Darcy hurried through his orchard, hastily picking a few ripe pears along the way and stuffing them into his pockets. He started along the path, then doubled back to the kitchen for some bread. He spied some cheese, and brought that too. He set off along the pathway leading to the ridge, barely having time to consider what to say if and when he found Elizabeth.

Elizabeth had just reached the top of the ridge. Hot and slightly out of breath, she sought shade underneath a large tree. She looked out over the ridge and marvelled at the view. Peaks and valleys stretched as far as her eye could see, wild and rocky outcrops springing up from the earth abruptly. A light wind ruffled Elizabeth's dress, and she removed her bonnet and undid her hair ribbons to free her hair. She relished the cool breeze in her hair and began to feel refreshed.
She thought back over her morning with dissatisfaction. Firstly to come upon Mr Darcy and Miss Bingley, and then to divulge their secret to Georgiana! Elizabeth cringed at the notion of it. Such impertinence! Her mother was right- she was too forthright and outspoken to be anybody's ideal wife. Gentlemen want demure girls such as Georgiana and Jane. Elizabeth wasn't sure she would class Miss Bingley as demure, but she was certainly refined in a way that Elizabeth was not.
Elizabeth kicked at a tuft of grass with her foot. It was not in her nature to be reserved and quietly spoken. She had opinions and was passionate about voicing them. Perhaps this made her intimidating to men, but Elizabeth could hardly change this! It would be akin to asking her to have blue eyes instead! Elizabeth resigned herself to the fact that she would likely be a maiden aunt, to her nieces and nephews. Indeed she would have two by years end! It was some solace for the lady who couldn't have the man she loved, or bear to love any other.
She had quite cooled off in the shade and from the breeze, and felt somewhat calmed by her walk, having expended some of her frustration. A growl in her stomach signalled that it must be nearing the midday meal, and Elizabeth stooped to gather her bonnet and hair ribbons in order to begin her descent. She was about to retie her hair, when she heard a twig snap and whirled around.

Darcy had reached the top of the ridge in record time, and was quite out of breath. The sight of a rosy-cheeked Elizabeth standing at the edge of the ridge, silhouetted against the sky and with hair and skirts billowing all around her took away what little breath he had remaining.
Her eyes went wide, and her hands flew to her hair to hide it beneath her bonnet. Her look changed from surprised to alarmed when she realised that he was out of breath.
"Mr Darcy!" She cried. "You have rushed here! Has something happened? Georgiana? Is she safe?"
"She.. Is.. Fine.." Darcy panted, sucking in deep breaths of air. "Everyone.. Fine."
"Come into the shade sir, and sit. You cannot speak so."
Darcy nodded and sat against the tree. His breathing slowed, but his face still had a light sheen. Suddenly he removed his jacket and hat in frustration, and closed his eyes as the cool breeze ruffled through him, much as Elizabeth had enjoyed a short time ago.
Elizabeth had stood off to one side, quickly braiding her hair and tucking it into her bonnet. She was unsure whether to stay or leave, and had just turned to go when he called her name.
"Miss Bennet. You are not leaving."
She turned to stare at him.
He had a smile on his face. "I did not race the whole way up here just to sit here alone. Please, sit with me. I believe there are some things we need to say to one another."
Elizabeth backed away slowly. She could not bear to have this conversation with him. "Please sir, I cannot. I fear I know what you are to say, and I cannot hear it at this moment." A sudden gust of wind knocked her bonnet off her head, and it dangled behind her.
Darcy suddenly stood and walked towards her. "I do not think you know. You see, I need to tell you I am in love with someone."
There was an audible crack as Elizabeth heard this, and she was sure it was the sound of her heart shattering.
"I know, sir." She whispered.
Mr Darcy continued to move towards her.
"And I believe that she has tender feelings for me."
"She most likely does, Mr Darcy." Why did he not stop? Could he not see how this was devastating her?
"I desperately want her to be my wife." Mr Darcy was standing directly in front of her now. "If she will have me as her husband."
Elizabeth stared into his vest as he towered over her. A tear slid down her cheek. She was desperate to escape. "I'm sure she would accept if you were to ask her, Mr Darcy." She mumbled.

"I believe I just did."

His voice was raw and laden with emotion and as Elizabeth looked up into his face she saw his eyes filled with tenderness and hope, searching her face for an answer.

"Me?" Breathed Elizabeth in disbelief. "You speak of me?"

Mr Darcy gently took her hand in his and lent down so that his forehead touched hers.

"Yes, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I speak of you" He said in a low trembling voice. He lifted his other hand and lightly brushed the tear from her cheek. "There are not enough words to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."

Elizabeth closed her eyes as his hand traced her cheek and sighed as his fingers trailed down to her chin. He tilted her chin to look at him. She opened her eyes. "We have not always seen eye to eye, and we seem to always misunderstand each other. I do not want there to be any more confusion between us, my darling Elizabeth. Will you be my wife?"

Elizabeth's eyes welled up and her voice was hoarse with emotion. "You do not know how long I have dreamed of hearing you say those words, Mr Darcy. Being your wife would make me the happiest woman in the world. My answer is yes, a thousand times yes!"

The smile that lit up Mr Darcy's face was the most beautiful sight Elizabeth had ever witnessed, and she was struck with awe that she had the ability to bring pleasure to such a powerful man.

Mr Darcy wrapped his arms around her waist to pull her close. Elizabeth placed her hands on his chest and was struck with how firm and muscular his chest was. She turned her head to one side and rested it gently against his ribcage. Her ear was directly over his heart and she could hear his heart beating. He bent his head to breathe in the scent of her hair. They stood there for the longest time in each other's arms.

Mr Darcy peppered the top of her head with soft kisses, and she murmured into his chest "I can hear your heart beating, and it is the most exquisite sound I've ever heard."

"It beats for you, my darling. Every single beat. There is scarcely a second of the day when you are not in my thoughts."

That she was loved so deeply by such a man left Elizabeth almost speechless. There was only one thing left to say.

Elizabeth looked up into Darcy's blue eyes, that were so filled with love and trust and hope, and said in a clear voice

"I love you too, Fitzwilliam."