Lizzy! Why did you say nothing?" was heard from upstairs.
Mrs. Bennet had almost barged into Elizabeth's quarters and had seen her daughter seated at a writing desk. "Mama," she had said, surprised "I was not aware you were here."
"Don't worry, Lizzy we have only just arrived. Now, stand up and let me look at you."
"Mother there is something I..."
"Don't argue Lizzy."
Elizabeth slowly rose and revealed her state. Mrs. Bennet gasped and rushed over to her daughter. "Oh Lizzy, what a surprise." She said as she kissed her on the cheek. "A heir for Mr. Darcy, Lizzy A heir for my Lizzy." Mrs. Bennet was practically dancing.
"Perhaps we should go downstairs now mother," suggested Elizabeth sick of the raptures of her mother.
"Lizzy, how long until he is born? A month? Two?
"4 months, mother."
"4 MONTHS?" she repeated. "What a large child!"
Elizabeth led her mother and her sisters down the stairs whilst Mrs. Bennet continued prattling on. They entered the room which Darcy and Mr. Bennet were seated in.
"Elizabeth? Have you informed your mother of our good news?" Darcy asked almost sarcastically.
"Why yes Mr. Darcy, I am so dreadfully happy for you. How pleasant so soon after you are married. Why, Lizzy said there was 4 months to go when I would have guessed no more than two."
"Yes, the doctor said that it is a very large child."
Elizabeth was slightly worried when she had heard this as it was her first child and the first was also the worst birth, according to mothers and doctors. She didn't tell anyone of her fears, although Darcy suspected the very same.
Chapter 20
The Bennet visit passed soon enough, considering that Mrs. Bennet was one of the party. They, the day after Christmas, left Pemberley for Hertfordshire, bringing with them the Gardiners. Jane and Charles stayed for another week. Both Elizabeth and Jane were very happy to see each other they had so much to discuss with each other, so many things to say and yet, they had both seemed to be more reserved with each other no that they had become married women and they had each found a person that they loved more.
Georgiana had returned and had shared in the festivities with all of the assembled. The Darcy's were happy that most of their relatives could be there for Christmas yet each of them wished they were alone together as they had been for the last year.
"How many more days Fitzwilliam?" she asked him one day.
"Until what my love?" he said, trying to be ignorant.
"Until we, you and me are alone together?"
"Three." He answered her.
"My mother has been expecting an invitation to the birth. To give me some sort of moral guidance and support I think. Do you think we should ask her to stay here in February, with my sister?"
"February? But the baby is not due until the middle of April."
"I thought it might seem polite, considering her visit this time has been so rushed."
"As you wish, my love." He replied trying to put off the idea of being with Mrs. Bennet for 2 months until another time.
Elizabeth sent the letter of to her mother requesting her presence on the 3rd of March. After telling her husband of this he said, "But my dear, I understood you were going to ask her to stay in February."
She replied that her mother would probably come earlier than suggested so in order for her to come by mid February, she had said March.
The Darcy child was predicted to be born on the 10th April. Jane and Bingley were also to come back to Pemberley in March and Mrs. Bennet had also said that Kitty would be accompanying her. "As she is still unmarried, my dear and all the officers have not come back to Meryton." Is what the letter had said.
The Darcy's continued to sit together in the last month that they had alone and simply discuss life.
"Have you considered any names for our child?" Elizabeth requested one day.
"Perhaps. What names would you like should it be a daughter?"
"I haven't considered it but, I defiantly do not wish for "Elizabeth" as everything would get confusing."
"Equally if it is a boy I don't want it named after me!" He joked.
"I wouldn't object to Elizabeth being her middle name." she stated.
"I wish for our son's middle name to be derived from your father, so either Bennet, or Thomas."
"Yes I like that idea."
They were still no closer to choosing a first name by the time Mrs. Bennet descended on Pemberley in the middle of February.
"Why, Lizzy if you get any bigger I fear you shall explode!" she joked to a worried Mrs. Darcy.
The visit of her mother was going smoother than both the daughter and the son-in-law had expected. She was of great assistance to Elizabeth, because from experience she knew precisely what she was doing. Mrs. Bennet tended to keep out of the way and only occupied herself by ordering the servants about, preparing for the birth and searching for men for Kitty.
In the beginning of March, Pemberley was almost as chaotic as it was at Christmas. Jane and her husband had come as had Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mrs. Bennet and Kitty.
"Georgiana, will you not play for us?" her cousin asked on a late Saturday evening. All of the guests were seated in the music room. Georgiana, though improved in confidence since living with Elizabeth was still not completely confident in company however, she said she would perform provided that they continue conversing in the meantime.
"Jane and I have something to announce" stated Bingley once the song was started. "Jane is with child!"
Everybody congratulated the happy couple and Mrs. Bennet was exceptionally happy.
"I am happy for you sister," said Elizabeth slightly disappointed she was only told at the same time as everyone else.
"Thank you, Lizzy. Our child will be here in seven months."
Georgiana had stopped playing in order to express her happiness so everyone was talking loudly and hugging each other when suddenly, the door burst open and a servant announced, "Lady Catherine DeBourgh Ma'am.
Chapter 21
The whole room went completely silent. Most of them were already standing, because of the wishes of good cheer and embraces that were occurring but Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet were not so they both stood.
Lady Catherine entered the room with such decided condescension and arrogance. Nobody knew what to say. Darcy finally drew the courage.
"Aunt Catherine. You are very welcome here. I trust that there is nothing urgent you wish to acquaint me with?"
"No Darcy." She answered whilst staring at Mrs. Darcy. She took a step forward, towards Elizabeth. Everyone took in a sharper breath with each step she took.
"Congratulations ... Mrs. Darcy. On your approaching child."
The room was in shock! Lady Catherine offering her peace? It was not to be borne! "I was told when I was in town and decided now was the right time to make my peace." Mr. and Mrs. Darcy were in such a state of astonishment that they hardly knew what to say. Eventually Elizabeth offered, "Thank you, Lady Catherine."
Elizabeth sat down, inviting the whole room to do so. "We were just congratulating my sister and her husband on the fact that she is with child."
Later, Darcy decided to approach a neutral topic. "How was your journey, Aunt?"
After some further discussion, most were becoming more at ease with Lady Catherine's new found friendliness. Elizabeth was about to ask her "Aunt" about her daughter.
"Lady CatheOoh ... ouch." Elizabeth winced and took in a deep, heavy breath. She was bombarded with questions as to her health. She assured them she was fine, yet with a large struggle on her part, walked over to where her husband was standing and said as quietly as possible, "Fitzwilliam, you may need to send for the doctor, I believe that it has started." He looked at her blankly, wondering whether he had heard her correctly. What was the date? The 5th of March? It was far too soon for the child to be born. "Fitzwilliam," she repeated. It was like he had blanked out and he was now in world of his own.
An unbearable pain hit Elizabeth as she clutched her stomach, almost keeling over; Darcy's attention was recaptured along with the rest of the room's attention. She was carried to the birthing room by her husband and all she could remember was repeated screams of "It is time, It is time," from her over-excited mother.
Darcy was in his library with his cousin and his friend, Mr. Bingley. It had been seven, maybe eight hours. He didn't know. All he knew was that his wife was in pain and on several occasions he had been forced by his companions to remain where he was.
"Damn this," he had said. "I am going to help my wife."
Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam had persuaded him to remain where he was. "Darcy, she is in very good hands."
Darcy seriously doubted that. He would never have considered Mrs. Bennet's hands as good. "Mrs. Bennet knows what she is doing, Darcy." Bingley said defensively after seeing Darcy's cynical look.
"Perhaps we should go for a ride?" innocently suggested the good Colonel.
Darcy's glare was enough to receive a reply in the negative.
Georgiana and Kitty had been left together in music room each of them not being allowed to witness a birth, nor actually wishing to either. Both of them could hear the cries of Elizabeth that Darcy could also hear.
They both winced as there was another wail. "I do hope that it is over soon," commented Miss Darcy. "I do not know how much more that I can take."
"Me neither, it sounds awfully painful."
"I do not know what we can do in the meantime. I can hardly think of having any fun whilst Elizabeth is in such a condition."
"Perhaps you could play on the pianoforte," ventured Kitty. "I have long wished to be able to play yet my sister Mary, spends all her time on ours and I don't have a single chance to learn."
"Why," cried Miss Darcy. "Allow me to help you learn. Elizabeth will be happy to know that that was how we spent our time."
"I would like that." Replied Kitty
As they moved to the pianoforte and they both sat down, Georgiana explained, "The pianoforte has lots of notes, but there are only 7 notes to learn. This is middle C," with that she gestured to C. "And the notes follow in alphabetical order until you reach G when it is A, then B and back to C again..."
Elizabeth was finding this impossible. It was much more difficult than she had imagined. She knew that it was going to be painful, but not this much! It had been more than nine hours since she had felt the pain and she found herself wanting just to stop and to go to sleep and not continue.
Chapter 22
A deadly silence surrounded Pemberley. Elizabeth's pain had stopped and in both of the other rooms containing people there was a pause. What had happened? They were asking themselves. Then, suddenly very unexpectedly, a very faint cry of a child could be heard. Pemberley breathed a sigh of relief.
Moments later the doctor came, asking for Darcy.
"Dr Jacobs, is my wife well?"
"She is fine considering."
"Considering what?"
"Considering she has just given birth."
They reached the room and the first thing Darcy did on entering it was to rush to his wife's side and see that she was just as fine as the doctor had said. Her eyes had lost there sparkle and her face was sallow and pallid yet when she saw him she used all the energy she had to give him a big beam and he gently kissed her lips.
"Fitzwilliam, may I introduce our daughter Emily Elizabeth Darcy?" He rushed over to Mrs. Bennet who was nearest to him holding a very small baby. "No, my love." His wife stopped him, "That is our son, George Thomas Darcy." He looked down at the little buddle and smiled with pride. Jane stepped forward holding a crying girl, with very sparkling eyes and a dark mop of curls.
"Two?" he questioned unnecessarily
Jane and her mother left the room, putting the twins in the cradle. Darcy picked them both up kissed each on the forehead and brought them to Elizabeth. He had never been so happy in his entire life and he told her so.
"But I thought you were at the happiest when you married me?" she teased.
"I never thought I could be happier but now I still have you and two beautiful children, that both speak for the love which we share with each other."
Both parents had tears in their eyes from this proclamation and they each wiped each others away, holding each other tightly thinking of all the things and events their relationship had seen and yet they still remained together, bonded in a way none others had ever been, anticipating the rest of their lives together and their eternal happiness.