A/N: This is my first attempt at a Pride and Prejudice story. Please be kind. Constructive criticism is most welcome. The characters are a bit OOC in their stubbornness but that is the point of the story. You may hate both E & D for a good long while. It will be a long, rocky road but one with a HEA. I have no beta so forgive any grammatical mistakes.
Elizabeth Bennett had thought that the day of Mr. Darcy's surprising and disastrous proposal in Charlotte's sitting room was the most trying day of her life. She could not have been more mistaken. Early the next morning, Elizabeth took a brisk walk to clear her head. She had been walking for over an hour when she spied Mr. Darcy pacing across a grove she favored. She tried to quietly make her escape but much to her chagrin he noticed her and began to approach. His manner was grave but polite and he handed her a very thick letter and took his leave.
Elizabeth had mixed emotions on receiving the letter. She vacillated between tearing it to shreds and reading it as quickly as possible. The irrational side of her personality unfortunately won the battle and soon she was destroying the letter. She felt her spirit becoming lighter as each bit of the missive flew away into the wind in tiny pieces. Elizabeth was positive the letter held nothing but Mr. Darcy's scorn at being rejected and most probably further insults to her family and situation in life. She was eager to believe anything that painted him in a bad light without regard to its veracity. He had wounded her pride so deeply that she felt justified in her actions. His biggest crime she could never forgive, his treatment of her dearest Jane and Mr. Bingley. He had no right to interfere and his officious conduct could not be excused. To add insult to injury, Mr. Darcy had made it very clear that he had no remorse for the treatment of her dear friend, Mr. Wickham. No, the letter and its author did not deserve her attention.
During their argument the previous day, she felt Mr. Darcy dissembled when he said he was "doing a service for a friend" and saving Bingley from a loveless marriage. She was convinced his main objection was her family's lack of fortune and connections. She did give credit to some of his assertions regarding the lack of propriety of her mother and younger sisters but it was not his place to make comments especially considering the behavior of his aunt. She and Jane had the same thoughts on many occasions over the years. The behavior of her sisters in company had been ill-mannered and flirtatious. She had often wished they would display less coarseness in their demeanor and learn what was acceptable to speak of in polite society but with all their faults, they were her family and she loved them.
Mr. Darcy did not comprehend how Jane suffered over the loss of Mr. Bingley. The hateful, arrogant man probably would not care! How could a man with no feelings besides his own selfish desires care for the distress of another. Jane's once serene, happy personality was gone. She was a shell of her former self. She barely spoke above a whisper. She spent her time weeping and staring dejectedly out windows, seemingly waiting for the arrival of her beau. She had given her heart away and had no hope of its return. It was slowly destroying her. She did not even desire Elizabeth's company and had encouraged her to go to Kent.
To make matters worse, poor Jane was constantly subjected to her mother's ruminations over the loss of Mr. Bingley. Her mother could not see past her own distress and made Jane feel a great deal of guilt at not being able to "rescue" her family from the hedgerows. Longbourn became unbearable and due to her mother's relentless reminders and the absurdity of her younger sisters Jane fled to her aunt and uncle in London.
Jane's forgiving heart was also wounded by the perfidy of Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst. Jane, despite Elizabeth's warnings, had truly believed them to be her close friends. It was another betrayal that added to her melancholy. Every time Elizabeth thought of Jane's pitiable situation she became once again livid with Mr. Darcy!
Elizabeth hoped that Jane's time at Gracechurch Street would help her to heal. Her aunt and uncle were most kind and would do all they could to attempt to comfort her. She had only had one letter from Jane since her arrival in London. All it contained was her disappointment at the snub she received from Caroline Bingley. This Elizabeth decided was Mr. Darcy's fault as well! She knew Mr. Bingley would have stood up to his sisters had Mr. Darcy shown him any support regarding courting Jane.
Elizabeth decided that she could not think about the destroyed letter, Mr. Darcy or Jane any longer. She needed to clear her head. She took a brisk run and then returned to the parsonage vowing to spend her day helping Charlotte with her household duties. When she returned, a young maid handed her an express from Gracechurch Street written in her Aunt's Gardiner's hand. She foolishly hoped it contained good tidings because she did not believe she could handle any more distressful news with grace but an express was never a good omen.
Elizabeth's dire prediction was confirmed as soon as she opened her aunt's letter. Her aunt was terribly worried about Jane. It seemed she had fallen into a deep depression of spirit. She would not eat and barely left her bed. As Elizabeth read on she realized that the letter was the work of a few days. As she reached the end, she read that Jane was seriously ill. The apothecary had been called and prescribed a small amount of laudanum for Jane. In her distress it seems that Jane had taken far more than she should. Her aunt believed it was done purposefully and that Jane had attempted to end her pain. She begged for Elizabeth's immediate presence at Gracechurch Street.
Elizabeth ran about the house in a panic calling for Charlotte, Maria and Mr. Collins. A maid informed her that no one was at home. In her distress, she ran out of the house sans bonnet and spencer. She began to run down the path towards Rosings Park. As she reached the edge of the property she saw Mr. Darcy walking out of the woods. In desperation, she called out "Mr. Darcy, have you seen Mrs. Collins?"
Fitzwilliam Darcy looked up as he heard his name. He was shocked at the disheveled appearance of Elizabeth Bennett and the panic in her voice. His wounded pride led him to assume that due to his letter she had seen the error of her ways. He was positive that she coming to beg for his forgiveness and another chance at accepting his hand. He decided that he would graciously accept her, after she made an acceptable apology of course.
"Mr. Darcy, where is my cousin? Where is Mrs. Collins? I must find them at once." she cried out.
"I have no idea Miss Bennett. What is distressing you?" he replied with genuine concern.
"Nothing that concerns you! I must find them at once. Excuse me sir." Elizabeth responded curtly.
Taken back by her rude dismissal his expression became stony, "Miss Bennett, I insist you tell me what is wrong this instant. I am sure I can be of assistance."
"Mr. Darcy, you have already done enough! If it weren't for you none of this would have occurred. I must be away at once." Elizabeth cried out vehemently.
Mr. Darcy gently grasped her arm and prevented her from fleeing. "What do you have to accuse me of now Miss Bennett? I had thought my correspondence would have cleared up any misconceptions you held regarding my actions."
"Your actions are despicable!" she hissed at him. "Because of you my sister is near death and I will never forgive you for causing her despair! Now let me go! I need to find transportation to London at once!"
"I have been nowhere near London how can you accuse me of harming your sister?" Darcy said incredulously. The woman was obviously hysterical and did not know what she was saying.
Elizabeth glared at him like she was looking at the devil himself. She calmed herself enough to reply to his question. "My sister in her unhappiness may have taken far more laudanum then she should. She is very unwell and my aunt fears for her future well-being. I must be off at once. Please do not detain me any longer, I beg of you!"
Darcy was astonished. "Are you saying your sister did not wish to live any longer because of her distress over Mr. Bingley?"
"Yes, that is exactly what I am saying. She has not been herself for months and now I believe she has given up all hope. I can only pray that she will survive this and recover. I must go to her immediately!" After her declaration, Elizabeth spotted Charlotte along the path and ran to her.
Darcy was almost ashamed of himself. Elizabeth told him Jane loved Mr. Bingley but he had no idea her feelings ran so deeply. If this all was true and not some outrageous ploy on the part of Mrs. Bennet he would be seen as a cad of the first order. He was now uncertain of his earlier actions towards the couple and felt it within his power to remedy the situation. The first thing he thought of was assisting Elizabeth in getting to London. It had to be done with alacrity and subterfuge. If his Aunt Catherine suspected anything she would try to prevent his plans.
As he rushed into Rosings preparing to act generously and as a gentleman should his thoughts took very selfish turn. His actions would prove his devotion to Elizabeth and she would see how much she needed him. His assistance would force her to see his worth and his love for her. She would then release her foolish prejudices against him and agree to be his wife. He was determined they would be wed as soon as possible and his suffering would end.
He found Colonel Fitzwilliam in the library and locked the door to ensure privacy from his aunt's eavesdropping servants. As much as he hated telling his cousin of his humiliation at Elizabeth's refusal he proceeded to tell him the entire story. He began with his growing regard for Elizabeth over the past months and did not stop until he related the events of the past few minutes. He even included her surprise at his declaration and the manner of his proposal. He very reluctantly admitted it may have not been a sufficiently romantic proposal but boasted to his cousin of his honesty.
To say Colonel Fitzwilliam was astounded was an understatement. "She never knew you had an interest in her and then refused you? Elizabeth Bennett refused a proposal from the most sought after bachelor in England? Well no one could ever accuse her of being a fortune hunter. This is incredibly diverting. I never imagined Easter at Rosings Park could hold so much amusement." he said with a laugh.
"So, my pain causes you amusement, does it? This is no laughing matter my future happiness is at stake. My entire history with Elizabeth has been one misunderstanding after another and I will admit I may not be entirely blameless. I need to find a way to proceed so I can help her thus ensuring her acceptance of my suit." Darcy replied haughtily, glaring at his cousin.
"I'm glad you can admit some fault in the matter. If you had proposed to me in such a manner I would not have accepted you either even though you are quite handsome and quite rich" Colonel Fitzwilliam chuckled. "Whoever told you the proper way to woo a woman was to insult her family, but in all seriousness, now is not the time to think of getting her to accept you! If you truly care about her well-being you will help her get to her sister no matter what the outcome for your suit." his cousin counseled.
"I believe I can do both. These matters are intricately connected. I cannot go on as I have without her. My happiness depends upon her seeing reason and accepting that our union is in her best interests. Will you help me Richard?"
The plan the cousins devised was not a perfect one but with some finesse it would most likely be successful. Colonel Fitzwilliam made Darcy pledge he would name his first born son Richard as a price for his help. He would be the one who had to distract and then bear the rage of their Aunt Catherine. Darcy would be happily ensconced in a carriage with Elizabeth Bennett on the way to London. Richard almost asked for Darcy's first two sons to be his namesakes when he imagined their aunt's ire at Darcy's disappearance. The Colonel was also not happy with the fact that he would have to stomach Mr. Collin's company for some time, he wasn't sure which situation was worse.
Darcy quietly had his trunks packed and had his carriage prepared for the journey. He wrote letters of departure and apology to Lady Catherine and Cousin Anne which Richard would deliver long after his actual departure. The next part of his plan depended upon the reception of his carriage at the parsonage.
Upon finding Charlotte, Elizabeth quickly explained that Jane's health was in severe danger and she had to get to London immediately. The two friends rushed upstairs and with the help of a maid packed Elizabeth's things. In the meantime a servant from Rosings came with a note from Colonel Fitzwilliam requesting Mr. Collins' presence at Rosings to discuss an urgent matter. Mr. Collins was so impressed that the Colonel wished for his advice that he neglected to tell his wife he was leaving and took off for Rosings as fast as his legs could carry him.
Elizabeth and Charlotte determined that she would have Mr. Collins's servant take her to Hunsford Village and then she would take the post to London. Charlotte would send a servant with her for propriety's sake. She would think of some way to relay the news to Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine without indicating the true nature of Elizabeth's predicament.
Before any further planning could be done, a knock was heard at the door. Mr. Darcy's valet Thomas had arrived. He explained to the stunned ladies that Mr. Darcy had sent his carriage for Miss Bennett to transport her to London at that very instant. He insinuated without being specific that all matters of propriety would be respected. He was to follow later in another carriage. Both ladies assumed that Mr. Darcy would accompany his valet at a later time. Elizabeth was to desperate for her departure to think to much about the offer. Charlotte honestly felt that the less she knew about the entire situation the better. Elizabeth gratefully accepted the valet's offer and instructed the servants to load her trunks. After hugging Charlotte goodbye, she quickly entered the carriage, not even realizing in her haste that all the shades were drawn.
As soon as she entered the carriage a walking stick struck the top of the transport and the carriage lurched forward. Elizabeth fell backward and fell into the lap of a very smug looking Fitzwilliam Darcy. For over a minute Elizabeth was speechless. Then her ire took over.
"Why are you in this carriage? What is going on here? What can you be attempting with your presumption? Who do you think you are?" Elizabeth growled at him not even realizing she was still sitting on his lap.
Darcy actually chuckled at her display but realized that levity was probably not a good choice at the moment. He found her adorable in her anger but had the presence of mind to know he should not mention it at present. He did however let himself enjoy the fact that she was still in his lap.
"So many questions, Miss Bennett. I shall answer them in order. I am in this carriage because it is my carriage. I am transporting you to London as you have no other way of getting there. I am thinking that you owe me your thanks not your ire and I do not find my behavior presumptuous. I find it to be rather gentlemanly although you have professed you don't think me capable of acting as a gentleman. Lastly, I thought you were aware of my identity but let me reintroduce myself. I am Fitzwilliam Darcy, your betrothed." Darcy replied with the smallest hint of a grin.
"Your betrothed! Are you daft? Have you fallen and hit your head? We had this discussion yesterday and I made my position perfectly clear. I am even more resolved now considering the news I received of my dearest sister! I am not and will never be your betrothed or anything else for that matter!" she shrieked at him in a most unladylike tone.
As she berated him Elizabeth realized her position and tried in vain to push herself from his lap. He made a point of holding her tighter and she could not loosen his grip. She finally pushed him violently and they both landed on the floor of the carriage. He landed on top of her quite by accident. Darcy astonished himself as he would normally never act in this manner but his feelings of pain and longing overcame his sense and he kissed her.
Elizabeth was momentarily confused by the tumble and that's when Darcy pounced. Realizing how precarious her situation was she struggled to get away from him. Darcy just held on tighter and continued to kiss her. Amazingly, Elizabeth started to enjoy his ministrations despite herself. She had never been kissed before and found herself responding and following his lead. Had the carriage not hit a rather large rut and disrupted the passionate couple, things probably would have gone even further.
The jolt brought the couple back to reality. Darcy was a wee bit discomforted at his lack of self-control but was silently congratulating himself on the way she responded to his attentions. In his opinion, she had seemed as eager as he had for some sort of physical contact.
Elizabeth, however, was thoroughly ashamed of herself. She could not believe that this insufferable man could inspire such wantonness in her. She didn't even like him and didn't understand what her body was telling her during their kiss. She scrambled off the floor to the other side of the carriage and wedged herself into the corner hoping to become one with the upholstery.
When Darcy reached out for her hand in what he intended as a gesture of comfort Elizabeth jumped. "Stay away from me. Don't come near me again! What were you thinking?" she shrieked.
She looked frightened and lost. Darcy realized he could not behave like that again or she would bolt out the carriage door while it was moving. "I apologize Miss Bennett. I was overcome in the moment."
Elizabeth scoffed at him, "Are you telling me this was not planned sir? We are in a carriage alone by your doing. Was this your means of punishing me for refusing your lovely proposal? Do you mean to leave me by the side of the road after you have your way with me?" she fumed.
"This is what you think of me Miss Bennett? Have I behaved like such a rogue to earn this type of rebuke? I think you are overacting because you participated as much in our embrace as I did!" Mr. Darcy countered back spitefully.
"I have no reason to think otherwise. What did you mean by secreting yourself in this carriage? I can find no other explanation for your conduct. You wished to compromise me! And I most definitely did not enjoy it. I am thoroughly disgusted!" Elizabeth responded.
"If that is how you respond to me when disgusted then I would be blissfully happy to see your response to something you enjoyed. More importantly however, if you believe yourself compromised there is no other alternative, we must marry with haste." the smug gentleman responded.
Elizabeth immediately paled. She did not mean to point him in that direction. The last thing she wanted to do was remind him of the word marry in her presence. "No, sir, no sir! I do not believe myself to be comprised. It was an innocent accident. We shall NEVER speak of it again!"
"Actually Madam, I feel as if I have been compromised. You touched certain parts of my person that should only be reserved for a wife. I believe you must marry me to preserve my virtue." Mr. Darcy replied with a straight face but inwardly he could not remember the last time he was so amused. The look on her face was priceless and a bit frightening.
Elizabeth took several deep breaths before she spoke again. She was about to erupt and a temper tantrum would not be beneficial. After a short period of time she looked at him and calmly said "Mr. Darcy, I don't know of what you speak. Nothing occurred of an untoward nature during this carriage ride. In fact, I am alone in this carriage. That is the version of events that I will adhere to." She then closed her eyes, covered her ears and decided to pretend that she was indeed alone.