Thank you all for taking the time to read, review or otherwise supporting me. I value it more than I can express. Thank you, prhood, for yet another enlightening moment. You people are amazing.

This chapter has taken its time, Lady C don't seem to like me.

Chapter 11

Sometime after her first dreaded ball in London, Jane knew she had recovered her poise in public gatherings. She had been afraid she would never be able to look another person in the eye any more without feeling shame. All the guild and sorrow she had had, after her folly to follow Mr. Bingley into an empty room without a chaperone, and his unforgivable act in that cursed room, she now had to acknowledge her life had changed for the better too.

As she had trusted all and sundry before the ordeal, she now trusted, only herself, her family, and some friends, and that felt right. Her most beloved aunt had counselled her patiently that all would be well and then dragged her to all kinds of social events to prove her wisdom. It had worked, and she was grateful beyond words. To her immense relieve, it seemed she had a future.

In addition, at her aunt's insistence, she had taken up singing, and to her surprise she discovered, she was good at it. A singing master was hired and her proficiency was improving every day, which did wonders for her self-esteem. She missed Elizabeth and the rest of her family, but the Gardiners' home was always full of interesting people who entertained her well enough.

/

When Elizabeth stepped inside Rosings, she knew something was off. The irritating smug smirk that her cousin Collins visage had sported all day, grew wider when they entered, was a clue. She glanced at Charlotte who shrugged minutely, letting her know she was cognizant of the atmosphere they encountered in the great house. They could hear their hostess in her parlour, admonishing Mrs. Jenkins, as Mr. Collins pulled Charlotte and Maria with him, hurrying to get to his patroness and left Elizabeth by the entrance.

She dallied a little longer in the entrance hall, trying to shrug the feeling of coming disaster off. Elizabeth wondered a bit desperate if Mr. Darcy had returned from Hertfordshire already.

She heard him, before she saw him coming of the grand stairs in company of his cousin, every inch of him portraying the master of Pemberley. He struck such an imposing figure. His attire in perfect order and his stoic façade firm in place. How could such a superior man love her? Yet the moment he noticed her he smiled wide, his eyes softened and she knew once more. He was her other half, that was how.

She gave Colonel Fitzwilliam, who was walking on to join the other guests a curtsy and a winning smile. Delighted he gave Darcy and her privacy for a moment.

When her betrothed was close enough for her to hear, he spoke her name in a low voice that made her go week in the knees. "Elizabeth." He took her hand and kissed her fingers tenderly, ignoring the footman that was stationed nearby.

"Fitzwilliam." She whispered. "You made it back in time, I am so glad to see you. Did my father give you his consent?"

"He did my love. His consent, and blessing. He was shocked at first, I think he had not expected my request. But after he had read your letter, we had a pleasant conversation, he gave it with joy."

Lady Catherine voice carried from the parlour, "Where is my nephew, Fitzwilliam?"

"He will be here shortly Lady Catherine." The colonel tried to delay.

"First he is gone all day and now he is late. Unsupportable! Go and fetch him. Anne awaits him." She barked impatiently.

Darcy was on guard after his aunt's outburst to the colonel, and halted their progress.

When the colonel came out they were just outside the door and Darcy spoke hastily to Elizabeth. "I think she knows about our meeting this morning." His valet, Stanton, had suspected as much and told him so when he returned.

"I don't think that cousin, I know for sure. Only she does not know that the man Miss Elizabeth met, is you." He grinned.

Darcy looked at Elizabeth half seriously, half amused. "It seems we will announce our betrothal together after all."

"Let us get this over with then," She consented.

"Mr. Collins," they heard Lady Catherine inquire. "Where is Miss Bennet?"

Collins assessed the room and when he did not find her there, he stuttered. "She was just here, my Lady."

"You go look for her; she is not allowed to be alone with my nephew. She might use her arts and allurements on him too. I cannot have that."

Darcy stiffened hearing the insult of his betrothed, he proffered his arm to Elizabeth and she took it, not knowing what would happen, but she had Fitzwilliam's support, so she did not worry too much. She smiled at the men winsomely when Colonel Fitzwilliam spoke with a wicked grin. "Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more,"

"Lead the way." Darcy hissed incensed.

At that moment, Mr. Collins came out of the room, his eyes showing total panic. "Let go of Mr. Darcy's arm, cousin." He squeaked.

Darcy flicked his hand, dismissing the clergyman like the toad he was, and entered the room with Elizabeth on his arm.

"Darcy! What is the meaning of this?" She gestured at Elizabeth, to continue directly. "Step away from that tart. She is nothing but a harlot. Why, Mr. Collins informed me he saw her kissing some unknown man this very morning."

Darcy spoke with authority. "Cease insulting Miss Bennet, Madam. You do not know what you are speaking about. It was me, she kissed, and as she is my betrothed there is nothing wrong with that."

"She? Affianced to you? How is that possible when you are destined to marry my Anne?" She screeched. "Honour, decorum, prudence, interest, forbids this farce you are presenting me here. If you insist to marry this undeserving twit, do not expect to be noticed any more by our family or friends, as you wilfully act against the inclinations of all. You will be censured, slighted, and despised, by every one connected with us. Your alliance will be a disgrace; your name will never even be mentioned by any of us."

"Madam desist your caterwauling, and speak some sense! " Darcy commanded. "No such thing will ever happen." He squeezed Elizabeth's hand softly to sooth her, as she had become noticeable agitated.

That did not have the desired effect as she started again with new vigour. "Are you lost to every feeling of propriety, Darcy? I am not used to submit to any person's whims. I am not in the habit of brooking disappointment."

"That will make your Ladyship's situation at present more pitiable; but it will have no effect on me." Darcy stated coldly.

"I will not be interrupted. Hear me in silence. You and my daughter are formed for each other. You are descended on the maternal side, from the same noble line; and, on your father's, from respectable, honourable, and ancient, though untitled families. Our fortune on both sides is splendid." She tried. "How can you throw that all away for a nobody from the backwaters of Hertfordshire?"

Darcy rolled his eyes inwardly and replied irritated. "I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person."

"It is well. You refuse, then, to oblige me. You refuse to obey the claims of duty, honour, and gratitude. You are determined to ruin yourself in the opinion of all your friends, and make yourself the contempt of the world." She spoke with derision.

"You have widely mistaken my character, madam. If you think I can be worked on by such persuasions as these. You have said quite enough. As you have started this in company of others, I will speak my mind freely. I give you the choice to accept Miss Bennet as my wife, or create a breach in our family."

The Lady gasped outraged, and then lost all composure. "Never will I accept this hussy! Out with you! Out, I want you all out of my house, now." She grasped the cowering clergyman –who had foolishly stood near her- roughly by the collar and tried to remove him.

"MOTHER!" The ever-silent Anne de Bourgh shouted indignantly. "How dare you treat our guests and my cousins the way you are now? Have you lost your mind? You have known for year's cousin Darcy and I will not marry. What is your concern? Is it that you want to know I am secure and married? Are you afraid I will be left alone and unprotected? What mother?"

Her stupefied mother stared at her for a moment, "I want you out of my house by tomorrow, and take Miss Bennet with you when you return to London." She said calmly to Darcy, and then she turned and walked out of the room.

In this and other chapters, I've borrowed from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice freely. Please, let me know what you think.