Sorry for the lack of updates, on top of dealing with writer's block, I am dealing with the flu as well. Ugh What a spring break. Please Review. I read them all and I'm glad this story is being so well received. I try my best.

Chapter 7

The Earl of Burlington was a tall man, dark hair, brown eyes, and an imposing figure. Those that knew him, knew him to be very nice, and genteel. He never rose his voice to his servants, or his family and was very loyal. Thos who did not know him however, would think him reserved and quite formidable. He was not the type of person who talked easily with strangers, yet he never was without anyone to converse.

He was the exact opposite of his beloved sister, so much in fact, that people who knew them did not think that they could actually be related.

He was excited to have his sister back home with him, however, and was excited to sit and converse with her. But it would have to wait until after his meeting with this Mr. Darcy fellow, who had requested an audience with him, shortly after Elizabeth returned home.

He could guess why the man, whom he guessed to be a few years older than himself, was there. It was obvious. But that did not mean that he would part with his sister easily.

"Mr. Darcy." he leaned against the wall, amused to see the man jump from his reverie. "You wished to speak to me."

Mr. Darcy, he could see, was quite nervous and perhaps a little shy. He had heard of him through common acquaintances but never met him until now. And what a meeting it will be, he thought to himself.

"Sir," Darcy's voice was hoarse, and timid and he was kicking himself, because the speech that he had all planned out was not coming to him at all now.

"People say sir, I'm reminded of my father. You may call me Burlington." Normally when meeting new acquaintances he would allow them his Christian name. But he wanted Darcy to sweat it out. If he was the right man for his beloved sister, he would walk over hot coals and tattered bridges for her. He would give him nothing and expect everything and all the right answers in return. "You may continue." Burlington walked across the room and poured him a glass of Brandy. "I would offer you a glass, but it seems that you are already at a loss of words, I doubt with it I'd ever get a response."

He was toying with him, Darcy knew this, and he was struck with how much the Earl reminded him of Elizabeth. The fearless teasing and the twinkle in his eyes was identical to hers and suddenly Darcy felt relatively at ease. Probably would be more so if this man did not hold his future on the line.

"I have come to ask you for permission," he cleared his throat suddenly realizing how dry it was. "That is. I have come to ask you for permission to ask for Elizabeth's hand in marriage."

"Has she not accepted you, yet," the Earl looked surprise.

"She has."

"Then you would be coming to ask for permission to marry her not to ask for her hand, is that right?"

Darcy was taken aback. "I suppose that is right."

"And if I were to deny you this permission, what would you do?"

"I-" he started. "I do not know, sir."

"She is a very rich woman."

"I care not for her money or her title, only her."

"She was raised by a country gentleman."

"He is a gentleman, as am I, so far we are equal."

"What is the reason for wanting marriage with my sister."

Darcy blushed but did not respond, thinking it too personal, especially to his intendeds brother.

"I see," Edward took a leisure sip of his drink. "And has she told you that our cousin, the Duke has asked for her hand."

Darcy startled at this whispered, "No she has not."

"She has refused him naturally. She was always stubborn. But I fear his reaction should I say yes to you, and she accept you. Which you tell me she already has. You see the dilemma I face?"

Darcy nodded. "I do."

"However sir, I consider myself a responsible man. I could not possibly deny you permission. It is my sister who should decide who she wants to marry. I never believed in that notion to marry for connection. My father did not believe in it either. But the Duke does. And he is determined that my Elizabeth should be his wife. He could make it unbearable for you, if you are not ready to face the challenge."

"I am not afraid. I would cross the highest peaks for Elizabeth."

"He is a tempermantal man, you see Mr. Darcy, and always gets his way. The one person who never yields to him however, is Elizabeth. He is quite partial to her."

"A woman should not be afraid of her husband."

"Elizabeth is a rare woman. I doubt she is afraid of anything."

"Of a loveless marriage."

"That is true, perhaps. But even should she be forced, I am convinced that she would make the best of it."

"You would force her on such a man."

"I do not know what you speak, sir. Such a man?"

"Excuse me," Darcy sat down, "I misspoke. You would force her on a man she did not love and perhaps feared a little."

"Elizabeth does not fear the Duke. Though you are right, I would not force Elizabeth to marry anyone she did not want to. But some of these things are out of even my control."

"Your own sister? How so?"

"My family is an old one, Mr. Darcy," Burlington began but Darcy interrupted.

"As is mine."

Burlington nodded, "Yes. But you see. The Duke is the head of our family, I am merely a pawn. And though my fortune is my own and does not depend on the Devonshire's, the connection between the two families is a great one. Devonshire, Cavendish, Burlington. We, all of us, depend on one another"

"And where does Miss Elizabeth fall into this."

Burlington merely shrugged.