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I have been asked how Mr Darcy appears in my mind - I have to confess the only Mr Darcy for me is Colin Firth and Elizabeth Bennet is Jennifer Ehle. I know many prefer the Keira Knightley film adaptation, but I just feel there is so much missing from it, due it having to be condensed. There are no Hursts and Caroline is not allowed enough air time and though I love the cast of actors - I do not enjoy their portrayals... it all seemed a bit stilted and Darcy not commanding enough, though Keira and Rosamund (Jane Bennet) are as beautiful as ever - Don't come for me x -

I would also be interested to know if which Mr Darcy those reading this variation prefer. If you do feel like leaving a comment please at the end sign with 'TV or Movie' and I can tally and post with the next chapter. (do not worry if it's too much effort though LOL)

I will continue do my best to try to spot any typo's & grammatical errors etc. but I am not a professional and if anyone can recommend a beta I would be grateful.

Please enjoy!

V x

Please leave a comment, if you feel so inclined- I have always loved reading the comments as a reader and so am intrigued to see how I approach them as the author!

Chapter Three

And so, two days later, after being given a clean bill of health, Elizabeth found herself stood outside of her father's study preparing to meet with Mr Darcy.

She had sat with her father the previous evening and implored him to find another solution. He had told her that it was impossible. Mr Darcy had even tried to stem the tide of the gossip, but upon receiving a letter from his relatives in London telling him of the rumours swirling around about them. The could not ignore that the damage had been irreparably done.

The previous evening…

"Papa, I beg of you. How can you expect me to sacrifice my happiness in such a way?" Elizabeth had beseeched her father.

"My dear, there is no other way around this. I have wracked my brain and not slept in the chase for an alternative… Mr Darcy is a powerful man and if he could have found a way to quiet the gossip or stop it spreading… I am sorry my child." Mr Bennet had sighed.

Bowing her head into her hands she had allowed her tears to flow, in acceptance of her defeat.

"Come now, it is not as bad as all that. I dare say it is a desirable match and though we know not much of Mr Darcy's character, he has shown integrity and strength, considering your feelings as well as his own. You will want for nothing my sweet girl." Mr Bennet had said moving to put his arm about her shoulders.

"But we have nothing in common, and I do not love him, Papa." She had cried.

"Now Lizzy, I know we have always tried to joke and find the lighter, sillier side of things for our own entertainment… but how many of us truly have the luxury of marrying for love? My dear the fact that you can trust this man with your life is a good start…"

The present…

Elizabeth had been dressed and preened to her mothers' content and exultations. Smoothing her hands over skirts of blush pink dress, embellished with darker pink ribbons at the waist and sleeves in a nervous movement, she took a deep breath and entered her father's study on unsteady legs to see Mr Darcy and her father sitting in silence. He was the exact opposite of when she had last seen him. Gone was the windswept hero diving into the depths of the river to save her and returned was the immaculate and aloof gentleman she had despised. His dark curls perfectly groomed, though that unruly lock still threatened to fall onto his brow. His deep golden-brown eyes distant as he stared at the fire steadily burning.

"Ah, Lizzy, you are come."Mr Bennet said when he saw her.

"Miss Bennet," Mr Darcy stood and bowed in greeting.

"Mr Darcy" she bobbed a curtsey in response.

Coming around his desk, her father clasped both her hands in his, in a comforting gesture before he excused himself. Shutting the door with click, to afford them privacy for the discussion they must have.

"I trust you are recovered?" he asked after a moment.

"Yes, Sir. And you are well?" She returned.

"Yes, thank you." he said offering a slight quirk of his lips for a smile.

He stood waiting for her to be seated before he followed suit.

"You understand the nature of my visit?" Mr Darcy said breaching the silence.

"I do, sir." she responded at loss of what she was expected to say.

It seemed that Mr Darcy was feeling similarly awkward as he uncrossed his legs, only to end up crossing them the opposite way.

"I have spoken with your father but did not want to come to an arrangement without first having a discourse with you."

"I fear it hardly matters what I have to say on the matter. It appears the decision has already been made. Why should we go through the pretence of ascertaining any wants or wishes of mine?" she replied archly, piercing him with her gaze.

"A course of action has been discussed at length, I do not doubt you understand that it would be both... a restorative and efficient solution. But the decision has yet to beconfirmed and I am curious as to your thoughts. Tell me, what is it you wish for?" asked Mr Darcy.

The question was startling. Never would she have thought he would even think to ask her of her wants and needs. Yes, he had rescued her and shown a gentler, kinder side to his character... but he did not give the impression that he was a person inclined to do anything which would not be to his own advantage.

"What I wish?" she asked in a small voice.

Mr Darcy simply nodded for her to continue.

"A-As you like… I have never... that is... I am not someone who has ever envisioned overmuch that I would ever marry. But when I have, it has been with the desire to make a good match, but I think my ideal of a good match is not the same as yours." Replied Elizabeth a little uncomfortable at the turn in their conversation.

Mr Darcy seemingly felt no such discomfort as his reply came quickly.

"And what do you believe my ideal to be?"

"Come now, Mr Darcy, you cannot fool me. I know I am as far from what you pictured the future Mrs Darcy to be!"

He cocked his head to the side as he assessed her, which only inflamed her ire further.

"You are a gentleman who is used to a certain lifestyle and you would have chosen a wife accordingly. I remember our conversation at Netherfield, Sir; She must have a knowledge of music, art, and languages and that she should also possess a "Certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice." She mocked archly. "I most certainly cannot claim proficiency in all those things."

"Do not forget to mention the improvement of her mind through extensive reading." He added, seeming to enjoy her irritation.

"What a prospect that such a woman exists. Pray, what a cruel existence to be so robbed of your own opinions, for the pursuit of perfection! And yet this is what a gentleman in your sphere desires? What a ghastly prospect!"

"It is what you assume and so it must be true." He replied, slightly affronted by her perception of him.

"You have yet to prove me wrong."

"And the supposition being you want the opposite of that I take it?" he asked.

"I want – wanted love." She stated boldly, watching to see his reaction. He surprised her by not laughing or turning his nose up at something so fanciful.

"That is a very sweeping statement. To address you previous point - there are many in my sphere who despise a docile woman. I have no interest in the benign Miss Bennet." He spoke softly leaving her to decipher what he meant by that statement. "And, though we would not have been considered anything that might lead to us becoming man and wife, you must know I think very highly of you." he said in a complimentary tone.

"Very highly. Goodness it is a wonder why I hesitated." She quipped. "You must know you cannot make me happy, not when it has always been my intention to marry for love or not at all. And for all the reasons above I am convinced I am the last woman in the world who could make you so!"

He stilled, her words shocking him. He had always believed that there had been a slight attraction between them, true he understood that she took pleasure in challenging him but he had not discerned that his attraction was one sided. How had he not realised that she despised him. This was clearly more than simply resisting a forced situation. Swallowing his disappointment at that realisation he remained neutral both in tone and countenance and asked what needed to be asked in order to move forward. It would hurt but the air must be cleared.

"It is safe to suppose that you are not overly fond of my company, and thus you resent the eventuality of being bound to me and under my protection. Would you afford me the courtesy of telling me why?" he asked, though he wished he could be a gentleman that did not care to know.

A humourless laugh escaped her as she regarded him. Why should he ask such a thing in a bored and fashion?

"Mr Darcy, I would not say that I dislike you to the extreme. That is far too strong for the gentleman who saved my life. But you cannot be ignorant of your reputation amongst those residing in Hertfordshire?"

"It is not their opinion I seek, Miss Bennet." Mr Darcy responded. Still maintaining his air of indifference.

"Very well…" she said, stalling slightly. To which Mr Darcy's response was to raise his eyebrows in self-important condescension.

I defy him to keep an unaffected manner when I tell him a few home truths. Elizabeth thought angrily, affronted by his attitude.

"Your manners, Sir, are offensive! I cannot name one instance aside from our encounter at the river where you have shown any inclination towards kindness or social decency. Not once conversing with any of my friends, family of acquaintances. You have not even had the decency to look contrite for such derision. Always impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others… how so you not resent this? You must feel so disappointed to not be marrying advantageously. How you must feel sick, that you might have to marry someone, whose situation in life is so decidedly below your own!" she reeled.

"Firstly, I am not overly fond of inane small talk. Secondly madam, I cannot feel anything other than affronted that you accuse me of such things as wanting to marry for connexions and a better standing in society, but is that not what your own mother has groomed you for all your life? Is it not expected of you to marry into an advantageous marriage? I doubt your father would have called on Mr Bingley so soon if his purported wealth were not something desirable to you or your relatives." Came is swift response.

"Such superiority in you, I am surprised at you deigning to enter this property!" she bristled.

"I am merely stating a fact, Miss Bennet. I would be lying if I did not own to having the same pressures about my shoulders too. It is how the world operates; everyone aspires to for more. Do you deny it?"

"You forget the one thing that you have that I do not. You have a choice! I am but a woman. I have no choice but to allow myself to be tied to you. For my part I know I must do this to maintain my respectability and the reputation of my sisters. I have no choice in the matter and must endure it."

The clock on the mantel chimed ten o'clock. Mr Darcy's eyes fixed on her unwaveringly, causing her to squirm and wish she had not lost hold of her temper quite so easily.

"I perfectly comprehend your feelings, I feel it is best to end this discussion here... unless you have anything further you should like to relieve your conscience of?" he asked solicitously the colour in his cheeks heightened.

How is he not affected? Why does he not retaliate? He further ? He must have things he should like to tell me about my family and the way their behaviour, he so obviously disapproves of…

Mr Darcy looked down as he rose from his seat and when he looked at her again, he had lost all traces of emotion from his expression. "I know this situation is untenable, but I shall do my best to make it as bearable as possible for you. I will call upon you tomorrow at the same time and should be most obliged if you would consent to accompany me for a turn about your gardens?"

"Y-You are still inclined to go along with this marriage?" she asked incredulously.

"So, it would seem… but I would prefer that we might agree, before we go any further."

"You always have a choice Miss Bennet."

"Indeed?"

"Indeed. Mayhap I will return tomorrow, and you have found someone you are more inclined to marry and that will be the end of it." He said curtly and then bowed and quit the room.

Moving to the window, speechless Elizabeth wondered what he meant by his biting comment. She knew her anger was not so much aimed at Mr Darcy, but at being forced into a marriage against her will. Elizabeth could see that they would have a reasonable marriage, but it would be a loveless and quiet union. Mr Darcy was not one for long conversations and she was not aware that they were likeminded in their sense of humour. Then of course there would be the intimacy that would come with any marriage, Elizabeth would be expected to give him an heir, that was her purpose in his life. Though she knew not the particulars of what that entailed as it is always a topic a maiden should be ignorant, she found herself curious now she knew it would be happening sooner rather than later on her future. Would he be kind and gentle husband? Would he keep a mistress? Was he a man whose temper extended to discipline? Just then he rode down the garden path on Domino and breaking into a gallop once outside of the Longbourn boundary they disappeared from sight.

Elizabeth was unaware of how long she stood in this fashion and was surprised at herself that she did not feel the onset of tears. Had she resigned herself so quickly? True after speaking with him, she did not feel marriage to such a man would be terrible. Afterall, she did not fear him, nor did she find him unattractive, if she were honest with herself, she could admit that she had thought him rather handsome until he had slighted her. There were many things that did; however, cause much distress when she thought of a future with Mr Darcy…. He did not find her attractive or at least attractive enough! She very much doubted he would relish seeing her family, nor would she expect such a man to allow his wife to visit them regularly without him, he would most certainly exercise control over her as was a husband's right by law. The future for her looked bleak, without humour, companionship or love. She imagined a cold and barren life, dining alone and wondering the grand halls of his estate in solitude. Mayhap she will be lucky and produce a child or two to keep her company… and there was always his sister Georgiana. Would she understand the circumstances of her brother's marriage or lay the blame on Elizabeth and not wish to know her?

"Lizzy?" she heard her father call gently.

"Yes Papa." She answered distractedly looking to him.

"Well? How did it go, my girl?" he asked awkwardly, as if this were an exciting prospect.

Turning back to the window, "He will call back tomorrow." She said her voice sounding far away.

"I suppose that is good." He said.

Elizabeth heard her father moving around the room and heard him remove the stopper from his brandy and the slosh of the amber liquid filling two glasses.

"Here." Said Mr Bennet, standing beside her.

"We are celebrating?" she asked taking the glass.

"No, my dear girl. We are taking the 'edge off'." He said raising his glass and then taking a sip.

"Papa… What would you do in my shoes? Before you answer I must ask you to reply honestly." She said watching him with a steady intensity.

For a moment all that could be heard was the crackling of the fire within the grate as Mr Bennet looked down into his glass. He knew what he must say, for how could he tell her otherwise? If it were up to him, he would not part with Lizzy for any gentleman! Mr Darcy was a good enough man, and his Lizzy would want for nothing. If the worst should happen to him, their property was entailed, and Mr Darcy had generously assured him that he would make sure his family would always be taken care of and would include such a stipulation into the marriage settlement. His Lizzy was incredibly stubborn. Always bucking against being issued orders, even if was something she wanted. Even though their circumstances were undesirable he could accept that she would always be protected, and he hoped that they would at least grow to share a mutual respect.

"I would not refuse him." He lied, looking up at his favourite daughter with a weak smile, as the final glimmer of hope left her eyes. Elizabeth nodded and turned her back to him. Her decision was made. She would marry Mr Darcy.

Late that evening, Elizabeth stayed awake with Jane into the night. Dressed in their nightgowns and wrapped in warm robes, and did the only thing that one could do when confronted with the prospect of a marriage proposal; they listed all their likes and dislikes of their prospective partners. Naturally Jane had a long list of positives for her Mr Bingley and no negatives against him aside from Mr Hurst. Elizabeth was finding her list for Mr Darcy the opposite. It was not all bad… but the negatives did seem to outweigh the positives quite heavily.

"Oh Lizzy! You cannot list only his wealth and his library as the positives!" scolded Jane.

"Jane, you are correct, I did not factor in that I know not of the books filling the shelves and therefore there will most probably be limited volumes to suit my tastes!" she exclaimed crossing that off the list and adding it in a neutral column she had created.

"Lizzy!" giggled Jane. "Come now, he is handsome and heroic and…"

"Yes, that is true… It is just, it bothers me to add that to the list, when I have heard from his own lips that he does not find me so…"

"Well, I have it from a very good source, that he thinks you are pretty and your eyes are particularly fine." Said Jane wiggling her brows teasingly.

"Surely you jest?!"

"I promise you I do not. Mr Bingley told me. He said that Miss Bingley has even gone so far as to try to tease Mr Darcy over his declaration just after you arrived at Netherfield to care for me, but he was not to be swayed in his good opinion!" Jane revealed tugging at Elizabeth's braid playfully.

"You are certain it was before the scandal upset our tranquillity?"

"It most certainly was. I was speaking to Mr Bingley about this whole mess and asking what Mr Darcy's opinion of you was. I wanted to make sure he would value you."

"It really is a mess isn't it?" Elizabeth huffed.

"I unfortunately gossip will always spread like a wildfire, and it's always impossible to stop it!" Huffed Jane in the same tone.

"Arrrgh! I could throttle that slandering woman. Mrs Hearsay has done nothing but meddle and prattle in Mama's ear since she came to Meryton. I cannot believe she still has the audacity to show her face here after the damage she has done. And worse still as that Mama does not see that this is all her doing!"

"I know, but Lizzy we cannot undo the injury now. We must move forward and look to bettering our futures. Mrs Hershay -"

"Hearsay." Cut in Elizabeth.

"Fine, Mrs Tittle Tattle -"

"Mrs Prittle Prattle -"

"Mrs Snitch!"

"Jane! Who knew you were as harsh and sarcastic as I?" teased Elizabeth, making her elder sister blush.

"Stop it, Lizzy. Who would not agree that that woman is an inflicting nuisance?" she huffed. "But though I know it will be silly of me to speak so presumptuously… I feel that in a way this has worked to my or I should say our benefit…"

"How so?" asked Elizabeth in confusion.

"I know it is selfish Lizzy, but if Mr Bingley and I were to continue as we are, he and Mr Darcy are very c-close… Indeed, i-it might end up that we are lucky enough to spend a great deal of time together in our married state." Jane finished blushing furiously.

"Jane! Why did we not think of this before," cried Elizabeth standing.

"Hush, Lizzy. You will wake the entire house with your dramatics. And I would remind you it is unkind to laugh at me."

"Oh, Jane, I do not laugh. I am in earnest." She replied, throwing her list into the dying embers. "I have no need of a list now. I will no longer feel so melancholy now that I can have something to look forward too!"

"T-That is my hope in telling you this, albeit a little prematurely…" Jane added.

"Has Mr Bingley declared himself to you?" she asked excitedly. Suddenly the future did not seem so uninviting.

"No, but I believe that to be his intention. He has not said so in actual words, but he has hinted at it, in a way to seek my approval and encouragement. Mr Bingley explained that he had not wished to overwhelm me after my cold and thought it best to allow me a few days reprieve before calling on me. I confess I did doubt his dedication a little from Mama's comments."

"Well, even so, I fear that Charlotte is correct, and you must act a little less reserved. If you are saying that he is trying to ascertain your approval of him, that means he does not perceive your regard noticeably." Elizabeth said, desperate to secure Mr Bingley for her sister. True it was mostly for her sister's felicity, but it could not be denied that she saw it as a way to make her marriage more tenable.

"But then what if I am wrong? I will be humiliated, and Lord knows Mama will speak of it to all and sundry! I do not know if I could bear it, to be pitied openly by all our friends." Jane said quietly.

"Nonsense Jane! I know that he does care for you a great deal, and with the right encouragement he will take the next step and ask Papa for his permission to court you. If that is what you want?" asked Elizabeth.

"Unquestionably. Mr Bingley is the most amiable man of my acquaintance, and he challenges me in a way no other man has attempted. He does not treat me as too delicate or as an ornament, but as a woman…" Jane said trailing off self-consciously. "Oh, Lizzy. Forgive me, I should not speak so when you are feeling very apprehensive." She added feeling shameful at her boasting of such happiness in her sister's plight.

"Do not feel bad. It makes me happy to see you thus. It also makes me happy to have a project I might apply myself to in my marriage. I will make sure to have you and Mr Bingley staying with us as soon as it can be arranged and there you may allow you love to blossom, without our Mama's interference!"

"Mama is not likely to allow such a thing to happen without her overseeing it. She has already begun to sing about how nice it will be to reside with you once you are Mrs Darcy and to go shopping with your allowance." Jane said rolling her eyes.

"Let us not get ahead of ourselves to presume Mr Darcy will allow all of the Bennet's to overwhelm his militantly run homes! It might be worth for the look on his face, it would be good to see what range of expression he has." She giggled.

"You are terrible sister! Come we had best get some rest, else you will resemble the rabbit with his patches of darker fur over his eyes!" teased Jane to which Elizabeth aimed a pillow at her.

Sometime later Elizabeth lay abed listening to the gentle snoring from her sister sound asleep beside her. She had long since given up any hope of falling into a restful sleep and instead watched the shadow play about the room as the time passed and another day crested. Vowing to herself that she would make the best of this marriage and at least now with possibility of Jane and Bingley marrying she would be in their company often, perhaps more so, than she would have been had she married anyone other than Mr Darcy.