Disclaimer: All characters are the property of Jane Austen.

Premise: { AU } This story is an extension of Pride and Prejudice, further keeping our lovers apart due to social stigmatisms and social classism during the Regency Era of England. In Jane Austen's works, her heroines reject the importance of marrying for money and would rather marry for love. This is romanticized and Jane Austen was far ahead of her time in such feminist thinkings. However, in this story, I'm going to focus heavily on social classism and stigmatisms (such as wealth, propriety, opposite sex, family name/honor, etc.) which was all very important during this time period and became very severe as the Regency Era died out and transitioned into the Victorian Era some years later.

The characters of Jane Austen's world will remain true to their characters but heavily affected/influenced by the realistic demands of society during the Regency Era which was romanticized slightly in Austen's works. I will be focusing on the darkness of these themes.

Women were extensions of men during this time period. A man had more freedoms than women but men of a wealthy class were expected to marry a woman of equal wealth and standard because she respresented him, his family and his estate. These constraints, realistically, would make it very hard for Elizabeth and Darcy to be together. Jane Austen does this in Pride and Prejudice but I'm taking it one step further.

So without further ado, enjoy!

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

Misguided Passions

I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.

{ I }

After the elopement of one Bennet sister and the near destitution of the others, Elizabeth Bennet had never felt such a weightless, supreme feeling in her chest. For the autumnal winds howled outside her bedroom window and yet it felt like she had dozens of butterflies fluttering within her; warmth that even the hottest day in summer couldn't match. All had been righted. Lydia and the Bennet name was saved from judgment and Jane was in a state of ethereal bliss for she and her love, Charles Bingley, were finally engaged to be married – and all thanks to the one person Elizabeth Bennet never thought she would owe such a feeling of happiness to: Mr. Darcy.

And as of late, he was what consumed her thoughts, what fueled the summer warmth and butterfly wings that burned deep in her belly and resonated to the top of her heart. Elizabeth smiled to herself, thinking, I dare say, I could take flight in this very moment!

Jane's laughter interrupted Elizabeth's inner musings abruptly but it didn't upset her. For how could she be upset when her favorite sister reminded her of sunshine?

"He has made me so happy! You know, he was totally ignorant to me being in town last spring!"

"And how did he account for such a thing?" inquired Elizabeth.

"He thought me indifferent!"

Elizabeth leaned against the headboard of the bed, hugging herself and grinning, "Unfathomable."

"No doubt poisoned by his pernicious sister," Jane chuckled. How did she make such ugly words so carefree and beautiful for Jane never spoke ill of anyone, not even those who deserved it.

"Bravo!" Elizabeth swelled with sisterly pride, "That is the most unforgiving speech you've ever made!"

Jane continued to beam, her light filling every dark corner and crevice of the room. It didn't even feel like night but the brightest morning and yet Elizabeth Bennet felt a small emptiness in her that was desperate to be filled. The emptiness called for a certain gentleman, a man she had severely misjudged and owed much of her happiness too.

"Oh, Lizzie, if I could but see you so happy," Jane grasped Elizabeth's hand, squeezing it affectionately, "If there were such another man for you!"

Elizabeth's thoughts were stolen to another place, another person. Her heart warmed at the thought of Mr. Darcy and all his kindness. She knew not what to think of him only that he captivated her thoughts and gave birth to desires Elizabeth always wanted but never had. Such desires created bubbles of warmth in her stomach as she imagined her desires fulfilled. Mr. Darcy taking her hand. Mr. Darcy's lips. Mr. Darcy's lips touching hers. Every image was fleeting and burning.

Instead of divulging such thoughts to her sister she resorted to humor, as humor was one of her greatest comforts for her spirit.

"Perhaps, if I have very good luck, I may meet with another Mr. Collins in time."

Jane and Elizabeth laughed when the sound of a carriage arriving silenced them. Suddenly, a booming knocking on the front door made the entire house jump from their beds.

{ I }

"Maybe he's changed his mind," Mary was the last to descend the stairs, receiving a stern glance from her mother at the forwardness of her comment.

Mr. Bennet opened the door and a gasp issued from everyone.

Lady Catherine de Bourgh stood with wide eyes and a severe jaw in the doorway only to be towered over by a gloomy, reserved Mr. Darcy.

"Lady Catherine! Mr. Darcy!" Elizabeth pushed past her sisters on the stairs and stood at the front, curiously looking back and forth between the two unexpected visitors.

Lady Catherine's disinterest and coldness could not surprise Elizabeth but Mr. Darcy's lack of eye contact and innate gloominess made her supremely curious as to what was unfolding at Longbourn.

"And these are your daughters, I suppose," Lady Catherine did not hide her judgment.

"All but one, the youngest has been lately married your ladyship. And my eldest was only proposed to yesterday afternoon," Mrs. Bennet said with a happiness that made Lady Catherine's eyes narrow scornfully.

But, Elizabeth could hardly pay attention to Lady Catherine, for though she was more forthcoming and domineering in this moment, Mr. Darcy loomed behind her. His eyes carried a sadness that broke her heart but everything else about his countenance radiated indifference towards the situation. Elizabeth wished everyone would disappear in this moment, except Mr. Darcy and her, so she could speak to him about whatever unknown grievances haunted him so suddenly. She couldn't forget how just this afternoon, he merrily walked his friend to Longbourn to ensure an engagement would be made and bid her farewell with a smile she was sure was just for her.

"Absolutely not! I and my nephew must speak to Miss Elizabeth Bennet alone, as a matter of complete urgency."

Finally, Mr. Darcy meets her waiting stare and the sad eyes were drowned with the remainder of his indifference. The coldness that breathed off of him like fresh ice sent a chill down Elizabeth's spine.

She quietly led them to the drawing room where she lit an oil lamp. Lady Catherine followed and Mr. Darcy shut the door behind him. Elizabeth expected him to speak but it was Lady Catherine who did.

"You can be at no loss Miss Bennet, to understand why I am here."

The light from the oil lamp did not do the ladyship justice for she resembled a flickering ghoul to Elizabeth with dark holes for eyes.

"Indeed you are mistaken. I cannot account for this honor at all."

"Miss Bennet, I warn you, I am not to be trifled with. A report of the most alarming nature has reached me that you and my nephew are to be united."

Amazed at the accusation, Elizabeth looked to Darcy to find him staring elsewhere, maybe a particular floorboard or a nail in the floorboard. As though he felt her stare, he looked up and finally met her eyes again. The coldness and detachment was gone again and returned with sadness.

"I know this to be a falsehood but I have set out to protect my nephews name and honor that such lies were circulated by you."

"I have done no such thing," Elizabeth spat, unable to hold back her passions.

"And you declare there is no foundation for it?"

"I do not to pretend to possess equal frankness with your ladyship," Elizabeth stepped forward, "You may ask the questions, which I may choose not to answer."

Lady Catherine stepped towards Elizabeth, "This is not to be borne," she looked to her nephew and back, "My nephew is a private man as you know and wishes to not divulge such privacies to me and I will not pry it out of him and as seeing your stubbornness will not allow it either, I am here to deliver this. My nephew is engaged to my daughter and has been since their infancy and a woman of inferior birth will not-!"

"Aunt Catherine," Darcy suddenly interrupted. The room fell silent. Elizabeth hung onto his last word, regardless of the confusion and anger that was bubbling inside of her. "Please go to the carriage…" he looked to Elizabeth, "Allow me to speak with Miss Elizabeth. I believe she will be more tolerable of my frankness than yours."

Lady Catherine said nothing. She looked between the two and back at her nephew, "I will only wait five minutes, William."

Darcy opened the door of the drawing room and escorted his aunt back to the carriage. When they left the room, Elizabeth felt a weight lift from her chest that she wasn't aware was sitting there the entire time. She was filled with sick confusion and barely moved from where she stood when the door opened again. It closed behind Mr. Darcy and they were left alone in the room. Elizabeth felt a thousand miles away from him when he was just three feet in front of her.

"Firstly," he began, "I want to apologize for my aunt. I couldn't stop her from coming, she is nonsensical when it comes to what means the most to her."

"Control?" Elizabeth snapped.

"Her daughter," Darcy said, "… And I. I mean a great to deal to her-"

"Spare me the details," Elizabeth said, "What is happening?"

"Word reached her of my proposal to you," his eyes found hers and he looked away again.

Everything in his demeanor was foreign to Elizabeth. She knew of his shyness that came off as pride but his attitude had changed towards her as of recently. Now, everything she had known was suddenly muddled and gray.

"And I suppose you denied ever proposing to me." Elizabeth's words were sharp, part of her wished they could actually cut him.

"No," he shook his head, "I did not… I- could not deny such a thing," he lifted his eyes to her, "Even though you denied me."

"Mr. Darcy-" Elizabeth wanted to explain herself, explain in this moment everything she had been feeling minutes before he and his aunt arrived but he wouldn't let her.

"She believed me when I said we were not engaged but could not believe that you wouldn't use such a… moment of weakness, as she calls it on my part, to your fullest advantage."

Elizabeth chuckled, "She truly thinks the worst of me."

"She does not," he responded evenly, "My engagement to Miss Anne is a matter of obligation and… propriety…"

"But, of course," Elizabeth hugged herself tighter. She felt the butterflies dying inside of her, their wings were nothing but dust now. "But, do not protect your aunt for what she has accused me of, or you may protect her but I will not accept such an excuse."

"And I could never expect you to… I do not want us enemies, Miss Elizabeth."

"Then what shall we be when your aunt-?"

"My aunt's influence can only reach so far. She may have a say in family matters but not my own, at least when it comes to acquaintances or friends."

"Friends?" Elizabeth was shocked. How could he possess her as such a friend when he speaks of propriety? "Are you certain a farm girl will be allowed to grace the hall of Pemberley?"

Mr. Darcy's jaw clenched as her sarcasm slapped him across the face. He was as well-built and firm as ever but his eyes expressed that of a man who was falling apart on the inside; a mountain crumbling from within.

"You will always be welcome in my home, Miss Elizabeth, as well as my friendship… if you will accept such an offer?"

Elizabeth wanted to turn him away as she did when he proposed to her. She wanted to scream every vile thing at him when her reasoning held back her confused and temperamental heart. Mr. Darcy isn't hers and he never was. They made no promises to one another and declared nothing but hatred for each other until recently. Did she have a right to such anger and hatred towards him? Her heart softened at the sight of him inside but her exterior was a harder shell to crack.

Would it be better for them to be friendly acquaintances or should she banish him from her life entirely? She had this power for he was giving it to her. He gave her the offer, the proposal again, and this time she had to choose to accept or deny his proposal … of friendship.

Elizabeth hadn't realized she'd been staring off into deep thought for as long as she had been when she realized Darcy was standing directly in front of her. The closeness startled her but she regained her composure, hopefully before he noticed.

"Yes…"

The acceptance was barely audible but Darcy heard it and his once tight shoulders slouched. His face slackened into a sad, relaxed state.

"Thank you," he breathed, relieved, "I-"

William!

The shrill yell of his name outside silenced his speech. Their five minutes was up and the warning had been issued. Mr. Darcy bid Elizabeth goodnight and apologized once again for the intrusion before leaving the drawing room and Longbourn altogether.

Elizabeth listened as the carriage rode away and slowly she felt her heart become stone as she had never felt such a disappointment that left her with a cold fire burning deep in her belly.

{ I }

William Darcy had never felt such emptiness inside of him. He had plunged his own hand into his chest, ripped out his heart and tossed it behind him.

He glanced out the carriage window as he watched the last bit of Longbourn disappear. It is the location of his heart and any romance it had left in it.

"Did Miss Bennet understand… whatever it is you said to her?" his aunt inquired.

Darcy had a passionate hate for his aunt right now but he'd never bring these emotions forward. William Darcy never had an easy time submitting to his passions and yet Elizabeth had made it unbearably carefree. His aunt was family and that obligation was set forth before his birth.

"Yes," he tore his gaze away from the window and met his aunts scrutinizing, cold eyes. "She understood fully."

"Good. Then we will never have to see that girl again-"

"I did not banish her, aunt, I offered her a proposal of friendship and she accepted."

Lady Catherine gasped, "If she is in your company, her rumors of your proposal to her will only be reinforced! Your engagement to my daughter will not be muddled and slandered, William!"

"The rumors were fleeting and held no firth and I will decide who my friends are since I cannot decide who my own wife shall be."

"Do you really think your parents would have approved of Miss Bennet over my daughter? Have you not forgotten your upbringing, William, your heritage and honor? Has this mere farm girl stolen the name of Darcy from you?"

"Elizabeth has never stolen anything from me," except my heart, yes, that is hers whether she realizes it or not.

"… Miss Bennet … is what you mean to call her," her words dripped like water from an icicle onto him. He knew why she stressed such a formal use of the name and couldn't argue with her.

"Your mother adored Anne when you two were children and before her untimely death her only dream was for you and her to be united. This was your fathers dream as well and Miss Georgiana and my daughter are practically sisters in their own right. By uniting with Miss Bennet, you would have destroyed your family, William."

The guilt that slowly wrapped itself around his heart suffocated him. He felt a familiar darkness in the form of harpies swarm over him, picking and prodding at him. His intent was never to harm anyone, his family name or his dear sister. To keep everyone's happiness his must be sacrificed. A loveless marriage is still a marriage and that is all anyone promised him his entire life. Elizabeth Bennet had showed him something more than that, but that was a fantasy he could never live out when the chains of his reality kept him prisoner.

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