Elizabeth never truly appreciated what a small place Rosings was until Darcy arrived there. She couldn't avoid him. They were always bumping into each other in the street. It was a constant annoyance, having to see her least favorite person every day and talk with him about whatever subject he brought up. Usually, it was politics.
"Miss Bennet, what do you suppose the likelihood is of Princess Leia turning out to be a double agent for the Empire?"
"She was going to be executed, Mr. Darcy. She had to be rescued by rebels to survive."
"But suppose that was all for show? Suppose Vader purposefully waited to execute her until a rebel rescue mission appeared?"
"Mr. Darcy, you believed that Princess Leia was a rebel leader even before she was captured on Vader's ship. Why do you contradict yourself?"
"I never said that I believed she was a double agent. I am merely curious about your opinion."
"Oh...I suppose it's unlikely."
A hologram from Jane to her family:
"After I finish packing, Uncle and Aunt Bennet are going to take me to the interplanetary transport station. See you on Longbourn. Bye." She looked sad.
Elizabeth was furious. She knew Darcy kept Jane and Bingley apart.
A knock on the door.
It was Darcy.
Elizabeth stood in the doorway, facing Darcy. Why should she let him in? He ruined Wickham's career. His influence over Bingley resulted in Jane's broken heart . He didn't know how to function in a social situation. He was annoying. He called her tolerable. She had no reason to like him.
But she was also curious. Something was off in his expression, in his posture, in his gestures. The Darcy Elizabeth knew was a confidant - almost arrogant - man. This same man now appeared nervous. Mr. Darcy? Nervous? What did it mean?
"Come in, Mr. Darcy."
They walked into the seating area. They sat. Uncomfortable silence.
Darcy struggled to find words. He clearly had a very bad feeling about this.
"I...I suppose...I suppose I should premise with facts. No, not facts. Observations. Inferences. In the presence of my aunt, you declare extreme patriotism. However, you display obvious characteristics of insincerity as you do so. I do not believe your patriotism is genuine. The chief reason for my suspicion is that I am aware of your aunt and uncle's true loyalties."
Elizabeth started. He was here to have her arrested. Or blackmailed.
"I apologize for frightening you, Miss Bennet. Before I continue this conversation, you must confirm the accuracy of my conclusions."
"I want to know your reasons for doubting my aunt and uncle's loyalties."
"No one will be accused of treason while I am here."
"Why should I trust you, Mr. Darcy?"
He paused, evidently considering a new course of action.
"You should trust me because..." he hesitated. He stood up, took a deep breath, and said, "Because I am a general in the rebel forces. I work with the Gardiners. Your father is an officer in Vader's army. I have no reason to trust you. But you can trust me because I have just given you the information necessary to have me executed if you wish. Are my conclusions about you and your family correct?"
"Yes. Yes, you are correct."
A pause.
Elizabeth said, "Is that all, Mr. Darcy?"
"In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to express how ardently I admire and love you."
What did he just say?
