To Love a Woman
By L'Ange Romantique
Summary: This is the story of my Darcy and Elizabeth, notably starting from their first meeting from the proposal. Modern.
Author's Note: This strays from the canon of P&P. I'll let you discover what's different. Have decided that I'll make this longer, telling the whole history beind these two. For my 'An Accidental Meeting' readers, I'm sorry that I've had to take it down – I wasn't prepared for all the new, half term assignments the teachers would dish out. So here's something else, and I hope you'll forgive me.
Disclaimer: Only using Pride and Prejudice to inspire me.
Chapter 1
Angels Brought Me Here
The noise of the party-goers dimmed, and she was sure everyone could hear the thumping in her chest. She could now see what had attracted everyone's attention – Fitzwilliam Darcy himself, entering from the club's golden doors. He was now on a direct path to her, and everyone either parted for him or viciously lunged forward to gain his attention. But the man didn't notice much apart from the vision before him – one that he saw as soon as he had entered the club.
Women in dresses that could have passed for long shirts showed off all their assets approached him on his path to the only woman who could gain entrance to his heart. With a quick comment, a joke or smile, he walked past and continued. Her expression, one of surprise and discomfort, did nothing to detour him: any chance to talk to her was welcomed. By the end of the night, he hoped, she would be more comfortable with him, and possibly start a friendship. Yes, a friendship, or merely to be on speaking terms. That's all I'm asking for. In time though, maybe something more, he thought. But am I now worthy of her?
Fitzwilliam Darcy had guessed correctly at the lady's thoughts. Elizabeth Bennet, for all her wit and natural ease, was surprised and discomforted. She had known it was a gamble to come to the club, Ember Lii, which was owned by him, but the reputation of London's best club had its allurements, so to Ember Lii she went. Fate was either cruel or merciful to her by bringing the owner there, on the night she chose to go, but whatever the outcome, she convinced herself she was only half responsible. He was the one who would determine if they talked – no way was she going up to him!
The gap between them was getting extremely close to only a few metres and instinctively, she wanted to turn away. But his eyes, those deep, never-ending pools of dark chocolate eyes had locked with hers. It was then she knew she would have to talk to him. He was too near to suddenly turn away. While the distance remained, she noted what he was wearing. His white t-shirt showed off very nice abs and tan. A pair of navy khakis was covering up legs that ran marathons. Looking up to his hair, she saw it was left in its natural state of unruliness. The picture presented made her heart beat even faster.
And then, he was in front of her. A single word came from his lips, 'Elizabeth.'
Then his hand reached out to her, she took it, and he led her on to the dance floor. His eyes, and the surrounding people's eyes, looked to her, but it was only his that she saw.
'Fitzwilliam.' It came out more of a murmur, so soft it could not be heard above the music, but he knew what she was saying. He smiled.
Pulling her closer, he whispered into her ear, 'Do you know what time it is?'
She shook her head, tongue temporarily tied. Their past dealings couldn't be ignored, and her mind asked a question of her heart. 'Do you trust him?' Her heart, after a moment's hesitation, replied, 'Yes, I do.'
'Well then, let me tell you. At Ember Lii, when the clock strikes ten, we have a couple's dance. It's really the only time to dance with a partner – the old fashioned way.' She looked up to him with confusion. 'You know, old fashioned – when you hold your partner, not just move in front of them.'
'Oh.'
As if the DJ could hear their conversation, he spoke into the microphone. 'Alright, ladies and gents, it's time for a little lovin'. Grab your partner, take them to the floor, and dance away.'
It's been a long and winding journey, but I'm finally here tonight
Picking up the pieces, walking back into the light
Into the sunset of your glory, where my heart and future lies
There's nothing like the feeling, when I look into your eyes...
Fitzwilliam followed the DJ's instructions to the letter, holding Elizabeth so close there was no space between them. Their arms were both around each other's waists, and their bodies fitted together like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Elizabeth remembered the last time she had been so close to him, but banished those thoughts. He wasn't the same man as he was then.
'You know, those words describe what's been happening in my life. Must've been written for me.'
Lifting her eyes to look at his, she whispered, 'My heart and future lies...'
'Yes.' It was softly spoken, but had an undertone of determination. He still wanted her. I trust him.
My dreams came true, when I found you,
I found you, my miracle...
'My miracle,' he repeated. She gave a delicate, barely-there smile. It was all the encouragement he needed.
If you could see, what I see, that you're the answer to my prayers
And if you could feel, the tenderness I feel
You would know, it would be clear, that angels brought me here...
Elizabeth was aware of his tenderness – it was in every word he spoke, the way he held her, and his eyes, showing every feeling he felt. She now thanked Fate for bringing him to Ember Lii that night.
'You're a vision in that dress, Elizabeth. I must admit I'm jealous all those other men get to see you in it.'
She laughed gently, glancing down at what she was wearing. It was a simple dark green halter, with the neckline showing just enough to catch your attention. The waist was banded, with a glittering lighter shade of green embroidery. The hem line ended a good ten centimetres above her knees. Images of the crowd made their way to her mind, and she knew she didn't look half as beautiful, or alluring, as they did. But his sincerity was evident, and it made her smile a little wider.
Standing here before you, feels like I've been born again
Every breath is your love; every heartbeat speaks your name
'Elizabeth.' He let out a sigh. 'Could you learn to love me?' As soon as it came out of his mouth, he regretted it. But her answer made him forget any regret.
'Yes. I could.' Her smile was now as wide as he had ever seen it, her eyes telling him she wasn't lying.
My dreams came true, right here in front of you
My miracle...
With her admission to her feelings, he smiled back, dimples in full force. Her right hand found its way up to his face, and with her index finger, she touched his dimple on the right.
'You should smile more.'
'I do smile.'
'No, like this...a happy smile.'
'I'll remember that.'
If you could see, what I see, that you're the answer to my prayers
And if you could feel, the tenderness I feel
You would know, it would be clear, that angels brought me here...
'But,' she warned in mock seriousness, 'don't smile too much.'
'And why is that?'
'Your admirers would admire you even more. And you're my man,' she added playfully.
He turned serious. 'I've always been your man from the moment I saw you. I was a thick-headed idiot then. To have treated you that way...I don't think I could forgive myself for that.'
'Shhh.' She put a finger to his mouth until he stopped talking. 'I've forgiven you.'
Brought me here to be with you,
I'll be forever grateful (oh forever faithful)
My dreams came true
When I found you
My miracle...
'How could you have forgiven me? What I did was appalling.'
'I won't argue with that, sir, but what matters is what happens now.'
'I can't promise I won't be an idiot at times, but you have before you a better man, Elizabeth. I can promise you that I've improved, and with your help I'll improve more. That is, if you'd consider dating an idiot...'
'You're not an idiot. Didn't I say that you were my man? So yes, I'd love to have a chance to date Fitzwilliam Darcy.'
If you could see, what I see, you're the answer to my prayers
And if you could feel, the tenderness I feel
You would know, it would be clear, that angels brought me here...
'Would tomorrow suit you?'
'Tomorrow's fine...' she trailed off, as his head came dangerously close to hers.
Yes they brought me here...
'Where are you staying?'
'On 3 Gracechurch Street, with my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner.'
'I'll pick you up at one then.'
If you could feel, the tenderness I feel...
She had a reply, an agreement, but she couldn't voice it. He had, as suspected, lent in to kiss her.
You would know, it would be clear, that angels brought me here...
The song is "Angels Brought Me Here" by Guy Sebastion.