"Go to your father, he wants to see you," Mr. Darcy whispered in Elizabeth's ear. She immediately sat up and went to her father's study, while Mr. Darcy took her seat.
Mr. Bingley and Jane were laughing in the corner of the drawing room. Jane glanced up at the peculiar sight of Lizzy and Mr. Darcy. She wondered what had caused her sister to ascend so abruptly.
"I believe he has good intentions," Mr. Bingley kissed Jane's had to display his affection.
"I'm sure you're right."
When Lizzy entered Mr. Bennet's study, her anxious smile disappeared. Her father stood by the window and upon her entering, he revolved around.
"Lizzy are you out of your senses? I thought you hated the man."
"No, Papa."
"He's rich to be sure. You'll have more fine carriages than Jane, but would that make you happy?"
"Have you no other objection that your belief of my indifference?"
"No, not at all. This would be nothing if you really liked him."
"I do like him," Mr. Bennet nodded, "I love him."
"He's not proud, we were wrong, we were entirely wrong about him. Papa, if you knew what he's like, what he's done."
"What has he done?" Mr. Bennet asked seriously.
Lizzy relayed the deeds that Mr. Darcy had done for her family. Mrs. Bennet, meanwhile, kept looking at Mr. Darcy with severe eyes and no warming smile, like that of the one she'd given to Mr. Bingley. Kitty sat next to him, wondering why he was even there.
"That's a very handsome stitch. May I see?" Mr. Darcy asked. Kitty reluctantly obeyed.
"My sister often sews beautiful things such as this. I do believe you two would get along quite well."
"Thank you, sir. Your praise is greatly appreciated," Kitty sneered at his compliment.
"Mr. Darcy, I hope your sister is as happily mannered as yourself." Mrs. Bennet added a hint of sarcasm to her voice.
"More so, ma'am. She's grown to be quite a very agreeable companion."
"How so?" Mary attempted to join in the conversation.
"She's exceedingly charming and very accomplished, much like your selves."
"Do not mock us, Mr. Darcy." Mrs. Bennet managed a colored smile.
"Of course not, ma'am. I'd never falsely compliment any respectable group of ladies."
"I'd like to think not…Prey, you seem much more talkative than our prior acquaintance."
"Time determines the level of acquaintanceship, therefore inhibition is not tolerated."
Mrs. Bennet opened her mouth to say something against this, but soon found it satisfying enough. Mr. Darcy stood up, and sat beside the window, anxiously awaiting Lizzy return.
"I must pay him back," Mr. Bennet sat down.
"No, you mustn't, he wouldn't want it. We misjudged him Papa, me, most of all. He's been a fool about Jane, about some many other things… but then so have I. Papa, we're so similar…we're both so stubborn. Papa…" Mr. Bennet smiled at the sight of his Lizzy's true affection.
"You really do love him, don't you?"
"Yes, Papa."
"I guess I'm overruled. I heartily give my consent," Lizzy embraced her father.
"I couldn't part with you Lizzy, to anyone less worthy," with a kiss on the head, Lizzy left her father to meet her fiancé.
"If any young men come for Mary or Kitty for heaven's sake send them in. I'm quite at my leisure." Mr. Bennet chuckled.
When Lizzy reentered the drawing room, she glanced at Mr. Darcy, and then left. After a few moments, Mr. Darcy followed her into the hallway where he found her attached to his neck. He seized her and spun her around, laughing and smiling.
"He said yes?" Mr. Darcy asked once they'd stopped. Lizzy looked into his eyes and just laughed.
"No dear. I'm laughing because he said no."
"Good."
"We should return before Mama becomes suspicious."
"Haven't they suspected already?" Mr. Darcy looked at Lizzy expectantly.
"Of course not. They have no intention on noticing anything they don't wish to see. Jane, will have most likely, but definitely not Mama." Mr. Darcy nodded.
"I have something to ask you," he whispered.
"Yes?"
"May I kiss you?"
"Yes, Mr. Darcy. I'd like that," and with that, Lizzy closed her eyes and allowed herself to be transported to instant freedom and pleasure.