Thank you so much for all the reviews last chapter, it was very encouraging! Sorry this chapter's kinda short, hope you enjoy it anyways

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Chapter 10

At last Fitzwilliam Darcy could see Longborne in the distance. He had been riding for the last four hours and was glad to be in sight of his destination. He enjoyed riding and had affection for his horse, Maximus, but after alternating between a slow trot and a canter all morning, he was ready to be done.

Despite his physical exertion and the long hours traveling, Darcy was pleased with himself and his situation. The night before had gone well, he thought. Miss Elizabeth had not been eager to see him. She had not pursued conversation or even time with him, but… he might have imagined it, but she had seemed pleased by him a several points in the evening. He had felt so helpless and indeed hopeless when he had left Kent, but now he was glad of his decision to pursue her. Darcy had thought he would hate expressing his interest without the comfort of it being reciprocated. Instead, he found it a relief. In the moment it had been difficult to express himself. But afterwards, he enjoyed no longer having to hide his true feeling and thoughts. He enjoyed being affectionate towards his Elizabeth.

And she had blushed. She had blushed with pleasure at his farewell. That gratifying image had filled his dreams the night before, along with others of a significantly less gentlemanly description. Those images Mr. Darcy attempted to keep from his mind. No man wanted to think such thoughts while trotting along on his horse.

Tearing his mind away from those thoughts again, Fitzwilliam Darcy tried to concentrate on the task before him. He was not simply asking for Mr. Bennet's approval on the courtship, he intended to ask permission to marry her as well. He did not want this interview to be required more than once. If he received permission now than he could ask Elizabeth as soon as appropriate and then announce it that same day, perhaps ever be able to arrange everything from London without having to return to Longborne at all. That would be ideal, for despite having determined to be polite towards Elizabeth's family and friends, he still disliked them.

Finally, he arrived before the Longborne estate and dismounted. As he knocked a boy from the stables run up to him and took Maximus's reins. "I'll take good care of him, Mister!" he exclaimed eagerly while examining the horse with obvious admiration.

The door opened but Darcy took a second to flip a coin the boy before entering. As he stepped inside housekeeper curtseyed and said. "Mrs. Bennet and the misses Lydia and Catherine are out visiting Sir."

"That is alright, I was hoping to be honored to meet with Mr. Bennet."

"Is he expecting you?"

"No. Please just give him my card." Darcy said. Was this housekeeper expecting him to explain himself to her?

"Very good, sir. If you'll just wait here, please." She said a motioned towards the sitting room. Darcy was grateful for a moment to warm himself by the fire and gather his thoughts. He paced in front of the fire to stretch his legs for couple of moments and then was surprised to see one of the Bennet girls enter the room. It was the middle one, Darcy couldn't remember much about her… she wasn't a very good piano player but was not as loud or silly as the younger ones. Mary was it?

He bowed, and she curtseyed. "My father sent me to fetch you." She said looking embarrassed and unsure.

That was odd, Mr. Darcy thought, why not send the housekeeper back? His daughter was not a servant and it's not like Darcy knew Miss Mary or would be interested in her company enough to wish the escort. But he thanked her politely and she led him out of the room and into a hallway.

Endeavoring to be kind to one of Elizabeth's sisters Darcy asked. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Miss Mary. How is your family."

It was a condemnation on his manners, Darcy thought, that Miss Mary looked so surprised at his address. But she answered, "They are well, Mr. Darcy."

She did not say anything more and before he could think of something else to ask, she stopped before a heavy wood door and knocked.

"Come in!" Called Mr. Bennets voice.

Mary opened the door for him and when he stepped in she fallowed quietly. Mr. Darcy made his bow. "Good morning Mr. Bennet. Thank you for seeing me."

Behind him Darcy was aware of Mary Bennet collecting a book and her shawl from an armchair and then turning to leave.

"Mary, please have tea tray sent in to us." Mr. Bennet called as his daughter started to leave. Then turned back to Darcy with quizzical expression. "How do you do, Mr. Darcy?"

"I am well, sir. I hope you are in good health?"

"What can I do for you Mr. Darcy?"

The abruptness of the question left Darcy feeling awkward, but he settled himself in the chair opposite Mr. Bennet. "I have just come from London, Mr. Bennet." He started then paused, unsure how to continue.

"Congratulations." Mr. Bennet said sardonically.

This only confused Darcy more. He was suddenly filled with frustration. Why do I never know what to say? Why am I always so awkward? He wished for one, just one jot of Elizabeth's ease. Fitzwilliam jerked upright and paced to the window, it was partially open and he needed the fresh air.

"And how is our friend, Mr. Bingley?" Asked Bennet, seemingly amused at Darcy's silence.

"He is very well, I dined with him only yesterday."

"Indeed? I have received a letter from my eldest daughter that mentioned seeing him."

"Yes, I was… with Bingley when he was reacquainted with your daughters."

"Were you? I am surprised." Bennet said with a raised brow.

Again, Darcy was unsure how to answer him. He supposed this was a comment on his reluctance to socialize last year. Bennet might even suspect that he had had a hand in separating Bingley and Miss Bennet. If he did suspect that then Darcy knew he had better clear his name on that front before continuing. "Yes, he had been unaware of Miss Bennet being in London. But I was in Kent the same time as your daughter Miss Elizabeth and returned to London about the same time as well. From Elizabeth I knew of Miss Bennet's stay with your brother-in-law and informed Bingley."

At this Bennet look surprised. But before he could comment Darcy determined to reveal his purpose. He spoke firmly and clearly, not wanting to embarrass himself. "I have come here today to ask your permission and blessing to court your daughter."

"Oh dear, that will be awkward will it not?"

"Pardon?"

"I will not deny you sir, but it must cause strife between you and your friend, shall it not?"

Just then there was knock at the door and then a servant girl stepped in carrying a tea tray. Darcy was glad of this distraction and while she set up he raced back over the conversation in his mind. It only took a few seconds and he realized his blunder. As soon as the girl exited the room Darcy rushed to explain. "I refer to your daughter Miss Elizabeth."

Immediately all traces of humor left Bennet's face and his expression turned stern, almost hostile. "There must be some confusion, I know you do not mean what you say."

"I am in earnest, I assure you."

"I have it on good authority, indeed your own public words, that you do not like my daughter. The feeling is mutual too. Even if I did consent, she would not."

"I already have her consent, conditional upon your agreement of course." Bennet looked angry now and so Darcy added. "Before I approached your daughter I did speak with Mr. Gardiner and received his permission. Indeed, I have a letter with me from him that I believe addresses this."

His expression barely changing Mr. Bennet reached out his hand to take the letter. Silently Darcy handed it over. Fitzwilliam silently sipped his tea and watched as Mr. Bennet's expression took on a verity of emotions as he read the letter. In the silence and tension of the room Darcy brought to mind Elizabeth's words from the night before, 'It pleases me that you would take the trouble'. The memory encouraged him and strengthened his resolve.

Bennet finished the letter and set it aside. He stared at Darcy for a long moment and then smirked, his stern expression melting away. "You and my Elizabeth. Ha! This should be an interesting. You are either courageous or have no idea what you're in for. My daughter is not meek."

"I know. And I do not desire meekness from her. Your daughter is strong and virtuous, I have no wish to control her."

Bennet laughed outright, "That is good for I do not believe anyone could."

Privately Darcy thought that while Elizabeth would never be meek, if she learned to love him then he would have some influence. Darcy thought Bennet's comment reflected poorly on the man himself instead of Elizabeth. If Bennet had been a man Elizabeth could respect, then he would have able to 'control' her to some extent. He also thought it poor taste to speak of Elizabeth's supposed faults in front of others but knew it to be a favorite activity of Mr. Bennet's.

"As I said, I have no wish to control her." Darcy repeated then added. "I should inform you, I do not request this courtship lightly. I mean to have Miss Elizabeth as my wife. I have admired her for many months now and am firm in my desire."

Mr. Bennet only smirked and waved his hand in a flippant agreement. "I will consent if my daughter does."

Darcy was horrified, as awkward as Bennet's anger had been, it was the natural response of a loving father. This attitude was reprehensible. Did Elizabeth's father have no questions for him? No wish to understand Darcy's feelings, position or income?

"You do not approve of my answer, do you?" Bennet asked with raised eyebrow. Darcy had thought he had hidden his expression well but was apparently mistaken. "Well, I will tell you Mr. Darcy why I do not concern myself. My Elizabeth may have agreed this courtship, for whatever reasons of her own, but she will not consent to marry you. She has been quite candid in her dislike of you and indeed once promised her mother that she would never even dance with you. She hates you and I will not force her to accept you, no matter your elevated position."

Bennet said all this with an easy manner, almost affable in his tone. In that moment, Darcy hated the man. He felt humiliated, offended and hurt. Despite knowing it the reaction Bennet wanted, Darcy was wounded to think that Elizabeth had spoken against him to others. And for Mr. Bennet to say all this with a smirk and a challenge in his eyes was cruel. Fitzwilliam had never liked Mr. Bennet, he had always thought his tendency to laugh at other was in bad taste. But now, now Darcy saw that there was a streak of cruelty to the man. He remembered suddenly several instances that showed this, including Mr. Bennet humiliating Miss Mary at the Netherfield ball and smirking at all his family. Darcy knew that Elizabeth loved her father and maybe she didn't see this side of him. Maybe Bennet never turned his nasty sense of humor on Elizabeth, Darcy hoped he had not.

Purposely Darcy put his feelings aside, he was resolved and would not be dissuaded by the other man's behavior. "I would not have her forced. I will allow her to get to know me and then if my proposals are refused, I will withdraw."

Mr. Bennet causally accepted his words and then turn the conversation to more general topics. After that the discussion turned more pleasant and though Darcy could not lose his distaste of the man, he was happy with the subject change. It was not long after this that Darcy took his leave.

As he left he noticed the coat and hat of two Militia officers, as well at the outwear of several ladies in the entryway. Elizabeth's mother and sisters were back. Perhaps I should go and greet them? They are to be my mother and sisters-in-law. Reluctantly, he took a step in the direction of parlor but froze when he heard a familiar voice laughing. Wickham! George Wickham was in the Bennet home! Darcy almost returned to Mr. Bennet's study to warn the man of the villain in his parlor. Yet he could not. He would not lay out the particulars of his private affairs before a smirking, mocking Mr. Bennet. Perhaps he could write a letter instead or speak with Elizabeth. Yes, Elizabeth would listen to him, he would tell her all when he felt it appropriate. With this resolve Darcy left Longborne to return to London, glad to be leaving Hertfordshire and hoping it would be some time before he was required to return.