Hi everyone. I am hoping to make this a regular update now. I looked back at my works in progress and this one caught my fancy. I plan to finish this as soon as I can, which is generally not that fast. I had 5 chapters done before, but I am going back and doing a full overhaul. I hope you enjoy the new version. If someone would like to be a beta reader for me, I am searching for one. Mostly I need someone I can bounce ideas off of and help me with my grammar issues (and maybe remind me to get my but moving on the writing). PM me if you have time and would be interested.

Introduction

Their visit did not continue long after the question and answer above mentioned; and while Mr. Darcy was attending them to their carriage Miss Bingley was venting her feelings in criticisms on Elizabeth's person, behaviour, and dress. But Georgiana would not join her. Her brother's recommendation was enough to ensure her favour; his judgement could not err. And he had spoken in such terms of Elizabeth as to leave Georgiana without the power of finding her otherwise than lovely and amiable. When Darcy returned to the saloon, Miss Bingley could not help repeating to him some part of what she had been saying to his sister.

"How very ill Miss Eliza Bennet looks this morning, Mr. Darcy," she cried; "I never in my life saw anyone so much altered as she is since the winter. She is grown so brown and coarse! Louisa and I were agreeing that we should not have known her again."

However little Mr. Darcy might have liked such an address, he contented himself with coolly replying that he perceived no other alteration than her being rather tanned, no miraculous consequence of travelling in the summer.

"For my own part," she rejoined, "I must confess that I never could see any beauty in her. Her face is too thin; her complexion has no brilliancy; and her features are not at all handsome. Her nose wants character— there is nothing marked in its lines. Her teeth are tolerable, but not out of the common way; and as for her eyes, which have sometimes been called so fine, I could never see anything extraordinary in them. They have a sharp, shrewish look, which I do not like at all; and in her air altogether there is a self-sufficiency without fashion, which is intolerable."

Persuaded as Miss Bingley was that Darcy admired Elizabeth, this was not the best method of recommending herself; but angry people are not always wise; and in seeing him at last look somewhat nettled, she had all the success she expected. He was resolutely silent, however, and, from a determination of making him speak, she continued:

"I remember, when we first knew her in Hertfordshire, how amazed we all were to find that she was a reputed beauty; and I particularly recollect your saying one night, after they had been dining at Netherfield, 'She a beauty! — I should as soon call her mother a wit.' But afterwards she seemed to improve on you, and I believe you thought her rather pretty at one time."

"Yes," replied Darcy, who could contain himself no longer, "but that was only when I first saw her, for it is many months since I have considered her as one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance."

He then went away, and Miss Bingley was left to all the satisfaction of having forced him to say what gave no one any pain but herself.

Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth talked of all that had occurred during their visit, as they returned, except what had particularly interested them both. The look and behaviour of everybody they had seen were discussed, except of the person who had mostly engaged their attention. They talked of his sister, his friends, his house, his fruit— of everything but himself; yet Elizabeth was longing to know what Mrs. Gardiner thought of him, and Mrs. Gardiner would have been highly gratified by her niece's beginning the subject.

Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice (Kindle Locations 3399-3421). Kindle Edition.

Chapter 1: Declaration

Elizabeth stepped out of the inn and moved to the side as a light wind drifted about her and tickled her nose. The Derbyshire air was certainly stronger and denser than the air in Hertfordshire. Even the village air smelt full of life. The sound of a horse riding up the lane caught her attention. She blushed as she recognized Mr. Darcy's fine figure. She would not admit to admiring his person now, nor would she admit that he had been filling her thoughts and dreams for at least the previous two days.

While she watched him approach, she guessed he meant to stop in front of her. He did. His descent was rapid and surefooted, and within moments, he was before her, bowing and greeting her and her company. She could not speak, so she curtseyed her greeting.

Mrs. Gardiner took the lead in the conversation. She had seen enough the previous day to know that Mr. Darcy admired her niece. She also sensed that Elizabeth felt confused as to her own feelings for the gentleman. "We have a few moments before we are expected at a friend's home, so we are heading to the church to pay our respects. I remember my time here so fondly. It has been such a pleasure reacquainting myself with the country."

Mr. Darcy offered to accompany them, and Mrs. Gardiner accepted with alacrity. She then quickly took her husband's arm to force Mr. Darcy to escort Elizabeth, not that he seemed to mind. The two couples walked too closely for intimate conversations, so silence reigned.

Elizabeth scolded herself for not being more in control of her person. This was very much the first time she had ever felt so confused. The feeling of her arm on his sent her heart fluttering, and it did not help her concentrate. Surely Mr. Darcy's presence indicated his continued regard. He must love her still, but would he propose or continue the acquaintance even? She had no right to hope he would still love her enough to overcome his previous objections.

They reached the church before Elizabeth had worked out what she would say. Once inside, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy moved along the edge of the building to admire the stonework while the Gardiners moved forward to greet the curate. Elizabeth moved slowly, wondering how long before she would be able to speak.

They reached a small alcove where they were afforded some privacy, and Elizabeth was saved from having to come up with conversation because Mr. Darcy spoke almost as soon as they were out of earshot. "I am delighted to have encountered you this morning."

Elizabeth smiled her teasing smile as her wit returned, pleased to have this inkling as to his sentiments. "It would seem you met me by design."

"Is my design unwelcome?" He stepped closer cautiously, eager for her answer but not wanting to startle her. He knew he must act. She had responded pleasingly to his advances over the previous two days, and he needed to know if he had a chance. She would travel on soon, so it was now or never.

A blush creeping over her cheeks gave him the answer he desired, as did her softly spoken words a minute later. "I enjoy your company." It was not precisely the answer he wanted, but he could not expect much more in such a public setting. This was an opportunity he would grab with both hands.

"Then, would you accompany me to the milliner's shop across the street when we are done here? I intend to purchase a new bonnet for Miss Darcy, and I would welcome your opinion. You have seen her fair complexion and will know better how to grace it with the best bonnet."

"You overrate my talents, Sir. I have no notion of hats. I merely wear what is comfortable. Almost any other lady would be better at this."

"I have no desire for any other lady's opinion. You have a natural beauty and your bonnets always compliment your features."

The arch smile reappeared, and Darcy could not imagine a better sight. "What would Miss Bingley say to that? She will be heartbroken."

"I doubt her heart can break, or she would have wearied long before now. Her suffering is inevitable and of her own making. That does not change my intentions." He closed his eyes when he realized what he had said and hoped this was for the best.

"You have intentions." Elizabeth's voice squeaked.

"Indeed, I do." Mr. Darcy stepped closer. If he reached out his hand, he could touch her, but he did not dare. "I only wait for more confirmation that my endeavor would be followed by a favorable answer. I could not survive otherwise."

He stared at her, hoping for more than he felt he deserved. She paled. What could that mean? She was not angry, but it did not appear to be happiness either. Dread and fear crept up his spine, and he desperately tried to keep his complexion neutral.

Finally, she spoke, though not very fluently. "Allow me to assure you that… you have no need for caution." She smiled shyly to reinforce her statement. Her blush returned. While she was not certain that she loved him, she felt that he was the only man who could make her happy.

Relieved beyond measure, he claimed one of her gloved hands and said, "I have tried to change according to your reproofs. You will see how I have become a better man through your teachings, a man worthy of your love and esteem. My love has only grown stronger these three months apart. My world is not complete without you in it. My dearest Elizabeth, would you do me the greatest honor of accepting my hand?"

Elizabeth attempted to respond, but no words came out. In her confusion, she looked around and saw her aunt and uncle approaching. She must get her answer out before they arrive. She swallowed hard and replied, "The honor would be mine, Mr. Darcy. I find that I have thought about you often since we met in Kent. I had hoped that you still cared for me, but I could not be certain."

While not a declaration of love, it would do for him at present. He beamed brighter than Elizabeth had ever seen. She was certain that if they were alone, he would have been more forward, such was the intensity of his expression. Instead, he only squeezed her small hand gently.

Mrs. Gardiner interrupted their moment all too soon, ignorant of what she had walked into. "I am ready to return to the inn, Lizzy. It is almost time for us to meet the Buxtons."

Elizabeth nodded and stepped away from Mr. Darcy, but it was too late for secrecy. She felt the loss when Mr. Darcy released her hand, as did he. Both faces belied a giddiness that neither could completely mask as they turned to face Mrs. Gardiner. When they exited the church, Mrs. Gardiner requested her niece's arm for support. Elizabeth could not refuse, but it was a hard choice.

They walked slowly, as Mrs. Gardiner tired easily. Mrs. Gardiner, now perceiving what she had interrupted, asked, "Lizzy, is there something you need to tell us?"

Elizabeth would not be her saucy self if she answered straightforwardly. "I believe you have already guessed it." She smiled as she thought of the gentleman walking with her uncle ahead of her.

"You did not imply from your words before that you cared for him, Lizzy. I can see that your opinion of him has altered greatly from December, but this is a very sharp change."

"Yes, it has. I am ashamed of the things I said then. I have come to know him, both here and in Kent, where he was visiting his aunt and I was visiting Charlotte Collins. The real him, instead of the cold façade he displays when he is reserved around strangers, is exactly what I would wish for in a man."

Mrs. Gardiner laughed. "I suspected as much. I wish you joy, Lizzy. I believe you will be very happy with your choice."

Elizabeth then asked if she could forgo returning to the inn and go to the milliner with Mr. Darcy. Her request was granted, and she shrugged off Mrs. Gardiner's arm and returned to Mr. Darcy's side. "Come with me, Mr. Darcy, and I will select a perfect bonnet for your dear sister."

Mr. Darcy obeyed, and the Gardiners watched them depart with pleasure. The Gardiners then redirected their steps to the inn. Mr. Gardiner explained that Mr. Darcy had requested permission to marry their niece since Mr. Bennet was not present. Mr. Gardiner had accepted with the condition that Mr. Darcy must also obtain Mr. Bennet's consent before the month was out. They returned to the inn to find that Elizabeth had two letters from Jane, the first having been redirected. "Lizzy will be glad to finally hear from Jane. Place these in her room so that she may enjoy them when she returns."

The maid followed her directions quickly, hoping to go back to looking for the prestigious Mr. Darcy who had been spotted walking down the street.