The carriage was moving quite quickly, lurching over the uneven road. Elizabeth felt sick to her stomach, partly from travel sickness, but predominantly from the fear and dread gripping her.

Who was this man, kidnapping a respectable young lady and forcing her into marriage? Surely her brother would not associate with such a blackguard. Mr Wickham- if that was really his name- must have deceived Henry as well. Elizabeth was terrified of the man sitting opposite her, glaring at her in a way that made her skin crawl. Elizabeth wrapped her arms as tightly as she could around herself and resolved not to provoke the man. She could see that he was a man without a conscience, and now that he'd emptied his flask, quite tipsy.

"Talk to me, girl" he demanded. "I hear you're quite spirited, and you certainly showed that the other night at dinner. Entertain me, tell me a story. Get used to it girl- I'm to be your husband." A slow seedy smile spread across his face "I hope you're as lively in other aspects of your life. That would certainly sweeten this whole affair!" He chuckled to himself, whilst Elizabeth shut her eyes and cringed at his allusions to their married life. She did not know what went on between a man and his wife, but was certain it would not be pleasant with a scoundrel like Wickham.

In an attempt to lighten the mood, Elizabeth tried to indulge Wickham by asking what his plan entailed. The man narrowed his eyes at her. "Don't you try that impertinence with me, lass. You have no need to know the arrangements I am making for us. Your job is just to be a faithful, subservient wife who will honour and respect me. Don't you dare question me again!" He was yelling at her now, his face red and beaded with sweat.

Elizabeth felt herself growing angry. She had never been one to be shrink away from confrontation, and the few hours they'd been on the road had enabled her to gather her thoughts and cope with the shock. Having such a man shout at her was abominable, and she let him have it.

"Forgive my impertinence, Sir, but you can hardly expect me to trust and respect you, given you all but kidnapped me, and are forcing me to marry against my will." Elizabeth looked him in the eye, her eyes flashing defiantly.

"You ask me not to question you, yet all I have regarding you are questions! Your manners suggest to me that you are not gentle bred, despite your fine carriage, and fancy clothes." Her voice settled as an idea came to her. "I fail to see why a gentleman of your class needs to elope and endure the subsequent scandal. Surely a man such as yourself can recommend himself to ladies? My brother is a decent man, my father too. Let us abandon this elopement idea and agree to court like a respectable couple? We could even go straight to an engagement, if you like? And marry shortly after?" Elizabeth desperately hoped her ploy worked, and Wickham would agree to return her home.

Wickham looked at her with admiration. "Clever Elizabeth, I underestimate your mind! I will have fun with you!" His eyes turned cold. "The answer is no. I need to marry you now."

"But surely we can wait a few weeks, get to know each other better? Why, you hardly know me!"

Wickham shrugged. "I know you are from a wealthy family. That's all I needed to know. Tell me, how much is your dowry, Miss Elizabeth Bennet?"

He enunciated her name slowly, and Elizabeth realised what this was all about.

"You- you're not enamoured of me at all, are you? You simply desire my dowry money." Her lip trembled. All her brave resolve had vanished, as she realised that she'd been falsely flattered by the man, and greatly deceived.

Wickham gave a sneer. "You've only just realised that? Perhaps you're not as clever as I thought." He laughed cruelly. "Did you really think I was smitten enough to want to marry you in a fit of passion after only one meeting? Oh you poor, naive girl! Of course it's your money I'm after!"

He leaned in close and Elizabeth shrank back in revulsion. "This appearance of being a gentleman does not come cheap!"

A sudden noise from outside diverted Wickham's attention.

"We're making a stop here." He said, as the slowed into the small town. Elizabeth pressed back into the wall to hide herself. Wickham exited the carriage, then stuck his head back in. "I am just outside, getting us a new driver. Do not think of doing anything stupid like trying to escape. If you do, I will make certain that you never see your family again. Am I clear?"

Elizabeth nodded. The carriage grew dim once more as Wickham exited, but she could still hear his voice ordering the driver away from the carriage. The situation was utterly hopeless.

She felt tears spring to her eyes. All her life she'd believed she would one day marry for love, if at all. She had dreamed of a nice house, and a kind, supportive husband, and regular visits with her family. All those dreams had been taken from her with one simple action of climbing into that carriage. Elizabeth was certain she would now face a lifetime of cruelty and poverty, for what respectable family would maintain ties with such a scandalous man? And he was to be her husband! Elizabeth wept at the realisation she would never be loved and cherished by a man, as she had so desired. It was too cruel to contemplate!

All too soon, Wickham climbed back into the carriage. Elizabeth hastily wiped her tears away and looked away from the man about to be her husband. Silently she prayed for a miraculous intervention, knowing her prayers were likely in vain.