Sapphires & Shackles
Summary: What if Elizabeth felt forced to marry Darcy? This story begins right after Elizabeth rejected Collins and received her father's support.
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Jane Austen (except for a few who were inspired by her) and much of the dialogue was generously borrowed from her work.
Chapter 1: Unhappy Alternative
Mrs. Bennet was in a state of nervous anger. Her daughter Elizabeth had refused a perfectly good offer of marriage from Mr. Collins, a country parson with a respectable income. She made her displeasure widely known at Longbourn; she coaxed, scolded and threatened Elizabeth to no avail. Her foolish, headstrong, undutiful daughter would not be convinced to reverse her decision and accept Mr. Collins' offer.
When Elizabeth could no longer withstand her Mama's abuse, she ran out of the house and into the pasture where she abruptly encountered Mr. Darcy; certainly the last man in the world she wanted to see.
"Miss Elizabeth," he said, bowing politely.
She curtsied and replied: "Mr. Darcy, I did not expect to see you in this pasture."
"I had hoped to see you," he answered.
Surprised by this response, she wondered why he would seek her out: "For what reason? Shall we continue our quarrel from last evening?" she asked, barely attempting to conceal her animosity toward him. Their argument at the Netherfield Ball last night was still vexing her sensibilities.
Darcy had not perceived their previous conversation as a quarrel; however, his steely façade gave away no hint of his disappointment: "I must apologize if my reserved demeanor gave you an unfavorable impression of me."
Startled by this admission, she responded: "Yes, your demeanor is quite reserved, however I cannot fault your manners, which have always been impeccable." "Why is he staring at me so intently? Am I so repulsive that he cannot take his eyes off of me?" she wondered.
"I thank you, Miss Elizabeth," he replied. Finally after an awkward silence, he continued: "It was not my intention to quarrel with you during our dance. I hope your enjoyment of the evening was not diminished," he stated, still maintaining his steely façade.
Appeased for the moment by his awkward attempt to make amends, she replied: "I did enjoy the evening; I thank you, Mr. Darcy."
After another awkward silence, he said: "It seems that you are displeased by my treatment of a mutual acquaintance, Miss Elizabeth," alluding to Wickham.
"Displeased? He certainly has a way of stating the obvious," she thought to herself: "I understand that you have a dispute with that acquaintance," attempting to soften her approach to the issue.
He nodded in agreement: "I am unaware of his particular accusations, Miss Elizabeth; however, I would welcome the opportunity to provide further clarification at another time," he suggested.
Noting his unwillingness to discuss the dispute at present, she wondered if this could be his acknowledgment of wrongdoing. "Please forgive my interference, Mr. Darcy. My inquisitive nature may be perceived as intrusive," she demurred.
He gazed at her intently. "I give you leave to ask me any question of your desire. I shall look forward to it," he said with a small smile.
He lingered there and she observed that he was at an obvious loss for words but also was not inclined to take his leave of her; however she was determined to leave to him the trouble of finding another topic of conversation and said nothing.
Finally, he said: "May I accompany you on a short walk?" offering his arm, which she accepted. They walked in silence to the water's edge; he seemed nervous and fidgeted with his cravat and collar. Finally he turned to address her: "Miss Elizabeth, you must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you".
She stared at him in stunned silence.
He continued: "Despite my best judgment, my family's expectations, your lack of connections and your family's lack of propriety; I find that I am unable to go on another day without declaring myself," he said gravely, hoping for a positive response. When he only observed her confused demeanor, he continued: "I have struggled these past weeks with this most vexing dilemma and it is with deepest hope that my endeavors will be rewarded by your acceptance of my hand." He stood with his shoulders back and his head held high, fully expecting her acceptance.
She was astonished that she was receiving a second marriage proposal in one day; first from her ridiculous cousin Mr. Collins and now from the ridiculously proud Mr. Darcy. Her Mama's criticism still resonated in her head: 'If you take it into your head to go on refusing every offer of marriage, you will never get a husband…I know not who is to maintain you when your father is dead'. Observing his expectant expression, she replied: "I sympathize with your dilemma Mr. Darcy, however I wonder the propriety of insulting your intended and her family during an offer of marriage," she said, trying to control her anger. "His calloused disregard for the feelings of others was never more evident than this moment," thought she.
He instantly regretted offending her. "Please forgive me, Miss Elizabeth. You and your older sister I must exclude from my assessment of your family," he said, with all sincerity.
His apology did nothing to assuage her animosity toward him. "I find the manner of your address offensive, Mr. Darcy," she told him fuming with anger, which was fully reflected in her eyes. "Perhaps if you had addressed me in a more gentlemanly manner I would have been more receptive to your offer," she suggested, turning her back on him and forcing away the tears that were threatening to overcome her.
He was caught completely unprepared by her response; he had not anticipated anything other than a positive reception. He thought that, given her circumstances, an offer from a gentleman of his consequences would be quite welcome. He considered her harsh rebuke. He was unaware of any ungentlemanly behavior on his part and was certain that he had expressed himself with honesty and integrity. "Disguise of any sort is my abhorrence," he said proudly.
Unable to check her anger, she replied: "I fully comprehend your abhorrence for my relations! Would that my relations were as refined and civilized as yours!" she told him, her anger now on full display.
Darcy considered his relations. His sister Georgiana was nearly perfect, despite a recent display of poor judgment. His uncle, the earl, was above reproach – most of the time. His cousin Richard was a distinguished officer and a gentleman – most of the time. His cousin Anne was a fine gentlewoman, although meek-mannered and overly submissive. His Aunt Catherine was… there was no way to describe her other than haughty, over-bearing and rude. Elizabeth's family may be boisterous and silly but he had never observed them being rude. Her mother's overly enthusiastic nature was probably an effort to see her five daughters suitably matched, he reasoned. "Miss Elizabeth, it is incumbent upon me to apologize for my insensitive remarks. My assessment of your family was made in haste. I admit that my knowledge and insight of them is limited," he told her. When she made no reply, he continued: "Please Miss Elizabeth, how may I make amends?" he asked her, searching for a way to appease her.
Elizabeth considered his request. He did appear to be sincere. If only he was not so wretchedly arrogant! She could not imagine her mother's favorable reaction if she were to reject another proposal, especially from a man of such consequence. However, even though her family's behavior was far from perfect, she could not allow him to disparage them. "My family is undeserving of your harsh assessment, Mr. Darcy. Perhaps you might consider joining us for supper this evening. That will allow you to continue your assessment. If my family is as objectionable as you describe, I would take no offense if you were to decide to rescind your offer," she suggested.
He considered her invitation. Would he be able to tolerate an entire evening in the company of her ridiculous family? If they were to marry, he would most likely be required to endure their company on many occasions. This would be an excellent opportunity to prove to Elizabeth that his assessment was correct; certainly by the end of the evening she would be forced to agree with him. "Yes, Miss Elizabeth, it would be my pleasure to dine with you and your family this evening." They agreed that he would call on her later that day and parted civilly.
(Author's Note: Comments? Reviews?)